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BF Goodrich KO3

Do New All-Terrain Tires Perform Better? A Side-by-Side Comparison

Updated: April 18, 2025 by Emrecan Gurkan Leave a Comment

The all-terrain tire market has seen quite the action in 2024. Leading brands like BF Goodrich and Falken have both rolled out exciting new hero products, raising the stakes in an already competitive space. In this article, I’ll dive into the standout features of these new releases and explore how they stack up against their predecessors. Let’s get started!

  • BF Goodrich KO3 – Durability & Longevity
  • Falken Wildpeak AT4W – Durability & Traction
  • Cooper Discoverer Road + Trail – Highway driving focus + not good at ice
  • Nitto Terra Grappler G3 – Highway driving focus + decent winter performance
  • Yokohama Geolandar AT4 – Greatly balanced tire

Table of Contents

All-Terrain Tire Segmentation

To better grasp the all-terrain tire market, let’s take a brief look at the key segments:

  • On-Road All-Terrain Tires
    Designed for 80% on-road and 20% off-road use. These tires can handle light off-road conditions like gravel and dirt, making them ideal for everyday driving with occasional off-road detours.

  • Off-Road All-Terrain Tires
    Balanced for 50% on-road and 50% off-road usage. These can tackle most terrains, except for deep mud, offering a versatile option for drivers who spend equal time on both paved roads and rugged trails.

  • Rugged All-Terrain Tires
    Offering a 40% on-road and 60% off-road split, these are great if you want an aggressive, off-road look without sacrificing too much
  • Commercial All-Terrain Tires
    Built for heavy-duty use with a 30% on-road and 70% off-road ratio. Known for their superior durability, they’re mostly available in LT (Light Truck) sizes and can withstand tougher conditions, perfect for commercial or industrial applications.

BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3

BF Goodrich began rolling out popular sizes of the highly anticipated All-Terrain T/A KO3 earlier this year, completing the release process in August 2024. As the most popular brand in the U.S., it naturally caught our attention. We decided to put the KO3 to the test and conducted some in-depth research to see how it performs.

Looking at the BF Goodrich All-Terrain KO3 on the left and the KO2 on the other left, you'll notice a subtle difference—specifically, the KO3 has a slightly higher land-to-groove ratio. This means the KO3 features more rubber in contact with the road, which contributes to its improved on-road performance.

As a former Bridgestone engineer, I consider the BF Goodrich KO3 to be one of the top contenders in the all-terrain tire market. However, it’s important to note that this tire is currently only available in LT sizes, which may result in a slightly stiffer ride if you’re switching from P-metric sizes.

That said, the KO3 is a bit narrower compared to the KO2, which enhances its ride quality and reduces road noise—an impressive feat for an off-road-focused tire. Just keep in mind, if you primarily drive on-road, there are better-suited options for your needs.

BF Goodrich KO3 vs. KO2: Key Differences

Side-by-side comparison shot: Fresh BF Goodrich KO3 on the left, showing off its new tread pattern, and the seasoned KO2 on the right, with visible wear, revealing more voids
At first glance, you might not notice a major difference between the BF Goodrich KO3 and KO2. However, when you dive into the specs, a few key distinctions stand out:
  • Weight: The KO3 is a heavier tire.
  • Tread Pattern: The KO3 features a narrower tread pattern, which impacts its handling.
  • On-Road Performance: The KO3 offers better on-road manners, providing a smoother and quieter ride.
  • Off-Road Traction: The KO2 excels in loose-ground traction, making it the superior choice for rugged terrains.
  • Wet Traction: Thanks to improved hydroplaning resistance, the KO3 outperforms the KO2 on wet roads.
  • Winter Performance: In my experience, the KO2 is the better option for winter conditions, offering superior traction in snow and ice.

For a more detailed comparison, check out the full review here.

