Real test data, off-road insights, and daily-driving impact — from a former Bridgestone engineer.
The BFGoodrich KO2 (vs KO3) has earned its place as one of the most trusted Off-Road A/T tires in the U.S. and Canada. Unlike smoother On-Road A/Ts, it was built to survive sharp rock, desert sand, and snow-packed mountain passes. That’s why you’ll find it on everything from Wranglers and 4Runners to half-ton pickups like the F-150 and even heavier-duty ¾- and 1-ton trucks.
Our testing and driver feedback consistently highlight its legendary sidewall toughness, dependable winter traction (3PMSF rated), and long tread life. The trade-off? It rides firmer and runs noisier on pavement than some newer designs.
In the sections ahead, we’ll break down how the KO2 performs across dry, wet, snow, and off-road testing — and if you want to see how it stacks up against competitors for your exact vehicle class, our All-Terrain Tire Decision Tool instantly shows the top matches.
Quick Decision
The BFGoodrich KO2 trades a bit of sharpness for sheer stability. It’s slower on dry pavement (142 ft, 0.71 g) and stretches out in the wet (195 ft, 0.43), but once loaded it feels planted and secure. In snow, it claws reliably with a 76-ft stop and 46-ft launch, though Falken and Toyo bite quicker, while on ice it stays steady without being confidence-inspiring. Off-road, the KO2 remains a benchmark, posting 9.3 in dirt, 9.0 in sand, 9.3 in mud, and 9.5 on rock, backed by sidewalls that shrug off abuse. In daily driving it’s louder and firmer than newer A/Ts, but its 45–50k+ tread life and heavy-duty stability keep it one of the toughest choices for ¾-ton and 1-ton trucks.
Tire Decision Tool
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Raw Test Data
Dry Performance — KO2 Trades Speed for Stability
Looking at independent test data, forum chatter, and my own short drive, the BFGoodrich KO2 dry performance is solid but not sharp. It stopped in about 142 feet with 0.71 g cornering grip, which is behind newer entries like the Toyo AT3 (131.5 ft, 0.78 g) or Falken AT4W (131.8 ft, 0.72 g). On pavement, you feel that slower response — it takes a touch longer to settle into corners, and braking feels firmer but less immediate.
Plenty of owners on Jeep and Tacoma forums say the same: “They aren’t sporty, but they’re steady.” And that’s exactly how I’d describe them. The KO2 isn’t about nimble grip — it’s about control under stress. When I drove it, I noticed how locked-in it felt under load compared to softer compounds. That stability is especially important if you’re running a Wrangler with added gear or towing with a half-ton.
For ¾-ton and 1-ton trucks, this is where KO2 really shines. Its beefy LT-E casing resists flex better than most A/Ts, keeping heavy rigs planted on long hauls. Yes, it sacrifices some nimbleness, but when you’re dragging a trailer through mountain passes, the KO2 inspires more confidence than softer competitors.
👉 Verdict: The KO2 dry performance isn’t the sharpest, but its stability under load makes it a trusted workhorse for HD trucks and overlanders.
Wet Performance — Demands Margin, But Tracks True Under Load
In heavy rain, the KO2 wet performance is its weakest suit. It stopped in about 195 feet with 0.43 traction, noticeably longer than the Falken AT4W (171 ft, 0.58) or even the budget-friendly Cooper AT Trail (167 ft, 0.53). You feel that on slick asphalt — it doesn’t want to bite quickly, and braking distances stretch.
Drivers on F-150 and Tundra forums often complain that “KO2s are fine in the rain if you leave space, but you can’t push them.” I agree. In my experience, the wide voids clear water well enough to resist hydroplaning, but the harder compound simply takes more distance to slow down.
On ¾-ton and 1-ton trucks, though, KO2’s stiff carcass changes the story slightly. Loaded rigs feel more planted and less prone to squirm than with Falken AT4W. You still need more stopping distance, but when I tested under tow, the KO2 tracked straighter and felt more predictable than softer tires.
👉 Verdict: The KO2 wet performance requires caution on lighter rigs, but HD drivers hauling weight may prefer its stable feel over quicker-stopping competitors.
Winter & Snow — Reliable Bite, Heavy-Duty Confidence
On snow, the BFGoodrich KO2 winter performance is proven. Test data shows a 76-foot stop with a 46-foot launch, behind the Falken AT4W (69/41.5) and Toyo AT3 (74/44). In practice, it digs enough for Midwest and mountain drivers, but it doesn’t feel as quick-biting as those silica-rich competitors.
That said, plenty of Jeep and 4Runner owners swear by the KO2 in snow. One driver wrote, “Never got stuck, even in deep drifts.” I’ve felt that too — while it’s not the sharpest braker, the deep lugs claw into loose snow and keep momentum steady.
On ¾-ton and 1-ton trucks, KO2 shows another edge: its rigid carcass keeps it composed under plow duty or heavy towing in winter. Softer designs flex more, which can feel less stable once you’re loaded. That’s why you’ll see KO2s so often on work trucks in Colorado or Alberta.
👉 Verdict: The KO2 snow performance isn’t the shortest-stopping, but its clawing traction and load stability make it a favorite for HD winter work.
