Real test data, off-road insights, and daily-driving impact — from a former Bridgestone engineer.
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 is the long-awaited successor to the legendary KO2 — and expectations couldn’t be higher. Classified as an Off-Road A/T tire, it builds on KO2’s legacy of sidewall toughness and off-road bite while addressing some of its shortcomings like wet braking and highway hum. If you want to see exactly how the two compare, check out our BFGoodrich KO3 vs KO2 breakdown.
With competitors like the Toyo Open Country AT3 and Falken Wildpeak AT3W(now new Wildpeak AT4W) setting new standards, BFG clearly borrowed cues in its updated tread design and compound. From our testing and driver reports, the KO3 retains the rugged durability KO-series owners demand, while adding better wet grip, refined road manners, and a modern compound that locks in its 3PMSF winter rating. It’s a tire built for trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs that need year-round dependability with true off-road capability.
In the sections ahead, we’ll break down how the KO3 performs across dry, wet, snow, and off-road testing. You can also use our All-Terrain Tire Decision Tool to instantly compare it against other A/T options for your exact vehicle.
Quick Look
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3
The BFGoodrich KO3 is one of the toughest all-terrains on the market, built for durability and trail confidence. On-road, it feels steady but heavy (140-ft dry stop, 0.72 g cornering), and it asks for extra margin in the wet (184 ft, 0.46 g). In snow, it claws confidently through loose drifts (72-ft stop, 46.4-ft launch) but slides longer on packed surfaces, while on ice it stays predictable though not short-stopping (46.2 ft). Off-road is where it truly dominates, scoring 9.5 dirt, 9.5 sand, 9.2 mud, and 9.5 rock, with reinforced 3-ply sidewalls and a blocky tread that make it a goat in rocky and muddy terrain. Comfort is firm but acceptable (7.5/10), with noise building as miles stack up, while tread life runs 45–55k miles if rotations are strict.
👉 Bottom line: the KO3 is built for ¾-ton and HD trucks in rocky, dry, and off-pavement regions — less convincing in rain or snow-belt states, but unmatched in sheer toughness.
Let’s clear up a couple of common questions before starting
I often get asked about these — and Tire Rack has some great quick reads that explain them better than any post could:
- Is AWD or 4WD really enough for rain, slush, snow, and ice?
https://www.tirerack.com/upgrade-garage/are-traction-stability-control-and-awd-4wd-good-enough-for-all-seasons - Understanding ply loads / ply rating – Important for Towing & Hauling:
https://www.tirerack.com/upgrade-garage/what-are-load-ranges-ply-ratings
Raw Test Data
BFG KO2 vs KO3: What Changed?
In the intricate world of tire manufacturing, continuity often prevails. If a design proves successful, why reinvent the wheel, right? However, once in a while, a trailblazer like BF Goodrich disrupts the status quo.
Consider this: From the initial idea to a tire’s arrival on store shelves, a staggering three-year period typically passes. It’s quite astounding, isn’t it? You might wonder, “What could possibly take so much time?” Well, a significant chunk of this duration is dedicated to rigorous field-testing. These tires must be prepared to face a multitude of challenges.
There’s some industry buzz that BF Goodrich’s innovative wheels began turning as early as March 2020, perhaps inspired by Toyo’s AT3. In the world of tires, competition is fierce, driving innovation and evolution.
When you put the Toyo AT3 and BF Goodrich KO3 side by side, you’ll notice some parallels. The core of the BF Goodrich KO3, its center section, resembles the Toyo AT3, setting it apart from its predecessor, the KO2.
| BF Goodrich KO3 | BF Goodrich KO2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | LT285/70R17 | LT285/70R17 |
| Tread Depth | 15/32″ | 15/32″ |
| Tire Weight | 56 lbs | 51 lbs |
| Section Width | 11.5″ | 11.5″ |
| Tread Width | 8.8″ | 9.4” |
One notable trend? The emergence of the ‘S-shape’ lug design. It’s the talk of the town, mainly because it enhances a tire’s biting edges. Think of it as giving your tire extra “teeth” for improved grip. The BF Goodrich KO3 doesn’t just adopt this trend; it refines it. By incorporating these S-shaped lugs, the KO3 creates a more consolidated center section, resulting in a welcome reduction in road noise.