Falken Wildpeak AT4W

In early 2024, Falken released Wildpeak AT4W. Unlike BF Goodrich, suprisingly, they build a completely new tire. 

New set of Falken Wildpeak AT4W

The Falken Wildpeak AT4W is a robust tire designed for durability, making it an excellent choice, especially for 3/4-ton vehicles and above. Unlike its predecessor, the AT4W is heavier and features more aggressive lugs along with a stiffer rubber compound. This design not only enhances its off-road capabilities but also contributes to its overall strength.

While the AT4W excels in off-road performance, it’s worth noting that this added toughness comes at a cost: it offers a slightly stiffer ride on paved roads. Additionally, its premium construction might stretch your budget a bit. Nevertheless, if you’re seeking a tire that can handle rugged terrains without compromising durability, the Falken Wildpeak AT3W is a strong contender.

Falken Wildpeak AT4W vs AT3W

The KO3 tread design features an “S” pattern down the center, accompanied by distinct “C” and “Z” shaped lugs. The “C” type lugs are full depth, offering consistent performance over time. In contrast, the “Z” type lugs are angled out more aggressively, making them shallower compared to those on the Falken Wildpeak AT3W.

However, when comparing the Falken Wildpeak AT4W to its predecessor, the AT3W, Falken seems to have made some key sacrifices.

  • Strength: The AT4W is noticeably stronger overall. Its lugs are more robust, and the tire’s durability is superior.
  • Mud Traction: The side lugs on the AT4W are designed for better mud traction, being deeper and more staggered than those on the AT3W.

In short, the Falken Wildpeak AT4W is clearly more off-road oriented. It’s almost like there’s a fight in the market: Falken is targeting BF Goodrich KO2 users, while BF Goodrich is going after Falken Wildpeak AT3W drivers.

Nitto Terra Grappler G3

The Nitto Terra Grappler G3 is the latest evolution in Nitto’s on-road all-terrain lineup. Compared to its predecessor, the Terra Grappler G2, the G3 boasts larger lugs for improved traction and durability. Additionally, Nitto has upped the ante with a higher mileage warranty, making the G3 a more long-lasting option for those seeking both on-road comfort and off-road capability.

Nitto Terra Grappler G3 looks dope!

The Nitto Terra Grappler G3 stands out for offering a quiet and comfortable ride, setting it apart from the other options discussed in this article. While the G3 features a 3-2 lug design (compared to the 3-3 design of its predecessor), this adjustment increases the amount of rubber in contact with the road.

For severe off-road enthusiasts, this may not be ideal, as it slightly reduces off-road aggressiveness. However, for heavy-duty users, this tire could become a new favorite. It’s also worth noting that the G3 carries an A temperature rating for its H-speed-rated models, meaning it generates less heat, which in turn leads to less wear and longer tire life.

Nitto Terra Grappler G2 vs Nitto Terra Grappler G3

A weared Nitto Terra Grappler G2 and brand new Nitto Terra Grappler G3

Both the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 and G3 are excellent choices for on-road driving, but each has its own set of advantages:

  • The Nitto Terra Grappler G3 offers higher mileage, especially for 3/4-ton or larger vehicles.
  • In terms of durability, the G3 is the more robust option.
  • Both the G2 and G3 deliver an equally comfortable and quiet ride.
  • For winter-oriented driving, I recommend the Terra Grappler G3 for its better performance in colder conditions.
  • On wet roads, the G2 has a slight edge, providing better traction.

Cooper Discoverer Road + Trail AT

The Cooper Discoverer Road + Trail AT is a new-generation all-terrain tire, designed to broaden Cooper’s already strong presence in the market. While Cooper has earned a stellar reputation with the Discoverer AT3 4S, they aim to expand their lineup with the Road + Trail AT, offering drivers even more versatile options for both on-road and off-road adventures.

