Mastercraft Strategy Tire Review & Rating
Designed as a basic all-season touring tire, the Mastercraft Strategy is built to provide capable year-round traction and handling at a budget-friendly cost. It can be used on all types of coupes, sedans, minivans and crossover vehicles.
An all-season tread compound and asymmetric tread pattern that features a 5-rib design and is M+S rated, combine to deliver confident dry and wet traction, which this tire does very well.
Mastercraft wanted to extend treadlife on the Strategy through the use of an optimized tread pattern and notched center rib that helps in providing more even treadwear. An added benefit to using a computer optimized design is that it lowers outside road noise and improves overall ride quality.
Four wide circumferential grooves, numerous lateral grooves and sipes around the tread effectively channel away water from the tire’s footprint and increase grip on wet or snow covered pavement. While reducing the risk of hydroplaning it also adds more confidence behind the wheel.
Inside the tire are two steel belts that add strength and durability to the tire. The Mastercraft Strategy, which is a division of Cooper Tire, has a 540 UTQG rating and is warranted for 65K miles on T-speed rated sizes. Mastercraft offers a range of 13-16 inch sizes with T and H-speed ratings.
Pros
- Smooth quiet ride
- Treadlife is very good
- Value for the money
Cons
- Not the best in deep snow/ice
Overall Thoughts
As basic touring all-season tires go, the Mastercraft Strategy is a middle of the pack performer. We find it does nothing exceptionally well in any one area, however, it does not have any obvious glaring weaknesses with the exception of winter performance. (A common issue for all-season tires)
Its lower price point makes it particularly appealing to budget-minded drivers who simply need a new tire for getting to work or driving around town. While not up to the level of traction and handling as you would find on the Continental TrueContact, Nokian Entyre 2.0 or General Altimax RT43 among others, it’s a solid option for those looking for a set of cheap tires.
What Vehicles Will The Mastercraft Strategy Fit?
(This is not a complete list of ALL vehicles this tire will fit)
- Chevy Cavalier, Cobalt, Sonic
- Chrysler PT Cruiser, Sebring
- Dodge Dart, Avenger
- Ford Escort, Contour
- Honda Civic, Accord, Prelude
- Hyundai Accent, Sonata, Elantra
- Kia Sephia, Optima, Soul, Forte
- Mazda Protege, 626, Mazda3, Mazda5
- Mercury Mystique, Cougar
- Mitsubishi Mirage, Galant
- Nissan Sentra, Altima, Leaf
- Pontiac Vibe, G5, Sunfire, Grand Am
- Saturn Ion, Astra
- Scion xB, tC
- Subaru Legacy, Impreza
- Toyota Corolla, Camry, Matrix
- Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, Rabbit
Tire Sizes
13″
175/70R13 82T BLK
14″
175/70R14 84T BLK
185/70R14 88T BLK
15″
205/60R15 91H BLK
205/70R15 96T BLK
16″
205/55R16 91H
225/55R16 95H
Price Range
Mastercraft Strategy prices range from approximately $51 and up. You may also find occasional rebates, discount prices, coupons and special offers on this tire.
Warranty
Mastercraft provides a 65,000 mile tread warranty on T-speed rated sizes on the Strategy. Tire uniformity is guaranteed on all sizes for the first 2/32 inch of wear.
Materials and workmanship are warranted for 6-years and include free replacement during the first 2/32 inch of wear. A prorated amount is given down to the final 2/32 inch of tread depth. You also receive a 45-day road test guarantee that allows you to exchange the tires if you are not completely satisfied.
Share this review
I purchased a 2001 Ford Taurus that already had Mastercraft Strategy tires mounted on it at approximately 160,000 miles. I’m currently at around 230,000 miles and the tires are just now nearing the need to be replaced. If you’re looking for a tire that has good treadwear, these are it. If you’re looking for a performance tire, these are not it. I’ve found them adequate in the wet and ok in the snow.
After good results driving used larger than normal Mastercraft 440 tires, I bought two even larger 205x65x15 inch Mastercraft Strategy tires that are mounted on the front drive wheels of a 2008 Hyundai Accent. They really fill the wheel wells, reduce engine rpms, drive straight & smooth, steer & handle well & give the Accent a grown up highway feel. Tho used, I hope they will provide 30 to 40,000 miles of wear. Tony, above, has me hoping.
Strategy review update for 6-16-22: These tires did get to 30,000 miles. Had hoped for a little more, but in the last part of their lives, they remained smooth, quiet & with acceptable cornering till the end. Traction on the front drive wheels weren’t good, as is the characteristic for front drive cars. Yes, putting over-sized tires on cars is OK, if you don’t carry lots of passengers, cargo or drive crazy. As stated, engine rpms are lower & give better MPG.
Hi Tony, thanks for sharing this valuable advice.=These tires don’t perform their best in deep snow but in terms of tread wear, they are a good choice.