Cooper Evolution M/T Review: The Ultimate Mud-Terrain Tire for On and Off-Road Performance

Don’t know the correct size tire to purchase? Start here!

The Cooper Evolution M/T tires are designed to be a versatile and capable choice for truck and SUV owners who demand exceptional off-road performance without sacrificing on-road manners. These mud-terrain tires feature an aggressive tread pattern with deep, chunky lugs and wide grooves, providing superior traction in challenging conditions like mud, rocks, and loose terrain.

While their rugged construction and open tread design excel in off-road environments, the Evolution M/T tires also offer surprisingly good on-road characteristics. Cooper has engineered these tires with a focus on reducing road noise and improving ride comfort, making them a viable option for daily driving as well.

The Evolution M/T tires are available in a wide range of sizes to fit most popular light trucks, SUVs, and even some smaller off-road vehicles. With their balanced performance capabilities and Cooper’s reputation for quality and durability, these tires are an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts, off-road adventurers, and those who demand versatility from their vehicle.

Tire Construction and Design

The Cooper Evolution M/T tire is engineered with a robust construction and design tailored for exceptional off-road performance. At the core of the tire is a high-tensile strength carcass that provides outstanding durability and resistance against punctures and impacts encountered on rugged terrain.

The tire’s tread compound is formulated with a specialized rubber compound that balances cut and chip resistance with enhanced traction on various surfaces, including mud, rocks, and loose soil. The tread pattern features an aggressive, open-block design with deep, interlocking tread blocks and wide grooves. This design promotes self-cleaning, expelling mud and debris from the tread for improved traction and grip in challenging off-road conditions.

The tire’s sidewalls are reinforced with a high-ply rating, providing additional protection against sidewall cuts and abrasions when navigating over rocks and other obstacles. The tire’s shoulder lugs are designed with a stepped pattern, providing additional biting edges for superior traction and control on loose or uneven surfaces.

Furthermore, the Evolution M/T incorporates advanced siping technology, with numerous biting edges and sipe patterns that enhance traction on wet surfaces and provide improved grip during acceleration, braking, and cornering, both on and off the pavement.

Overall, the Cooper Evolution M/T’s construction and design elements work in harmony to deliver outstanding off-road performance, durability, and versatility, making it a compelling choice for adventure enthusiasts and those seeking a capable all-terrain tire.

Size Options and Fitments

The Cooper Evolution M/T comes in a wide range of sizes to fit most light trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Popular sizes include 35×12.50R17, 37×12.50R17, 33×12.50R18, and 35×12.50R20. Cooper offers the Evolution M/T in wheel diameters from 16″ all the way up to 20″ to accommodate different vehicle applications.

For optimum fitment and performance, it’s generally recommended to go with a plus-one or plus-two sizing when upgrading from stock tires. For example, if your vehicle came with 33″ tires, moving up to a 35″ Evolution M/T would provide added ground clearance and traction without pushing the limits too far. Those looking to maximize traction and clearance can opt for larger plus-three or plus-four sizes like 37″ or even 40″ tires, but this may require modifications like body lift kits or cutting the fenders.

No matter what size you choose, be sure to properly calculate your speedo gear ratios and potential impact on gas mileage. Larger tires will cause your speedometer to read low and decrease fuel efficiency slightly compared to smaller stock tires. But the added off-road capability is well worth it for the avid off-road enthusiast or overlander.

On-Road Performance

The Cooper Evolution M/T tires are designed primarily for off-road use, but they still deliver respectable on-road performance. In dry conditions, the tires provide decent traction and grip, although they may not match the levels of dedicated all-season or summer tires. The tread pattern and compound are optimized for off-road traction, which can lead to slightly longer braking distances on dry pavement.

In wet conditions, the Cooper Evolution M/T tires perform reasonably well, thanks to their aggressive tread design and deep grooves that help channel water away from the contact patch. However, they may not provide the same level of hydroplaning resistance as dedicated all-terrain or highway-terrain tires.

Winter performance is where the Cooper Evolution M/T tires may struggle. While the open tread pattern can provide some traction in light snow, these tires are not designed for severe winter conditions or icy roads. If you live in an area with harsh winters, dedicated winter tires would be a better choice for optimal safety and performance.

