Hankook Dynapro MT2 RT05 vs Cooper Discoverer STT Pro tires | SimpleTire

Hankook vs Cooper Tires: Dynapro MT2 RT05 vs Discoverer STT Pro

When choosing between the reliable tire brands, the decision often comes down to specific performance niches. Hankook tires and Cooper tires are established industry leaders with extensive portfolios of proven tire lines. This comparison focuses on their premier mud-terrain offerings to see which dominates the dirt.

Comparing Hankook vs Cooper Tires for Off-Road Performance

In the battle of Cooper vs Hankook tires, both brands offer specialized mud-terrain (MT) solutions designed to provide maximum traction in environments where standard tires fail. These tires are engineered for SUVs and light trucks that require extreme durability and self-cleaning tread designs.

Key features of these mud-terrain tires include:

• Aggressive Tread Blocks: High-void patterns for biting into mud and loose soil.
• Reinforced Sidewalls: Multi-ply construction to prevent punctures from sharp rocks.
• Self-Cleaning Grooves: Integrated stone ejectors and mud slingers to maintain grip.
• Enhanced Durability: Specialized compounds that resist chipping and tearing.

Hankook Dynapro MT2 RT05 tires

Launched in 2019, the Dynapro MT2 RT05 is the successor of the original Dynapro MT. It is engineered using 3-D simulation software and the latest technology for optimum performance on mud, rock, dirt, gravel, and sand. Enhancing its durability is an integrated linking system that blends sidewall and shoulder blocks to boost rigidity, traction, and protection against cuts, chips, and punctures. While the built-in stone ejectors and scooped shoulder design enhance traction by resisting stone drilling within the grooves, the sidewall protection shields and wraparound tread provide extra biting edges and safeguard the tire against punctures and off-road abrasions.

Hankook Tire Innovations Evaluation

The MT2 RT05 showcases significant progress in the Hankook tire innovations evaluation, specifically regarding its "Split Mold" technology. This manufacturing process ensures a more seamless tread surface, which improves both off-road consistency and on-road comfort compared to older MT generations.

Where are Hankook Tires Made?

A common question for buyers is: where are Hankook tires made? While Hankook is a South Korean company headquartered in Seoul, they have a massive global manufacturing footprint. This includes a state-of-the-art facility in Clarksville, Tennessee, as well as plants in South Korea, China, Hungary, and Indonesia.

Cooper Discoverer STT Pro tires

Introduced in 2015, the Discoverer STT Pro replaced the Discoverer STT with a promise to provide better mud performance than its predecessor. Featuring an aggressive tread pattern and high void ratio, the Cooper tire has mud slingers along the shoulder block walls to resist mud-sticking and boost self-cleaning. While Rock Climber Sidewall technology helps conquer off-road challenges, the Stone Armor tech limits damage from sharp debris and rocks. For extra durability, the Discoverer STT Pro features Armor Tek3 tech, which adds incredible strength to the tread and sidewall on tough terrains.

Cooper vs Hankook: Performance Comparison

To help you decide between Cooper vs Hankook, we have broken down their performance based on our proprietary SimpleScore system.

Traction Performance

Traction is the most critical aspect of a tire as it keeps the vehicle grounded and prevents skidding. With an 8.3 traction score, the Hankook Dynapro MT2 RT05 features an aggressive tread with scooped shoulder blocks and wraparound tread that increases grip in mud, gravel, and sand.

Boasting an 8.2 in traction, the Cooper Discoverer STT Pro features mud-slinging dimples that promote self-cleaning. While the side-biter cleats improve grip on soft surfaces, the anti-stone retention resists drilling.

The Hankook has a slight edge (0.1) and wins the traction section.

ADVANTAGE: Hankook Dynapro MT2 RT05

Durability Comparison

With a solid 8.6 durability score, the Dynapro MT2 RT05 features an integrated linking system that blends the sidewall and shoulder blocks to boost rigidity. Scoring 8.4 in durability, the Discoverer STT Pro is laced with Armor Tek3 for high sidewall strength. The Hankook wins the durability section by a marginal difference.

ADVANTAGE: Hankook Dynapro MT2 RT05

Longevity and Tread Life

The Dynapro MT2 RT05 scores 8.1 in longevity thanks to ProMileage technology. With an 8.3 longevity score, the Discoverer STT Pro features a high tread-to-void ratio that allows quick evacuation of debris, helping the tire last longer. The Discoverer STT Pro takes this section by 0.2 points.

ADVANTAGE: Cooper Discoverer STT Pro

When to use each

Mud-terrain tires are designed to sail through thick mud, slush, sand, and gravel. If you frequently drive through these environments, these tires are essential. However, if you have a mix of on- and off-road travel with more on-road driving, you might consider all-terrain tires, which offer better manners on paved roads and often carry the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol for winter use.

Which one should you choose?

The SimpleScores of the Hankook and Cooper stand at 8.2 vs 8.1 respectively, which means the Hankook Dynapro MT2 RT02 is a better choice than the Cooper Discoverer STT Pro overall!

While the Hankook is ahead in traction and durability, the Cooper scores higher in longevity. Price-wise, for a standard LT245/75R16 size, the Hankook typically costs around $267 per tire, while the Cooper sits near $276. This small price gap means the choice should be based on your specific driving needs.

Go for the Hankook Dynapro MT2 RT05 if you want a highly durable tire and prefer South Korean engineering. Choose the Cooper Discoverer STT Pro if you prioritize maximum traction and long-term tread life from a legendary American brand.

Ready to upgrade your off-road experience? Explore our full selection of mud-terrain tires at SimpleTire today.