General Grabber ATX and BF Goodrich KO2 are versatile all-terrain tires suitable for various vehicles like pickup trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. The ongoing debate about which one is superior is a testament to their popularity. However, it’s important to note that tire performance can vary depending on the size. In this technical comparison, we’ll explore the most popular sizes: ’35×12.R20, 285/70R17, 275/60R20, 265/70R17,’ and consider both LT and P-metric sizes to provide a comprehensive analysis. Let’s dive in!
At a Glance
BF Goodrich KO2 | General Grabber AT/X | |
---|---|---|
Better for | Dry regions, Muddy surfaces, Daily driving | Squishy and snowy regions, Heavy-duty applications, rocky surfaces |
Pros | Riding comfort | Wet performance |
Cons | Just slightly noisy | It’s a bit stiff tire overall |
Available on | DiscountTire: Check Price TireRack: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price | DiscountTire: Check Price TireRack: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price |
Leveraging my experience as a former Bridgestone engineer, it’s evident that the General Grabber ATX takes the spotlight with its aggressive appearance and slightly more durable sidewalls. This makes it the superior choice for tackling rocky conditions and excelling in hauling and towing applications. Moreover, its wet performance is more predictable than the BF Goodrich KO2, thanks to better hydroplaning resistance. On the other hand, the BF Goodrich KO2 stands out for its daily driving capability and superior comfort. However, it’s important to note that both of these rugged tires can generate some noise due to their aggressive tread designs. The silver lining here is that these very designs also make them some of the best all-terrain tires for conquering winter conditions.
Table of Contents
All Terrain Tire Market Overview
Before delving into the tire reviews, I’d like to share a couple of data tables I’ve prepared for popular tire sizes. These tables provide information on weight, tread depth, production country, and tread width (for those seeking a more aggressive appearance).
35×12.5R20
Falken Wildpeak AT3W | Toyo Open Country AT3 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | BF Goodrich KO2 | Sumitomo Encounter AT | General Grabber ATX | Firestone Destination XT | Nitto Recon Grappler AT | Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT | Yokohama Geolander AT G015 | Hankook Dynapro AT2 Extreme | Hankook Dynapro AT2 Extreme | Kumho Road Venture AT52 | Cooper Discoverer Rugged Treak | Nitto Ridge Grappler | Yokohama Geolander X-AT | Yokohama Geolander X-AT | Toyo Open Country R/T Trail | Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT | Mickey Thompson Baja Legend Exp | Kenda Klever RT | |
Category | Off-Road AT Tire | Off-Road AT Tire | Off-Road AT Tire | Off-Road AT Tire | Off-Road AT Tire | Off-Road AT Tire | Off-Road AT Tire | Off-Road AT Tire | On-Road AT Tire | On-Road AT Tire | On-Road AT Tire | On-Road AT Tire | On-Road AT Tire | On-Road AT Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged-Terrain Tire | Rugged-Terrain Tire | Rugged-Terrain Tire |
Load Range | F | F | E | E | E | E | E | F | F | E | F | E | E | F | F | E | F | F | F | F | F |
Weight | 77 lbs | 67 lbs | 67 lbs | 67 lbs | 75 lbs | 70 lbs | 59 lbs | 68 lbs | 67 lbs | 59 lbs | 65 lbs | 73 lbs | 66 lbs | 69 lbs | 68 lbs | 71 lbs | 70 lbs | 69 lbs | 72 lbs | 62 lbs | 68 lbs |