However, no story is without its twists. While the KO3 boasts a host of upgrades, it’s not without its drawbacks. When navigating loose terrains, those horizontally-oriented lugs appear to present a slight challenge. But when comparing the KO2 and KO3, the latter’s horizontal orientation offers improved traction on loose terrain, albeit with potentially faster wear. BF Goodrich’s solution? A narrower tread width on the KO3. Aesthetically inclined folks, take note!
Now, let’s talk weight. The BF Goodrich KO3 is 5 lbs heavier compared to the KO2. Since both tires have the same tread depth, the weight differance is mostly caused by the compactness of BF Goodrich KO3.
In summary, the BF Goodrich KO3 emerges as a formidable contender, showcasing superior on-road finesse and wet grip, with a slight compromise on loose terrains. Particularly for those with towing or hauling needs, the KO3 stands as a compelling choice, if you’re okay with shorter life span.
A word of caution: This assessment primarily applies to the BF Goodrich KO3 specifications available for the sizes LT285/70R17 and LT275/65R20.
If you want the full KO2 vs KO3 breakdown, check out my detailed BFGoodrich KO3 vs KO2 comparison
Dry Performance — Stable but Not Sporty
This review draws from the dataset I’ve built — a blend of structured results, community feedback, and my own short driving impressions. On dry pavement, the KO3 posts a 140-foot stop with 0.72 g cornering grip. Those numbers don’t scream agility, but they highlight what this tire does best: stability. In my own drive, it felt more like steering a tugboat than a speedboat — slow to respond, but rock steady once on line.
Drivers echo the same. A TacomaWorld driver said it “feels heavier on the wheel,” while a Jeep Gladiator owner mentioned it “stays planted once it sets.” That’s the 3-ply sidewall and blocky tread layout at work. It minimizes squirm, which builds confidence under weight, but you sacrifice nimbleness.
SUVs & crossovers: feels overbuilt, steering muted
½-tons: delivers predictable highway stability, steady under normal load
¾-ton & HD trucks: the sweet spot, stiffness matches weight and trailers
👉 Verdict: Think tugboat, not speedboat — not quick, but unshakable once moving.
Wet Performance — Needs Extra Room
On a downpour, the KO3 makes you think ahead. It stopped in 184 feet with 0.46 g traction, which is long compared to road-focused A/Ts. When I braked hard on slick asphalt, ABS buzzed early, and while the truck stayed straight, it was like running in rain gear — you’ll stay upright, but not with much snap.
Drivers online say the same. One overlander wrote “it’s fine if you give it space,” while another added “not the tire I’d pick for storm season.” That’s what happens with its harder rubber compound. The grooves move water well, but the tread itself doesn’t have the same instant adhesion as silica-rich A/Ts.
SUVs & crossovers: not ideal for storm-heavy commutes
½-tons: needs extra braking margin in the rain
¾-ton & HD trucks: tracks straight under load, though still stretches distances
👉 Verdict: Safe if you give it margin. In rain-heavy regions, a more wet-tuned A/T will inspire more confidence.
Note from the Expert: When it comes to rain, I always emphasize two things: compound grip and water evacuation. You can see the full details in my analysis, but if you take just one thing away, remember that an AT tire’s stiff nature makes achieving top-tier wet performance a constant battle. This is why the question, Are All-Terrain Tires Good in Rain?, requires a nuanced answer that balances tread design against rubber stiffness.
Winter & Snow — Claws Loose, Slips Packed
Fresh snow is where the KO3 feels most comfortable. It posted a 72.3-foot stop and 46.4-foot launch, and in my own drive, it clawed forward like a snowblower plowing through drifts. But once the road turned plowed and polished, braking grew longer and traction felt more like sliding with dull ski edges — steady, but slower to bite.
Owners have the same mixed take. One TacomaWorld user said it “powers through an unplowed driveway,” while another admitted it “slides longer on polished roads.” The design makes it clear why. The deep voids and aggressive shoulders shovel well in fluff, but the limited siping and firm compound reduce effectiveness once the snow hardens.
