Real-world test data, driver impressions, and technical breakdowns — from a former Bridgestone test engineer.
The BFGoodrich KO2 has been the benchmark Off-Road A/T tire for nearly a decade, known for its 3-ply sidewalls, snow-rated 3PMSF traction, and proven off-road durability that made it the go-to choice for Wranglers, Tacomas, and full-size pickups. But in 2025, fresh competition has arrived. The Falken Wildpeak AT4W, successor to the AT3W, keeps Falken’s winter capability while adding sharper wet and dry grip plus smoother highway comfort. For many drivers, it’s emerging as the sweet-spot option — balanced performance without giving up trail credibility. If you’re weighing upgrades, also see my BFGoodrich KO3 vs KO2.
That’s the decision buyers face — stick with KO2’s legendary toughness or move to Falken’s modern refinement. In the sections ahead, I’ll compare them across dry, wet, snow, and off-road testing. You can also line them up in our All-Terrain Tire Decision Tool for quick recommendations by SUV, CUV, or truck class.
Important Note on the AT3W Legacy:
You may have searched for the discontinued Falken Wildpeak AT3W. While production has ceased, some closeout stock is still available. Before comparing the AT4W and the BF Goodrich KO2, you should understand the upgrade:
Click here for the Full Technical Breakdown: AT4W vs Discontinued AT3W Test Results
Quick Look
Quick LookThe Falken Wildpeak A/T4W drives like a modern all-weather all-terrain, braking harder on dry pavement (131.8 ft vs KO2’s 142 ft) and cornering with more bite (0.72 g), which gives daily drivers sharper steering and a livelier feel. In rain and snow, it outgrips the KO2 with a 171-ft wet stop, 69-ft snow stop, and 45-ft ice stop. It’s also smoother on highways (8.3/10 comfort) and quieter, while staying trail-ready with balanced off-road scores. For SUVs, crossovers, and half-ton trucks in wet or snowy regions, Falken delivers more confidence without giving up trail toughness. The BFGoodrich KO2, meanwhile, stays true to its reputation as the old-school workhorse. On paper, it trails in dry, wet, and snow tests, but it redeems itself with steadiness under weight. Its tougher sidewalls and broad shoulders keep ¾-ton and HD rigs planted, and it still dominates off-road with 9+ scores across dirt, mud, and rock. Noise is more noticeable (7.0/10 comfort), but for heavy-duty towing, hauling, or punishing trails, the KO2’s proven carcass design makes it the tire you trust when abuse is expected.
Falken Wildpeak A/T4W
Tire Decision Tool
For those in a hurry: this tool makes it easy. Just pick your vehicle and what matters most to you, and it’ll instantly suggest the best tire options.
I highly recommend checking the below pages out before making any purchase:
- TireRack Deals:
https://www.tirerack.com/specialoffers - SimpleTire Deals:
https://simpletire.com/tire-deals - Amazon Deals
- https://www.amazon.com/Tires-Discounts-Automotive-Wheels
Raw Test Data
Dry Performance — KO2 steadier under weight, Falken sharper at the wheel
On dry pavement, KO2 stops longer at 142 ft with 0.71 g cornering, while the Wildpeak A/T4W shortens that to 131.8 ft with 0.72 g. Numbers alone say Falken brakes harder and feels livelier, and that shows in real-world driving — sharper steering response, more immediate bite when you change lanes. KO2, meanwhile, is slower to react but steadier once a truck is loaded.
From JLWranglerForums: “I went from KO2s to AT4W, I vote AT4W. To me Falken rides and handles better.” At the same time, on Reddit’s 4Runner board, one driver said: “KO2s look slightly more aggressive, but Wildpeaks are less noisy and steer quicker.”
Engineering take: Falken’s rubber compound and tighter void design put more edge in contact early, explaining its sharper lane-change feel. KO2’s tougher sidewalls and broader shoulders keep heavy rigs planted, trading off nimbleness for load stability.
SUVs & crossovers: Wildpeak feels more energetic.
½-tons: KO2 steadier if towing; Falken gives daily steering fun.
¾-ton & HD: KO2 wins stability, Wildpeak less margin.
👉 Verdict: Falken is the quicker hand, KO2 the steadier hauler.
Wet Performance — KO2 safer in panic stops, Falken more confident mid-corner
In rain, KO2 stops in 195 ft with 0.43 traction, while Falken trims that to 171 ft with 0.58 traction. That’s a noticeable gap: Wildpeak grips more confidently once rolling, but KO2’s compound still helps resist aquaplaning in straight-line emergencies.
On TacomaWorld, one driver summed it up: “An LT Wildpeak does far better on wet pavement than an LT KO2.” On JLWranglerForums, another said: “Wildpeaks ride and handle better … excellent on wet roads.”
