Nitto Terra Grappler G2 and BF Goodrich KO2 are both all-terrain tires that are designed with different intentions. BFG KO2 is known for with high off-road capability. It’s heroic. On the other hand, Nitto Terra Grappler G2 has highly satisfying on-road manners. But, how does it stand against BFG KO2? I’ve reviewed tons of user comments and merged them with my previous experience. At the end of this article, you’ll definitely know which one is your tire. Let’s execute it!
At a Glance
| Nitto Terra Grappler G2 | BF Goodrich KO2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Better for | Highway driving, smooth and quiet ride, aggressive appearances | Off-road enthusiasts, work trucks, adventurers |
| Pros | Quiet ride, long-lasting rubber, satisfying wet and winter grip | Better off-road traction, decent tread life 3/4 ton or above trucks |
| Cons | Limited off-road performance | Wet and winter traction is questionable, doesn’t last long as its competitors, a bit noisy |
| Available on | DiscountTire: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price | DiscountTire: Check Price TireRack: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price |
As a former Bridgestone engineer, from my standpoint, BF Goodrich KO2 is iconic due to its off-road capability. This tire’s more durable and better on wet and snow (3PMFS). However, pavements and flat highways are part of Nitto Terra Grappler G2’s kingdom. Nitto Terra Grappler G2 offers quieter and a smoother ride. It also offers a slightly better tread life.
All-Terrain Tires Cheat Sheet
Finding the most suitable one for you among thousands of tires is very difficult.
My team & I have analyzed 100 different tires and generated this ‘Quick Answer Sheet‘ for those who don’t wanna spend too much time during tire selection.
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 - How to Air Down Tires?
https://www.discounttire.com/blog/airing-tires-down - What to Expect from 3PMSF Tires?
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/mountain-snowflake-symbol
Below the table, you can find my favorite tires that I have classified according to your needs.
If you’re in a hurry, here are the tires worth every penny;
- Toyo Open Country AT3 – Best All-Round & Longevity
- Falken Wildpeak AT3W – Best All-Round & Squishy Regions
- BF Goodrich KO2 – Best All-Round & Off-Road Adventure
- Falken Wildpeak AT Trail – Best All-Round for CUV/SUV & Severe Off-Road
- Nitto Recon Grappler – Best All-Round for CUV/SUV & Smooth and Quiet Ride
- General Grabber ATX – Best All-Round for 3/4-ton or above trucks
- Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac – Best On/Off Road tire for 3/4-ton or above trucks
- Cooper Discoverer 4S XLT – Best Commercial All-Terrain Tire & Hauling and Towing
If you’re looking for something at a bargain price;
- Vredestein Pinza AT – Best All-Round for CUV/SUV & Smooth and Quiet Ride
- Kenda Klever A/T2 – Best All-Round for Medium & Light Duty Usage
- Kenda Klever R/T – Best All-Round for Heavy-Duty Usage
Depending on your needs, also the below articles might help;
- https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-3-4-ton-truck-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-mud-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-rt-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-tires-for-snow-plowing/
I highly recommend checking the below pages out before making any purchase:
- DiscountTire Deals:
https://www.discounttire.com/promotions - TireRack Deals:
https://www.tirerack.com/specialoffers - SimpleTire Deals:
https://simpletire.com/tire-deals
Table of Contents
All-Terrain Tires
All-Terrain tires are built to perform perfectly on different kinds of applications and, they also should look aggressive and tough. As a note, aggressive looks mostly offer better off-road driving. However, highway driving performance is a separator between good and best all-terrain tires.
- A side note here: If you’d like to see the best all-terrain tires by vehicle or usage, this article is GOOOOLD –> https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires/
Nitto Terra Grappler G2 - Overview
As you know, Nitto is the brother brand of Toyo. So, we check over the line-up of products of the manufacturer. These guys have a really good compound team. Their products are leading in their segment due to tread life.
Even wear (tire wear patterns) and long tread life is a key for them. Nitto Terra Grappler G2 also holds these features. In addition, it’s also very quiet and smooth on highway driving. Variable pitch tread blocks ensure driving comfort and reduce the noise level. Furthermore, full-depth sipes enhance wet performance and increase aqua planning resistance.
Nitto has different kinds of all-terrain tires in their line-up. Here is a guide for you –>https://tireterrain.com/nitto-terra-vs-ridge-vs-trail-grappler/
BF Goodrich KO2 - Overview
BFG KO2 (review) won their first Baja Race back in 1972. Since then, They are killing it ever since. I call it the father of all-terrain tires. Outstanding off-road performance is second to none.
