General Grabber AT3 vs BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO2: In this off-road showdown, the General Grabber AT3 faces off against the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2, both iconic names in all-terrain performance. The Grabber AT3, known for its rich legacy in the U.S. market and now backed by Continental’s engineering prowess, takes on the rugged, Michelin-owned BFGoodrich KO2, a tire with a loyal following among off-road enthusiasts. With both tires boasting a heritage in tackling challenging terrains, this head-to-head comparison promises to test which all-terrain powerhouse truly dominates the trails. Let the battle begin!
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Results: General Grabber AT3 vs BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO2
Results below were taken from Pro Mobil All Terrain Tire Test with a total of 7 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between General Grabber AT3 vs BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO2 based on the relevant performance category. The General Grabber AT3 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Since we are talking about the off road tires which has the converted 3 peak mountain logo, snow performances was tested. The tire size of interest is 255/55 R18.
Gravel
All-terrain tires are all about excelling in off-road conditions, and the gravel test highlights where each tire shines. In gravel handling, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 has the edge, reaching a speed of 65.4 km/h compared to the General Grabber AT3’s 62.9 km/h. When it comes to braking on gravel, the KO2 also stops slightly quicker, needing 11.3 meters to come to a halt, while the Grabber AT3 requires 11.7 meters—a difference of 0.4 meters. For traction, the KO2 holds a slight advantage with 4.2 N of grip, just edging out the Grabber AT3’s 4.15 N, underscoring KO2’s slight upper hand in gravel performance.
All Terrain TA KO2 :
- +4% in gravel handling
- +4% in gravel braking
- +1% in gravel traction
Sand/Mud
In sand traction, the General Grabber AT3 slightly outperforms the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with a grip of 1.9 N compared to the KO2’s 1.88 N, showing a narrow advantage in sandy conditions. However, in mud traction, the KO2 takes a slight lead with 0.95 N, just above the Grabber AT3’s 0.94 N, giving the KO2 a minor edge when navigating through muddy terrain. Both tires demonstrate competitive off-road performance with only subtle differences in their traction capabilities on sand and mud.
All Terrain TA KO2 :
- -1% in sand traction
- +1% in mud traction
Snow
Both the General Grabber AT3 and the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 hold the 3-peak mountain certification, making them ready for snow. In snow braking, the KO2 stops slightly faster at 26.8 meters, compared to the Grabber AT3’s 27.3 meters—a difference of 0.5 meters. When it comes to snow traction, the Grabber AT3 leads with a grip of 3.7 N, just ahead of the KO2’s 3.6 N. For snow handling, the KO2 edges out with a speed of 66.5 km/h, outpacing the Grabber AT3’s 64.7 km/h by 1.8 km/h. Each tire shows unique strengths in snowy conditions, delivering competitive winter-ready performance.
All Terrain TA KO2 :
- +2% in snow braking
- -3% in snow traction
- +3% in snow handling
Wet
In wet conditions, the General Grabber AT3 demonstrates stronger braking, stopping in 39.7 meters compared to the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2’s 45.9 meters—a difference of 6.2 meters. For wet handling, the Grabber AT3 again takes the lead, achieving 76.8 km/h versus the KO2’s 72.1 km/h, showing a 4.7 km/h advantage. However, in straight-line aquaplaning, the KO2 performs slightly better, maintaining grip at 60.9 km/h compared to the Grabber AT3’s 59.4 km/h, a difference of 1.5 km/h. Each tire has its strengths in wet conditions, with the Grabber AT3 excelling in braking and handling, while the KO2 holds a small edge in aquaplaning resistance.
All Terrain TA KO2 :
- -13% in wet braking
- -6% in wet handling
- +3% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry performance, the General Grabber AT3 stops slightly shorter in braking, needing 44.4 meters compared to the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2’s 44.7 meters—a small difference of 0.3 meters. For dry handling, the Grabber AT3 also leads, reaching 87.8 km/h, just ahead of the KO2’s 86 km/h by 1.8 km/h. Overall, the Grabber AT3 shows a slight advantage in both braking and handling on dry surfaces.
All Terrain TA KO2 :
- -1% in dry braking
- -2% in dry handling
Noise
The exterior noise difference between the General Grabber AT3 and the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is notable, with the KO2 generating 73.4 dB compared to the Grabber AT3’s quieter 70.9 dB—a 2.5 dB difference. This substantial noise difference could be a deciding factor for drivers who prioritize a quieter ride. The higher void ratio in the KO2, designed for off-road traction, contributes to this increase in noise, showcasing the common trade-off between aggressive all-terrain tread patterns and on-road comfort.
All Terrain TA KO2 :
- -3% in exterior noise (+2.3 dB)
Rolling Resistance
In terms of rolling resistance, the General Grabber AT3 performs better with 9.3 kg/t compared to the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2’s 10.7 kg/t, showing a difference of 1.4 kg/t. While this may mean the Grabber AT3 is slightly more fuel-efficient on paved roads, rolling resistance is generally not a key factor for off-road enthusiasts who prioritize traction and durability over efficiency.
All Terrain TA KO2 :
- -13% in rolling resistance
Price
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2, known as a premium brand in the off-road segment, costs €259 for the 255/55 R18 size, making it 31% more expensive than the General Grabber AT3, priced at €197. This price difference reflects the KO2’s premium positioning, appealing to those who prioritize top-tier off-road performance and brand reputation.
Tire size: 255/55 R18
- All Terrain TA KO2 : € 259
Difference: +31% more expensive for All Terrain TA KO2
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
From a tire expert’s perspective, both the General Grabber AT3 and the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 bring distinct advantages to the table. The Grabber AT3 excels in wet and dry braking, handling, and offers lower rolling resistance, making it a versatile option for those who value a quieter ride and fuel efficiency alongside off-road capability. On the other hand, the KO2, as a premium off-road choice, shines in gravel performance, mud traction, and overall durability, favored by serious off-road enthusiasts who don’t mind a bit of extra noise for enhanced ruggedness. Both tires are solid choices, with the right pick depending on whether your priority leans towards on-road comfort or pure off-road strength.
Dr Edwin Pang