Cooper AT3 vs ATP2

[buck91]

I've run both these in the past with satisfaction. Have the ATP II on my wife's truck right now and will be looking at replacement in the next year. Very happy with them, to be honest.... especially at the price. A little loud but easily tolerable.

Is the AT3 of ATP2 objectively better? Both have good to great winter and wet performance. But I ran them years apart on different trucks so its hard to compare based on memory. Objective would be winter and wet traction, mileage (both MPG and longevity) followed by cost and noise/comfort. Interestingly the AT3 seems cheaper than the ATP2 these days (interesting since the ATP2 is the Discount Tire exclusive they like to push).

 

[barkingspider]

The AT3 is suppose to be more “off road” than the APT2. I think you would be happy w the AT3, make sure you get the 3peak version to check your winter performance box

 

[buck91]

The AT3 is suppose to be more “off road” than the APT2. I think you would be happy w the AT3, make sure you get the 3peak version to check your winter performance box

The ATP2 has been excellent in the snow, I suspect they just didn't pay for the additional form cert that it meets 3PMS. Looks like the AT3 LT is 3PMS cert'd, though.

 

[Delta]

I wasn't aware they still made the AT3, I thought it switched to the Road+Trail. That said I have the Road+Trail on my Tacoma and I love them. Good performer dry, wet, snow, and even a little ice.

 

[meep]

The AT3 was top of its class when it came out and was still a leading contender years later, and was affordable for everything it brought. I thought it also kinda name-changed to Road+Trail, but could be wrong.

 

[wlk]

You can get Discoverer ATs at wallyworld, same tread pattern as at3s without the tread coming over the sides a bit. Walmart bought the mold for the ATs and keep the line going. I'd run those if it was me as I have had them on 4 vehicles now.

 

[Delta]

You can get Discoverer ATs at wallyworld, same tread pattern as at3s without the tread coming over the sides a bit. Walmart bought the mold for the ATs and keep the line going. I'd run those if it was me as I have had them on 4 vehicles now.

IMO after having the AT3 and now the Road+Trail I'd pay the extra little bit for the Road+Trail.

 

[buck91]

IMO after having the AT3 and now the Road+Trail I'd pay the extra little bit for the Road+Trail.

What is worth the price difference with the R&T?

 

[Delta]

What is worth the price difference with the R&T?

The R+T seem quieter than the previous AT3 and seem to have slightly more bite in inclimate weather. They also aren't as "squishy" in corners and feels more confident on those twisty mountain roads.

I do know my tire shop can no longer get the AT3's and the only way to get them is through Wal-Mart.

 

[userfriendly]

The R+T seem quieter than the previous AT3 and seem to have slightly more bite in inclimate weather. They also aren't as "squishy" in corners and feels more confident on those twisty mountain roads.

I do know my tire shop can no longer get the AT3's and the only way to get them is through Wal-Mart.

“Squishy in corners” is caused by tread flex common with snow flake symbol soft rubber.
To mitigate that, look for a tread with block bridges that tie the tread blocks together.
For a good illustration of tread block ties, have a look at Toyo M655s. Those tires are primarily for off road use, but the tread blocks look well supported for reduced flex.
People “running off” their winter tires in summer often complain about squirrely handling in warm weather when the rubber is very soft. This tendency is more prevalent with treads that don’t have tread block joiners.