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Last updated 1/17/2025 - Originally published 1/17/2025
Written by SimpleTire
Falken and Cooper are two popular tire manufacturers known for their high-quality and affordable range of tires. Falken Tires was founded in Japan in 1983 and is a brand from the Sumitomo Rubber North America Inc. The manufacturer focuses on delivering tires that offer great tread life, capable handling, and solid performance. Cooper Tires, on the other hand, started as a tire repair kit manufacturer and now offers affordable, reliable, and performance-oriented tires for different fitments.
Both brands offer tires in several categories including all-season tires, all-terrain tires, mud-terrain, rugged-terrain, all-weather, winter tires, and so on.
Today, we will be looking at two tires from these two brands — Falken Wildpeak R/T01 and Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek. While the former is a rugged-terrain tire, the Discoverer Rugged Trek is an all-terrain tire. Both these tires are designed to deliver solid performance on- and off-terrain and can be used on light trucks and lifted SUVs. But one has to be a better fit for you than the other, right? We will now compare these two tires in this Falken Wildpeak R/T01 vs Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek tire comparison based on SimpleScore, traction, handling, and longevity performance.
Falken Wildpeak R/T01 tires
The Falken Wildpeak R/T01 is a rugged-terrain tire designed for use on lifted trucks, SUVs, and high-powered diesel pickups to ensure solid traction off-road and stability on all terrains. To ensure a long tread life, the tire is backed by a 50,000 miles limited manufacturer tread life warranty and is built with a hybrid tread pattern that also improves surface contact for enhanced grip, handling, and stability on- and off-road.
Thanks to these features, the Falken Wildpeak R/T01 received an average SimpleScore of 8.7 out of 10.
Get Falken Wildpeak R/T01 tires at the best deals for your vehicle here
Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek tires
The Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek is an all-terrain tire designed for use on Jeeps, SUVs, and light trucks to offer high durability, deep snow traction, longer tread life, and well-rounded overall performance. This tire is built with Stable Trac technology for boosted traction and Whisper Groove technology for a quieter ride. Backed by a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty for SUV sizes and a 55,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty for LT sizes, the Discoverer Rugged Trek features a rough terrain tread pattern for extra grip.
Thanks to these features, the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek received an average SimpleScore of 8.5 out of 10.
Get Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek tires at the best price for your vehicle here
Falken Wildpeak R/T01 vs Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek tires on traction
Traction is crucial for all tire categories, especially rugged-terrain tires that navigate rough landscapes. These tires need reliable and consistent traction to ensure optimal performance for both the vehicle and the tires themselves. Key elements influencing tire traction include the tread pattern, the construction of the tire, and the composition of the rubber compound used. The Falken Wildpeak R/T01 scored a great 8.5 in traction as the tire features a hybrid terrain tread pattern which ensures aggressive off-road traction. This solid traction is further boosted by the hybrid tread pattern which puts more rubber on the ground for consistent grip.
In traction, the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek also scored an 8.5 thanks to the Stable Trac technology that boosts traction on paved and unpaved roads. Additionally, with the Earth Digger technology, the Discoverer Rugged Trek delivers solid traction in mud, snow, and dirt. Thanks to the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, select sizes of the Rugged Trek can also be used in moderate to severe winter conditions.
Both tires received a great score of 8.5 in traction, meaning they will deliver solid grip in dry, wet, mud, snow, and dirt.
ADVANTAGE: Tie
Falken Wildpeak R/T01 vs Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek tires on handling
Handling is a critical consideration when selecting rugged-terrain tires due to the rugged environments they encounter. This factor significantly impacts a tire's ability to withstand harsh conditions while maintaining peak performance. Evaluating a tire's handling involves looking at its construction and design, enabling it to deliver excellent off-road and on-road handling performance.
In handling, the Falken Wildpeak R/T01 scored an 8.5 as the hybrid tread pattern also boosts handling while promoting solid grip. Furthermore, the improved surface contact helps ensure good stability and handling on- and off-road.
The Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek received a solid 8.4 in handling as the rough terrain tread pattern puts more rubber on the ground to ensure stability while conquering rough terrains.
Here, the Wildpeak R/T01 takes the lead with a slightly better SimpleScore. However, both tires deliver reliable stability and handling when driven on rough terrains.
ADVANTAGE: Falken Wildpeak R/T01
Falken Wildpeak R/T01 vs Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek tires on longevity
Longevity is a crucial factor in selecting tires, influencing how well they withstand wear over time. It directly affects traction, as uneven tread wear can reduce a tire's performance. The rubber compound, tread pattern, and tire design are key elements that determine a tire's lifespan.
The Falken Wildpeak R/T01 truly shines in longevity with an excellent score of 9.1 thanks to the wear-resistant rubber compound and a hybrid tread pattern that further reduces uneven tread wear for a longer tread life. With a mileage warranty of 50,000 miles, you can rest assured that Falken Wildpeak R/T01 will last at least 50,000 miles when driven properly.
In longevity, the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek scored a great 8.7 and is backed by an up to 60,000 miles mileage warranty. Built with Whisper Groove technology, the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek ensures a long tread life while reducing road noise for a comfortable ride.
In longevity, while the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek offers a better mileage warranty, the Wildpeak R/T01 takes the lead with a much better SimpleScore.
ADVANTAGE: Falken Wildpeak R/T01
When to use each
Both Falken Wildpeak R/T01 and Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek are solid tires commonly used on SUVs, light trucks, and Jeeps. While the Falken Wildpeak R/T01 is a rugged-terrain tire, the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek is an all-terrain tire, both designed for use off-road use and tough terrains. However, the Wildpeak R/T01 is a better choice in off-road conditions. These tires are generally driven on off-road and on-road terrains and can handle extreme conditions. Both tires are designed to be durable and offer great traction, giving the drivers the freedom to explore the unexplored.
Additionally, both tires are capable of handling light winter weather conditions. The advantage of the Discoverer Rugged Treak is that its select tire sizes can also be used in moderate or severe winter conditions as they are Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified. Alternatively, you can use a set of dedicated winter tires that deliver improved traction on ice and snow-covered roads, if you’re looking for something that can be used on thick snow or ice, in near-freezing temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Which one should you choose?
So which of the two tires is the right choice for you? Well, the answer depends solely on your personal preference as both tires have their own set of disadvantages and advantages as seen above. For instance, the Falken Wildpeak R/T01 scored better in handling and longevity, than the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek tied in traction and offers a better mileage warranty. Additionally, the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek is optimized for use on paved roads and delivers a comfortable ride.
Another important thing to keep in mind is the pricing of the tires. The Falken Wildpeak R/T01 costs around $328 per tire or $1,132 for a set of four. Whereas the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek costs $398.99 per tire or $1,595.96 for a set of four of the tire size LT275/60R20.
(Note - Prices can vary depending on the tire size.)
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose Falken Wildpeak R/T01 if you:
- Drive a truck like the RAM 1500 or a Jeep like the Jeep Wrangler
- Want a tire that delivers better handling (8.5 vs 8.4) and longevity (9.1 vs 8.7)
- Want a tire that can conquer rough off-road terrains
- Want a more affordable tire with better performance in handling and longevity
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek if you:
- Drive a pickup truck like the Ford F-150, or a RAM 3500
- Want a tire that can perform well on paved and unpaved roads
- Want a tire optimized for a quieter, comfortable ride
- Want a set of tires that offer better mileage warranty (60,000 vs 50,000 miles)
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.