Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T vs Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx tires

Mickey Thompson and Cooper Tires are renowned manufacturers offering a wide selection of passenger, and light truck tires. Mickey Thompson, founded in 1963, is known for its focus on performance and off-road tires, establishing itself as a leading brand among enthusiasts. In contrast, Cooper Tires, established in 1914, began with tire repair kits, tire cement, and patches, and has grown into a significant player in the tire industry. Both brands provide a variety of tires, including all-season, all-weather, mud-terrain, rugged terrain, and all-terrain options. All-terrain tires are designed for versatility, performing well on both paved, and unpaved roads. They offer a smooth, comfortable ride on paved surfaces while maintaining reliable traction on challenging terrains like dirt, mud, gravel, and rocks. These durable tires feature aggressive tread patterns, and superior grip. Today, we compare two leading all-terrain tires: the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T and the Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx. Both are designed for Jeeps, light trucks, and SUVs. We will highlight the similarities, and differences between these two tires in this Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T vs Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx tire comparison.

Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T tires

Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T is an all-terrain tire designed for use on Jeeps, light trucks, and SUVs, and offers drivers enhanced off-road traction along with superior performance paired with an up to 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty and Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification for use in severe winter weather conditions. Additionally, the tire comes with Extreme Sidebiters for a unique bold look and is designed with various tire elements for overall excellent performance.

All of these tire elements have allowed us to rate the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T an excellent SimpleScore of 9.3 out of 10.

Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx tires

The Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx is an all-terrain tire with an all-season tread pattern designed for use on commercial light trucks and high powered torque vehicles. The tire is designed with stone ejector ribs, and groove walls, and is built with Armor Tek3 construction for enhanced durability. Additionally, the tire can be pinned (where permitted) with TSMI #15 studs for enhanced winter traction.

Thanks to these features, the Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx scored a great overall SimpleScore of 8.4 out of 10.

Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T vs Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx tires on traction

Traction is crucial for all-terrain tires because it affects the tire's ability to grip various surfaces. Superior traction enhances the tire's control and stability, particularly in challenging conditions. Whether driving on rocky trails, muddy paths, or snowy roads, dependable traction is vital for safe and efficient driving. According to SimpleScore, this was the most significant difference between the two tires.

The Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T shines in traction with an excellent traction score of 9.8 thanks to the Extreme Sidebiters and silica-reinforced rubber compound that helps increase traction. Additionally, the tire comes with a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, meaning it can be used in moderate to heavy winter weather conditions comfortably.

In traction, the Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx scored a good score of 8.6 thanks to the stone ejector ribs which force stones and other debris out of the tread for consistent traction. Additionally, the tires can be pinned, where permitted, for even better winter traction.

While both tires offer great traction on different terrains, the Baja Boss A/T scores considerably better in SimpleScore than the Discoverer S/T Maxx, making it the clear winner here.

ADVANTAGE: Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T

Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T vs Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx tires on handling

When selecting tires, prioritizing handling is essential, as it greatly impacts vehicle control, especially at high speeds. Superior handling ensures smooth maneuvering, effortless lane changes, and a pleasant driving experience. Factors like tread pattern, rubber composition, and the incorporation of advanced technology in tire construction play a significant role in determining its handling performance.

In handling, the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T scored an excellent score of 9.4 thanks to the silica-enforced rubber compound that strengthens wet handling and braking performance paired with the tire’s asymmetric tread pattern which further boosts handling performance.

The Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx scored a great score of 8.6 as well thanks to the Armor Tek3 construction that helps the tire to retain its optimal shape even when driving at challenging terrains.

While both tires offer great handling performance, the Baja Boss A/T is way ahead with significantly better SimpleScore.

ADVANTAGE: Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T

Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T vs Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx tires on longevity

Longevity is a key consideration for drivers when choosing tires, as it determines how far they can travel on a single set. Regular use wears down tire treads, making it crucial to select tires with extended durability to maintain consistent handling and traction. Tread design, rubber composition, and tire structure all contribute to a tire's longevity.

The Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T scored a great score of 8.8 in longevity, which is less than that of handling and traction but still strong as the tire is backed by a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty. Additionally, the specialized rubber compound helps reduce uneven tread wear for a longer tread life.

In longevity, the Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx scored a great score of 8.3 thanks to the hybrid 4-5 rib design which promotes longer tread wear, and a cut and chip-resistant rubber compound that protects the tire from accidental damage.

In longevity, we observed the closest difference between the Baja Boss A/T and Discoverer S/T Maxx with the Baja Boss A/T still taking the lead with better SimpleScore and a mileage warranty.

ADVANTAGE: Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T

When to use each

Both Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T, and Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx are all-terrain tires designed to be used on- and off-road for light trucks and SUVs. Both these tires are designed to be durable, offer robust traction, and longer tread life. Additionally, the Baja Boss A/T is Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified and can perform well in moderate to heavy winter weather conditions.

Which one should you choose?

So, which all-terrain tire might be the right fit for you? Well, the answer depends solely on your personal preference as both tires perform exceptionally well and will deliver great performance on- and off-road terrains. However, there are a few key differences that can help you make an easy decision. For instance, the Baja Boss A/T scores better in overall SimpleScore, traction, longevity, and handling. However, the Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx can be studded, where permissible by law, for enhanced winter traction.

Additionally, the biggest difference between the two tires lies in the price of the tire. While the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T is priced at around $292.89 per tire or $1,171.56 for a set, the Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx costs only $1,523.96 for a set and $380.99 per tire. This massive price difference can also be a deciding factor.

Based on SimpleScore, you should choose Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T if you:

• Drive an older light truck like the Ford Ranger, or a 2019 Jeep Compass
• Prefer a tire that’s engineered by and for enthusiasts
• Want a set of tires with better SimpleScore (9.3 v 8.4), traction (9.8 v 8.6), longevity (8.8 v 8.3) and handling (9.4 v 8.6)
• Want a tire with a limited mileage warranty of up to 60,000 miles
• Want a set of tires that of fer better performance at a lower cost

Based on SimpleScore, you should choose Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx if you:

• Drive a vehicle like the 2011 Toyota Tacoma or the Dodge Ram-1500
• Want a tire that can be studded, where permitted
• Want a set of tires that offers better all-season performance on paved roads

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.