Engineering take: Cooper-style on-road A/Ts usually put more rubber down, but in this KO2 vs Falken fight, the Wildpeak’s high silica compound and deep siping explain its shorter wet stops. KO2’s older design, built for off-road toughness, sacrifices some wet bite — but under load, its stiffer carcass keeps things straight when braking hard.
SUVs & crossovers: Falken safer in rain.
½-tons: KO2 reliable if towing; Falken better daily driver grip.
¾-ton & HD: KO2 steadier when weight is on.
👉 Verdict: Falken wins wet grip, KO2 steadier in loaded panic stops.
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 — KO2 reliable on packed, Falken stronger in fresh
On snow, KO2 stops at 76 ft and launches in 46.0 ft, while Falken shortens that to 69.0 ft and 41.5 ft. That means Falken has a clear advantage on plowed and polished winter roads, though KO2’s block depth still helps in deep snow.
A Trail4Runner user wrote: “Tons of traction in deep snow and packed conditions … incredibly predictable.” On the KO2 side, Tacomaworld has dozens of threads showing drivers leaning on KO2 as their “go-to” for northern winters.
Engineering take: Wildpeak’s compound and siping cut into ice film better in light vehicles, explaining its shorter test stops. KO2 still brings brute traction in drifts, but once roads are salted or polished, Falken grips earlier.
SUVs & crossovers: Falken safer on commutes.
½-tons: KO2 fine for casual snow, Falken better daily driver tire.
¾-ton & HD: KO2 steadier when weight is involved.
👉 Verdict: Falken is the winter daily pick; KO2 better for deep drifts with weight.
Drivers line up with this split. A 4Runner owner said their Wildpeaks are “the best snow-capable A/T I’ve run.” KO2 owners on F150Forum highlight, “Still my go-to for winter hunting trips — it digs where others spin.” Our dataset agrees: Falken’s siping density makes it smoother and safer on packed snow, KO2’s open shoulder blocks and deeper voids give it better traction in unplowed drifts.
SUVs & crossovers: Falken steadier for daily commutes.
½-tons: Falken safer in town; KO2 useful for deeper trails.
¾-ton & HD trucks: KO2 claws better when loaded in real snow.
👉 Verdict: Falken shines on packed roads; KO2 still the choice if you face unplowed or backcountry snow.
Note from the Expert: Our discussions often boil down to the core tradeoff. On one hand, you must understand why all-terrain tires are truly effective in deep snow, but not on ice. On the other hand, you face the 3PMSF Paradox—the hidden cost of that badge. The short answer is: The 3PMSF badge certifies traction, but it costs you durability. Dive into our full analysis on the critical 3PMSF rating for severe winter and off-road service, and its hidden costs, before you risk your rig on the trail.
Ice — KO2 steadier grip, Falken more forgiving
KO2 stops at 51 ft on ice, while Falken cuts that to 45 ft. Numbers suggest Falken has the edge, but community feedback often notes KO2 feels calmer under load, while Wildpeak provides more “communication” before sliding.
Engineering take: Falken’s micro-siping and softer rubber grip earlier on light rigs, but KO2’s sidewall strength and thicker blocks keep heavy trucks from drifting long.
SUVs & crossovers: Falken gives more margin.
½-tons: KO2 works, Falken safer in slick stops.
¾-ton & HD: KO2 calmer under weight.
👉 Verdict: Falken edges KO2 in raw numbers, KO2 steadier on loaded rigs.
A Reddit driver with Wildpeaks said, “Black ice mornings never gave me a scare.” KO2 owners tend to say the opposite: “It slides, but you know it’s coming.” That’s the technical difference — Falken’s compound stays pliable at sub-freezing temps, KO2’s durability-biased mix resists cuts but sacrifices micro-grip.
SUVs & crossovers: Falken clearly safer.
½-tons: Falken wins for commutes; KO2 manageable with traction control.
¾-ton & HD trucks: KO2 acceptable but not a true ice tire.
👉 Verdict: Falken is the clear winner on ice, giving earlier bite and shorter stops.
Off-Road — KO2 old-school toughness, Falken modern bite
Dataset shows KO2 off-road scores: 9.3 dirt / 9.0 sand / 9.3 mud / 9.5 rock, while Falken posts 8.5 dirt / 8.2 sand / 8.5 mud / 8.8 rock. KO2 clearly wins on extreme terrain. Falken still shines for trail use, but KO2’s tougher sidewalls and proven carcass carry the edge in punishing rock and ruts.
WranglerTJForum driver: “I’ve run both … I’m a fan of the KO2s … tougher on the trail.” Trail4Runner feedback leans the other way: “Wildpeaks kept slippage to a minimum … planted and stable on rougher dirt roads.”
Engineering take: Falken’s newer tread voids self-clean and grip well in moderate mud, while KO2’s interlocking lugs and multi-ply sidewall make it nearly unflappable off-road.
SUVs & crossovers: Falken friendlier, KO2 overbuilt.
