Overview
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is one of the most recognized and widely used all-terrain tyres in the United States. Designed for drivers who demand off-road capability without sacrificing on-road manners, the KO2 is aimed at owners of pickups, SUVs, crossovers, and even some work vans. It’s a true all-season, all-terrain tyre, offering a blend of traction, durability, and comfort for those who split their driving between highways, gravel roads, trails, and light snow. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, overlanding adventurer, or a fleet manager looking for robust tyres for mixed-use vehicles, the KO2 is an enduring benchmark in the all-terrain segment.
Key Specs
| Type | All-Terrain, All-Season |
| Available Sizes Range | 15″–22″ rim diameters; width 215mm–325mm |
| Speed Rating Examples | R, S, T (varies by size) |
| Load Index Examples | 100–126 (standard and LT/more heavy-duty) |
| Tread Pattern | Aggressive, interlocking tread blocks with deep grooves and stone ejectors |
| Technology Highlights | CoreGard sidewall tech (puncture resistance), 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) rated, advanced rubber compounds |
Performance: Dry
On dry pavement, the KO2 delivers secure and predictable handling, especially considering its off-road focus. The tyre’s stiff tread blocks and reinforced sidewalls provide good steering response and stability during highway cruising or when carrying heavy loads. Braking distances are longer than a traditional highway or touring tyre, but the KO2 inspires confidence, especially on larger trucks and SUVs. Cornering grip is reasonable for an all-terrain—the tyre feels planted, with minimal squirm despite its aggressive tread. On dirt and gravel, the KO2 is in its element, offering superb traction and confidence, even when aired down for trail use.
Performance: Wet
BFG’s advanced tread compound and deep, wide grooves help the KO2 maintain traction on wet roads. Hydroplaning resistance is above average for an all-terrain tyre, thanks to the open shoulder design and stone ejectors that keep the grooves clear. However, wet braking and lateral grip are still a notch below premium highway or all-season tyres—expect slightly longer stopping distances in the rain and a bit of tread noise during hard maneuvers. Off pavement, the tyre’s aggressive lugs bite well into muddy ruts and slippery surfaces, offering impressive self-cleaning ability for an all-terrain.
Performance: Snow & Ice
The KO2 is 3PMSF rated, meaning it meets the industry standard for severe snow service and carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol. In real-world terms, it outperforms most all-season and some milder all-terrain tyres on packed snow and light ice. The interlocking tread blocks and high-density siping provide commendable acceleration and braking traction on winter roads, especially when compared to non-3PMSF rivals. Still, the KO2 is not a substitute for a dedicated winter tyre on glare ice or deep snow, where specialized compounds and more aggressive siping would make a bigger difference. For occasional snow and mixed winter conditions, though, the KO2 is one of the best all-terrain options.
Comfort & Noise
For an all-terrain tyre, the KO2 delivers a surprisingly refined ride. The robust sidewalls help absorb impacts from potholes and rough surfaces, making daily driving comfortable even on broken pavement. Road noise is noticeable, especially as speeds increase, but the pitch is a low, steady hum rather than an intrusive drone. Compared to more aggressive mud-terrains, the KO2 is much quieter, but expect more sound than a highway or touring tyre. Vibration is well controlled, and overall comfort is sufficient for long road trips, especially on trucks and SUVs with good cabin insulation.
Durability & Economy
Durability is a hallmark of the KO2. The tyre features BFGoodrich’s CoreGard technology, with reinforced sidewalls that resist splits and punctures from rocks, roots, and debris. The tread compound is engineered for long wear, and many owners report 40,000–60,000 miles from a set, depending on usage and maintenance. The KO2’s cut- and chip-resistant tread stands up well to gravel and off-road abuse. As for economy, rolling resistance is higher than a typical all-season, so expect a minor reduction in fuel efficiency. The KO2 is UTQG rated 600 A B for many P-metric sizes (note: LT sizes are not UTQG rated). This indicates solid treadwear and good traction grades for its class. Value-wise, the KO2 is priced at the upper end of the all-terrain segment, but its longevity and toughness help offset the initial investment.
Sizes & Alternatives
The KO2 is available in a vast range of sizes, making it a fit for everything from compact crossovers to heavy-duty pickups. Popular sizes include:
- LT265/70R17
- LT275/70R18
- P265/70R16
- LT285/75R16
- LT315/70R17
Key competitors to consider:
- 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 and durability
- Impressive snow performance for an all-terrain (3PMSF rated)
- Resistant to cuts, chips, and punctures
- Long tread life for the category
- Wide size range for various vehicles
Cons
- More road noise than highway/touring tyres
- Reduced wet and dry on-road braking vs. street-focused tyres
- Slightly higher fuel consumption
- Premium price point
- Not a true substitute for a dedicated winter tyre on ice
Verdict
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 remains a top choice for US drivers seeking a true balance of daily usability and off-road grit. Its off-road ability, tread life, and snow traction are hard to beat in the all-terrain class. While it’s not the quietest or most fuel-efficient option for highway cruising, its strengths far outweigh the minor compromises for those who need durability and versatility. If your driving regularly takes you from pavement to dirt, gravel, or snow—and you value puncture resistance and long-term value—the KO2 is one of the most dependable all-terrain tyres you can buy. For those who spend most of their time on-road and prioritize quiet, comfort, or maximum wet braking, a less aggressive all-season or highway terrain tyre may be a better fit. But for adventure-seekers, contractors, or anyone needing true go-anywhere capability, the KO2 stands out as a benchmark in its segment.
Could you elaborate on how the KO2’s snow performance compares to other 3PMSF-rated all-terrain tires, especially in terms of braking and acceleration on packed snow?
The KO2 performs well on packed snow, offering reliable braking and acceleration that’s on par with or slightly better than many other 3PMSF-rated all-terrain tires. Its aggressive tread and siping provide strong grip, but some competitors may offer marginally shorter stopping distances. Overall, the KO2 stands out for consistent traction and stable handling in snowy conditions.
I’m considering these for my work van, but are there specific load index ratings I should look for if I regularly haul heavy equipment?
Absolutely, when hauling heavy equipment, you should choose BFGoodrich KO2 tires with a higher load index that matches or exceeds your van’s maximum axle load. Check your van’s door placard or manual for the recommended load index, and select a tire rated for that or higher to ensure safety and durability under heavy loads.
For those who mostly do highway miles with occasional off-road trips, is the added road noise from the aggressive tread noticeable inside an SUV?
The KO2’s aggressive tread does generate more road noise than typical highway tires, but inside most SUVs, the sound is usually moderate and manageable. At highway speeds, you might hear a low hum, but it shouldn’t be overwhelming. Many drivers find it a fair trade-off for the tire’s off-road capability, especially if off-road trips are occasional.
My SUV mostly handles highway commutes with some weekend camping trips. Is the ride comfort on pavement noticeably firmer than standard touring tires?
Yes, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is a bit firmer and noisier on pavement compared to standard touring tires. This is due to its rugged construction and aggressive tread, designed for off-road durability. While it’s still comfortable enough for daily highway driving, you may notice a slightly stiffer and louder ride than with touring tires.