BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA KO3 vs Nitto Recon Grappler AT – The Ultimate All-Terrain Battle!: In one corner, the legendary BFGoodrich KO3 — the latest evolution of a name that’s practically synonymous with off-road dominance. In the other, the Nitto Recon Grappler AT — a bold specialist built to conquer rugged trails with authority. It’s heritage versus raw off-road firepower in a clash where only one all-terrain warrior will stand tallest. Let the battle begin!
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Results: BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA KO3 vs Nitto Recon Grappler AT
Results below were taken from the Tire Rack’s “Taking Off-Road Tires On-Road- 2024” test. A total of 12 tires were tested this time around in Tire Rack’s own proving ground. The graph below shows the comparison between BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA KO3 vs Nitto Recon Grappler AT based on the relevant performance category. The BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA KO3 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. Note that for subjective evaluation, we equate 1 point as 5%. Hence for example if tire A is graded 7 while tire B is graded 6, A is better than B by 5%.
As both tires are have the elusive 3 peak mountain logo, Tire Rack has included snow & ice in its testing portfolio. The tire size of interest is 265/70R17 which is a common tire size for Chevrolet Silverado & GMC Sierra. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport.
Wet
In wet braking, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA KO3 stops 8 feet shorter than the Nitto Recon Grappler AT, which is a 4% shorter distance. In wet handling, the KO3 scores 5.31 out of 10 compared to the Recon Grappler’s 4.25 out of 10, giving the KO3 a 5% higher subjective rating. In wet handling lap times, the KO3 completes the course 0.57 seconds faster than the Recon Grappler, translating to a 1% quicker lap.
Overall, the BFGoodrich KO3 clearly outperforms the Nitto Recon Grappler AT in all wet conditions, offering shorter braking, better control, and faster handling.
Recon Grappler AT :
- -4% in wet braking
- -5% in wet handling (subj)
- -1% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
In dry braking, the Nitto Recon Grappler AT stops 1 foot shorter than the BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA KO3, which is a 1% shorter distance. Overall, the difference in dry braking is minimal, with the Nitto having a slight edge.
Recon Grappler AT :
- +1% in dry braking
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
In terms of noise, comfort, and ride quality, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA KO3 scores 6.42 out of 10, while the Nitto Recon Grappler AT scores 5.89 out of 10, giving the KO3 a 3% higher rating. Overall, the KO3 delivers a noticeably quieter and more comfortable ride compared to the Recon Grappler.
Recon Grappler AT :
- -3% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Snow
In snow braking, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA KO3 stops 4.3 feet shorter than the Nitto Recon Grappler AT, which is a 6% shorter distance. In snow acceleration, the Recon Grappler is 0.9 feet quicker than the KO3, translating to a 2% better performance. For snow handling, the KO3 scores 5.00 out of 10 compared to the Recon Grappler’s 4.50 out of 10, giving the KO3 an 3% higher subjective rating. However, in snow handling lap time, the Recon Grappler completes the course 0.61 seconds faster than the KO3, which is a 2% quicker lap.
Overall, the KO3 holds a slight edge in snow braking and subjective handling, but the Recon Grappler fights back with better acceleration and faster lap times on snow.
Recon Grappler AT :
- -6% in Snow braking
- +2% in Snow Acceleration
- -3% in Snow handling (subj)
- +2% in Snow handling(lap time)
Ice
In ice braking, the Nitto Recon Grappler AT stops 6.8 feet shorter than the BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA KO3, giving it a 15% shorter braking distance. In ice acceleration, the Recon Grappler is 0.29 seconds quicker than the KO3, which translates to a 5% faster acceleration. Overall, the Nitto Recon Grappler AT clearly outperforms the KO3 on ice, offering much better braking and quicker traction.
Recon Grappler AT :
- +15% in Ice braking
- +5% in Ice acceleration
Price
In 265/70R17 size, the Nitto Recon Grappler AT is $25 cheaper than the BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA KO3, making it 9% more affordable.
Tire size: 265/70R17
- All-Terrain TA KO3: $ 295
- Recon Grappler AT : $ 270
Difference: -9% more cheaper for Recon Grappler AT.
Summary
From a tire expert’s view, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA KO3 impresses with its superior wet grip, quieter ride, and stronger snow braking and handling, making it the better all-rounder for mixed conditions. Meanwhile, the Nitto Recon Grappler AT fights back with stronger ice performance, quicker snow acceleration, and a lower price, offering great value for drivers who prioritize ice traction and savings.
Dr Edwin Pang