In terms of steering response, the Cooper Evolution M/T tires offer a relatively precise and predictable feel, although they may not be as responsive as performance-oriented tires due to their more rugged construction. The tires provide a comfortable ride, thanks to their reinforced construction and flexible sidewalls, which help absorb impacts from rough terrain.

Noise levels are a common concern with aggressive off-road tires, and the Cooper Evolution M/T tires are no exception. While not excessively loud, these tires do produce a noticeable hum or drone on the highway, which may be more pronounced as the tires wear down. However, many off-road enthusiasts consider this a reasonable trade-off for the enhanced off-road capability.

Off-Road Capability

The Cooper Evolution M/T tires are designed to excel in off-road environments, offering impressive traction and performance on various terrains. With their aggressive tread pattern and specialized compound, these tires deliver exceptional grip and stability on muddy trails, rocky surfaces, sandy paths, and challenging off-camber situations.

The tread design features deep, interlocking tread blocks and wide grooves that effectively channel mud and debris away from the tread surface, ensuring maximum grip and traction in muddy conditions. The tread blocks are siped for enhanced biting edges, providing superior grip on slippery surfaces and enhancing off-road performance.

When it comes to navigating over rocky terrain, the Cooper Evolution M/T tires showcase their rugged construction and durable sidewalls. The reinforced sidewalls resist punctures and abrasions, ensuring reliable performance even on the most demanding trails. The tires’ sturdy carcass and robust shoulder lugs provide added protection against impact damage, allowing you to tackle rocky obstacles with confidence.

In sandy environments, the tires’ tread design excels in digging through loose sand, offering remarkable traction and preventing excessive sinkage. The unique tread pattern and compound work together to maintain forward momentum and provide a secure grip, even on shifting sandy surfaces.

Off-camber driving stability is another area where the Cooper Evolution M/T tires shine. The tires’ advanced construction and optimized contact patch distribution ensure a stable and controlled ride, even when traversing steep inclines or navigating uneven terrain at an angle. This feature instills confidence and enhances overall safety during off-road adventures.

Overall, the Cooper Evolution M/T tires are engineered to deliver exceptional off-road capability, combining superior traction, durability, and stability across a wide range of challenging terrains. Whether tackling muddy trails, rocky paths, sandy dunes, or steep inclines, these tires provide the performance and confidence needed for an unforgettable off-road experience.

Treadlife and Durability

The Cooper Evolution M/T boasts impressive treadlife and durability, making it a wise investment for those who demand long-lasting performance from their off-road tires. Cooper’s tread compound is engineered to resist excessive wear, ensuring that the tire maintains its aggressive tread pattern for thousands of miles.

One of the standout features of the Evolution M/T is its cut-and-chip resistance. The tire’s rugged construction and reinforced sidewalls provide excellent protection against the hazards encountered on rocky trails and jagged surfaces. This durability translates to fewer punctures and a reduced risk of premature tire failure, ultimately saving you money on replacements.

Cooper backs the Evolution M/T with a impressive treadlife warranty, reflecting their confidence in the tire’s longevity. With proper rotation and maintenance, you can expect to get many miles of reliable service from these tires before needing to replace them.

In addition to its impressive treadlife, the Evolution M/T also exhibits excellent resistance to impact and punctures. The tire’s reinforced casing and beefy lugs can withstand significant abuse, making it an ideal choice for those who frequently venture into demanding off-road environments.

Overall, the Cooper Evolution M/T is a tire that’s built to last, offering exceptional durability and treadlife that will keep you confidently exploring for years to come.

Load Ratings and Capabilities

The Cooper Evolution M/T tires are available in a variety of load range and ply rating options to suit different vehicle needs. The standard load range for these tires is E, but higher load ranges like C and D are also offered for increased capacity.

For light trucks and SUVs, the Evolution M/T in LT metric sizes with an E load range can handle up to 3,042 lbs (1,380 kg) per tire when properly inflated. This makes them suitable for hauling moderate loads or towing mid-sized trailers and campers.

If you need more load-carrying capability, stepping up to a C or D load range increases the maximum weight capacity substantially. In a 35×12.50R17LT size with a D load rating, the maximum load is 3,750 lbs (1,700 kg) per tire at proper inflation pressures.

