Real test data, off-road insights, and daily-driving impact — from a former Bridgestone engineer.
The BFGoodrich KO2 and the newly released KO3 are two of the most talked-about Off-Road A/T tires in 2025 — and for good reason. Many retailers still stock both, but few explain what’s actually changed. The KO2 built its reputation on bulletproof sidewalls, aired-down control, and a snow-certified 3PMSF rating that made it a favorite on Wranglers, Tacomas, and ½-ton pickups. The KO3, by contrast, updates that formula with improved wet grip, refined highway manners, and a tread design clearly aimed at rivals like Toyo AT3 and Falken AT4W. From my own testing and benchmark data, the differences are real — but so are the trade-offs.
That’s the decision buyers face — stick with KO2’s proven toughness or move to KO3’s updated balance. In the sections ahead, we’ll break down dry, wet, snow, and off-road performance. You can also line them up in our All-Terrain Tire Decision Tool for quick recommendations by SUV, CUV, or truck class.
Quick Look
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3
The BFGoodrich KO3 refines the KO2 formula with shorter wet stops (184 ft vs 195 ft), more confident ice grip (46.2 ft vs 51 ft), and sharper dry steering (140 ft vs 142 ft, 0.72 g vs 0.71 g). It also rides quieter (7.5/10 vs 7.0), wears more evenly, and keeps the KO2’s off-road dominance (9.5 dirt / 9.5 sand / 9.2 mud / 9.5 rock). The KO2, meanwhile, remains the proven workhorse — brutally tough, with legendary durability past 50k miles, and still stronger in deep mud. It runs louder and needs more margin in rain and snow, but continues to set the benchmark for off-road reliability under heavy rigs.
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Raw Test Data
Dry Performance — KO3 Feels a Touch Tighter, KO2 Still Sturdy
From the dataset, the KO2 stops in 142 feet with 0.71 g cornering, while the KO3 posts 140 feet and 0.72 g. On the road, that’s a small but noticeable difference — the KO3 feels a touch quicker to bite and steadier mid-corner, while the KO2 holds firm but takes a fraction longer to settle. In my short drive, KO3 tracked more confidently during lane changes, KO2 felt solid but slightly heavier in response.
Owners echo this. KO2 is praised as “rock solid” on forums, while KO3 is described as “more planted, less vague on steering.” The updated tread design and compound in KO3 seem to pay off in sharper turn-in without losing stability.
SUVs & crossovers: KO3 better for sharper steering, KO2 fine but heavier
½-tons: KO3 gives more predictable cornering, KO2 solid for load stability
¾-ton & HD trucks: KO2 steadies under big rigs; KO3 sharper without losing toughness
👉 Verdict: KO3 edges KO2 in dry grip and cornering precision, though both stay true to the “stable not sporty” A/T mold.
Wet Performance — KO3 Shortens the Gap, KO2 Trails Behind
Rain is where the upgrade shows. The KO2 needed 195 feet with 0.43 g traction, while the KO3 improved to 184 feet with 0.46 g. That’s nearly a car length less in braking and a bump in grip. Driving them back-to-back, KO3 gave me more confidence in sudden stops on slick asphalt; KO2 demanded early braking and smoother throttle.
Forum drivers say KO2 is “manageable if you give it room,” while KO3 “feels more secure in storms.” The difference comes from KO3’s updated rubber compound and siping pattern that generate better adhesion without giving up KO2’s durability.
SUVs & crossovers: KO3 much safer in wet commutes
½-tons: KO3 cuts distance, KO2 workable with caution
¾-ton & HD trucks: KO3 steadier under load, KO2 stretches stops but stays straight
👉 Verdict: KO3 is the clear wet-weather upgrade. KO2 is fine with margin, but KO3 delivers real stopping gains.
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, KO3 More Confident
Dataset shows KO2 stopping at 76 feet with a 46-foot snow launch, while the KO3 comes in at 72.3 feet and 46.4 feet. Both are 3PMSF-rated, but KO3 feels more composed on plowed or packed roads, while KO2 leans on brute traction in loose snow. In my drive, KO3 braked sooner and felt steadier under light throttle on plowed routes; KO2 clawed better in deeper drifts but felt less polished on hardpack.
Owners reflect the same. KO2 fans call it a “snow tank,” while KO3 users highlight “confidence and shorter stops.” The extra siping in KO3 helps it grab more consistently on polished surfaces.
SUVs & crossovers: KO3 safer in everyday snow; KO2 fine for occasional storms
½-tons: KO3 calmer in slush and packed snow; KO2 stronger in loose piles
¾-ton & HD trucks: both steady, but KO3 adds margin when braking
👉 Verdict: KO3 improves on KO2’s snow game — shorter stops and more grip where it matters most.
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 — KO3 Improves, KO2 Slides Longer
On icy patches, the KO2 measures 51 feet to stop, while the KO3 comes in shorter at 46.2 feet. That’s a meaningful gain, especially for surprise ice. In my drive, KO3 grabbed earlier, like having subtle cleats, while KO2 slid further before catching.
Community notes are consistent: KO3 “more sure-footed on black ice,” KO2 “predictable but long.” Both demand care, but KO3 buys you earlier control.
SUVs & crossovers: KO3 gives better safety margin
½-tons: KO3 steadier, KO2 acceptable with smooth driving
¾-ton & HD trucks: KO3 benefits from weight; KO2 predictable but longer stops
👉 Verdict: KO3 is the safer ice tire, trimming the KO2’s long slide into something more manageable.
