BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA KO2 vs KO3: The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 has long been a benchmark for off-road enthusiasts, renowned for its durability and versatility. Enter the newly launched KO3, promising advancements in grip, toughness, and longevity. But does the successor truly outperform the legendary KO2? With KO2’s proven track record as a fan favorite and KO3’s bold claims, this battle of predecessor vs. successor raises the ultimate question: Is new always better? Let the showdown begin!
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Results: BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA KO2 vs KO3
Results below were taken from Canadian Tire’s Road Rated test with a total of 10 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA KO2 vs KO3 based on the relevant performance category. The BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA KO2 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Canadian Tire’s road-rated test consolidates all performance aspects—wet, dry, comfort, fuel economy, offroad, ice, and snow—into a single score for each category. While this approach provides a solid overall assessment, it does not isolate specific metrics like braking distance. However, the combined score still offers a reliable approximation of a tire’s performance across various conditions.
Mud
In off-road wet conditions, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 slightly edges out the KO3 with 100% performance compared to 98%. This translates to a minor 2% difference, suggesting that while the KO3 offers strong capabilities, it falls just short of matching the KO2’s grip and handling in deep wet mud and steep wet rocky slopes.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- -2% in Mud
Gravel
On dry off-road surfaces, both the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 and KO3 deliver equal performance, with comparable gravel stability, durability, and traction. This parity highlights that the KO3 maintains the high standards set by its predecessor in dry off-road conditions, with no measurable difference between the two.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- 0% in Gravel
Snow
On a snow-packed course, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 outperforms the KO2 with a 2% improvement in overall performance. This slight edge indicates that the KO3 delivers better acceleration, traction, braking, and handling in snowy conditions, showing measurable progress over its predecessor.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- +2% in snow braking
Ice
On ice surfaces, both the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 and KO3 perform equally, with no measurable difference in grip or braking distance. This shows that the KO3 maintains the same level of reliability as the KO2 on icy terrain, without any noticeable improvement.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- 0% in ice
Wet
On wet asphalt, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 outperforms the KO3, with a 4% higher performance. The KO2 demonstrates better hydroplaning resistance, braking, lateral grip, and overall handling, showing that the KO3 falls slightly short in wet conditions despite its advancements.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- -4% in wet braking
Dry
On dry asphalt, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 holds a slight advantage over the KO3, with a 1% higher performance. The KO2 delivers marginally better dry braking, cornering, and emergency handling, suggesting the KO3 closely matches but doesn’t entirely surpass its predecessor in dry conditions.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- -1% in dry braking
Comfort
In terms of cabin noise and ride comfort, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 significantly outperforms the KO3, with a 13% advantage. The KO2 provides a noticeably quieter and smoother ride across various surfaces, while the KO3 shows a drop in comfort levels, potentially making it less ideal for extended on-road use.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- -13% in comfort
Rolling Resistance
In rolling resistance tests, both the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 and KO3 deliver identical performance, with no measurable difference. This indicates that the KO3 matches the KO2 in fuel economy and EV range impact, maintaining the same efficiency standard as its predecessor.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- 0% in fuel economy
Price
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 is 1% more expensive than the KO2, priced at $311 compared to $308 for the same LT285/70 R17 size.
Tire size: LT285/70 R17
- All-Terrain TA KO2 : $ 308
Difference: +1% more expensive for All-Terrain TA KO3
Conclusion
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 introduces noticeable improvements in snow performance with a 2% gain over its predecessor, showcasing enhanced capabilities in harsh winter conditions. However, it falls short in several areas, including wet performance (-4%), dry performance (-1%), and comfort (-13%), while maintaining equal results in ice performance, dry off-road performance, and fuel economy.
The KO3 is a modest upgrade if snow capability is a priority. However, for those valuing balanced performance across all terrains and conditions, the KO2 remains a reliable and versatile choice. Is the KO3 worth it? Only if snow performance outweighs the losses in comfort and wet handling for your specific needs.
Dr Edwin Pang