Yokohama Geolandar MT vs Cooper STT Pro

At their core, the Yokohama Geolandar MT and Cooper STT Pro are designed for off-road dominance. Both fall into the mud terrain (MT) category, meaning they’re engineered with aggressive tread patterns to grip loose surfaces like mud, sand, and rocks.

One of the first considerations for any tire purchase is longevity, and here, the two are evenly matched. Each offers a 50,000-mile limited treadwear warranty, a promise from Yokohama and Cooper that their tires can endure significant mileage under normal conditions.

This warranty, detailed on their respective websites, ensures that if the tread wears out prematurely, you’ll receive a prorated credit toward a replacement. It’s a reassuring sign that both manufacturers stand behind their products’ durability.

Price is another practical starting point. For a common size like 285/70R17, both tires hover in the $250–$350 range per tire, based on retailer data from sources like Amazon and eBay. This parity means your decision won’t hinge on budget alone—performance and fit will take center stage instead.

Sizing Up the Fit

Your vehicle’s wheel setup plays a big role in tire selection, and this is where the Yokohama Geolandar MT pulls ahead in versatility. It’s available for rim diameters spanning 16 to 20 inches, accommodating everything from compact off-roaders to larger trucks with oversized wheels.

The Cooper STT Pro, by contrast, tops out at 18 inches, covering a narrower range of 16 to 18 inches. If you’re eyeing a rig with 20-inch rims, the Geolandar MT is your only option here. This broader compatibility might catch the eye of those planning future upgrades or working with a non-standard setup.

Tread Talk

The heart of any mud terrain tire lies in its tread pattern—a feature that dictates how it grips, cleans, and performs. The Yokohama Geolandar MT sports an aggressive design with large, open blocks and integrated mud and stone ejectors.

This setup, as highlighted on Yokohama’s site, ensures the tire sheds debris efficiently, maintaining traction in sloppy conditions. Picture it clawing through a muddy trail, flinging gunk aside to keep you moving forward.

The Cooper STT Pro takes a different approach. Its tread features a 3-2 center rib pattern, bolstered by side-biters and a high void ratio—technical terms that translate to serious off-road bite.

The side-biters add lateral grip, while the high void ratio means more space between tread blocks, ideal for digging into mud or clinging to rocks. User reviews and comparisons, like those on Tire Driver, suggest this design gives the STT Pro an edge in extreme terrains. It’s the kind of tire that thrives when the going gets tough.

Off-Road Prowess

For off-road enthusiasts, performance on trails is the ultimate test. The Cooper STT Pro shines here, earning praise for its exceptional traction in muddy and rocky environments.

Forums like Bronco6G and comparison sites such as Compare the Tire note its ability to power through slop and scramble over boulders, thanks to that high void ratio and rugged tread. If your adventures involve deep mud pits or jagged rock faces, the STT Pro seems tailor-made for the challenge.

The Yokohama Geolandar MT isn’t far behind, though. It holds its own in mud and performs admirably across various weather conditions, making it a reliable all-season off-roader.

While it may not match the STT Pro’s rock-crawling tenacity, its balanced approach suits softer terrains and less extreme outings. Think of it as a versatile companion for trails that don’t demand the absolute maximum in aggression.

On-Road Reality

Not every journey happens off the grid, so how these tires handle pavement matters too. Here, the Yokohama Geolandar MT takes the lead. Its design prioritizes a higher contact patch—the area of the tire touching the road—which translates to a smoother ride, better steering response, and notably lower noise levels.

Reviews on Compare the Tire and user feedback on Jeep Wrangler Forums highlight this on-road refinement, making it a standout for those who split time between trails and tarmac.

The Cooper STT Pro, however, trades some of that comfort for its off-road focus. Its stiffer ride and noisier profile—especially as the tire ages—are common observations among users on Bronco6G.

The aggressive tread that excels in mud can hum or growl on highways, a reminder of its rugged roots. If your daily commute is long and paved, this might tip the scales away from the STT Pro.

What the Experts Say

Expert opinions and user experiences offer valuable insights into these tires’ real-world performance. The Geolandar MT often earns accolades for its on-road manners, with sites like Compare the Tire noting its ability to double as a daily driver’s tire without sacrificing too much off-road capability. It’s the jack-of-all-trades in this matchup, appealing to those who want flexibility.

Meanwhile, the STT Pro garners admiration for its off-road chops. Tire Driver and Jeep Wrangler Forums users frequently cite its superiority in rock climbing and mud-slinging scenarios, positioning it as the go-to for hardcore off-roaders. The consensus? It’s a beast where pavement ends, even if it demands some compromise elsewhere.

Our Take

So, which tire should roll onto your rig? It boils down to your lifestyle and priorities. If off-road exploration is your passion—think muddy trails, rocky climbs, and the occasional overlanding trip—the Cooper STT Pro is your match. Its rugged design and proven performance in harsh conditions make it a favorite among those who live for the thrill of the untamed.

But if your driving blends city streets with weekend escapes, the Yokohama Geolandar MT offers a compelling balance. Its smoother on-road demeanor, quieter ride, and wider rim compatibility make it a practical choice for versatility. Plus, that 20-inch rim option might just future-proof your setup.

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