BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain TA vs BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA KO3: The BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain TA and BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA KO3 represent two distinct approaches within the all-terrain segment. The Trail-Terrain TA, an all-terrain road (ATR) tire, focuses on light off-road use while excelling in on-road comfort and performance. Meanwhile, the All-Terrain TA KO3 stands as a 50/50 on-road/off-road masterpiece, built for ultimate durability and traction in challenging terrains without compromising on-road reliability. This is a showdown between on-road versatility and off-road mastery!
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Results: BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain TA vs BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA 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 Trail-Terrain TA vs BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA KO3 based on the relevant performance category. The BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain TA 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 deep wet mud, the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain TA outperformed the All-Terrain TA KO3 by 10%, showcasing superior acceleration and climbing ability on steep, wet, rocky slopes. Surprisingly, the lesser void design of the Trail-Terrain TA delivered much better mud performance compared to the higher void All-Terrain KO3.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- -10% in Mud
Gravel
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA KO3 outperformed the Trail-Terrain TA on gravel by 12%, demonstrating superior stability, durability, and traction across loose and hard-packed surfaces.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- +12% in Gravel
Snow
Both the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain TA and All-Terrain TA KO3 feature the 3-peak mountain snowflake logo, certifying them for winter use. On a snow-packed course, the Trail-Terrain TA outperformed the KO3 by 3%, showing better acceleration, traction, braking, and overall handling.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- -3% in snow braking
Ice
On ice surfaces, the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain TA narrowly surpassed the All-Terrain TA KO3 by 1%, highlighting its slight edge in ice braking grip.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- -1% in ice
Wet
On wet asphalt, the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain TA outperformed the All-Terrain TA KO3 by 3%, demonstrating better hydroplaning resistance, braking, lateral grip, and overall handling.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- -3% in wet braking
Dry
On dry asphalt, the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain TA performed 3% better than the All-Terrain TA KO3, offering improved braking, cornering, emergency lane changes, and overall handling.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- -3% in dry braking
Comfort
The BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain TA outperformed the All-Terrain TA KO3 by 6% in cabin noise and ride comfort, providing a quieter and smoother experience across various surfaces.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- -6% in comfort
Rolling Resistance
In rolling resistance tests, the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain TA demonstrated 3% better fuel economy or EV range efficiency compared to the All-Terrain TA KO3.
All-Terrain TA KO3 :
- -3% in fuel economy
Price
In the 285/70 R17 size, the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain TA is priced at $262, while the All-Terrain TA KO3 costs $311, making the KO3 19% more expensive.
Tire size: 285/70 R17
- Trail-Terrain TA : $ 262
Difference: +19% more expensive for All-Terrain TA KO3
Conclusion
As a tire expert, I see clear distinctions between the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain TA and All-Terrain TA KO3. The Trail-Terrain TA excels in on-road performance, offering superior comfort, wet and dry handling, and better fuel economy, all at a lower price. Meanwhile, the KO3 dominates in off-road capabilities, particularly on gravel, showcasing its rugged design and durability. Surprisingly, the Trail-Terrain TA even outperformed the KO3 in mud, despite its lesser void design. Ultimately, the choice depends on your driving needs—on-road refinement or off-road mastery.
Dr Edwin Pang