Last year, Cooper unveiled a new lineup of Discoverer AT3 tires, which introduced the AT3 4s, LT, and XLT tires. The 4s is an excellent option for all-weather and all-terrain performance for truck or SUV. It is severe weather-rated and ready to tackle snowy or wet roads. The LT is focused on heavier trucks and loads. It is well suited for towing and hauling. The Discoverer AT3 XLT being the best option for off-roading and overlanding.
For added off-road performance, the AT3 XLT tire features Durable-Tread technology, which helps the tire hold up to off-road abuse and prevents chunking and chipping. The tire also features added interlocking sidewall lugs for extra traction and sidewall protection. Other unique features Cooper has incorporated in this tire are: even wear arc technology to balance contact area and promote even tread wear; whisper grooves to provide a sound barrier and lessen road noise; and stone ejector ledges to help prevent small stones and gravel from becoming lodged in the tread.
Our AT3 XLTs are running in the LT285/75R17 size, and are being tested on a 2001 Tacoma, but Cooper does offer the XLT in over 30 sizes. The tires have an excellent 60,000 mile warranty, and my set is showing no noticeable or unusual wear after several thousand miles.
A good all-terrain should perform well over all surfaces and conditions, and so far the XLT has proven itself very well. A large part of our travels involves simply getting to the trail, so having a tire that balances paved road and off-road performance is a great choice. Throughout the 2019 Winter and Spring season, the XLT tires were tested in the mountains of Colorado and the deserts of Utah. Snow performance exceeded my expectations, with the tires being confidence-inspiring in both loose snow and packed and icy conditions. They handle wet pavement equally as well. Highway driving is smooth and well-mannered, with road noise being minimal.
Off-road the tires have seen dirt, rocks, mud, sand, and snow, and performed well aired down to 15psi. Mud performance was quite good as the tires cleared themselves quickly. On slickrock, I thought the tires lacked some bite while getting up the desert ledges, but ultimately did get me up everything I pointed them at. Loose rock and sand performance were positive as well. While the XLT does not feature the Armor Tek3 sidewall of other tires in the Discoverer lineup, I found they held up well to being aired down, as well as a few hard rock strikes.
Initial impressions on the Discoverer AT3 XLT are very good. Cooper has done a great job expanding the AT3 lineup, with the XLT looking like an awesome choice for off-roaders looking for all-around performance. We'll be continuing to test these tires over the course of the summer, with many more off-road miles to come. I'm looking forward to more off-road adventures with these tires in the mountains and rocks. Watch for a long-term review later this year.
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