Overview
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 stands as one of the most popular all-terrain tyres in North America, engineered for drivers who demand robust off-road capability without sacrificing everyday road comfort. Designed specifically for pickups, SUVs, and light trucks, the KO2 targets those who split their time between highways and challenging terrain—whether that means forest service roads, rocky trails, mud, or snow. As a true all-terrain (AT) tyre, it aims to balance off-road traction with on-road civility and tread life, making it a top pick for weekend adventurers, overlanders, and work vehicles alike. This review focuses on popular sizes such as LT265/70R17 and P275/65R18, reflecting common fitments for vehicles like the Ford F-150, Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Wrangler, and Chevrolet Silverado.
Key Specs
| Type | All-Terrain (All-Season, Light Truck/SUV) |
| Available Sizes | 15″ to 22″ (LT and P-metric), widths 215–325 mm |
| Speed Rating (examples) | R (106 mph), S (112 mph), T (118 mph) |
| Load Index (examples) | 112 (2469 lbs), 121 (3197 lbs), varies by size |
| Tread Pattern | Interlocking, aggressive open shoulder, stone ejectors, serrated sidewalls |
| Technology Highlights | CoreGard sidewall tech, 3-ply polyester casing, 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rating, advanced rubber compound, biting edges for snow/mud |
Performance: Dry
On paved roads, the KO2 delivers a surprisingly composed ride for an aggressive all-terrain tyre. Steering response is solid, particularly for a tyre in this segment, though it’s not as sharp as highway-terrain or pure on-road SUV tyres. Braking distances are competitive and offer confidence during abrupt stops. The large, interlocking tread blocks provide stability during cornering, minimizing squirm and maintaining good road contact, even under load. While overall grip levels lag behind performance or highway tyres, most drivers will find the KO2’s dry handling more than sufficient for daily use and highway cruising, with a reassuringly stable feel at speed.
Performance: Wet
Wet weather is a critical test for any all-terrain tyre, and the KO2 performs well for its class. The deep tread voids and advanced water evacuation channels manage to resist hydroplaning effectively, even in heavy rain. Braking and acceleration on wet pavement remain predictable, with only moderate increases in stopping distances compared to road-focused tyres. The rubber compound retains flexibility at lower temperatures, further enhancing wet grip. However, quick transitions and aggressive maneuvers on slick roads can reveal the KO2’s off-road bias, with a bit more understeer and longer stopping distances than dedicated all-season highway tyres. Still, for an AT tyre, wet performance is commendable and notably confidence-inspiring.
Performance: Snow & Ice
The KO2 is one of the few all-terrain options to earn the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, indicating above-average winter traction. In moderate to deep snow, the aggressive tread and biting edges dig in effectively, delivering sure-footed acceleration and braking. Lateral grip is good for the segment, making this tyre a strong choice for drivers who encounter unplowed roads or frequent winter weather. On ice, performance is limited—as with nearly all all-terrain tyres—but the KO2 does better than most thanks to its pliable compound and sipes. For frequent icy conditions, a dedicated winter tyre remains the gold standard, but the KO2 is a legitimate year-round option for mixed climates.
Comfort & Noise
All-terrain tyres are often criticized for road noise and harshness, but the KO2 impresses with a refined ride for its category. The tread pattern, while aggressive, is designed to minimize pitch and harmonics, leading to a moderate hum at highway speeds rather than an intrusive roar. On smooth pavement, ride comfort is generally good, with the tough sidewalls providing plenty of support without excessive harshness. Over broken pavement and potholes, the ride is firmer than a touring tyre but not punishing. Noise levels do increase as the tread wears, and stone retention in the tread can add some clicking sounds, but overall, the KO2 sets a high bar for comfort among all-terrain competitors.
Durability & Economy
Durability is a hallmark of the KO2 lineage. The tyre features a robust three-ply polyester carcass—rare among consumer AT tyres—and BFGoodrich’s CoreGard technology to resist sidewall splitting and punctures. Real-world reports and long-term user data affirm that the KO2 can easily deliver 40,000–50,000 miles with even wear if rotated properly. The KO2 bears a UTQG rating of 500 A B (for P-metric sizes), indicating above-average treadwear and strong traction. Rolling resistance is higher than that of highway or touring tyres, so expect a slight dip in fuel economy, especially on heavy vehicles, but this is typical for the segment. The trade-off is a tyre that shrugs off sharp rocks, gravel, and off-road abuse, making it ideal for demanding environments.