Off-Road — KO2 Still a Tank, KO3 Adds Finesse
Here’s where both tires earn their stripes. The dataset has KO2 at 9.3 dirt / 9.0 sand / 9.3 mud / 9.5 rock, while the KO3 posts 9.5 / 9.5 / 9.2 / 9.5. KO2 feels like a bulldozer — brutally tough, no-nonsense. KO3 keeps that grit but adds traction refinement in sand and dirt, where it feels more composed.
Trail drivers call KO2 “the benchmark” for toughness, while KO3 users already highlight “better sand traction and equal rock bite.” My off-road runs showed KO3 floated better in soft dirt, while KO2 powered harder in deep mud.
SUVs & crossovers: both overkill unless trails are frequent
½-tons: KO3 feels more versatile; KO2 still unbeatable in mud
¾-ton & HD trucks: both excellent — KO2 sheer durability, KO3 extra sand/dirt grip
👉 Verdict: KO2 is still the off-road workhorse; KO3 fine-tunes traction while keeping toughness intact.
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 — KO3 Calmer, KO2 More Old-School
Dataset shows KO2 comfort at 7.0/10, while the KO3 scores 7.5/10. On the highway, KO2 drones more — not unbearable, but always present. KO3, at least early on, feels quieter and calmer, like the hum is softened. In my test, KO3 gave a firmer but more refined ride, while KO2 transmitted more vibration.
Drivers mirror this. KO2 owners admit “gets loud with wear,” while KO3 users say “surprisingly quieter.” That’s the design tweak — KO3’s tread pitch and carcass refinement reduce resonance.
SUVs & crossovers: KO3 noticeably calmer
½-tons: KO3 easier for mixed use; KO2 noisier but tolerable
¾-ton & HD trucks: KO2 noise blends with diesel clatter; KO3 still an upgrade
👉 Verdict: KO3 smooths the KO2’s rough edges — less noise, more refinement.
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 — Both Tough, KO3 Holds Promise
Owners regularly see 40–50k miles from KO2, while KO3 is too new for long-term reports but built to match or exceed that. The harder compound and deep tread lugs remain; KO3 just adds better wear patterns thanks to its updated design.
Community reports say KO2 is “bulletproof but noisy late in life.” KO3 owners so far praise even wear and quieter aging. From my look at early sets, KO3 seems less prone to shoulder cupping.
SUVs & crossovers: KO3 ages better, KO2 stays durable but noisy
½-tons: KO2 proven, KO3 promising
¾-ton & HD trucks: both hold up under heavy load
👉 Verdict: KO2’s legacy is long life; KO3 looks to extend that with quieter wear.
Where They Fit Best
The KO2 is still a legend, but the KO3 polishes its weak spots — better wet, winter, and ice grip, with less road noise. Both remain off-road tanks, but KO3 adds refinement for daily drivers.
SUVs & crossovers: KO3 is the smarter pick — quieter, better in rain and snow
½-tons: KO2 works if you want a proven tank; KO3 for mixed comfort and grip
¾-ton & HD trucks: KO2’s sheer durability is timeless; KO3 improves daily usability without losing toughness
👉 Regional fit:
KO2: perfect for Southwest deserts and mud-heavy states where durability matters most.
KO3: shines in the snow belt, Pacific Northwest, and Mountain West, where wet, winter, and ice performance are crucial.
👉 Bottom line: KO2 is the classic workhorse, KO3 the modern refinement. If you want proven brute toughness, stick with KO2. If you want that toughness with sharper wet/winter manners, go KO3.
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.
🧠 Final Verdict: KO3 vs KO2 in 2025
If you want a modernized all-terrain with better wet/winter manners and quieter road life, the KO3 is the clear upgrade — especially for SUVs, crossovers, and ½-ton trucks in the snow belt, Pacific Northwest, and mixed-weather states.
If your truck lives on job sites, rural gravel, or Southwest deserts and you value proven durability over polish, the KO2 still delivers. It’s louder and less refined, but it’s the off-road tank that built BFG’s reputation.
👉 Bottom line: KO3 trims KO2’s weak spots in wet, ice, and noise, making it the better daily-driver A/T. KO2 is still the safer pick if you want a battle-tested tire for abuse and rugged off-road work.
Frequently Asked Questions: BFGoodrich KO3 vs KO2
Which tire handles dry roads better?
The KO3. It stops shorter (140 ft vs 142 ft) and corners a touch sharper (0.72 g vs 0.71 g), giving it more precise steering.Which tire is safer in rain?
The KO3. It brakes shorter at 184 ft with 0.46 g traction, compared to KO2’s longer 195 ft and 0.43 g.How do they perform in snow?
Both are 3PMSF-rated. The KO3 stops shorter (72.3 ft vs 76 ft) and feels steadier on plowed roads, while the KO2 claws harder in loose drifts.Which tire grips better on ice?
The KO3. It stops in 46.2 ft vs KO2’s 51 ft, giving earlier bite on slick surfaces.Which is stronger off-road?
Both excel. The KO2 is still the mud king (9.3 mud), while the KO3 refines dirt and sand grip (9.5 each) without losing toughness.Which tire is quieter and more comfortable?
The KO3. It scores 7.5/10 for comfort, while the KO2 sits at 7.0/10 and grows louder with wear.Which lasts longer?
The KO2 is proven past 50k miles with rotations. The KO3 is newer but shows more even wear and promises similar or better life.Which fits heavy-duty trucks better?
The KO2 remains the benchmark for ¾-ton and HD rigs in mud, gravel, and desert abuse. The KO3 fits daily-driven HDs that need wet/winter polish too.
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/
Great information!
Thank you for the great comparison.
Hey Bill,
Thanks for the kind words! Really appreciate it.
Feel free to reach out anytime if you need help with anything else – happy to help!