BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 vs Toyo Open Country AT 3: The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 comes with a legendary reputation and plenty of hype in the all-terrain segment. But the Toyo Open Country AT3 has quietly established itself as a serious dark horse. So when they go head-to-head, is the legendary BFGoodrich KO3 really worth the hype—or can the Toyo AT3 pull off the upset?
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Results : BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 vs Toyo Open Country AT 3
The test results are based on Treadwell data from Discount Tire. The graph below compares the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 vs Toyo Open Country AT 3 across key performance categories.
For subjective evaluations, each point is treated as equivalent to a 5% difference. For example, if Tire A scores a 4 and Tire B scores a 3, Tire A is considered 5% better than Tire B in that category.
Wet
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 is stronger in the wet, stopping 8 feet shorter than the Toyo Open Country AT 3 at 208 feet versus 216 feet, a 4% advantage. That is important because wet braking is one of the key safety areas for an all-terrain tire used regularly on the road. Wet handling also favors the KO3, scoring 3.5/5 compared with 2/5, with the Toyo trailing by 7.5%. Overall, the KO3 offers the more reassuring wet performance, combining shorter braking distances with stronger handling in slippery conditions.
Open Country AT 3 :
- -4% Wet Braking
- -7.5% Wet Handling
Snow
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 has the advantage in snow braking, stopping 9 feet shorter than the Toyo Open Country AT 3 at 111 feet versus 120 feet, an 8% advantage. That difference matters in winter conditions, where every extra foot can be important when grip is limited. Snow acceleration is a tie, with both tires scoring 2.5/5, so there is no real difference in getting moving. Overall, the KO3 is the stronger snow performer mainly because of its noticeably shorter braking distance.
Open Country AT 3 :
- -8% Snow Braking
- 0% Snow Acceleration
Mileage
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 also has the advantage in mileage, with an estimated median life of 57,000 miles compared with 51,000 miles for the Toyo Open Country AT 3. That is a 6,000-mile difference, with the Toyo trailing by 11%. For drivers covering plenty of highway miles, that extra tread life can make a meaningful difference over the ownership period, giving the KO3 the stronger result for longevity.
Open Country AT 3 :
- -11% Mileage
Dry
The Toyo Open Country AT 3 has a small advantage in dry braking, stopping 4 feet shorter than the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 at 155 feet versus 159 feet, a 3% advantage. Dry handling is evenly matched, with both tires scoring 3/5, so there is no meaningful difference there. Overall, the Toyo edges the KO3 in dry performance, mainly thanks to its slightly shorter braking distance.
Open Country AT 3 :
- +3% Dry Braking
- 0% Dry Handling
Noise Vibration & Harshness (NVH)
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 is slightly quieter, scoring 3/5 compared with 2.5/5 for the Toyo Open Country AT 3, giving the KO3 a 2.5% advantage. Ride comfort goes the other way, with the Toyo scoring 3.5/5 versus 3/5, a 2.5% advantage. Overall, the KO3 is the better choice if you value a quieter drive, while the Toyo offers the more comfortable ride.
Open Country AT 3 :
- -2.5% Quiet Ride
- +2.5% Comfort
Fuel Consumption
The Toyo Open Country AT 3 has the clear advantage in fuel efficiency, scoring 3.5/5 compared with 2/5 for the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3, giving the Toyo a 7.5% advantage. That can matter for drivers covering a lot of highway miles, where lower rolling resistance can help reduce fuel consumption over time. Overall, fuel efficiency is one area where the Toyo comfortably beats the KO3.
Open Country AT 3 :
- +7.5% Fuel Efficiency
Price
Pricing is essentially identical, with the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 costing $315 compared with $317 for the Toyo Open Country AT 3 in 265/60R18. That is just a $2 difference, making the Toyo only 1% more expensive. At this price point, cost should not really decide the comparison—it comes down to which tire delivers the performance you value more.
Tire size: 265/60R18
- All-Terrain T/A KO3 : $315
- Open Country AT 3 : $317
Difference: +1% more expensive for Open Country AT 3
Conclusion:
From my view, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 is the stronger all-rounder, especially in the areas that matter most for an all-terrain tire: wet grip, snow braking and mileage. The Toyo Open Country AT 3 still has clear strengths, particularly in dry braking, ride comfort and fuel efficiency. With almost no price difference between them, I would choose the KO3 for its stronger safety and durability package, while the Toyo remains a very good option for drivers who prioritize comfort and everyday efficiency.
Dr Edwin Pang