Road + Trail on 2017 SuperCrew

The Cooper Discoverer Road + Trail AT is a dependable all-terrain tire that provides a solid amount of off-road traction. Compared to the Discoverer AT3, this tire has a more aggressive tread design, which translates to superior traction, especially on rugged terrain. While it performs exceptionally well on both wet and dry surfaces, its ice-stopping distance falls slightly behind the competition due to the increased void area in the tread.

Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S vs Road + Trail AT

The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is a fantastic option for those who prioritize on-road performance, though it leans more towards the appearance of an all-season tire. However, market demands have shifted towards more aggressive-looking all-terrain options for on-road use, which led to the release of the Cooper Discoverer Road + Trail AT.

Compared to the AT3 4S, the Road + Trail AT offers:

  • Better traction on wet and dry surfaces
  • A more aggressive appearance
  • Less longevity due to its more rugged design
  • Improved off-road capability
  • Slightly worse responsiveness on-road

Yokohama Geolander AT4

The Yokohama Geolandar AT4 is a new on-road all-terrain tire and the successor to the Geolandar AT G015. Its design strikes a balance between the rugged Yokohama Geolandar X-AT and the more road-oriented G015, offering a versatile option for drivers who need a tire that performs well both on the road and off.

Perfectly balanced tire

Much like Cooper, Yokohama is shifting its focus toward a more aggressive tread design, enhancing the tire’s visual appeal. In my opinion, the Geolandar AT4 is one of the best-optimized all-terrain tires for those who want to balance on-road performance with mild off-road capability and a comfortable driving experience.

However, just like with the Cooper Discoverer Road + Trail AT, the more aggressive tread pattern of the AT4 results in slightly reduced tread life, as it prioritizes traction and performance over longevity.

Conclusion

All-terrain tires are evolving. While many manufacturers are shifting their focus towards on-road performance and appearance, brands like BF Goodrich continue to prioritize durability above all.

In my opinion, it’s crucial to identify your specific needs if you want to get the most out of your all-terrain tires. Whether you’re looking for enhanced on-road comfort, rugged off-road capabilities, or a balance of both, knowing your priorities will help you achieve maximum performance.

The document below will guide you through this decision-making process. Please note, however, that it currently does not include the latest all-terrain tire releases.

All-Terrain Tires Cheat Sheet

Finding the ideal all-terrain tire among the plethora of options available can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, my team and I have taken on this challenge head-on. Besides our hands-on experiences with these tires, we also analyze thousands of customer reviews and test reports. 

Please note that: Light-Duty is 1500 series, Medium-Duty is 2500 series and Heavy-Duty is 3500 series. If you do towing or hauling, I recommend considering at least Medium-Duty tires.

Mobile users can scroll the table to the left to see the whole data.

All-Terrain Tires Cheat Sheet
NameCategoryArticles3PMSFRoad NoiseMileageFuel EconomyRiding ComfortResponsivenessWet PerformanceMild WinterSevere WinterMild Off-RoadSevere Off-RoadBest Fit by Pickup Truck ClassificationWarranty (SL or XL)Warranty (LT)Product Page