Serrated shoulder design has access to increase mud, snow, and rock traction, especially in low-inflation usage.
They have all these interlocking blocks on the center and also shoulders. That gives you a variational road bite on sand, mud, rocks, etc. These tires are doing a good job of being able to use a lot of that tread for traction.
Quite a bit of sipe running all through to pattern. Furthermore, these sipes are going way down to the deep. That will give you an extra wet and snow ability.
What looks like larger sipes on the shoulder gives you a better water release and that will increase wet, mud, and snow extraction cogently.
Tread life and noise level are weak points of this tire. Highway performance may not be satisfied you due to comfort and dismal science.
General Features
In this section, I’ll talk about the numbers. I mean sizes, weight, and warranty miles.
Let’s begin with sizes. Both products are available at 17’’, 18’’, 20’’, and 22’’ inches. Yet, Nitto offers 24’’ or the ones who are in love with huge staffs. BFG expand its line-up with a 15’’ size.
Regarding weight, Nitto Terra Grappler G2 is heavier than BFG KO2 and that gives it a disadvantage in fuel-efficient.
In a warranty case, Nitto Terra Grappler G2 provides two different warranty mileage. On the other hand, BF Goodrich KO2 doesn’t have alterations regarding warranty mileage.
Nitto Terra Grappler G2 For LT and flotation sizes –> 50,000 miles
Nitto Terra Grappler G2 For P metric sizes –> 60,000 miles
BF Goodrich KO2 –> 50,000 Miles
Most tire sizes begin with modifier letters(P, LT, etc.) that identify the type of vehicle or type of service for which they were designed. Here is a perfect guide for reading tire size –> https://tireterrain.com/how-to-read-tire-size/
Highway Performance
All-Terrain tires are built with different intentions. While manufacturers mostly focus on off-road driving, highway performance stays behind (Not for this one).
Nitto Terra Grappler G2 breaks this adverse outcome. It’s designed to give you solid performance on the highway. Yet, this feature brings along some sacrifices with itself. It’s a less aggressive look in that case.
BFG KO2 is old school tire. It’s the first all-terrain tire. It’s built to perform off-road driving. Well, I’m not saying they are bad highway driving tires. But, I can confidently say that highway driving is not their expertise.
Most tire sizes begin with modifier letters(P, LT, etc.) that identify the type of vehicle or type of service for which they were designed. Here is a perfect guide for reading tire size –> https://tireterrain.com/how-to-read-tire-size/
Noise Performance
Sound is an issue for all-terrain tires. BFG KO2 is a bit more vocal than Nitto Terra Grappler G2. But, relax it’s not at an annoying level. Though it’s worth mentioning that after a 50% worn-out level it might become a yapper.
- Nitto Terra Grappler G2 will give you better continuity due to the noise level.
- Nitto Terra Grappler G2 has a better noise level than BFG KO2
A side note here: Even though some tires tend to make noise because of their tread patterns, it’s still possible to keep your tire noise down.
I’m leaving a perfect explanation below from DiscountTire for those who need it;
How to Keep Tire Noise Down? –>
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-noise
Riding Comfort
Riding comfort can be challenging for all-terrain tires. These are block tread pattern tires. You better do not expect that much from both. But if the average is okay, you can go either way.
- Nitto Terra Grappler G2 can provide you with slightly more smooth on-road driving.
Nitto Terra Grappler G2 and BFG KO2 are very confident driving tires. Both can handle dry ground aggressive driving very well. Also, they have a quick steering response due to their strong carcasses. Various tread pattern designs increase biting capacity a lot. So, they have superior handling.
Wet Performance
Nitto Terra Grappler G2 and BFG KO2 are both trustable on wet ground usage. Full-depth sipes and open shoulder designs provide great grip and intense water evacuation capability.
- Nitto Terra Grappler G2 has a slightly better stopping distance on wet.
- Nitto Terra Grappler G2 has a slightly better grip on wet.
Nitto Terra Grappler G2 is a better on-road tire all across the board. Still, BFG KO2 will not disappoint you either.
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
Off-Road Performance
We are going to evaluate this section in different segments. Mud, rock, and, sand will be our different focus points. Let’s evaluate them separately.
Before starting to read this section, check this article out to what to expect from mud, rugged or all-terrain tires –> https://tireterrain.com/off-road-tire-tread-patterns/
Mud Performance
Mud performance (best ones) is an enemy for all-terrain tires. The best performance of all-terrain tires on mud is okay because of narrow spacing.