SUVs & crossovers: fine for occasional snow, but brake earlier on pack
½-tons: capable with 4WD, though plowed surfaces feel longer
¾-ton & HD trucks: weight steadies it, but hardpack still stretches stops
👉 Verdict: Great in loose snow, less convincing on plowed roads. A solid winter trail tire, not a snow-belt commuter.
Note from the Expert: When it comes to rain, I always emphasize two things: compound grip and water evacuation. You can see the full details in my analysis, but if you take just one thing away, remember that an AT tire’s stiff nature makes achieving top-tier wet performance a constant battle. This is why the question, Are All-Terrain Tires Good in Rain?, requires a nuanced answer that balances tread design against rubber stiffness.
Ice — Predictable but Long
On glare ice, the KO3 comes in at a 46.2-foot stop. It doesn’t bite sharply, but it doesn’t surprise you either. Driving it felt like sliding across a frozen pond in sneakers — always moving farther than you’d like, but never catching you off guard.
Community feedback matches. Drivers say it “slides gradually, not suddenly.” That’s the stiff compound and lack of dense siping limiting micro-bite. It feels safe in predictability, but physics still demand longer stops.
SUVs & crossovers: tricky unless you drive with patience
½-tons: manageable, stability systems do the heavy lifting
¾-ton & HD trucks: steadier with mass, though still long on ice
👉 Verdict: Predictable in feel, but distance is the weak spot. If icy mornings are common, pair it with a dedicated winter tire.
Off-Road — KO3’s Playground
Off-road is where the KO3 feels at home. With 9.5 dirt, 9.5 sand, 9.2 mud, and 9.5 rock, it’s a standout in its class. On the trail, it reminded me of a mountain goat — steady on rocks, balanced in dirt, and unshaken in deep mud.
Trail reports confirm it. Jeep owners call it “unstoppable on rocky climbs,” while Tacoma drivers say it “pulls through mud where others spin.” The 3-ply sidewalls, staggered shoulders, interlocking blocks, and stone ejectors make it one of the toughest A/T designs available.
SUVs & crossovers: overkill unless trails are a big part of driving
½-tons: weekend-ready, covers dirt, mud, and rock without an M/T swap
¾-ton & HD trucks: one of the best off-road tires, stable even under heavy towing
👉 Verdict: Among the best off-road A/Ts available. If trails, mud, or rock are part of your life, KO3 is built for it.
Note from the Expert: Every successful day on the trail is about preparation and physics, because tire longevity is earned, not given. Before you even start, you must master the critical link between tire pressure and load range for every rig to maximize your contact patch. Once moving, remember your ultimate off-road armor is your sidewall protection against the inevitable pinch flat. And finally, your traction on the obstacle is dictated by choosing the right aggressive vs hybrid tread pattern for your terrain. Master those three steps, and your rig will be ready for anything.
Comfort & Noise — Firm Ride, Hum That Builds
Early on, the KO3 rides firm but civilized. With a 7.5/10 comfort score, it starts out with just a faint hum. But like a new relationship, the quirks show with time — once miles stack up and rotations slip, the noise becomes harder to ignore.
Owners phrase it the same way: “quiet for how it looks — at first.” The variable pitch tread masks sound early, but the stiff carcass transmits more texture into the cabin, and uneven wear amplifies the hum as tread depth fades.
SUVs & crossovers: feels rougher and louder than most would want
½-tons: livable hum, trade-off for trail grip
¾-ton & HD trucks: feels normal, background blends with truck noise
👉 Verdict: Starts off calm, but like most A/Ts, hum grows with age. A fair trade for toughness.
Note from the Expert: For years, choosing all-terrain meant accepting noise—a true compromise for off-road grip. That’s why the question, Are All-Terrain Tires Louder than Highway Tires?, used to have a simple “yes” answer. Now, with the rise of on-road models, the core issue has shifted from noise to overall refinement. To fully understand which side of the comfort spectrum you’re buying into, you need to determine Are All-Terrain Tires Good for Daily Driving?—a question that depends entirely on the tire’s construction, not just the name.
Tread Life & Longevity — Tough but Demanding
Most KO3 owners report 45–55k miles when rotations are done on time. I saw even wear in my test, and forum feedback backs it up. One Reddit driver summed it up: “lasts forever if you rotate, gets loud if you don’t.”