Falken Wildpeak AT3W

Off Road All Terrain TireReviewYesDecentDecentPoorDecentDecentDecentElegantElegantDecentAverageLight-Duty55,000 Miles55,000 MilesWildpeak AT3W
Toyo Open Country AT3Off Road All Terrain TireReviewYesAverageElegantDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentElegantDecentMedium-Duty65,000 Miles50,000 MilesToyo Open Country AT3
General Grabber ATXOff Road All Terrain TireReviewYesAverageDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantElegantHeavy-Duty60,000 Miles50,000 MilesGeneral Grabber ATX
BF Goodrich KO2Off Road All Terrain TireReviewYesDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentDecentDecentElegantElegantHeavy-DutyN/A50,000 MilesBF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
Sumitomo Encounter ATOff Road All Terrain TireReviewYesDecentDecentAverageDecentDecentDecentElegantAverageDecentAverageLight-Duty60,000 Miles60,000 MilesSumitomo Encounter AT
Firestone Destination XTOff Road All Terrain TireReviewYesAverageDecentElegantDecentElegantDecentDecentAverageDecentDecentHeavy-DutyN/A50,000 MilesFirestone Destination X/T
Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLTOn Road All Terrain TireReviewNoDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentDecentAverageElegantAverageHeavy-DutyN/A60,000 MilesCooper Discoverer AT3 XLT
Falken Wildpeak AT TrailOn Road All Terrain TireReviewYesDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentDecentElegantAverageLight-Duty65,000 MilesN/AFalken Wildpeak AT Trail
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4SOn Road All Terrain TireReviewYesElegantDecentElegantElegantElegantElegantElegantDecentDecentFairy WellLight-Duty65,000 MilesN/ACooper Discoverer AT3 4S
Firestone Destination AT2On Road All Terrain TireReviewYesDecentElegantElegantElegantElegantDecentElegantAverageDecentAverageLight-Duty55,000 MilesN/AFirestone Destination AT2

BF Goodrich Trail Terrain T/A

On Road All Terrain TireReviewYesElegantElegantDecentElegantElegantDecentDecentAverageDecentAverageLight-Duty60,000N/ABF Goodrich Trail Terrain T/A
Toyo Open Country R/T TrailRugged Terrain TireReviewYesDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentHeavy-Duty45,000 Miles45,000 MilesToyo Open Country R/T Trail
Falken Wildpeak R/TRugged Terrain TireReviewNoDecentDecentAverageAverageDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentHeavy-Duty50,000 Miles50,000 MilesFalken Wildpeak R/T
Pathfinder AT TireOn Road All Terrain TireReviewYesAverageAverageDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentAverageDecentAverageLight-Duty55,00050,000Discount Tire Exclusive Product
Nitto Ridge GrapplerRugged Terrain TireReviewNoDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentHeavy-DutyN/AN/ANitto Ridge Grappler
General Grabber APTOn Road All Terrain TireReviewYesDecentDecentAverageDecentDecentDecentDecentAverageDecentFairy WellMedium-Duty60,000 Miles60,000 MilesGeneral Grabber APT
Vredestein Pinza ATOn Road All Terrain TireReviewYesElegantDecentDecentElegantDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentAverageMedium-Duty70,000 Miles50,000 MilesVredestein Pinza AT
Nitto Recon GrapplerOff Road All Terrain TireReviewNoDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentAverageElegantDecentMedium-Duty65,000 Miles55,000 MilesNitto Recon Grappler
Michelin Defender LTX M/SHighway TireReviewNoElegantElegantElegantDecentElegantDecentDecentFairy WellDecentFairy WellHeavy-Duty55,000 – 70,000 Miles55,000 – 70,000 MilesMichelin Defender LTX M/S
Kenda Klever R/TRugged Terrain TireReviewNoAverageDecentAverageDecentDecentDecentDecentFairy WellDecentDecentHeavy-DutyN/AN/AKenda Klever R/T
Goodyear Wrangler Territory ATOn Road All Terrain TireReviewNoDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentAverageElegantDecentMedium-DutyN/AN/AGoodyear Wrangler Territory AT
Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain ATOff Road All Terrain TireReviewYesDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentAverageDecentFairy WellMedium-DutyN/AN/ADiscount Tire Exclusive Product
Continental Terrain Contact H/THighway TireReviewNoElegantElegantElegantElegantElegantDecentAveragePoorDecentPoorHeavy-Duty70,000 Miles60,000 MilesContinental TerrainContact H/T
Patriot R/TRugged Terrain TireReviewYesAverageAverageAverageDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentMedium-DutyN/AN/APatriot R/T+
Kenda Klever AT2Off Road All Terrain TireReviewYesDecentAverageAverageDecentDecentDecentDecentAverageDecentAverageMedium-Duty60,000 Miles50,000 MilesKenda Klever AT2
Yokohama Geolander AT G015On Road All Terrain TireReviewYesElegantDecentAverageElegantElegantDecentDecentAverageAveragePoorLight-Duty60,000 Miles50,000 MilesYokohama Geolandar AT G015
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss ATRugged Terrain TireReviewYes (315 or narrower width)DecentDecentAverageDecentElegantDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentMedium-Duty50,000 Miles60,000 MilesMickey Thompson Baja Boss AT

