Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT vs. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 — it’s the fresh contender challenging an off-road legend. Cooper’s heavy-duty Stronghold rolls in with modern compound tech and LT-rated muscle, eager to prove it can haul, claw, and conquer just as hard as the benchmark-setting KO3. Expect sparks (and gravel) to fly as new ambition meets iconic reputation in this all-terrain showdown.
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Results: Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT vs BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA KO3
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 Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT vs BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA KO3 based on the relevant performance category. The Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT 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 from 60 to 0 mph, the Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT stopped in 180 feet, while the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 needed 184 feet. That’s a 4-foot advantage for the Cooper, translating to about 2% shorter stopping distance. On subjective wet handling, the KO3 edged slightly ahead with a score of 5.31 out of 10 compared to Cooper’s 5.19—a marginal 1% advantage. But when it came to lap time, the Stronghold AT completed the wet handling course in 39.81 seconds, beating the KO3’s 40.65 seconds by 0.84 seconds or roughly 2% quicker.
In short, the Cooper Stronghold AT delivers slightly better wet braking and faster lap times, while the KO3 has a slight edge in subjective feel. For those prioritizing objective wet grip and control, Cooper takes the upper hand.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- -2% in wet braking
- +1% in wet handling (subj)
- -2% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
In dry braking from 60 to 0 mph, the Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT stopped in 139 feet, while the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 took 141 feet to come to a halt. That’s a 2-foot difference, giving the Cooper a 1% shorter stopping distance.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- -1% in dry braking
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
In terms of noise, comfort, and ride quality, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 scored 6.42, slightly higher than the Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT’s 6.00. That’s a 0.42-point advantage, or about 2% better overall ride refinement for the KO3.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- +2% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Snow
In snow braking from 25 to 0 mph, the BFGoodrich KO3 stopped in 72.3 feet, just 0.2 feet shorter than the Cooper Stronghold AT’s 72.5 feet—a negligible 0% advantage. For snow acceleration from 0 to 12 mph, the KO3 again came out slightly ahead, needing 46.4 feet versus Cooper’s 47.4 feet, giving it a 1-foot or 2% advantage.
However, in subjective snow handling, Cooper scored 5.67 out of 10, outperforming KO3’s 5.00 by 3%. And on the snow handling course, the Cooper lapped in 26.90 seconds, beating KO3’s 28.25 seconds by 1.35 seconds, or roughly 5% faster. Overall, while the KO3 edges ahead in initial braking and traction, the Stronghold AT delivers better control and pace in deeper snow scenarios.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- ~0% in Snow braking
- +2% in Snow Acceleration
- -3% in Snow handling (subj)
- -5% in Snow handling(lap time)
Ice
In ice braking from 12 to 0 mph, the Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT stopped in 52.3 feet, 1 foot shorter than the BFGoodrich KO3’s 53.3 feet—a 2% advantage for Cooper. In ice acceleration over a 60-foot rollout, the Stronghold AT also proved quicker, taking 5.75 seconds versus the KO3’s 6.23 seconds, giving Cooper a 0.48-second or 8% edge.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- -2% in Ice braking
- -8% in Ice acceleration
Price
For LT265/70R17, the Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT is priced at $281, while the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 costs $295—making the KO3 about 5% more expensive.
Tire size: LT265/70R17
- Discoverer Stronghold AT : $ 281
- All-Terrain TA KO3 : $ 295
Difference: +5% more expensive for All-Terrain TA KO3.
Summary
As a tire expert, I’d say both tires have clear strengths. The Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT offers better wet and ice performance, along with faster snow handling and slightly stronger dry braking—all at a lower price. On the other hand, the BFGoodrich KO3 delivers a more refined ride and slightly better initial snow grip. If you prioritize control in tough conditions, Cooper’s the pick. If comfort and brand legacy matter more, the KO3 holds its ground.
Dr Edwin Pang