Tread Depth | 19/32″ | 16.9/32″ | 16.9/32″ | 15/32″ | 19/32″ | 16/32″ | 17/32″ | 16.9/32″ | 16.5/32″ | 16/32″ | 15.5/32″ | 14.5/32″ | 16/32″ | 18.5/32″ | 18.3/32″ | 19/32″ | – | 16.9 | 18.5/32″ | Add New | 18.8/32” |
Tread Width | 10.9″ | 10.5″ | 10.3″ | 11.1″ | 11″ | 10.6″ | 10.8″ | 10.5″ | 10.8″ | 9.8″ | – | 10.1″ | 10.2″ | 11″ | 10.2″ | 10″ | – | – | 10.3″ | 10.2 | 10” |
Made In | Thailand | United States | United States | United States | Thailand | United States | Canada | United States | United States | Phillippines | Korea | Korea | Vietnam | United States | United States | Japan | Japan | United States | United States | United States | Taiwan |
Price |
285/70R17
Toyo Open Country AT3 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | Falken Wildpeak AT3W | Falken Wildpeak AT3W | Falken Wildpeak AT3W | BF Goodrich KO2 | BF Goodrich KO2 | BF Goodrich KO3 | General Grabber ATX | Nitto Recon Grappler AT | Nitto Recon Grappler AT | Kenda Klever AT2 | Sumitomo Encounter AT | Sumitomo Encounter AT | Firestone Destination XT | Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac | Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac | Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx | Firestone Destination AT2 | Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus | Nitto Nomad Grappler | Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S | Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT | BF Goodrich Trail Terrain T/A | General Grabber APT | Yokohama Geolander AT G015 | Yokohama Geolander AT G015 | Hankook Dynapro AT2 Extreme | Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek | Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek | Nitto Ridge Grappler | Nitto Ridge Grappler | Nitto Ridge Grappler | Toyo Open Country R/T Trail | Toyo Open Country R/T Trail | Kenda Klever R/T | |
Category | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Commercial AT Tire | Commercial AT Tire | Commercial AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire |
Load Range | C | E | SL | C | E | SL | C | E | C | E | E | SL | E | E | SL | E | D | E | E | SL | D | SL | SL | E | SL | SL | E | SL | E | E | SL | C | E | SL | E | C | E |
Weight | 54 lbs | 55 lbs | 47 lbs | 63 lbs | 58 lbs | 50 lbs | 51 lbs | 58 lbs | 56 lbs | 59 lbs | 54 lbs | 48 lbs | 56 lbs | 60 lbs | 52 lbs | 51 lbs | 51 lbs | 60 lbs | 62 lbs | 41 lbs | 55 lbs | 45 lbs | 43 lbs | 55 lbs | 46 lbs | 46 lbs | 54 lbs | 45 lbs | 61 lbs | 57 lbs | 48 lbs | 55 lbs | 55 lbs | 48 lbs | 57 lbs | 56 lbs | 56 lbs |
Tread Depth | 16.5/32″ | 16.5/32″ | 13.6/32″ | 18/32″ | 18/32″ | 13/32″ | 15/32″ | 15/32″ | 15/32″ | 16/32″ | 16/32″ | 13.6/32″ | 14.87/32” | 18/32″ | 13/32″ | 16/32″ | 18″ | 18” | 18.5/32″ | 12/32″ | 15/32″ | 13.4/32″ | 14/32″ | 17/32″ | 12.5/32″ | 14/32″ | 18/32″ | 13/32″ | 15.5/32″ | 18.5/32″ | 16/32″ | 16.4/32″ | 16.4/32″ | 13.5/32″ | 16.5/32″ | 16.5/32″ | 16.3/32” |
Tread Width | 9″ | 9″ | 9″ | 9.6″ | 9.6″ | 9.6″ | 9.3″ | 9.2″ | Add New | 9″ | 9.1″ | 9.2″ | Add New | 9.6″ | 9.6″ | 8.8″ | 9.5″ | 9.2″ | 9.2″ | 9.2″ | 9.3″ | 9.1″ | 9.2″ | 9.2″ | 9.1″ | 9.2″ | 8.9″ | 8.5″ | 8.9″ | 9.4″ | 9.4″ | 8.9″ | 8.9″ | 8.9″ | – | – | Add New |
Made In | United States | United States | Japan | Thailand | China | Thailand | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | Taiwan | Thailand | Thailand | Canada | United States | United States | United States | Costa Rica | Brazil | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | Thailand | Thailand | China | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | Taiwan |