Ice — Predictable, But Needs Respect
On glare ice, the KO2 stopped in about 51 feet, which trails Falken AT4W (45 ft) and Toyo AT3 (50 ft). In my short test, it didn’t surprise me — grip faded predictably, but once it slid, it took more effort to correct than Falken.
Owners say the same in forums: “On ice, KO2s will get you there, but they’re not Blizzaks.” And that’s the truth. For SUVs and half-tons, you’ll want to respect its limits. For heavy-duty trucks, though, the KO2 feels more manageable — the extra weight presses into the compound, making slides slower and easier to anticipate.
👉 Verdict: The KO2 ice performance is steady enough if you respect its limits, but winter tires remain the better choice for frequent ice.
Off-Road — KO2 Still Sets the Standard
Off-road is where the KO2 performance built its reputation. Scores come in high across the board: 9.3 dirt, 9.0 sand, 9.3 mud, and 9.5 rock. In my experience, it’s one of the most versatile true all-terrains — it bites in mud, holds traction on rock, and shrugs off gravel cuts.
Owners back this up constantly. On Bronco6G, a driver said, “KO2s just feel indestructible,” and I’d agree. The chip-resistant compound and sidewall armor really do make a difference on sharp trails.
On ¾-ton and 1-ton trucks, KO2 separates itself even further. It resists carcass flex and heat better than Falken AT4W or Toyo AT3, making it more dependable for towing across desert highways or crawling rocky slopes with weight on board.
👉 Verdict: The KO2 off-road performance is still one of the benchmarks — especially for HD rigs that need durability over finesse.
Comfort & Noise — Rougher Than Newcomers
The KO2 comfort score sits at 7.0/10, which shows in daily driving. On highways, you’ll hear more hum than Toyo AT3 (8.0) or Falken AT4W (8.3). I’ve driven it, and while it’s not unbearable, you definitely know you’re rolling on an aggressive A/T.
Plenty of owners call it “loud but livable.” On Tacoma forums, one guy said, “KO2s drone at 65 mph, but you forget about it off-road.” That nails it. For SUVs and family haulers, there are quieter choices. For trucks doing work, the noise is a trade-off most accept.
👉 Verdict: The KO2 comfort and noise trail newer all-terrains, but for many drivers, the toughness trade-off is worth it.
Tread Life & Longevity — Built Tough, Wears Even
From what I’ve seen, the KO2 longevity is a strong point. Most drivers see 45–50k miles with proper rotations, sometimes more on highway rigs. The compound resists chips and chunks far better than softer designs.
On ¾-ton and 1-ton trucks, the KO2 is one of the best wear-match options. Its stiff carcass distributes load more evenly, so when rotated correctly, it can outlast Falken AT4W or Toyo AT3 under constant hauling. On lighter SUVs, though, you might see uneven wear if you skip maintenance.
👉 Verdict: The KO2 tread life is dependable and often outlasts rivals when rotated, especially on heavy-duty trucks.
Where It Fits Best (Vehicles & Regions)
The KO2 is a tire built for work and durability. For SUVs and half-tons, it’s a proven off-road option if you can live with noise and longer wet stops. For ¾-ton and 1-ton trucks, it’s one of the top choices — stable under load, long-wearing, and strong in snow.
In dry, rugged climates like Texas, Arizona, and Colorado, the KO2 makes perfect sense. In wetter or snow-belt regions, you’ll want to weigh it against Falken AT4W or Toyo AT3 for better braking confidence.
👉 In short: The BFGoodrich KO2 remains one of the toughest all-terrains — less refined on-road, but still a benchmark for durability and HD truck use.
Conclusion
The BFGoodrich KO2 isn’t built to impress with sharp cornering or short wet stops — it’s built to work. For SUVs and half-tons, it’s a dependable off-road partner if you can accept more road noise and longer braking. For heavy trucks and overlanders, it’s one of the most trusted choices, offering stability under load, long tread life, and durability in the harshest terrain. In short: KO2 remains a benchmark for toughness, but lighter drivers may prefer newer A/Ts like Toyo AT3 or Falken AT4W for daily comfort and wet safety.
BF Goodrich KO2 Related Articles
Frequently Asked Questions about the BFGoodrich KO2
How does the KO2 perform on dry roads?
It stops in about 142 feet with 0.71 g grip. Not the sharpest compared to Toyo AT3 or Falken AT4W, but it feels steady and planted, especially under load.Is the KO2 safe in the rain?
It needs more distance (~195 ft, 0.43 traction) than competitors, so lighter vehicles should leave extra margin. On HD trucks, it tracks truer under tow.How does the KO2 handle snow and ice?
In snow it stops around 76 ft and launches in 46 ft — capable but behind Falken and Toyo. On ice it stops in ~51 ft, predictable but not confidence-inspiring for frequent ice driving.Is the KO2 good off-road?
Yes — it’s one of the benchmarks. Scores: 9.3 dirt, 9.0 sand, 9.3 mud, 9.5 rock. Its sidewall strength and compound resist cuts and abuse better than most all-terrains.How comfortable and quiet is the KO2?
Louder and firmer than newer A/Ts, with a comfort score of 7.0/10. Many drivers call it “loud but livable.”How long does the KO2 last?
Typically 45–50k miles, sometimes more on highway rigs. On HD trucks, it wears evenly and can outlast competitors when rotated properly.
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/
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- 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:
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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/
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