Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus vs BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2: The world of all-terrain tires has long been dominated by the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2, a tire that has built a reputation for its exceptional off-road capabilities, durability, and versatility. Launched in 2013, the KO2 quickly became a benchmark in the all-terrain tire industry, revered by off-road enthusiasts and professionals alike. In recent years, however, a new contender has emerged to challenge the KO2’s reign: the Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus. Launched in 2017, this tire has quickly gained traction among adventure-seekers who appreciate its reliable performance on various terrains and its distinct design. In this article, we will compare the two tires, the prestigious BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 and the Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus, examining their features, strengths, and weaknesses. Join us as we delve into the world of all-terrain tires and determine which one is best suited for your off-road escapades.
Table of Contents
Results
The results below are derived from the 2022 Bob Jane T-Mart’s All-Terrain (AT) Tyre Comparative Test. A total of 9 tires were tested this time, with the OE Bridgestone Dueler A/T 697 set as the reference point. The following graph compares the Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus vs BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 based on their relevant performance categories. The Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus was set as the reference, hence at the 100% mark. Note that for subjective evaluations, we equate 1 point to 5%. Thus, for example, if tire A is graded 7 while tire B is graded 6, tire A is considered 5% better than tire B.
In the all-terrain segment, off-road tests are undoubtedly essential and cannot be overlooked. This time, the off-road test consisted of a mix of mud, gravel, and loosely packed sand. The tire size of interest is 265/65 R17, which is a common size for vehicles such as the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. You can refer to our latest tire size table for more information. The chosen testing vehicle for off-road performance was a 4-wheel-drive Isuzu D-Max.
Offroad
Featuring large grooves that provide ample void volume, the All-Terrain T/A KO2 demonstrated impressive off-road capabilities, scoring the highest points among the competition with 22. In contrast, its fierce rival, the Scorpion All-Terrain Plus, only managed an 17-point rating, as it fell short in off-road traction and comfort compared to the All-Terrain T/A KO2. If you’re searching for an all-terrain tire that excels off-road, the All-Terrain T/A KO2 is definitely your top choice.
All-Terrain T/A KO2 :
- +25% in Off-Road (subj)
Wet
In terms of wet performance, all-terrain tires typically boast a deeper tread depth, which enables them to disperse water more efficiently. Nonetheless, there is a noticeable disparity in wet braking among competitors. While the All-Terrain T/A KO2 excels in off-road capabilities, the Scorpion All-Terrain Plus outperforms it in wet braking performance. Impressively, it managed to stop a staggering 9.6 meters earlier than the All-Terrain T/A KO2 when braking from a speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). The test also included braking trials from 60 km/h and 100 km/h, with the difference in braking distance between the two tires widening as the speed increased. Based on these wet braking test results, the Scorpion All-Terrain Plus clearly outshines the formidable All-Terrain T/A KO2, as it performs 28% better in wet braking.
All-Terrain T/A KO2 :
- -28% in Wet Braking @80km/h
Dry
In dry conditions, safety is generally not a major concern, as braking distances are longer than in wet conditions. Nevertheless, since this represents the standard daily usage, tires must deliver consistent performance. The Wrangler Duratrac managed to outperform the All-Terrain T/A KO2 in dry braking, stopping 3.9 meters shorter when decelerating from 100 km/h (62 mph) to a complete stop. With limited surface contact and a large block pattern, the All-Terrain T/A KO2 recorded the worst dry braking performance among the nine competitors. A similar trend was observed in the dry slalom test, where the Scorpion All-Terrain Plus held a slight subjective advantage, scoring 11.5 points compared to the All-Terrain T/A KO2’s 11 points. In the lane change test, the Scorpion All-Terrain Plus once again took the lead, finishing with 12 points compared to the All-Terrain T/A KO2’s 11 points.
Based on the dry performance test results, it’s evident that the Scorpion All-Terrain Plus dominated the All-Terrain T/A KO2 in all dry performance categories. If dry performance is your primary requirement, then the Scorpion All-Terrain Plus will undoubtedly be a wise choice.
All-Terrain T/A KO2 :
- -10% in Dry Braking
- -3% in Dry Slalom (subj)
- -5% in Lane Change (subj)
UTQG rating
We have previously shown that UTQG tread wear rating can be a good indication of your expected mileage. Below are the UTQG values of both of the tirelines.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pirelli | Scorpion All-Terrain Plus | All | 640 | A | B |
| BFGoodrich | All-Terrain T/A KO2 | All | – | – | – |
Unfortunately as All-Terrain T/A KO2 is sold with a light truck (LT) designation, it does need to provide any UTQG rating. However we can gauge the expected mileage from the mileage warranty of both products. The mileage warranty of both tires are at 50,000 miles. With these numbers, we can safely assume that both tires will be competitive when it comes to mileage.
Price
BFGoodrich, a premium brand owned by Michelin, is considered one of the most expensive options in the all-terrain segment. Based on the prices we surveyed, this is was marginally true, as the All-Terrain T/A KO2 is only $9 more expensive than the Scorpion All-Terrain Plus.
Tire size: 265/60 R18
Scorpion All-Terrain Plus : $274
All-Terrain T/A KO2 : $283
Difference: +3% more expensive for All-Terrain T/A KO2.
Summary
In summary, the Scorpion All-Terrain Plus excels on both wet and dry surfaces, while the All-Terrain T/A KO2 outshines in off-road capabilities. In this head-to-head comparison, it’s difficult to declare a definitive winner, as both tires excel in distinct performance areas. The key to selecting the right tire lies in your individual preferences and priorities when choosing your next set of off-road tires. If off-road performance ranks as your top concern, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 would be an ideal fit. Conversely, if wet and dry performance is of the utmost importance, the Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus would make a perfect match.