Price |
275/60R20
Toyo Open Country AT3 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | Falken Wildpeak AT3W | Falken Wildpeak AT3W | BF Goodrich KO2 | General Grabber ATX | General Grabber ATX | Sumitomo Encounter AT | Firestone Destination XT | Nitto Recon Grappler AT | Nitto Recon Grappler AT | Kenda Klever AT2 | Kenda Klever AT2 | Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac | Firestone Destination XT | Firestone Destination AT2 | Vredestein Pinza AT | Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S | Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT | BF Goodrich Trail Terrain TA | General Grabber APT | Yokohama Geolander AT G015 | Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme | Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme | Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek | Nitto Ridge Grappler | Nitto Ridge Grappler | Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT | Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT | Toyo Open Country R/T Trail | |
Category | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Commercial AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire |
Load Range | E | SL | D | SL | D | D | XL | SL | E | E | XL | E | XL | SL | Add New | E | SL | SL | E | SL | SL | SL | D | SL | SL | E | XL | E | SL | SL |
Weight | 55 | 42 lbs | 62 lbs | 50 lbs | 55 lbs | 56 lbs | 50 lbs | 49 lbs | 52 lbs | 55 lbs | 46 lbs | 56 lbs | 53 lbs | 46 lbs | 52 lbs | 42 lbs | 44 lbs | 44 lbs | 56 lbs | 47 lbs | 45 lbs | 45 lbs | 57 lbs | 44 lbs | 47 lbs | 58 lbs | 45 lbs | 64 lbs | 48 lbs | 44 lbs |
Tread Depth | 16.4 | 13.5/32″ | 18/32″ | 13/32″ | 15/32″ | 16/32″ | 14/32″ | 12/32″ | 16/32″ | 15.9/32″ | 13.5/32″ | 14.87/32” | 13.35/32” | 16/32″ | 16/32″ | 12/32″ | 12/32″ | 12.5/32″ | 16/32″ | 12.5/32″ | 14/32″ | 12/32″ | 14.5/32″ | 12.5/32″ | 16/32″ | 16.4/32″ | 13.5/32″ | 18.5/32″ | 16/32″ | 13.5 |
Tread Width | – | 13.5/32″ | 9.4″ | 9.6″ | 9″ | 9.4″ | 9.6″ | 9.2″ | 9.6″ | 9.3″ | 9.1″ | – | – | 9″ | 9.6″ | 8.8″ | 8.6″ | 9.1″ | 9.2″ | 9.5″ | 9.4″ | 8.3″ | – | 8.8″ | 9.4″ | 9.2″ | 8.9″ | 9.8″ | 9.3″ | – |
Made In | United States | United States | Thailand | Thailand | United States | United States | United States | Thailand | Canada | United States | United States | Taiwan | Taiwan | United States | Canada | United States | India | United States | United States | United States | United States | Phillippines | Korea | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States |
Price |
265/70R17
Toyo Open Country AT3 | Toyo Open Country AT3 | Falken Wildpeak AT3W | Falken Wildpeak AT3W | Falken Wildpeak AT3W | BF Goodrich KO2 | BF Goodrich KO2 | General Grabber ATX | General Grabber ATX | General Grabber ATX | Sumitomo Encounter AT | Sumitomo Encounter AT | Firestone Destination XT | Nitto Recon Grappler AT | Kenda Klever AT2 | Kenda Klever AT2 | Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac | Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx | Firestone Destination AT2 | Vredestein Pinza AT | Vredestein Pinza AT | Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S | BF Goodrich Trail Terrain TA | General Grabber APT | General Grabber APT | Yokohama Geolander AT G015 | Yokohama Geolander AT G015 | Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT | Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT | Hankook Dynapro AT2 Extreme | Hankook Dynapro AT2 Extreme | Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek | Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek | Nitto Ridge Grappler | Nitto Ridge Grappler | Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT | Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT | Toyo Open Country RT Trail | Toyo Open Country RT Trail | Kenda Klever RT | |
