Overview
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is a benchmark tyre in the all-terrain (AT) segment, designed for drivers seeking the freedom to go off-road while maintaining on-road comfort and control. Aimed at owners of light trucks, SUVs, and pickups, the KO2 is especially popular with outdoor enthusiasts, overlanders, and fleet operators who require dependable traction across a wide variety of surfaces. As an all-season all-terrain tyre, it balances off-road capability with highway manners, making it a go-to choice for those who split time between tarmac and trails.
The KO2’s focus is on off-road durability, all-weather traction (including light snow), and resistance to damage from rocks and rough terrain, without sacrificing the everyday usability you need for highway commutes and towing. Its versatility has made it a staple for both individual drivers and commercial fleets across the US.
Key Specs
| Type | All-Terrain, All-Season |
| Available Sizes Range | 15″–22″ rim diameters; e.g., 265/70 R17, 275/60 R20 |
| Common Sizes Reviewed | LT265/70 R17, LT285/75 R16 |
| Speed Rating Examples | S, R, Q (varies by size) |
| Load Index Examples | 112–126 (standard & LT-metric) |
| Tread Pattern | Aggressive, interlocking blocks with wide grooves & sidewall lugs |
| Technology Highlights | CoreGard™ sidewall tech, stone ejectors, 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rated, advanced rubber compounds |
| UTQG | 500 A B (P-metric sizes) |
Performance: Dry
On dry pavement, the KO2 performs admirably for an all-terrain tyre. Steering response is reassuringly direct, especially for a tyre with such rugged construction. While it can’t match the crisp turn-in of a highway all-season or performance tyre, the KO2 feels stable during lane changes and offers predictable handling at highway speeds.
Braking distances are competitive within the AT segment. The large, interlocking tread blocks provide ample road contact, translating to confidence under hard stops. Cornering grip is solid for a tyre of this class, but there is some tread squirm during aggressive maneuvers, which is expected given its off-road focus. For drivers who prioritize dry-road handling above all else, a highway-terrain (HT) tyre might feel sharper, but the KO2 strikes an excellent balance between off-road toughness and on-road competence.
Performance: Wet
Wet weather is a crucial test for any all-terrain tyre. The KO2’s wide grooves and open shoulder design work to evacuate water effectively, minimizing hydroplaning risk. In moderate to heavy rain, the tyre inspires confidence, maintaining composure on highways and backroads alike.
Braking performance in the wet is on par with the better AT tyres on the market. While stopping distances are longer than a dedicated highway or touring tyre, they remain reassuring for the category. The tread compound and siping help maintain grip on slick surfaces, though spirited drivers will notice a slight loss of traction under hard acceleration or abrupt steering inputs on wet pavement.
Overall, the KO2 delivers reliable wet performance, making it suitable for drivers who encounter frequent storms or wet conditions but still need off-road capability.
Performance: Snow & Ice
The KO2 is one of the few AT tyres with the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, certifying its capability in severe snow conditions. In light to moderate snow, the aggressive tread pattern and deep sipes bite into slush and powder, providing impressive traction for an all-terrain tyre. This makes it a favorite among drivers in northern states or those venturing into mountain regions.
On packed snow and icy patches, the KO2’s performance is competent, though it cannot fully match a dedicated winter tyre’s grip or braking. For occasional winter driving, it’s a strong performer, but those facing prolonged or extreme winter conditions may prefer swapping to a true winter tyre for maximum safety.
Comfort & Noise
All-terrain tyres are often associated with higher road noise and a firmer ride, but the KO2 manages these compromises well. Road noise is noticeable, especially at highway speeds, but it remains lower than many mud-terrain alternatives and is not intrusive for most users.
Ride comfort is generally good, aided by the tyre’s robust construction, which absorbs impacts from potholes and rough pavement effectively. There is some firmness over sharp bumps, especially in LT-rated sizes with higher ply ratings, but daily driving remains comfortable, even on long trips. For those upgrading from a standard highway tyre, expect a modest increase in hum and a slightly busier ride, but the trade-off is worthwhile for the added toughness and versatility.
Durability & Economy
Durability is one of the KO2’s standout qualities. Its CoreGard™ sidewall technology helps resist cuts, chips, and punctures from rocks, curbs, and debris—a major asset for off-roaders and work trucks. The tread compound is formulated for long life, with many users reporting 40,000–50,000 miles under mixed-use conditions.
Wear is even, provided tyres are rotated regularly. The KO2 also resists chipping and chunking on gravel and rocky trails better than most rivals. The P-metric sizes carry a UTQG rating of 500 A B, reflecting respectable treadwear and traction for the category. (LT sizes are not UTQG rated, but are built for commercial-level durability.)
Rolling resistance is higher than a typical road tyre, which can lead to a slight decrease in fuel economy—usually a trade-off with all-terrain tyres. That said, the impact is reasonable, and most owners find the balance acceptable given the tyre’s durability and off-road prowess.
Sizes & Alternatives
The KO2 is available in a broad range of sizes to fit popular trucks and SUVs, including:
- LT265/70 R17 (Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Wrangler)
- LT285/75 R16 (Toyota Land Cruiser, older Ford Super Duty, off-road builds)
- 275/60 R20, 265/75 R16, and more
Top alternatives in the US all-terrain segment:
- Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar: Strong competitor, excellent on-road manners, Kevlar reinforcement.
- Falken Wildpeak A/T3W: Known for excellent wet and snow traction, slightly softer ride.
- Toyo Open Country A/T III: Durable, good on-road comfort, versatile for mixed use.
- General Grabber A/TX: Aggressive tread, good value, 3PMSF rated.
- Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S: Balanced on/off-road performance, solid winter capability.
Pros & Cons
- Outstanding off-road traction and sidewall toughness
- 3PMSF-rated for confidence in light to moderate snow
- Long tread life and strong resistance to chipping/tearing
- Predictable handling on dry and wet pavement
- Wide range of sizes for most trucks and SUVs
- Road noise higher than highway/all-season tyres
- Fuel economy slightly reduced due to rolling resistance
- Some tread squirm and less precision on twisty roads
- Not a substitute for a dedicated winter tyre on hard-packed snow/ice
- Price premium compared to some alternatives
Verdict
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 remains a top-tier choice for drivers who need true all-terrain capability without losing sight of everyday comfort and reliability. Its combination of off-road grip, on-road manners, and proven durability cements its place as a favorite among off-roaders, work fleets, and adventure seekers alike.
If your driving includes a regular mix of highways, gravel, dirt, and occasional snow, the KO2 is hard to beat. Its ability to shrug off damage and maintain traction in challenging conditions inspires confidence—whether you’re hauling gear to a remote campsite, navigating muddy job sites, or just driving through unpredictable weather.
For those who spend the vast majority of time on paved roads, a highway-terrain or premium all-season tyre may offer a quieter, more fuel-efficient ride. But for drivers who demand versatility and toughness, the KO2 is a proven investment. It’s not the cheapest, nor the quietest, but few tyres match its blend of real-world capability and dependability.