Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT vs BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3: The Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT and the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 are two exciting new entrants in the all-terrain segment, with both tires freshly launched in 2024. This showdown pits Cooper’s latest innovation against BFGoodrich’s legendary off-road pedigree. Will the Road+Trail AT carve out its space, or will the KO3 continue BFGoodrich’s dominance in the rugged all-terrain world? Let’s dive into the battle to see which tire reigns supreme on and off the road!
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Results: Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT vs BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3
Results below were taken from Canadian Tire’s Road Rated test with a total of 10 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT vs BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 based on the relevant performance category. The Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Canadian Tire’s road-rated test consolidates all performance aspects—wet, dry, comfort, fuel economy, offroad, ice, and snow—into a single score for each category. While this approach provides a solid overall assessment, it does not isolate specific metrics like braking distance. However, the combined score still offers a reliable approximation of a tire’s performance across various conditions.
Off-Road Wet
The Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT outperforms the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 by 9% in off-road wet conditions. The Cooper accelerates faster in deep mud and climbs wet, rocky slopes with better grip, while the KO3 slips more and lags behind.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- -9% in Off-Road Wet
Off-Road dry
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 outperforms the Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT by 12% in off-road dry conditions. The KO3 delivers better traction and stability on loose and hard–packed surfaces, allowing it to cover more ground with greater ease. The Cooper lags behind, struggling slightly to maintain the same level of grip and control.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- +12% in Off-Road Dry
Snow
The Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT performs slightly better than the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 in snow, with a 1% advantage. The Cooper tire offers marginally better traction, braking, and handling on snow-packed surfaces, while the KO3 stays close but falls just short in maintaining the same level of control and grip.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- -1% in snow braking
Ice
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 outperforms the Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT by 9% on ice. The KO3 delivers shorter braking distances and better grip in icy conditions, while the Cooper requires more distance to stop, resulting in less confidence on frozen surfaces.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- +9% in ice
Wet
The Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT outperforms the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 by 11% on wet asphalt. The Cooper tire offers better braking, grip, and handling, reducing the risk of hydroplaning. The KO3 lags behind, requiring longer braking distances and showing less stability in wet conditions.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- -11% in wet braking
Dry
The Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT outperforms the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 by 6% on dry asphalt. The Cooper tire provides better braking, cornering, and handling during lane changes, while the KO3 falls slightly behind, requiring more distance to stop and showing less precision in dry conditions.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- -6% in dry braking
Comfort
The Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT is 8% more comfortable than the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3. The Cooper produces less cabin noise and offers a smoother ride over various surfaces, while the KO3 transmits more road vibrations and noise, resulting in a less refined driving experience.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- -8% in comfort
Rolling Resistance
The Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT is 2% more fuel efficient than the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3. The Cooper has slightly lower rolling resistance, contributing to better fuel economy or EV range, while the KO3 consumes marginally more energy.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- -2% in fuel economy
Price
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 is 14% more expensive than the Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT in size 265/70 R18, with the KO3 priced at $296 compared to the Cooper at $260.
Tire size: 265/70 R18
- Discoverer Road+Trail AT : $ 260
Difference: +14% more expensive for All-Terrain TA KO3
Conclusion
From my experience as a tire expert, the Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT excels in wet performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency, making it a great choice for drivers who prioritize on-road refinement and wet grip. On the other hand, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 shines in dry off-road conditions and ice performance, offering superior durability and traction for those who demand rugged capability in harsher environments. Both tires bring their strengths to the table, and the right choice depends on whether you prioritize off-road toughness or all-around comfort and wet handling.
Dr Edwin Pang