That’s the KO3 in a nutshell. It’s like a reliable workhorse — built to punch the clock every day, but it expects you to do your part. The hard compound and deep tread resist chipping and stretch life, but skip the rotation schedule and you’ll pay in noise and uneven wear.
SUVs & crossovers: rotate religiously to avoid uneven hum
½-tons: steady, long life for mixed highway and trail use
¾-ton & HD trucks: even wear under load, stable deep into its lifespan
👉 Verdict: Durable and long-wearing, but rotations aren’t optional — they’re non-negotiable.
Where It Fits Best
The KO3 is one of the toughest all-terrains available, designed for drivers who demand durability first and are willing to trade some wet and winter polish for brute strength. It thrives on trucks that see real work and trails.
SUVs & crossovers: too aggressive unless you live off pavement or drive gravel roads daily in places like Montana or Wyoming
½-tons: a great choice for drivers in Texas, Arizona, or Nevada, where rocky desert terrain and dry heat matter more than rain traction
¾-ton & HD trucks: the ideal partner for hauling and towing in Colorado, Utah, Alberta, or British Columbia, where sidewall stability and off-road bite matter most
👉 Bottom line: The KO3 belongs in regions where the pavement ends — deserts of the Southwest, the rocky Mountain West, or rural states with gravel backroads. If you’re in the Pacific Northwest rain or Northeast snow belt, a more wet- or snow-focused A/T may be the smarter play.
Tire Size Selection: The Basics You Can’t Skip
Even the best tread design can’t rescue a tire that’s built too weak. Back when I was testing tires at Bridgestone, I saw all-terrain models that should’ve performed but fell short — simply because the basics (size, load strength, and speed rating) weren’t matched to the vehicle.
P-Metric vs. LT (Light Truck) Tires
The first step is knowing whether you need LT or passenger tires. LT (Light Truck) tires are built with extra reinforcement and stiff sidewalls, designed for towing, hauling, or off-road use. Passenger (P-metric) tires are lighter, smoother, and tuned for daily comfort and fuel efficiency — but they’ll flex more under load.
Understanding Tire Load Range: XL vs. E-Load
Then comes the tire load index and load range — essentially your tire’s strength rating. Here’s where things split between passenger XL and LT E:
XL (Extra Load) is a passenger tire with reinforced sidewalls. It can handle a bit more pressure (~41 PSI) than a standard SL tire and is perfect for SUVs, crossovers, or light trucks that carry extra gear, passengers, or small trailers. XL tires ride softer and quieter than LT options, making them ideal for daily use.
E Load Range is an LT tire class built with a much thicker casing. E-rated tires can handle far more pressure (up to ~80 PSI) and heavier loads, which makes them essential for ¾-ton and 1-ton trucks towing trailers or hauling close to max capacity. The trade-off is weight, stiffer ride, more road noise, and a small drop in fuel efficiency.
Put simply: XL is for “extra luggage and family,” while E is for “truck bed full of bricks or a car trailer.”
Why the Tire Speed Rating Matters for Safety
Finally, don’t overlook the tire speed rating. It’s not just about top speed — it measures how well a tire handles heat and stress at highway pace. Lower ratings (like S) tend to ride softer and last longer, while higher ratings (H, T) feel more stable and responsive under sharp maneuvers. Heat build-up is the silent killer of tires, and speed rating is your safeguard.
Bottom line: Match your tire’s construction (LT vs P-metric), load range (XL vs E), and speed rating to your vehicle’s demands. Get those right, and everything else — off-road grip, winter traction, comfort — will finally perform the way it was designed to.
Conclusion
The KO3 isn’t trying to be a refined daily-driver tire — it’s unapologetically tough. If your life involves gravel, ranch roads, or towing through the Rockies, this tire fits like armor. But if most of your miles are wet commutes or icy highways, other all-terrains will give you more peace of mind. For drivers prioritizing strength and trail durability above all else, the KO3 is exactly what it promises to be.
Frequently Asked Questions: BFGoodrich KO3
Is the KO3 good on-road?
Yes, but it feels heavy. Dry grip is stable (140-ft stop, 0.72 g), though steering response is slower than road-biased A/Ts.How does the KO3 handle rain?
Wet braking is a weak point (~184 ft, 0.46 traction). It stays straight under load but needs extra stopping distance.Is the KO3 good in snow?
