Overview
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is a legend in the all-terrain (AT) tyre market. Designed for drivers of pickups, SUVs, and 4x4s who demand a tyre that can confidently handle off-road trails, gravel, mud, and snow, while still offering reasonable on-road comfort and reliability year-round. The KO2 sits firmly in the all-terrain, all-season segment, aiming to balance tough off-road durability with everyday usability. Whether you’re an outdoors enthusiast, a contractor, or a fleet manager running light trucks, the KO2 is built for those who spend as much time on dirt as they do on tarmac, and need a tyre that won’t let them down whatever the weather.
Key Specs
| Type | All-Terrain, All-Season |
| Available sizes range | 15″–22″ rim diameter, widths 215–325 mm |
| Popular sizes | LT265/70R17, LT285/75R16 |
| Speed rating examples | R, S, T (up to 118 mph) |
| Load index examples | 112–128 (up to 3,968 lbs per tyre) |
| Tread pattern | Aggressive, interlocking blocks with deep sipes |
| Technology highlights | CoreGard sidewall tech, stone ejectors, 3PMSF snow rating, twin steel belts |
Performance: Dry
On dry pavement, the KO2 outperforms most mud-terrain tyres and stands among the best in the all-terrain category. Its interlocking tread blocks provide solid stability in corners, and the reinforced sidewalls offer a predictable, secure feel even when loaded. Braking distances are reasonable for an AT tyre, though less crisp compared to highway-terrain (HT) tyres. Steering response is slightly muted due to the robust construction and deeper tread, but for a tyre with true off-road intent, the on-road manners are reassuring. Expect moderate road feedback and confidence on winding tarmac, as long as you keep in mind the tyre’s off-road-first priorities.
Performance: Wet
Wet handling is a critical area for all-terrain tyres, and the KO2 performs reliably in rain and on slick surfaces. The wide, deep grooves efficiently channel water away, reducing the risk of hydroplaning. The tyre’s silica-enhanced compound helps maintain grip on wet pavement, and braking remains consistent, albeit with slightly longer stopping distances than dedicated on-road tyres. Lateral grip is commendable for a chunky tread, and stability under heavy rain is better than many rivals thanks to the dense siping. For those who regularly transition from highway to gravel or mud during storms, the KO2 inspires confidence without major compromise.
Performance: Snow & Ice
The KO2 is one of the few all-terrain tyres to earn the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, indicating genuine winter capability. On packed snow, the aggressive sipes and biting edges dig in for reliable traction, outperforming most all-terrain competitors. Deep snow is handled confidently; the open tread blocks clear slush and resist clogging. On ice, performance is acceptable for an AT tyre, though not on par with true winter/snow tyres—cautious driving is still recommended. For drivers in snowy mountain regions or those facing unplowed roads, the KO2 is a top pick among all-terrain options.
Comfort & Noise
Given its off-road focus, comfort is better than expected. The robust carcass absorbs most potholes and ruts, providing a compliant ride over broken pavement and gravel. Road noise is present, especially as the tread wears, but is less pronounced than with mud-terrain tyres or more aggressive off-road options. At highway speeds, a low hum is noticeable but not intrusive for most drivers. The trade-off for off-road grip is a firmer, slightly noisier ride than highway or touring tyres, but for an AT tyre, the KO2 manages a commendable balance between comfort and capability.
Durability & Economy
Durability is where the KO2 truly excels. The CoreGard technology reinforces sidewalls to resist cuts and bruises from rocks and curbs, and the compound is designed to withstand gravel abrasion and chipping. Wear rates are generally slow and even, with many users reporting 40,000–60,000 miles of service depending on rotation and driving style. The tyre’s UTQG rating (when applicable, as many LT sizes are exempt) is typically around 500 A B, reflecting good tread life and temperature resistance. Rolling resistance is higher than highway tyres, which can lead to a small decrease in fuel economy—expect 1–2 mpg drop on some vehicles. Still, for the intended use, this is a reasonable trade-off for the durability and all-terrain grip on offer.
Sizes & Alternatives
The KO2 is available in a wide range of sizes to suit nearly every popular US pickup and SUV. Some of the most common fitments include:
- LT265/70R17 (Ford F-150, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Silverado)
- LT285/75R16 (Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner, older pickups)
- LT275/65R18 (Ram 1500, GMC Sierra)
- LT315/70R17 (Ford Raptor, lifted trucks)
Top alternatives and competitors in the all-terrain segment include:
- Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar
- Falken Wildpeak A/T3W
- General Grabber A/TX
- Toyo Open Country A/T III
- Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Outstanding off-road traction on dirt, gravel, mud, and snow
- 3PMSF snow rating for genuine winter performance
- Extremely tough sidewalls and strong resistance to cuts and chips
- Predictable on-road manners for an aggressive AT tyre
- Available in a wide range of sizes for most US trucks and SUVs
Cons
- Noticeable road noise compared to highway or touring tyres
- Steering response less sharp than pure on-road tyres
- Rolling resistance causes a slight drop in fuel economy
- Ice grip less than dedicated winter tyres
- Premium price point relative to some rivals
Verdict
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 remains a benchmark for all-terrain, all-season performance in the US market. Its blend of off-road tenacity, real winter capability (3PMSF), and everyday usability make it a top choice for those who split their time between pavement and trails. While not as quiet or fuel-efficient as a touring tyre, the KO2’s strengths in durability, off-road traction, and versatility are hard to beat. It’s particularly suited to pickup and SUV owners who require true all-terrain performance without compromising too much on-road. Fleet operators, adventurers, and anyone facing unpredictable road conditions will appreciate the KO2’s reliability and toughness. If you spend most of your time on highways, a less aggressive all-season or highway-terrain tyre may offer more comfort and efficiency, but for all-around capability with a proven track record, the KO2 is hard to top.
For my landscaping trucks that haul heavy loads, does the KO2’s load index up to 128 mean it’s suitable for frequent towing, or should I consider something even stronger?
The KO2’s load index of up to 128 means it can handle heavy loads, making it suitable for most landscaping trucks and frequent towing. However, if your trucks routinely carry loads near the tire’s maximum rating or operate in especially demanding conditions, you might want to consider commercial-grade or higher load-rated tires for extra durability and safety.
Are there any known compatibility issues when using the KO2 in LT285/75R16 size on mid-size pickups like the Tacoma or Ranger?
The KO2 in LT285/75R16 size generally fits mid-size pickups like the Tacoma or Ranger, but you may encounter rubbing if your truck isn’t lifted or doesn’t have aftermarket wheels with proper offset. It’s important to check for enough clearance and consider possible modifications such as a slight lift or trimming if needed.
With popular sizes like LT265/70R17, are there any noticeable differences in ride comfort or noise between the smaller and larger KO2 sizes?
There can be slight differences in ride comfort and noise between smaller and larger KO2 sizes. Larger sizes often have more sidewall, which can absorb bumps better, but they may also produce more road noise due to a bigger contact patch. Smaller sizes might feel a bit firmer but can be a touch quieter. The differences are usually minor, but noticeable to sensitive drivers.