½-tons: KO2 if you trail hard; Falken better for mixed road/trail.
¾-ton & HD: KO2 wins durability hands down.
👉 Verdict: KO2 dominates severe trails, Falken fine for mixed terrain.
Owners know it too. JeepForum calls KO2 “still the gold standard — tough, reliable, never let me down.” A TacomaWorld user with Wildpeaks said, “Perfect balance — takes me to trailheads without killing me on the highway.” The dataset explains both: KO2’s thicker sidewalls and interlocking lugs make it nearly unflappable; Falken’s slightly softer carcass smooths rough roads but flexes more when trails get technical.
SUVs & crossovers: Falken versatile, KO2 overbuilt unless trails are frequent.
½-tons: Falken better balance for mixed road + weekend trails.
¾-ton & HD trucks: KO2 built to shrug off abuse.
👉 Verdict: Falken offers balance, KO2 remains the benchmark for real off-road punishment.
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 — Falken smoother, KO2 more rugged hum
KO2’s comfort score sits at 7.0/10, Falken at 8.3/10. Owners echo that difference: Hooniverse reported Wildpeaks “soak up potholes better than worn KO2s.” On Reddit, a user said: “Wildpeaks are less noisy … KO2s look slightly more aggressive.”
Engineering take: Falken’s compound and tread pitch sequencing reduce resonance, explaining the quieter ride. KO2’s blockier shoulder transmits more growl, especially after miles.
SUVs & crossovers: Falken smoother.
½-tons: KO2 tolerable but louder, Falken calmer.
¾-ton & HD: KO2 noise blends into diesel rumble.
👉 Verdict: Falken the comfort choice; KO2 louder but tougher.
Forum voices back this: “Wildpeaks are whisper quiet for an A/T,” said a Tundra owner. KO2 owners often mention, “Not quiet, but wears evenly and doesn’t get worse.” That’s the pattern: Falken’s variable pitch blocks tame resonance, KO2’s stiffer shoulders transmit more vibration, but its even wear keeps the sound from spiking as miles add up.
SUVs & crossovers: Falken more pleasant day to day.
½-tons: Falken the quieter choice; KO2 firm but livable.
¾-ton & HD trucks: KO2 blends in with truck noise; Falken still smoother.
👉 Verdict: Falken wins comfort; KO2 is firmer but holds wear consistency longer.
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.
Where They Fit Best + Regional Notes
KO2: Best for snow-belt states (Michigan, Minnesota, upstate NY), Rockies, and rural Southwest where sidewall cuts and deep ruts matter. If you tow or haul with ¾-ton and HD trucks, KO2 keeps composure and safety margin.
Wildpeak A/T4W: Ideal for Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes suburbs, and Northeast commuters who see rain and snow but want quieter daily manners. Also a strong choice for SUVs and ½-tons balancing comfort with all-weather grip.
👉 Bottom line: KO2 remains the battle-tested workhorse for weight and abuse. Wildpeak A/T4W is the more modern, daily-friendly all-terrain that doesn’t give up much in capability.
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
For daily drivers in rain and snow-belt regions, the Falken Wildpeak A/T4W is the safer, quieter, and sharper-handling choice. It offers shorter stops on wet, snow, and ice, better highway manners, and enough off-road muscle for casual trail use.
For rural, rocky, and heavy-duty environments, the BFGoodrich KO2 remains the tougher option. Its sidewall durability, higher off-road scores, and planted stability under towing loads make it the go-to for ¾-ton and HD trucks, especially in regions where abuse is the norm.
👉 Bottom line: Wildpeak A/T4W is the modern all-weather performer; KO2 is the battle-tested hauler built for weight and punishment.
Frequently Asked Questions: Falken Wildpeak A/T4W vs BFGoodrich KO2
Which tire stops shorter on dry pavement?
Falken stops in 131.8 ft with 0.72 g cornering, while KO2 takes 142 ft with 0.71 g.How do they compare in wet performance?
Falken halts at 171 ft with stronger traction (0.58), while KO2 stretches to 195 ft but feels steadier under heavy load.Which tire is better in snow and ice?
Falken stops shorter in both snow (69 ft) and ice (45 ft), while KO2 grips well in deep drifts and feels calmer under weight.Which tire is stronger off-road?
KO2 dominates with higher scores (9+ in dirt, mud, rock), while Falken is capable but tuned more for mixed use.Which tire is quieter on the highway?
Falken scores 8.3/10 for comfort and runs quieter, while KO2 sits at 7.0/10 with more road hum.Who should choose the Falken Wildpeak A/T4W?
Drivers in wet or snowy climates, especially with SUVs or ½-ton trucks, who want sharper handling and quieter rides.Who should choose the BFGoodrich KO2?
Owners of ¾-ton or HD trucks, or those in rocky and rugged regions, who prioritize off-road toughness and load stability.
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/
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