If you’re in the market for new tires, you may be trying to decide between Dextero and Cooper – two brands that seem to offer similar products at similar price points. But there are key differences between these tire manufacturers that are important to understand before making your purchase.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Dextero and Cooper tires side-by-side, looking at company history, tire testing and ratings, tire technology, treadwear warranties, pricing, and more.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Dextero | Cooper |
| Company | House brand for Walmart/Sam’s Club | Independent tire manufacturer since 1914 |
| Manufacturing | Made by various major brands for Walmart | Own tire production facilities in 3 countries |
| Testing & Ratings | Average to below average | Above average ratings for performance |
| Tire Tech | Basic features for affordable performance | Advanced technologies like 3D siping and adaptive footprint |
| Treadwear Warranty | 40k-60k miles for passengers tires | 60k-80k miles for passenger and performance tires |
| Pricing | $50-$150 per passenger tire | $100-$250 per passenger tire |
| Best For | Budget-focused drivers | Performance, brand prestige, longer tire life |
Company Histories
First, let’s look at the backgrounds of each brand:
- Dextero
Dextero tires are house brand tires manufactured by various companies for sale at Walmart and Sam’s Club. They don’t have their own tire manufacturing plants. Instead, big name brands like Goodyear, Hankook, and Kumho supply Dextero-branded tires made to Walmart’s specifications and price point. This allows Walmart to offer customers affordable tires under their own brand name.
- Cooper
Unlike Dextero, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company is an independent tire manufacturer with its own tire production facilities. Founded in 1914 and based in Ohio, Cooper has invested heavily in tire research and development over the past 100+ years. They operate manufacturing plants in three countries and specialize in passenger, performance, light truck, and motorcycle tires. Cooper tires are sold through tire dealers and retailers worldwide.
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Tire Testing & Ratings
Independent tire testing and ratings help consumers compare different tire brands. Here’s how Dextero and Cooper tires stack up:
- Dextero
There is limited third-party testing data on Dextero tires since Walmart manufactures them under their own specifications. However, Dextero tires generally score average to below average on independent tire performance tests. Most Dextero tires meet their claims for treadwear, wet braking, and noise levels, but do not excel in any area.
- Cooper
Many Cooper tires consistently rank above average in third-party testing performed by organizations like Consumer Reports and Tire Rack. For example, the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tire earns excellent marks from Tire Rack for dry braking, handling, comfort, treadwear, and noise. Cooper is known for designing tires that provide responsive handling and a comfortable, quiet ride.
Tire Technologies
When it comes to important tire tech, here’s how Dextero and Cooper compare:
- Dextero
Most Dextero tires include basic features like all-season tread compounds and polyester body plies. Some models may contain modern tech like silica in the tread compound for wet grip. But overall, Dextero does not heavily promote specialized tire tech in their products. The focus is on everyday, affordable performance.
- Cooper
Cooper has invested in advanced tire tech over the decades. For example, Cooper uses proprietary 3D siping technology in products like the Discoverer AT3 XLT all-terrain tire to improve traction in wet and wintry conditions. The Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 performance tire includes an adaptive footprint technology that adjusts to road conditions. And Cooper’s Wear Square technology helps predict tread life on tires like the Evolution Tour.
Treadwear Warranties
The treadwear warranty protects against premature treadwear and reflects how long a tire is designed to last. Here’s how the brands compare:
- Dextero
Most Dextero passenger tires come with a basic 40,000-60,000 mile treadwear warranty. This coverage is on the lower end but reflects the budget-friendly pricing of Dextero tires.
- Cooper
Passenger and performance tires from Cooper generally come with 60,000-80,000 mile treadwear warranties. Light truck and SUV tires are warrantied for 60,000-70,000 miles. These longer warranties demonstrate Cooper’s confidence in the durability of their tire designs.
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Pricing Comparison
When it comes to price, here’s what you can expect:
- Dextero
As Walmart’s house brand, Dextero tires are priced affordably. Most Dextero passenger tires cost $50-$150 per tire. Light truck tires are priced from $90-$200 each. While not the cheapest tires around, Dextero aims to provide a balance of value and performance.
- Cooper
Cooper tires are considered a mid-range brand and are priced accordingly. Passenger and performance tires range from $100-$250 per tire, while light truck tires cost $150-$350 each. You pay more compared to Dextero, but get added performance and longer treadwear warranties.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Major tire companies like Goodyear, Hankook, and Kumho manufacture Dextero-branded tires for Walmart based on Walmart’s specifications and pricing requirements. The exact tire manufacturer varies by Dextero tire model.
Independent testing from sites like TireRack and Consumer Reports consistently rates Cooper tires above average compared to competitors when it comes to criteria like handling, braking, comfort, treadwear, and noise. Cooper is considered a mid-range tire brand that provides a good balance of performance and value.
Dextero truck tires are manufactured by multiple brands for Walmart. For example, the Dextero LTX A/T2 light truck all-terrain tire is made by Hankook. The Dextero HDps truck tire line is made by Goodyear. Shoppers should look up the specific manufacturer when selecting Dextero truck tires.
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company is its own independent tire brand and is not an off-brand of any other manufacturer. The company has been making its own tires since 1914 and operates multiple tire production plants. Some people may confuse budget “Cooper” tires sold at retailers like Sears with the actual Cooper brand – these budget “Cooper” tires are not affiliated with or made by the Cooper company.
Also Read: Comparison Between Tire Kingdom And Tires Plus.
Conclusion
So which tire brand comes out on top? Here are some key considerations:
Dextero is ideal for:
- Drivers prioritizing low upfront cost over longevity
- Basic, no-frills tires for daily commuting
- Shoppers loyal to Walmart and Sam’s Club
Cooper is preferred for:
- Longer-lasting, high-performing tires
- Advanced tire tech and warranties
- Drivers wanting brand name appeal and recognition
- SUVs., trucks, and performance vehicles
While Cooper takes the edge in ratings, tech, and warranties, Dextero appeals to budget-focused drivers. Assess your priorities and vehicle type to decide which brand best fits your needs.
And consult tire reviews and ratings to pick the best model within each brand. With the right tires, both Cooper and Dextero can deliver a smooth, safe ride.