For the largest sizes like 37×13.50R20, a reinforced 10-ply carcass construction allows a massive 4,080 lb (1,850 kg) maximum load capacity with a C rating. These higher ply ratings provide the strength needed for hard use with heavy trucks, expedition vehicles, or towing large travel trailers off-road.

No matter which size or load range you choose, the Cooper Evolution M/T delivers impressive load capabilities combined with off-road traction and puncture resistance. Just be sure to stay within the manufacturer’s recommended weight limits for your specific tire size and load range.

Competitor Comparisons

The Cooper Evolution M/T competes in the highly competitive mud-terrain tire segment, going up against established players like BFGoodrich, Goodyear, and Nitto. While each tire has its strengths, the Evolution M/T holds its own in several key areas.

Compared to the iconic BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3, the Cooper offers similar off-road traction and mud performance but with a slightly more comfortable on-road ride. The Evolution M/T’s tread pattern is designed to provide excellent self-cleaning capabilities, keeping the tire clear of mud and debris for sustained traction. However, the BFGoodrich may have a slight edge in overall tread life.

The Goodyear Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar is a formidable adversary, known for its rugged construction and puncture resistance. While the Goodyear may excel in rock-crawling scenarios, the Cooper Evolution M/T delivers more balanced performance across various terrains, from mud to sand to loose gravel.

Nitto’s Trail Grappler M/T is another worthy competitor, praised for its aggressive tread design and impressive off-road capabilities. However, the Evolution M/T offers a smoother on-road experience, with less noise and vibration compared to the Nitto. Additionally, Cooper’s tire may provide better treadwear and overall value, depending on the specific application.

Ultimately, the Cooper Evolution M/T holds its ground against these industry heavyweights, offering a compelling blend of off-road prowess, on-road manners, and value. While each tire excels in certain areas, the Evolution M/T presents a well-rounded package for those seeking a capable and versatile mud-terrain tire.

Value and Pricing Analysis

The Cooper Evolution M/T tires offer excellent value for their performance capabilities and durability. Compared to some premium off-road tire brands, the Evolution M/T line is priced very competitively across most size options.

For example, a 35×12.50R17 Cooper Evolution M/T typically retails for around $300-$350 per tire. This puts it solidly in the mid-range price bracket for high-performance all-terrain and mud-terrain tires. Premium options from brands like BFGoodrich or Nitto in the same size can cost $400 or more per tire.

At the larger end of the size range, Cooper’s pricing remains very reasonable. A 37×12.50R17 Evolution M/T is usually priced between $375-$425 per tire, while some competitors are $500+ for the same dimensions.

The value proposition of the Evolution M/T really shines when you consider its impressive off-road traction and durability alongside the affordable pricing. For truck and Jeep owners who need serious all-terrain capability without breaking the bank, these Coopers merit serious consideration. The tires punch above their weight class in terms of performance versus cost.

Overall, the Evolution M/T line delivers outstanding bang for your buck across the entire range of sizes and load ratings. Cooper has positioned these tires as an excellent value choice for the cost-conscious off-road enthusiast.

Summary and Recommendations

The Cooper Evolution M/T is a highly capable all-terrain tire designed for truck and SUV owners who demand exceptional off-road performance without compromising too much on-road drivability. Its aggressive tread pattern and reinforced construction make it an excellent choice for tackling mud, rocks, and other challenging terrain.

Key strengths of the Evolution M/T include:

• Exceptional traction and grip on loose surfaces like mud, sand, and rocks
• Reinforced tread compounds and construction for enhanced puncture resistance
• Rugged and durable design built to withstand extreme off-road conditions
• Surprisingly good on-road manners for a tire in this category

Potential weaknesses or drawbacks include:

• Increased road noise compared to all-season or highway terrain tires
• Slightly compromised wet traction and braking performance
• Accelerated tread wear on paved surfaces compared to less aggressive tires

The Evolution M/T is an ideal choice for off-road enthusiasts, overlanders, and anyone who frequently drives on unpaved roads or trails. Its off-road prowess and durability make it a top contender in the all-terrain category. For those who spend most of their driving on paved roads, a less aggressive all-terrain or highway terrain tire may be a better option.

Overall, the Cooper Evolution M/T is a highly recommended tire for those seeking exceptional off-road capability without sacrificing too much on-road performance. Its balanced blend of off-road muscle and on-road manners make it a versatile choice for trucks and SUVs that see a mix of driving conditions.