For those who prefer a more textual representation and dislike sifting through tables of data:

  • 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/

A couple of popular size analyses:

  • https://tireterrain.com/best-35×12-50r20-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/

I hope you found this article helpful! If you need any further information or have more questions, feel free to reach out. Have a safe and smooth ride!

Filed Under: All Terrain Tires, Buyer's Guide to the Best Tires Tagged With: best all terrain tires, BF Goodrich KO3, Cooper Discoverer Road + Trail AT, Falken Wildpeak AT4W, Yokohama Geolandar AT4

BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 Review

Updated: April 18, 2025 by Emrecan Gurkan 6 Comments

The long-awaited BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 has landed, and it’s about time! While its sibling, the BF Goodrich KO2, set the off-road all-terrain tire standard, it had its quirks—like occasional rain slip-ups and that highway hum. And with newcomers like Toyo Open Country AT3 and Falken Wildpeak AT3W raising the bar, it’s no surprise the KO3’s tread design seems to tip its hat to them. Stick around as we technically dive into what the BF Goodrich KO3 brings to the off-road table!

New BF Goodrich KO3!

As a former Bridgestone engineer, I think that BF Goodrich KO3 can provide great on-road manners. Since it’s only available in OEM sizes, it provides a smooth and quiet ride. Besides that, its wet and winter traction capability is huge. However, due to its narrow pattern, its loose-ground traction capability is slightly behind the competition. Besides that, longevity isn’t something that OEM tires are focused on. So, no great wear until replacement sizes will come up.

All-Terrain Tires Cheat Sheet

Finding the ideal all-terrain tire among the plethora of options available can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, my team and I have taken on this challenge head-on. Besides our hands-on experiences with these tires, we also analyze thousands of customer reviews and test reports. 

Please note that: Light-Duty is 1500 series, Medium-Duty is 2500 series and Heavy-Duty is 3500 series. If you do towing or hauling, I recommend considering at least Medium-Duty tires.

Mobile users can scroll the table to the left to see the whole data.

All-Terrain Tires Cheat Sheet
NameCategoryArticles3PMSFRoad NoiseMileageFuel EconomyRiding ComfortResponsivenessWet PerformanceMild WinterSevere WinterMild Off-RoadSevere Off-RoadBest Fit by Pickup Truck ClassificationWarranty (SL or XL)Warranty (LT)Product Page

Falken Wildpeak AT3W

Off Road All Terrain TireReviewYesDecentDecentPoorDecentDecentDecentElegantElegantDecentAverageLight-Duty55,000 Miles55,000 MilesWildpeak AT3W
Toyo Open Country AT3Off Road All Terrain TireReviewYesAverageElegantDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentElegantDecentMedium-Duty65,000 Miles50,000 MilesToyo Open Country AT3
General Grabber ATXOff Road All Terrain TireReviewYesAverageDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantElegantHeavy-Duty60,000 Miles50,000 MilesGeneral Grabber ATX
BF Goodrich KO2Off Road All Terrain TireReviewYesDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentDecentDecentElegantElegantHeavy-DutyN/A50,000 MilesBF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
Sumitomo Encounter ATOff Road All Terrain TireReviewYesDecentDecentAverageDecentDecentDecentElegantAverageDecentAverageLight-Duty60,000 Miles60,000 MilesSumitomo Encounter AT
Firestone Destination XTOff Road All Terrain TireReviewYesAverageDecentElegantDecentElegantDecentDecentAverageDecentDecentHeavy-DutyN/A50,000 MilesFirestone Destination X/T
Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLTOn Road All Terrain TireReviewNoDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentDecentAverageElegantAverageHeavy-DutyN/A60,000 MilesCooper Discoverer AT3 XLT
Falken Wildpeak AT TrailOn Road All Terrain TireReviewYesDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentDecentElegantAverageLight-Duty65,000 MilesN/AFalken Wildpeak AT Trail
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4SOn Road All Terrain TireReviewYesElegantDecentElegantElegantElegantElegantElegantDecentDecentFairy WellLight-Duty65,000 MilesN/ACooper Discoverer AT3 4S
Firestone Destination AT2On Road All Terrain TireReviewYesDecentElegantElegantElegantElegantDecentElegantAverageDecentAverageLight-Duty55,000 MilesN/AFirestone Destination AT2

