Bridgestone Dueler All Terrain AT002 vs BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO2: The battle for all-terrain dominance heats up as Bridgestone’s newly launched Dueler All Terrain AT002 takes on the legendary BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2. The AT002 arrives with cutting-edge technology, challenging the KO2’s reputation as the long-standing benchmark in durability and off-road performance. Can the fresh contender outshine the veteran in this rugged all-terrain showdown?
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Results: Bridgestone Dueler All Terrain AT002 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 Bridgestone Dueler All Terrain AT002 vs BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO2 based on the relevant performance category. The Bridgestone Dueler All Terrain AT002 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
In gravel handling, the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 edged out the Bridgestone Dueler All Terrain AT002 by 0.4 km/h, maintaining slightly better control at higher speeds. During gravel braking, the KO2 stopped 0.8 meters shorter than the AT002, giving it a noticeable advantage in stopping distance. However, the AT002 slightly outperformed in gravel traction, generating 0.03 N more force than the KO2. The KO2 demonstrates better overall braking and handling on gravel, while the AT002 offers marginally better traction.
All Terrain TA KO2 :
- +1% in gravel handling
- +7% in gravel braking
- -1% in gravel traction
Sand/Mud
In sand traction, the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 provided slightly better grip, generating 0.03 N more force than the Bridgestone Dueler All Terrain AT002. The KO2 also showed stronger performance in mud traction, delivering 0.03 N more force than the AT002. The KO2 consistently demonstrated better traction in both sand and mud, maintaining a slight edge over the AT002 in off-road conditions.
All Terrain TA KO2 :
- +2% in sand traction
- +3% in mud traction
Snow
Both the Bridgestone Dueler All Terrain AT002 and BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 hold the elusive 3-peak mountain certification, but the KO2 significantly outperforms the AT002 in snow. The KO2 stops 9.2 meters shorter in snow braking, offering much better control in winter conditions. In snow traction, the KO2 generates 0.38 N more force, delivering stronger grip during acceleration. Snow handling shows the biggest difference, with the KO2 maintaining 10.8 km/h more speed than the AT002, highlighting its superior stability and cornering on snowy surfaces.
All Terrain TA KO2 :
- +34% in snow braking
- +12% in snow traction
- +19% in snow handling
Wet
The Bridgestone Dueler All Terrain AT002 outperforms the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 in wet conditions. In wet braking, the AT002 stops 5.4 meters shorter, providing significantly better stopping power. During wet handling, the AT002 maintains 2.9 km/h more speed through corners, demonstrating better grip and control. The AT002 also excels in straight-line aquaplaning, resisting hydroplaning at 66.1 km/h, which is 5.2 km/h faster than the KO2. The AT002 consistently shows stronger performance in wet conditions, giving it a clear edge over the KO2.
All Terrain TA KO2 :
- -12% in wet braking
- -4% in wet handling
- -8% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
The Bridgestone Dueler All Terrain AT002 performs better than the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 in dry conditions. The AT002 stops 2.4 meters shorter in dry braking, providing quicker and more responsive stopping power. In dry handling, the AT002 holds a 3.2 km/h advantage, maintaining higher speeds through corners with better stability and grip. The AT002 consistently shows stronger performance in dry conditions, offering superior braking and handling compared to the KO2.
All Terrain TA KO2 :
- -5% in dry braking
- -4% in dry handling
Noise
The Bridgestone Dueler All Terrain AT002 produces slightly less exterior noise than the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2, registering 0.5 dB quieter. This small difference suggests the AT002 offers marginally better noise comfort during driving, contributing to a quieter ride compared to the KO2.
All Terrain TA KO2 :
- -1% in exterior noise (+0.5 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The Bridgestone Dueler All Terrain AT002 shows lower rolling resistance than the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2, with a difference of 1.7 N/kN. This means the AT002 is more efficient, requiring less energy to roll, which can contribute to better fuel economy compared to the KO2.
All Terrain TA KO2 :
- -16% in rolling resistance
Price
The BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 is significantly more expensive than the Bridgestone Dueler All Terrain AT002, costing €259 compared to €148. This makes the KO2 75% more expensive, highlighting a considerable price gap between the two tires in the 255/55 R18 size.
Tire size: 255/55 R18
- All Terrain TA KO2 : € 259
Difference: +75% more expensive for All Terrain TA KO2
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
As a tire expert, I see clear strengths in both tires. The Bridgestone Dueler All Terrain AT002 excels in wet and dry performance, with shorter braking distances, better handling, and lower rolling resistance, making it a great option for drivers who prioritize on-road comfort and efficiency. On the other hand, the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 shines in off-road conditions, with superior snow, sand, and mud traction, proving its dominance in rugged terrains. While the KO2 comes at a higher price, its off-road capability and durability justify the investment for serious adventurers.
Dr Edwin Pang