Manufacturers have to enhance spacing due to increased traction performance. Narrowing the spacing between the thread give you a quiet ride, generally offers you a better stopping distance. When mud gets into these narrow voids it stays there and it does not clear very well.
- Nitto Terra Grappler G2 has slightly better mud evacuation than BFG KO2
- Nitto Terra Grappler G2 has slightly better mud traction than BFG KO2
If you are living in wet 6 to 10 months out a year, you will face mud a lot. So, you better pay attention to this section. On average conditions, both tires can help you faithfully.
Sand Performance
Sand driving can be tricky sometimes. The key point is find to the right inflation pressure. We mostly recommend starting with 18 psi and making it lower if it’s needed.
- BFG KO2 has better sand performance than Nitto Terra Grappler G2
BFG KO2 is taking the lead in this section. Deep sipes on the shoulder increase evacuation and help traction on the soft ground significantly.
Rock & Gravel Performance
Rock driving was not a big deal to builders when we were working for a manufacturer. No matter what you have, increase biting ability, rock performance will increase simultaneously.
- BFG KO2 has significantly better than Nitto Terra Grappler G2 on rock driving
- Nitto Terra Grappler G2 has slightly better than BFG KO2 on gravel performance
Our Baja champion takes the huge lead in this section. BFG KO2 performs very well on rock and also on gravel. Yet, you can go with Nitto Terra Grappler G2 either if you only face with gravel.
Winter Performance
Winter performance is hard to evaluate for all-terrain usage. Depending on snow height and stiffness, tire performance can change dramatically. We are going to consider them in three points. Slight snow, deep snow, and ice.
- BFG KO2 has better performance on slight snow. You can consider it as wet ground.
- BFG KO2 has significantly better performance than Nitto Terra Grappler G2 on deep snow
- BFG KO2 and Nitto Terra Grappler G2 have equal ice performance. They both have bad traction.
BF Goodrich KO2 has 3PMSF, that feature makes it a superior pick due to winter performance.
Specs
| Nitto Terra Grappler G2 | BF Goodrich KO2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | All-Terrain Tire | All-Terrain Tire |
| Vehicle | Light Truck, SUV | Light Truck, SUV |
| Available Sizes (Rim) | 17’’, 18’’, 20’’, 22’’, 24’’ | 15’’, 16’’, 17’’, 18’’, 20’’, 22’’ |
| Made In | White, GA, USA | Opelika, AL, USA |
| Weight | 30-81 lbs | 34-78 lbs |
| Severe Snow Rated (3PMSF) | No | Yes |
| Warranty (P-metric) | 65,000 Miles | 50,000 Miles |
| Warranty (LT Sizes) | 50,000 Miles | 50,000 Miles |
| Prices | Check price section to see best possible prices | Check price section to see best possible prices |
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
BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/bfgoodrich-all-terrain-t-a-ko2
Nitto Terra Grappler G2: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/nitto-terra-grappler-g2
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
BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/bfgoodrich-all-terrain-t-a-ko2
Nitto Terra Grappler G2: Not available
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
BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2: https://simpletire.com/brands/bfgoodrich-tires/all-terrain-t-a-ko2
Nitto Terra Grappler G2: https://simpletire.com/brands/nitto-tires/terra-grappler-g2
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
Nitto Terra Grappler G2 and BFG KO2 are top-rated tires among the competitors. Both have at least decent performance in any operation. You can go either way while taking the below comments into consideration.
| Nitto Terra Grappler G2 | BF Goodrich KO2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Better for | Highway driving, smooth and quiet ride, aggressive appearances | Off-road enthusiasts, work trucks, adventurers |
| Pros | Quiet ride, long-lasting rubber, satisfying wet and winter grip | Better off-road traction, decent tread life 3/4 ton or above trucks |
| Cons | Limited off-road performance | Wet and winter traction is questionable, doesn’t last long as its competitors, a bit noisy |
| Available on | DiscountTire: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price | DiscountTire: Check Price TireRack: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: 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.
BF Goodrich KO2 is a better off-road tire. It is capable to perform in severe winter conditions. It offers a slightly superior wet grip. Nitto Terra Grappler G2 is a decent pick for inner-city lovers and comfort addicts. It can also handle mild off-road very well.
I hope this article was helpful for you guys. If you have any further questions, please write them below. We will answer ASAP!
Guide Me Bruh!
This section contains my research and top picks. Depending on your need, you may choose a category and easily find the best fit for yourself. Remember, nobody knows your driving conditions and requirements better than yourself. You’re in the charge out here.
Start Here:
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