BF Goodrich Trail Terrain T/A

On Road All Terrain TireReviewYesElegantElegantDecentElegantElegantDecentDecentAverageDecentAverageLight-Duty60,000N/ABF Goodrich Trail Terrain T/A
Toyo Open Country R/T TrailRugged Terrain TireReviewYesDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentHeavy-Duty45,000 Miles45,000 MilesToyo Open Country R/T Trail
Falken Wildpeak R/TRugged Terrain TireReviewNoDecentDecentAverageAverageDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentHeavy-Duty50,000 Miles50,000 MilesFalken Wildpeak R/T
Pathfinder AT TireOn Road All Terrain TireReviewYesAverageAverageDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentAverageDecentAverageLight-Duty55,00050,000Discount Tire Exclusive Product
Nitto Ridge GrapplerRugged Terrain TireReviewNoDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentHeavy-DutyN/AN/ANitto Ridge Grappler
General Grabber APTOn Road All Terrain TireReviewYesDecentDecentAverageDecentDecentDecentDecentAverageDecentFairy WellMedium-Duty60,000 Miles60,000 MilesGeneral Grabber APT
Vredestein Pinza ATOn Road All Terrain TireReviewYesElegantDecentDecentElegantDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentAverageMedium-Duty70,000 Miles50,000 MilesVredestein Pinza AT
Nitto Recon GrapplerOff Road All Terrain TireReviewNoDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentAverageElegantDecentMedium-Duty65,000 Miles55,000 MilesNitto Recon Grappler
Michelin Defender LTX M/SHighway TireReviewNoElegantElegantElegantDecentElegantDecentDecentFairy WellDecentFairy WellHeavy-Duty55,000 – 70,000 Miles55,000 – 70,000 MilesMichelin Defender LTX M/S
Kenda Klever R/TRugged Terrain TireReviewNoAverageDecentAverageDecentDecentDecentDecentFairy WellDecentDecentHeavy-DutyN/AN/AKenda Klever R/T
Goodyear Wrangler Territory ATOn Road All Terrain TireReviewNoDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentAverageElegantDecentMedium-DutyN/AN/AGoodyear Wrangler Territory AT
Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain ATOff Road All Terrain TireReviewYesDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentAverageDecentFairy WellMedium-DutyN/AN/ADiscount Tire Exclusive Product
Continental Terrain Contact H/THighway TireReviewNoElegantElegantElegantElegantElegantDecentAveragePoorDecentPoorHeavy-Duty70,000 Miles60,000 MilesContinental TerrainContact H/T
Patriot R/TRugged Terrain TireReviewYesAverageAverageAverageDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentDecentMedium-DutyN/AN/APatriot R/T+
Kenda Klever AT2Off Road All Terrain TireReviewYesDecentAverageAverageDecentDecentDecentDecentAverageDecentAverageMedium-Duty60,000 Miles50,000 MilesKenda Klever AT2
Yokohama Geolander AT G015On Road All Terrain TireReviewYesElegantDecentAverageElegantElegantDecentDecentAverageAveragePoorLight-Duty60,000 Miles50,000 MilesYokohama Geolandar AT G015
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss ATRugged Terrain TireReviewYes (315 or narrower width)DecentDecentAverageDecentElegantDecentDecentDecentElegantDecentMedium-Duty50,000 Miles60,000 MilesMickey Thompson Baja Boss AT

Table of Contents

BFG KO2 vs KO3: What Changed?

