Cooper Discoverer True North

This is a very cost effective tire, they were half the cost of Blizzak DM-V2 in this size and have significantly exceeded my expectations considering the price. I have these on a 4th generation Tacoma TRD Off-Road mounted on 18x7.5'' TRD Sport wheels. Compared to my experience with Blizzak DM-V2's on a previous vehicle, these feel more confident in wet conditions. My ratings reflect that the Blizzak DM-V2 is better on snow, but these are still very competent and predictable. On ice the directional control is decent, but the acceleration and braking traction is weak with a slow recovery from excess slip. Overall these are very satisfactory for the low cost and have a good balance of snow and wet grip, but ice grip is a clear step below the premium studless winter tires.

Ride comfort is a moderate weakness due to excessive motion after impacts. Noise is decent, comparable to my OE BF Goodrich Trail Terrain tires. The steering has fairly vague feedback when loaded, but feels reasonably precise on center.

I've had the Cooper Discoverer True North snow tires on my 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS Turbo for around 5000 miles through two winter seasons in eastern Wyoming, which doesn't get a lot of snow but does get a lot of ice. I live in a small town that doesn't always do a great job of plowing the roads, so the car gets driven through snow, slush, and ice at low speeds quite often, but also on highway and interstate journeys as well.

These tires do a great job preventing unexpected traction loss in winter conditions. When they do break free, they are predictable and controllable. I've also driven through winter storm conditions at highway speeds and these tires felt confident and stable in snow and ice at 70+ MPH. The dry grip is great in slightly warmer conditions at well, but they feel a bit greasy at temperatures above 60F, which is expected. Rain grip is good as well, not exceptional but not poor.

Road noise isn't too bad, but definitely louder than most A/S tires. They absorb bumps decently well too. Overall, they make for a great budget passenger car winter tire, and I'd definitely get another set in a few years once these have seen a few more winters.