Skip to Content

BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO3 vs Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT

BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO3 vs Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT

BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO3 vs Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT: The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 is the new version of an off-road legend, but now it faces a serious fresh challenger: the Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT. This is Pirelli’s bold move into the real all-terrain space, taking on one of the most trusted names in the segment. Legendary toughness versus new-school ambition — this battle is going to be interesting.

Results: BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO3 vs Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT

Results below were taken from the Tyre Review’s “All Terrain Tyres for 2026” Test. A total of 7 tires were tested this time. The graph below shows the comparison between BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO3 vs Pirelli Scorpion XTM 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%.

The tire size of interest is 265/70R17 which is a common tire size for Toyota Tacoma & Ford Ranger. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Ford Ranger Raptor.

Vehicle of choice: Ford Ranger Raptor on wet handling action

Wet

In wet braking, the Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT stops 4.46 meters shorter than the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3, giving it an 12% advantage. In wet handling, Pirelli is also faster by 9.18 seconds, which is a 8% advantage, and it scores 0.9 points higher in subjective wet handling, giving it an 5% lead. The only area where BFGoodrich is slightly ahead is straight aquaplaning, where it reaches 102.1 km/h versus Pirelli’s 101.6 km/h, a small 0.5 km/h difference. Overall, Pirelli clearly has the stronger wet performance, while BFGoodrich only holds a tiny edge in aquaplaning speed.

Scorpion XTM AT :

  • +12% in Wet braking
  • +8% in Wet handling (lap time)
  • +5% in Wet handling (subj)
  • ~0% in Aquaplaning

Dry

In dry braking, the Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT stops 6.07 meters shorter than the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3, giving it a strong 15% advantage. In subjective dry handling, Pirelli also scores 0.75 points higher, with 9.75 points versus BFGoodrich’s 9 points, giving it a 4% lead. Overall, Pirelli is clearly stronger in dry performance, especially in braking, while also feeling sharper in dry handling.

Scorpion XTM AT :

  • +15% in Dry braking
  • +4% in Dry handling (subj)

Snow

In snow braking, the Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT stops 0.18 meters shorter than the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3, giving it a small 1% advantage. In snow traction, Pirelli is 0.18 seconds quicker, which is a 3% advantage, and in snow handling it is 0.78 seconds faster, giving it a 1% lead. Subjective snow handling is also slightly better for Pirelli, scoring 0.4 points higher with a 1% advantage. Overall, the snow performance is very close, but Pirelli has a small edge across every snow category.

Scorpion XTM AT :

  • +1% in Snow braking
  • +3% in Snow traction
  • +1% in Snow handling (subj)
  • +1% in Snow handling (lap time)

Dirt

In dirt handling, the Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT is 0.82 seconds faster than the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3, giving it a small 1% advantage. In subjective dirt handling, Pirelli also scores 0.2 points higher, with 8.6 points versus BFGoodrich’s 8.4 points, again giving it a 1% lead. Overall, dirt performance is extremely close, but Pirelli has a slight edge in both measured handling time and driver feel.

Scorpion XTM AT :

  • +1% in Dirt Handling
  • +1% in Dirt Handling (subj)

Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality

In subjective comfort, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 scores 0.5 points higher than the Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT, giving BFGoodrich a 5% advantage. In subjective noise, BFGoodrich is also 0.5 points better, giving it a 3% lead in perceived quietness. However, in measured noise, Pirelli is actually 2.77 dB quieter, giving it a 5% advantage. Overall, BFGoodrich feels slightly more comfortable and refined subjectively, but Pirelli records the lower actual noise level.

Scorpion XTM AT :

  • -5% in Comfort (subj)
  • -3% in Noise (subj)
  • +5% in Exterior noise

Mileage & UTQG ratings

For mileage warranty, the Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT has the advantage with a 55,000-mile warranty, which is 5,000 miles longer than the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 at 50,000 miles. That gives Pirelli a 10% advantage in warranty coverage. Since these are LT all-terrain tires, there is no UTQG treadwear rating to compare, so the mileage warranty becomes the cleaner durability reference.

Price

For price, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 is cheaper at $289, while the Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT costs $310 in LT 265/70R17. That makes Pirelli $21 more expensive, or 7% higher in price. So from a pure value perspective, BFGoodrich has the price advantage, while Pirelli needs to justify its premium with its stronger test performance and longer mileage warranty.

Tire size: LT 265/70R17

  • All Terrain TA KO3 : $ 289
  • Scorpion XTM AT :  $ 310

Difference: +7% more expensive for Scorpion XTM AT

Summary

From my view as a tire expert, there is a compelling case that the Pirelli Scorpion XTM AT might be the better overall tire here. It shows clear advantages in wet braking, wet handling, dry braking, and also carries a slightly longer 55,000-mile warranty, which makes it look like a very strong modern all-terrain tire. Actual mileage has not been tested yet, so I would not call it proven on wear, but based on the performance data, Pirelli seems like a seriously good tire. The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 still has the advantage of reputation, proven toughness, better subjective comfort, and a lower price, but if you want the tire that performs better on-road while still staying capable off-road, the Pirelli makes a very convincing case.

Dr Edwin Pang

Click to rate this post!
[Total: 0 Average: 0]