Side-by-side comparison shot: Fresh BF Goodrich KO3 on the left, showing off its new tread pattern, and the seasoned KO2 on the right, with visible wear, revealing more voids

In the intricate world of tire manufacturing, continuity often prevails. If a design proves successful, why reinvent the wheel, right? However, once in a while, a trailblazer like BF Goodrich disrupts the status quo.

Consider this: From the initial idea to a tire’s arrival on store shelves, a staggering three-year period typically passes. It’s quite astounding, isn’t it? You might wonder, “What could possibly take so much time?” Well, a significant chunk of this duration is dedicated to rigorous field-testing. These tires must be prepared to face a multitude of challenges.

There’s some industry buzz that BF Goodrich’s innovative wheels began turning as early as March 2020, perhaps inspired by Toyo’s AT3. In the world of tires, competition is fierce, driving innovation and evolution.

When you put the Toyo AT3 and BF Goodrich KO3 side by side, you’ll notice some parallels. The core of the BF Goodrich KO3, its center section, resembles the Toyo AT3, setting it apart from its predecessor, the KO2.

BF Goodrich KO3BF Goodrich KO2
SizeLT285/70R17LT285/70R17
Tread Depth15/32″15/32″
Tire Weight56 lbs51 lbs
Section Width11.5″11.5″
Tread Width8.8″9.4”

One notable trend? The emergence of the ‘S-shape’ lug design. It’s the talk of the town, mainly because it enhances a tire’s biting edges. Think of it as giving your tire extra “teeth” for improved grip. The BF Goodrich KO3 doesn’t just adopt this trend; it refines it. By incorporating these S-shaped lugs, the KO3 creates a more consolidated center section, resulting in a welcome reduction in road noise.

However, no story is without its twists. While the KO3 boasts a host of upgrades, it’s not without its drawbacks. When navigating loose terrains, those horizontally-oriented lugs appear to present a slight challenge. But when comparing the KO2 and KO3, the latter’s horizontal orientation offers improved traction on loose terrain, albeit with potentially faster wear. BF Goodrich’s solution? A narrower tread width on the KO3. Aesthetically inclined folks, take note!

Now, let’s talk weight. The BF Goodrich KO3 is 5 lbs heavier compared to the KO2. Since both tires have the same tread depth, the weight differance is mostly caused by the compactness of BF Goodrich KO3.

In summary, the BF Goodrich KO3 emerges as a formidable contender, showcasing superior on-road finesse and wet grip, with a slight compromise on loose terrains. Particularly for those with towing or hauling needs, the KO3 stands as a compelling choice, if you’re okay with shorter life span.

A word of caution: This assessment primarily applies to the BF Goodrich KO3 specifications available for the sizes LT285/70R17 and LT275/65R20.

Dry Performance

All-terrain tires are built for traction and dry traction is actually the easiest one to achieve.

In that case, more rubber on the ground generally provides superior.

BF Goodrich KO3 has a compact and slightly narrow tread pattern. Even though narrow tread patterns tend to decrease the tire’s grip capability, BF Goodrich KO3 can still provide unique traction on dry surfaces. In fact, this kind of design is way much better for towing, hauling, or relatively heavier vehicles like 3/4 ton trucks.

I don’t have any doubt about its dry traction performance. Moreover, it has a huge advantage regarding cornering stability and responsiveness.

Responsiveness

In this case, a narrow tread pattern is a huge advantage. Besides that, the design of BF Goodrich KO3’s center section is compact and interlocked.

