Firestone Destination X/T vs Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek tires

Whenever you see the words Extreme, Rugged, X/T, Hybrid Terrain, or R/T on a tire, it is alright to assume that the product is a rugged terrain tire. In simple terms, this is a tire with more traction, performance, and off-road capabilities than an all-terrain but less than that of a mud-terrain tire. As is understandable, such tires are commonly built for SUVs, light trucks, and Jeeps, many of which look attractive with them.

With one tire, buyers can benefit from extreme off-road traction, on-road traction, and comfort. We have created this comparison to pit the Firestone Destination X/T against the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek. Aggressive tread patterns make both of them attractive in their own ways, with the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek featuring a dual sidewall design as well. Yet another advantage of these rugged-terrain tires over mud-terrain tires is that they feature limited manufacturer tread life warranties. While reading further, you’ll find both tires rated as per our in-house SimpleScore system.

Firestone Destination X/T tires

Firestone is one of the oldest companies that manufactures tires. Based out of Akron, Ohio, it has been around since 1900 and is currently under the Bridgestone umbrella. It became the first tire manufacturer to showcase non-skid tread designs in 1908. As a mid-range brand, its value has become higher since under premium company Bridgestone's management. With full-depth sipes to ensure even wear and great traction, Firestone Destination X/T is a great choice for confident grip on snow, ice, slush, sand, and other slippery surfaces. Expect great drivability on rocky and muddy conditions due to the aggressive, open-shoulder design.

Not only does the Destination X/T feature a limited manufacturer warranty, but it also gets Firestone’s 90-Day Buy and Try Guarantee (terms and conditions apply). The Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol shows that you’ll be able to drive through moderate to severe winter conditions. Apart from the above, the tire showcases a unique look due to the black or Outlined White Letter (OWL) sidewall. We feel that the Destination X/T is suitable for an average SimpleScore of 8.3.

Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek tires

Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek acts as the ultimate suburban cruiser, featuring an aggressive tread design for a tough look and a dual sidewall design that allows the buyer to choose a particular style according to the vehicle. It is suitable for great comfort and traction on concrete surfaces in dry, wet, and winter conditions. While the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification enhances winter grip and performance, Whisper Groove technology decreases noise for a silent ride. A limited manufacturer tread life warranty is also available here, much like the Firestone Destination X/T. Additionally, a 45-day Satisfaction Guarantee will help you decide whether you want to keep the tires or not. The tire is built well enough to score an average SimpleScore of 8.4.

Firestone Destination X/T vs Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek tires on traction

For confident traction on all types of surfaces, the Firestone Destination X/T is available with full-depth interlocking 3D sipes. In addition to the above, water is quickly removed from the footprint to prevent hydroplaning and ensure confident traction on damp surfaces with larger grooves and open shoulder slots. The tire also features staggered lugs for additional biting edges on the tread to improve grip even further. We believe that the tread depth also plays a role in helping the Destination X/T earn an average traction score of 8.6.

If technology is what you’re interested in, you’ll definitely like the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek. It gets Stable Trac technology to boost grip on paved and unpaved roads and Earth Diggers technology to provide traction on loose terrain like snow, mud, and dirt. Tread depth is also higher than that of the Destination X/T and the dual sidewall design helps you select the style that matches your vehicle. In terms of ratings, it scores an 8.5 which is marginally lower than the Destination X/T’s score.

ADVANTAGE: Firestone Destination X/T

Firestone Destination X/T vs Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek tires on handling

What can be more important for the owner of an SUV, Jeep, or light truck than reliable performance and stability? The Firestone Destination X/T is a rugged-terrain tire with both these qualities in abundance, with full-depth interlocking 3D sipes providing great performance and open shoulder slots generating stability. Wet performance tends to be better than dry performance here and the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification also enhances handling in snow and ice. With the information above, we feel that Destination X/T deserves an average handling score of 8.6.

Apart from the higher tread depth that enhances performance, Stable Trac technology on the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek provides greater stability and control. Expect the tire to provide year-round performance. Despite being a large and aggressive tire, comfort levels are pretty impressive. When aired down, their performance jumps up several notches higher. The features available here are suitable for an average handling score of 8.4.

ADVANTAGE: Firestone Destination X/T

Firestone Destination X/T vs Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek tires on longevity

Firestone has provided the Destination X/T with full-depth interlocking 3D sipes for minimum wear. Suitable for fitment on Jeeps, light trucks, and SUVs, this rugged-terrain tire receives a limited manufacturer tread life warranty of 50,000 miles and a 90-day Buy-and-Try Guarantee (terms and conditions apply). Both tires feature 10-ply ratings, although the Cooper provides other options too. Though the tire may result in a 1 MPG loss in fuel efficiency after switching, the ride is bound to be smoother. The Firestone Destination X/T was found suitable for an average longevity score of 8.2.

The tread pattern and tread depth on the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek are indicative of high durability and toughness. A limited manufacturer tread life warranty of 60,000 miles on SUV sizes and 55,000 miles on LT-metric sizes is available here. Micro gauge sipes within the Stable Trac package ensure even wear, leading this tire towards an average longevity score of 8.7.

ADVANTAGE: Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek

When to use each

Rugged-terrain tires are meant to enable buyers to enjoy the middle path that ensures a heady concoction of everything — performance, comfort, and traction. As long as you’re not going into muddy off-road events or on extreme trails, you should be good with these tires. The all-season nature of these tires means that they can be used throughout the year, even in moderate to severe winters. Interestingly, both Cooper and Firestone are American brands, so no question of brand loyalty here!

Which one should you choose?

None of the tires above seem to be surging ahead in terms of SimpleScores, showing that their performances are evenly matched. However, even though the Cooper may seem like the more advanced tire due to its technologies, it is the Firestone that gains an upper hand in this comparison. Let us use the starting prices of the tires to help you decide the better one for your vehicle. The Firestone Destination X/T starts at $211 per tire ($844 for $) and the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek begins at $206 per tire ($824 for 4).

Here’s why it would be a good idea to purchase the Firestone Destination X/T:

• It provides better traction
• It ensures better handling
• It provides a higher Buy-and-Try Guarantee

You may consider the Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek for the following reasons:

• It offers more traction technologies
• It provides a higher limited manufacturer tread life warranty
• It is the cheaper tire

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.