Strong in loose snow (72.3-ft stop, 46.4-ft launch), but less convincing on packed or plowed surfaces.How does the KO3 perform on ice?
It stops in ~46.2 ft. Predictable slide, but longer distances mean caution is needed in icy climates.Is the KO3 good off-road?
Yes — with 9.5 dirt, 9.5 sand, 9.2 mud, 9.5 rock, it’s one of the toughest A/Ts, built for rocky, muddy, and desert terrain.How comfortable is it?
Comfort is firm (~7.5/10). Starts quiet, but hum builds over time, especially if rotations are missed.How long does the KO3 last?
Typically 45–55k miles with proper rotations. Durable compound resists chipping but grows noisy if neglected.Which vehicles fit it best?
Best for ½-ton and HD trucks used in rocky, dry, or trail-heavy regions. Overkill for SUVs or rain-heavy commutes.
For those who prefer to see whole market analyze:
- https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires-for-snow/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-1-2-ton-truck-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-3-4-ton-truck-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-rt-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-tires-for-snow-plowing/
- https://tireterrain.com/on-road-all-terrain-tires-highway/
A couple of popular size analyses:
- https://tireterrain.com/best-35x12-50r20-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-285-70r17-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-275-55r20-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-275-65r18-all-terrain-tires/
Want to learn more about all-terrain tires:
- https://tireterrain.com/highway-tires-vs-all-terrain-vs-mud-terrain/
- https://tireterrain.com/all-season-vs-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/tire-load-index-and-load-range/
- https://tireterrain.com/lt-tires-vs-passenger-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-for-daily-driving/
- https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-in-snow/
- https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-loud/
- https://tireterrain.com/how-long-do-all-terrain-tires-last/
- https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-in-rain/
- https://tireterrain.com/off-road-tire-pressure-load-range-for-every-rig/
Excellent review! Looking forward to the Wildpeak R/T and Open Country R/T Trail reviews!
In the article, you say the KO3 is lighter than the KO2, but the chart shows the reverse.
Which is it?
Hello Larry,
Thanks for the info. I’ve updated the article. BF Goodrich KO3 is heavier one for this comparison.
Please also note that the weight difference between these two tires doesn’t necessarily result in inferior fuel consumption for the BF Goodrich KO3. It’s important to consider that OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) tires are designed differently than replacement tires. OEM tires often prioritize meeting specific homologation tests, which can include requirements for low rolling resistance to improve fuel efficiency.
So, while the weight difference may be noticeable, the actual impact on fuel consumption can vary depending on the specific tire design and its intended use. That’s the reason BF Goodrich KO3 is narrower tire.
I just got a set of KO3’s. I really WANT to like these tires; I’ve used BFG’s since trees got bark, but… Tire guys just can’t get at least one of them to balance right. At install (alignment adjusted first) the steering wheel shook badly. Took it back and the tech spent a good amount of time re-balancing one of the front tires, even rotating/reorienting it i the rim. Driving away, vibration was worse. Back to the shop, salesman ordered two new tires. Tech put them on but was dissatisfied with them too. Vibration is greatly reduced, but still evident especially at hwy speeds. Wondering if it will be a bigger issue whe the rears get rotated to a forward position. Sales guy tossed the keys to me, said: “Drive it for a couple of days and get back to me and we’ll figure something out…”
Came here to see if this is common or a one-off thing.
Sounds like a balance or manufacturing issue, which unfortunately isn’t unheard of with KO3s. Some aggressive all-terrains can be tricky to balance, but if multiple attempts failed—even with new tires—it’s a red flag.
Possible Causes & Fixes:
Defective Tire(s): Even new ones can have uniformity issues. Road force balancing might help pinpoint bad ones.
Wheel Issue: Bent or out-of-round rims can cause vibration.
Mounting/Alignment: If the shop didn’t properly seat the beads or check alignment specs, it could be contributing.
Since the issue persists at highway speeds, I’d push for a full road force balance or even a different tire model if the shop can’t resolve it. If the vibration gets worse after rotation, that’s another sign of a tire issue. Don’t settle—KO3s should ride smooth when properly balanced.
Also James, could you please provide tire size for a better benchmark?