BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 vs Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent — this is a clash of two very different off-road philosophies. The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 is the rugged icon, built to take abuse with aggressive bite, reinforced construction, and a reputation forged on rocks, mud, and trails. The Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent is the modern challenger, blending all-terrain capability with quieter road manners, stability, and everyday drivability. Same all-terrain segment. Different priorities. Which one truly earns its place on your truck when the pavement ends?
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Results: BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 vs Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent
Results below were taken from the combination of 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 T/A KO3 vs Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent 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, the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent stops 17 feet shorter than the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3, which translates to a 10% advantage in braking distance. In subjective wet handling, the Ascent scores 0.75 points higher, giving it a clear 4% lead in driver confidence and control. On the wet handling lap, the Ascent is 2.45 seconds quicker, a 6% faster lap time compared with the KO3.
Overall, in wet conditions, the Dueler A/T Ascent is consistently more composed and confidence-inspiring, while the KO3 clearly trades wet-road precision for its tougher, more off-road-focused character.
Dueler A/T Ascent :
- +10% in wet braking
- +4% in wet handling (subj)
- +6% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
In dry braking, the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent stops 4 feet shorter than the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3, which equals a 3% braking advantage. In subjective dry handling, the Ascent scores 0.69 points higher, translating to a 3% improvement in on-road control and steering confidence.
Overall, on dry pavement, the Dueler A/T Ascent feels sharper and more responsive, while the KO3 remains more biased toward durability and off-road toughness rather than outright on-road precision.
Dueler A/T Ascent :
- +3% in dry braking
- +3% in dry handling (subj)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
In noise, comfort, and ride quality, the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent scores 0.33 points higher than the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3, which represents a 2% improvement in overall refinement. The Ascent feels quieter and smoother over the road, while the KO3 transmits more vibration and tread noise, consistent with its tougher, more aggressive all-terrain design.
Dueler A/T Ascent :
- +2% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Snow
In snow braking, the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent stops 4.49 feet shorter than the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3, giving it a 7% advantage. In snow acceleration, the Ascent reaches speed 9.72 feet sooner, a significant 26% improvement in traction off the line. In subjective snow handling, the Ascent scores 0.33 points higher, translating to a 2% gain in control and confidence. On the snow handling lap, it is 2.00 seconds quicker, which equals a 8% faster lap time.
Overall, in snowy conditions, the Dueler A/T Ascent is clearly more efficient and easier to control, while the KO3 delivers capable snow performance but leans more toward off-road toughness than outright winter precision.
Dueler A/T Ascent :
- +7% in Snow braking
- +26% in Snow Acceleration
- +2% in Snow handling (subj)
- +8% in Snow handling(lap time)
Ice
On ice braking, the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent stops 12.8 feet shorter than the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3, which equals a 32% advantage in braking distance. In ice acceleration, the Ascent reaches speed 0.75 seconds quicker, delivering a 14% improvement in traction and pull-away performance.
Overall, on ice, the Dueler A/T Ascent is decisively more controlled and confidence-inspiring, while the KO3 clearly prioritises all-terrain toughness over extreme low-grip ice performance.
Dueler A/T Ascent :
- +32% in Ice braking
- +14% in Ice acceleration
Off-Road
In Tire Rack’s first All-Terrain Tires Off-Road – 2025 Test, it assessed off-road performance using dirt and loose-surface loops, measuring rear stability, steering control, and acceleration. These tests reveal how each tire maintains control and traction when grip is limited, simulating real-world off-road driving conditions.
Dirt
On the dirt loop, rear stability is equal between the two, with both the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 and the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent scoring 7.25, showing no measurable difference (0%). In steering response, the Ascent scores 0.25 points higher, giving it a 1% advantage in precision and front-end control. In dirt acceleration, the KO3 counters by scoring 0.25 points higher, translating to a 1% advantage in drive traction.
Overall, on loose dirt, the two are closely matched, with the Ascent feeling slightly more precise on turn-in, while the KO3 delivers marginally stronger bite when putting power down.
Dueler A/T Ascent :
- 0% in Dirt Loop Rear Stability
- +1% in Dirt Loop Steering
- -1% in Dirt Loop Accel
Loose Terrain
On loose terrain, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 shows a clear advantage across the board. In rear stability, the KO3 scores 1.0 point higher, translating to an 5% improvement in keeping the rear end settled compared with the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent. In steering control, the gap widens further, with the KO3 scoring 1.5 points higher, a decisive 8% advantage in directional confidence. In loose-surface acceleration, the KO3 again leads by 1.0 point, delivering an 5% stronger drive traction when powering through soft ground.
Overall, on loose terrain, the KO3 clearly plays to its strengths, offering superior bite, stability, and control, while the Dueler A/T Ascent gives up ground here in exchange for its stronger on-road and wet-weather refinement.
Dueler A/T Ascent :
- -5% in Loose Terrain Rear Stability
- -8% in Loose Terrain Steering
- -5% in Loose Terrain* Accel
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
- Dueler A/T Ascent : $ 297
- All-Terrain TA KO3 : $ 295
Difference: ~0% roughly the same.
Summary
From my perspective as a tire expert, this comes down to priorities rather than price. The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 is the better choice if you value stronger bite, stability, and confidence on loose and rough terrain. The Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent excels on-road, delivering shorter wet and dry braking, better control in rain, snow, and ice, and a quieter, more comfortable ride. At essentially the same price, it’s a clear choice between off-road toughness (KO3) and everyday refinement with all-terrain versatility (Ascent).
Dr Edwin Pang