Sizes & Alternatives
The KO2 is available in a vast range of sizes, from 15″ to 22″ diameters, with widths from 215 mm up to 325 mm. This makes it compatible with a broad spectrum of pickups, SUVs, and light trucks. Popular sizes include:
- LT265/70R17 (Ford F-150, Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Wrangler)
- P275/65R18 (Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500)
- LT285/70R17 (Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Gladiator)
- LT245/75R16 (Chevrolet Colorado, Nissan Frontier)
Notable rivals 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 in mud, rocks, and loose surfaces
- Impressive snow performance (3PMSF rated)
- Durable construction; strong sidewall protection
- Long tread life for an AT tyre
- Refined ride and noise levels compared to other aggressive ATs
- Extensive size availability for trucks and SUVs
Cons
- Higher rolling resistance impacts fuel economy
- Wet and icy road grip not as strong as dedicated all-season or winter tyres
- Heavier than highway-terrain tyres, may affect acceleration
- Firm ride over sharp impacts
- Price premium compared to some rivals
Verdict
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 remains a benchmark for US drivers seeking a genuine do-it-all tyre for their trucks or SUVs. Its off-road credentials are well established, with excellent grip on loose, muddy, rocky, and snowy surfaces. On road, it tempers its aggressive tread with a surprisingly composed ride and reasonable noise, making it practical for daily driving and long highway trips. Durability is a strong suit, rewarding those who drive in tough environments or rack up miles.
There are trade-offs: expect a slight reduction in fuel economy, a firmer ride, and wet/ice performance that can’t match dedicated all-season or winter rubber. For those who primarily drive on pavement, a highway-terrain tyre may suit better. But for adventurers, contractors, or anyone who needs dependable traction year-round—without the hassle of frequent tyre changes—the KO2 is a proven, no-nonsense choice that justifies its loyal following and price point. In 2025, it remains a top recommendation in the all-terrain class.
Are there any specific sizing or fitment challenges when switching to the KO2 on a Jeep Wrangler with factory wheels?
When fitting KO2s on a Jeep Wrangler with factory wheels, most stock sizes are available and commonly used. However, if you choose a larger-than-stock KO2 size, you might encounter rubbing on suspension or fender components, especially at full steering lock or during articulation. It’s best to stick close to factory sizing unless you plan to add a lift or make other modifications.
How does the tread life of the KO2 compare to other all-terrain tyres, especially for someone who splits driving between city streets and dirt roads?
The KO2 is known for its impressive tread life, often outlasting many competing all-terrain tires. For drivers who split time between city streets and dirt roads, the KO2 generally maintains its performance and wears evenly, providing 40,000 to 60,000 miles for most users. Its durability stands out compared to similar all-terrain options.
Are there any limitations on load capacity I should be aware of if I plan to tow with these tires on a Silverado 1500?
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 comes in several load ratings, typically C, D, or E. For towing with your Silverado 1500, you’ll want to choose the version with the appropriate load rating that matches or exceeds your truck’s requirements. Always check the sidewall for the load index and compare it to your towing needs to ensure safe performance.
My budget is tight and I need new tires for a Ford F-150. Are KO2s worth the premium price compared to other all-terrain options if I only hit the trails once in a while?
If you only go off-road occasionally, KO2s might be more tire than you need, since their higher price reflects their rugged build and off-road capability. You could save money by choosing a less aggressive all-terrain tire that still performs well on pavement and handles light trails. KO2s are excellent, but their premium is mainly justified for frequent off-road use.
Does the KO2’s 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating mean it performs as well as a dedicated winter tire in deep snow, or are there noticeable traction limitations in harsh Midwest winters?
The KO2’s 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating certifies it for winter use, but it won’t match the traction of a true winter tire in deep snow or ice. While the KO2 does better than standard all-terrains in harsh Midwest conditions, you may still notice limitations in grip and stopping power compared to dedicated snow tires.
I noticed the KO2 comes in both LT and P-metric sizes. For a mostly daily-driven F-150 with occasional camping trips, is there a noticeable difference in ride comfort or durability?
For your mostly daily-driven F-150, P-metric KO2s generally offer a slightly smoother and quieter ride compared to LT versions, as they have softer sidewalls. However, LT tires provide greater durability and load-carrying capacity, which is useful for camping trips with heavy gear. If comfort is your priority and you don’t regularly haul heavy loads, P-metric is a good choice.
Is the advanced rubber compound in the KO2 likely to wear faster if most of my miles are on hot pavement, or is tread life still respectable for city drivers?
The KO2’s advanced rubber compound is designed to handle both off-road and on-road conditions, including hot pavement. While any all-terrain tire may wear a bit faster on consistently hot city streets compared to a touring tire, the KO2 still offers very respectable tread life for city drivers. You can expect durability and longevity, even with mostly urban use.
For someone mainly driving a Tacoma on highways with occasional camping trips on forest service roads, is the KO2 overkill compared to a less aggressive all-terrain option?
The KO2 is a tough tire that shines off-road, but for mostly highway driving with only occasional forest road adventures, it might be more aggressive than you need. A milder all-terrain tire can offer a quieter ride and better fuel efficiency, while still handling light off-road use comfortably.