Category | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Commercial AT Tire | Commercial AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | On Road AT Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire | Rugged Terrain Tire |
Load Range | E | SL | E | SL | XL | E | C | E | C | SL | E | SL | E | E | E | SL | E | E | SL | E | SL | SL | SL | C | SL | E | SL | E | C | E | SL | E | XL | E | SL | E | XL | E | C | E |
Weight | 48 lbs | 42 lbs | 51 lbs | 45 lbs | 42 lbs | 53 lbs | 46 lbs | 55 lbs | 47 lbs | 44 lbs | 54 lbs | 46 lbs | 45 lbs | 50 lbs | 47 lbs | 47 lbs | 51 lbs | 55 lbs | 38 lbs | 52 lbs | 40 lbs | 42 lbs | 57 lbs | 42 lbs | 47 lbs | 51 lbs | 41 lbs | 50 lbs | 45 lbs | 48 lbs | 39 lbs | 53 lbs | 45 lbs | 51 lbs | 42 lbs | 57 lbs | 44 lbs | 49 lbs | 49 lbs | 47 lbs |
Tread Depth | 16.3/32″ | 13.4/32″ | 17/32″ | 13/32″ | 13/32″ | 15/32″ | 15/32″ | 16/32″ | 16/32″ | 14/32″ | 17/32″ | 13/32″ | 15/32″ | 15.7/32″ | 14.87/32” | 13.35/32 | 18/32″ | 18.5/32″ | 12/32″ | 16/32″ | 13/32″ | 14/32″ | 12.5/32″ | 12/32″ | 14/32″ | 18/32″ | 13/32″ | 16.5/32″ | 16.5/32″ | 15/32″ | 12.5/32″ | 18.5/32″ | 16/32″ | 16.4/32″ | 13.5/32″ | 18.5/32″ | 16/32″ | 16.3/32” | 16.3/32” | 16.3/32” |
Tread Width | 8.4″ | 8.4″ | 9″ | 9″ | 9″ | 8.7″ | 8.8″ | 8.3″ | 8.4″ | 7.2″ | 8.9″ | 8.9″ | 8.7″ | 8.5″ | – | – | 8.7″ | 8.7″ | 8.3″ | 7.8″ | 8.1″ | 8.6″ | 8.7″ | 8.5″ | 8.6″ | 8.4″ | 8″ | 8.7″ | 8.7″ | 8.4″ | 8.4″ | 8.9″ | 8.8″ | 8.4″ | 8.4″ | 9.2″ | 8.7″ | – | – | Add New |
Made In | United States | Japan | Japan | United States | Japan | United States | Canada | United States | United States | United States | Thailand | Thailand | Canada | United States | Taiwan | Taiwan | United States | United States | United States | India | India | United States | United States | United States | United States | Thailand | Thailand | United States | United States | Indonesia | Indonesia | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | Taiwan |
Price | Discontinued |
Before we start, here are the incredibly helpful articles I highly recommend to take a look at;
- How to keep tire noise down?
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-noise - Are all-terrain tires good for daily driving?
https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-for-daily-driving/ - Are all-terrain tires good in snow?
https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-in-snow/ - Are all-terrain tires good in rain?
https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-in-rain/ - Most aggressive all-terrain tires
https://tireterrain.com/most-aggressive-all-terrain-tires/ - All-Terrain vs Highway vs Mud-Terrain Tires
https://tireterrain.com/highway-tires-vs-all-terrain-vs-mud-terrain/
Specification Comparison for Popular Sizes
BF Goodrich KO2 and General Grabber ATX share many similarities in terms of their overall performance. However, it appears that each tire excels in different size categories.