Since BF Goodrich KO3 is only available for OEM sizes, these sizes have different, generally softer compounds than replacement sizes. This is a slight disadvantage for quick steering response. Yet, nothing much to change.

In summary, BF Goodrich KO3 provides a quick steering response as it’s expected from a premium brand tire.

Wet Performance

The wet performance of all-terrain tires is generally questionable because of their stiff compounds.

Since this tire is only available in LT sizes for now, we can’t evaluate its UTQG rating and this reduces the accuracy of our prediction.

For this reason, I’ve contacted with BF Goodrich and asked them about the improvements. They basically said ‘ Overall performance and durability’.

When I combine this information with my tread pattern analysis, I actually expect a bit of a drop in the wet traction.

However, BF Goodrich KO3 is only available in OEM sizes for now. What does that mean? It means it should have decent wet traction and rolling resistance. OEM tires sacrifice from treadwear. Otherwise, they can’t pass homologation tests.

In summary, BF Goodrich KO3 provides decent wet traction.

Hydroplaning Resistance

Hydroplaning is the floating feeling that you feel at high speeds when it rains.

Even though it mostly depends on your driving style and speed, all-terrain tires sometimes do this because of their wide tread pattern.

In this case, BF Goodrich KO3 has an advantage.

Due to its open shoulder slots and narrow pattern, BF Goodrich KO3 provides decent hydroplaning resistance.

Winter Performance

BF Goodrich KO3 is marked with 3PMSF, proof that the rubber of this tire retains its function in cold weather.

Since the compound is okay, we can discuss the tread pattern.

In favor of a very well-siped pattern, BF Goodrich KO3 provides great light-snow traction just like its brother BF Goodrich KO2.

However, due to its relatively less void area, BF Goodrich KO3 might provide slightly inferior deep snow traction.

On the other hand, the ice traction of this tire is going to be better than BF Goodrich KO2 because of its siped and narrow tread pattern. The narrow pattern can create more force on the ground and that increases the ice traction.

Overall, BF Goodrich KO3 is a trustworthy tire regarding winter conditions.

Off-Road Performance

Narrowed but aggressive pattern

I don’t wanna judge the book by its cover but OEM sizes aren’t great for off-road conditions.

They generally wear so fast in off-road conditions. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t provide traction.

The design of BF Goodrich KO3 is great for gravel and dirt traction because of its sipe density. However, the narrow pattern is a disadvantage regarding mud (I’m talking about thick mud out here) and rock crawling.

So, here is the deal, this tire is going to be great on occasional mud, rock, or dirt. However, if you’re going to severe off-road with them, think twice.

I’m not saying you’ll not get decent traction, I’m saying that you probably observer rapid wear.

Longevity

Just like I told you before, if longevity is your priority, you should skip OEM tires. I don’t think that this one is going to stay short just like other OEM tires, yet, there is no way that you can get the same wear with BF Goodrich KO2.

Conclusion

In my point of view, BF Goodrich KO3 going to be a rockstar for those who need great on-road manners but don’t wanna fail off-road. It’s not going to be superstar on loose ground but it’s going to provide a smoother ride and less road noise than BF Goodrich KO2. For now, if you’re not making too many miles in a year, it’s a great tire for you. Though worth reminding, these are OEM sizes. A lot is going to change when it’s going to be available in replacement sizes.

Note: BF Goodrich KO3 is not interchangeable/mixable with the same size KO2 tires.

I hope the article was helpful, if you need any further questions, please leave them below. Have a safe ride folks!

Filed Under: All Terrain Tires, Off-Road All Terrain Tires Tagged With: BF Goodrich KO3, Review

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Hey, it's Emre. I'm the proud dad of two cats, a former Bridgestone field engineer, and I hold degrees in Civil and Industrial engineering. I'm also a firm believer in the motto that "bigger is better." Read More…

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