35×12.5R20
BF Goodrich KO2 | General Grabber ATX |
---|---|
Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire |
E | E |
67 lbs | 70 lbs |
15/32″ | 16/32″ |
11.1″ | 10.6″ |
United States | United States |
Unlike tires such as the Toyo Open Country AT3, both the BF Goodrich KO2 and General Grabber ATX are exclusively available in the E load range. If you’re in need of an F load range tire, I’d recommend checking out the BF Goodrich KO2 vs Toyo Open Country AT3 comparison article.
Returning to our comparison, although the General Grabber ATX is slightly heavier by 3 pounds, it boasts a narrower design, largely due to its deeper tread. This has several implications. Firstly, it makes the General Grabber ATX easier to balance, thanks to its combination of tread pattern and dimensions. Additionally, the deeper tread and narrower pattern contribute to enhanced hydroplaning resistance, resulting in improved performance in wet and mild winter conditions. This also translates to better responsiveness, especially during maneuvers, and increased towing and hauling capacity. On the flip side, the wider pattern of the BF Goodrich KO2 may perform better in winter conditions and off-road situations like mud or gravel.
285/70R17
BF Goodrich KO2 | BF Goodrich KO2 | General Grabber ATX |
---|---|---|
Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire |
E | C | E |
58 lbs | 51 lbs | 59 lbs |
15/32″ | 15/32″ | 16/32″ |
9.2″ | 9.3″ | 9″ |
United States | United States | United States |
When comparing the General Grabber ATX and BF Goodrich KO2 in the E load range, they exhibit highly similar characteristics. However, it’s worth noting that the BF Goodrich KO2 offers a C load range option, which is better suited for daily drivers. The weight difference between the E and C load ranges is 7 pounds. So, if you’re efficiency-oriented, go with BF Goodrich KO2. On the other hand, if you prioritize general traction and don’t mind a rougher ride, the General Grabber ATX is the tire for you in the E-load range.
275/60R20
BF Goodrich KO2 | General Grabber ATX | General Grabber ATX |
---|---|---|
Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire |
D | D | XL |
55 lbs | 56 lbs | 50 lbs |
15/32″ | 16/32″ | 14/32″ |
9″ | 9.4″ | 9.6″ |
United States | United States | United States |
In this tire size, optimizing for daily driving is relatively straightforward, and you have the option of choosing between D load range or P-metric sizes.
However, it’s important to note that BF Goodrich KO2 is not available in P-metric sizes, which gives the General Grabber ATX a slight advantage in terms of riding comfort due to its availability in the XL load range.
When it comes to load-carrying capability, there isn’t a dramatic difference between the D load range and XL load range. Therefore, you shouldn’t expect significant changes in comfort regard.
In the D load range, BF Goodrich KO2 stands out as my favorite among all-terrain tires for daily driving-oriented users. However, if you find yourself off-road more often and prioritize traction over riding comfort, the General Grabber ATX is the tire for you.
265/70R17
BF Goodrich KO2 | BF Goodrich KO2 | General Grabber ATX | General Grabber ATX | General Grabber ATX |
---|---|---|---|---|
Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire | Off Road AT Tire |
C | E | SL | C | E |
46 lbs | 53 lbs | 44 lbs | 47 lbs | 55 lbs |
15/32″ | 15/32″ | 14/32″ | 16/32″ | 16/32″ |
8.8″ | 8.7″ | 7.2″ | 8.4″ | 8.3″ |
Canada | United States | United States | United States | United States |
This particular tire size adds a layer of complexity to the decision-making process. General Grabber ATX is available in the SL load range, which comes with a narrower pattern. This design is advantageous for fuel efficiency but may pose traction challenges in various conditions.
For the C load range, especially if you prioritize daily driving, BF Goodrich KO2 is the better choice. However, if you’re unwilling to compromise on towing or hauling stability and still prefer a C-rated tire, the stronger General Grabber ATX is a better fit. This principle also holds true for the E load range.
Off-Road Performance
Assessing the off-road capabilities of all-terrain tires can seem somewhat arbitrary, as many of these tires are proficient on gravel, dirt, and sand, which covers the basics for most non-enthusiast off-road driving.
When considering off-road performance, two key factors come into play: cut and chipping durability, and mud traction.
In the case of cut and chipping resistance, the General Grabber ATX stands out due to its stiffer, larger, and more shaped lugs compared to the BF Goodrich KO2. These robust lugs offer better durability, making the General Grabber ATX a slightly superior choice for rugged, rocky terrains.
On the other hand, when dealing with mud, lateral traction becomes crucial. This term refers to the tire’s ability to prevent your vehicle from sliding left or right when attempting to move through muddy terrain. Here, the variable pitch design and specific shoulder claw design of the BF Goodrich KO2 shine, offer improved performance.
In summary, the General Grabber ATX excels on rocky surfaces, while the BF Goodrich KO2 is the better choice for loose, muddy ground.
Here’s a little bonus: If you’re on the hunt for the best all-terrain tires tailored to your vehicle or usage, this article is pure gold – check it out at https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires/.
Daily driving with all-terrain tires is an experience worth knowing about. These tires, by nature, come with certain characteristics that drivers should anticipate.
First and foremost, all-terrain tires tend to produce some level of noise due to their design. Secondly, they offer a relatively smooth ride, capable of handling uneven road surfaces with ease. Additionally, these tires are high-profile, allowing them to hold more air, which contributes to a comfortable driving experience.
Comparing the two, both the General Grabber ATX and the BF Goodrich KO2 provide above-average comfort. However, the General Grabber ATX’s 3-3 design, while excellent for traction, tends to generate more vibration. On the other hand, the BF Goodrich KO2’s variable pitch design and shallower tread help dampen vibration more effectively.
In terms of noise, the General Grabber ATX’s stiffness and blocky shoulder blocks make it a noisier option. In contrast, although the variable pitch design of the BF Goodrich KO2 can disrupt airflow within the tread and provide some noise reduction, the high void area ratio makes it impossible to achieve a completely quiet ride.
Overall, the BF Goodrich KO2 offers a slightly smoother and quieter driving experience for daily use.
Wet Performance
When it comes to on-road driving, wet performance takes center stage. You see, off-road compounds often falter when faced with wet terrain. To circumvent this issue, manufacturers make an interesting move – they incorporate additional sipes on the tread surface. The catch here lies in the depth of these sipes, and it can make all the difference (Are all-terrain tires good in rain?).
So, let’s dive into the specifics. The General Grabber ATX boasts full-depth sipes, and this feature is a game-changer when it comes to ensuring wet traction and stability.
Here’s the deal:
- The General Grabber ATX shines when it comes to gripping wet surfaces, providing significantly better traction and biting.
- Moreover, it excels in handling and cornering on wet roads.
Now, it’s not like the BF Goodrich KO2 is a slouch in wet conditions, but the General Grabber ATX is renowned for its wet and winter performance. So, if your journey involves a lot of splashy regions, our recommendation leans toward the General Grabber ATX.
Note: Hydroplaning is vital for a safe ride under the pouring rain. However, it might occur even with the best tire. Maybe you can’t prevent it but if you know what it is and how to deal with it, you can easily stay on the safe side.
Here is an extremely efficient guide about ‘How to Deal with Hydroplaning?‘ –> https://www.discounttire.com/learn/hydroplaning
When it comes to winter performance, all-terrain tires face a pivotal test. It’s one thing to earn the M+S (Mud and Snow) mark, but the coveted 3-peak mountain snowflake symbol is a whole different level of excellence.
In the ring, we have two strong contenders, the General Grabber ATX and the BF Goodrich KO2, both proudly displaying that prized 3-peak mountain snowflake marking. What sets them apart? It’s their remarkable snow evacuation capability. These tires excel at clearing snow from their grooves, ensuring consistent traction on winter roads (Are all-terrain tires good in snow?).
So, here’s the verdict:
- You can confidently choose either of these tires for winter driving.
And if you’re dealing with some seriously harsh winter conditions, don’t hesitate to check out my top pick!
Durability, Wear Life, Fuel Efficiency
Durability plays a pivotal role in evaluating all-terrain tires, and the sidewall structure is a key factor in this aspect. The General Grabber ATX takes the lead here with its beefier sidewalls and stiffer compound, giving it an edge in terms of durability.
This durability factor extends to tread life as well. The General Grabber ATX’s stiffer compound and larger blocks result in a more rigid tire, generating less heat and thereby wearing down at a slower rate.
Efficiency, however, can vary depending on the tire size. In general, the General Grabber ATX tends to be the lighter option. Additionally, the 3-3 pitch design of the General Grabber ATX contributes to its efficiency.
Overall, the General Grabber ATX shines in terms of durability and efficiency, though the differences may not be significant across the board.
Price
The tire market has a dynamic price policy. Hence, in my point of view, sharing tire price is pointless.
Though, I’ve analyzed the top 10 brands of most popular tire brands.
Here are the dealers with a reasonable price range,
DiscountTire
- Biggest dealer in the US. Founded in 1960
- 1000 stores in 35 states. You most probably find one on your parallel street
- Free rotation and balancing
- 5% off for DiscountTire cardholders on online purchase
- Highest rated online tire dealer in Consumer Affairs
- Almost all brands are available
- Delivery takes 2-4 days (30% shorter average waiting time when you book online)
- Frequent discounts and promotions
General Grabber ATX: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/general-grabber-atx
BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/bfgoodrich-all-terrain-t-a-ko2
TireRack
- Fast and Free shipping
- Usually delivered in 1 day
- Joint venture with DiscountTire(their installers and dealers are on your service)
- Tons of installer options, they also help you to choose the best one
- Mobile installers in many areas, your tires will be replaced while you’re working in the office
- Tire test results and comparisons can be found on the most product page
- 4.6/5 points on Google rate
General Grabber ATX: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/general-grabber-a-tx
BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/bfgoodrich-all-terrain-t-a-ko2
SimpleTire
- Free shipping
- Delivered in 2 days
- Verified shops near you(for mount and balance)
- Mobile installation option
- 7 million customers since 2021
- 4.7/5 points on Google rate
- Top-notch customer service, you may even request a price match
General Grabber ATX: https://simpletire.com/brands/general-tires/grabber-a-tx
BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2: https://simpletire.com/brands/bfgoodrich-tires/all-terrain-t-a-ko2
While choosing dealers, I especially pay attention to reliability. All of the dealers on this list have 15-20 years of experience in the online tire business. Therefore, I can guarantee a smooth and fast tire buying process.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, the General Grabber ATX and the BF Goodrich KO2 are both standout tires that can serve you well. They’ve been thoroughly examined from every angle, and here’s what we’ve found.
BF Goodrich KO2 | General Grabber AT/X | |
---|---|---|
Better for | Dry regions, Muddy surfaces, Daily driving | Squishy and snowy regions, Heavy-duty applications, rocky surfaces |
Pros | Riding comfort | Wet performance |
Cons | Just slightly noisy | It’s a bit stiff tire overall |
Available on | DiscountTire: Check Price TireRack: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price | DiscountTire: Check Price TireRack: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price |
Take-Home Points,
- LT sizes have stronger sidewalls. That feature makes them more durable. Yet, these tires offer a rougher ride. (LT vs P-Metric tires)
- XL sizes tend to carry more load and offer better handling. Hence, if you’ll go with p-metric sizes, they might be a better pick for hauling and towing( XL vs SL tires)
- Please pay attention to the load range and speed index. These metrics are essential if you expect decent tread life
- There isn’t a bad tire in the market right now, you should just know what to expect from tires
A side note here: If you’d like to get local advice and find the best fit for your driving habits, location, and road conditions DiscountTire – Treadwell Tire Guide can give you masterpiece recommendations.
So, there you have it! We hope you’ve enjoyed this article and found it helpful. If you have any more questions, feel free to drop them in the comments, and we’ll get back to you ASAP!
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