For decades, BFGoodrich has been a dominant name in the light-truck market with specialized off-road tire options. The KO2 was listed as their flagship all-terrain tire and a trusted go-to for adventure-seeking brand loyalists. But even the best all-terrain tires have their quirks. With real-world feedback in hand, BFGoodrich has refined its formula with the All-Terrain T/A KO3, and now, more sizes have been added to the lineup.
This isn’t just about expanding availability, it’s about addressing the performance gaps that hardcore off-roaders and daily drivers alike have experienced with the KO2. While the KO2 was praised for its durability, some drivers reported chunking in rocky terrain, increased road noise over time, and less-than-ideal wet and ice traction. The KO3 aims to tackle these concerns while maintaining the off-road grit that has made BFGoodrich a staple in the industry.
From KO to KO3: BFGoodrich’s All-Terrain Evolution Rolls On
BFGoodrich has played the long game of extensive tire development, owning significant market-share of the all-terrain tire market. Having pioneered purpose-built off-road capability with a legacy dating back to the 1976 launch of the Radial All-Terrain T/A. This was the very beginning of light-truck off-road tire technology and the industry’s first radial off-road tire. It became a winning standard with a Baja 1000 victory under Frank “Scoop” Vessels’ Class 8 victory during the 1977 Baja 1000.
The company built upon this foundation with the All-Terrain T/A KO in 1999, setting new durability and traction standards. In 2014, the KO2 arrived, bringing tougher sidewalls, enhanced tread life, and improved performance on loose surfaces. Now, the latest evolution, the KO3, refines BFG’s winning formula with updated compound technology, a reworked tread pattern, and improved adaptability across diverse terrains.
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Issues
Besides being launched over ten years ago in 2014, some of the known BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 issues reported by users were focused on five repeating areas of concern.
While the KO2 was praised for its durability, heavy use on sharp rocks sometimes led to tread chunking—where small pieces of rubber would break off. This was particularly noticeable for drivers who spent a lot of time on gravel roads or jagged rocky trails. The KO2 had decent wet traction but wasn’t the best in heavy rain or icy conditions. Some users found stopping distances on wet pavement longer than expected, and the tire could lose grip more easily on icy roads.
Compared to highway tires, the KO2 was louder on the road, which is common for aggressive all-terrain tires. As the tread wore down, road noise often increased, especially at highway speeds. The KO2’s sidewalls were reinforced for durability, which made the tire feel stiff on lighter vehicles like midsize SUVs or crossovers. Some users noted a harsher ride, particularly on pavement or graded dirt roads.
While the KO2 had decent mud traction, it wasn’t a dedicated mud-terrain tire. The tread pattern sometimes struggled to self-clean in thick, sticky mud, leading to loss of traction.
What’s New with the KO3?
BFGoodrich’s approach to the KO3 isn’t a complete reinvention; it’s an evolution. The goal was to keep what worked while refining areas where improvement was needed. Here’s what the KO3 brings to the table:
1. Stronger, More Resilient Tread
One of the biggest complaints about the KO2 was tread chunking when driven aggressively on sharp rocks and rough terrain. BFGoodrich has reinforced the KO3’s tread blocks to enhance durability, making it better suited for long-term abuse on rocky trails and gravel roads. The improved tread design also extends wear life, giving drivers more miles before a replacement is needed.
2. Improved Wet and Ice Traction
The KO2 was dependable in most conditions, but wet roads and ice were not its strong suits. The KO3 features a reworked rubber compound and siping pattern to improve grip on slick surfaces. This means better stopping power in rain and increased confidence in winter conditions, addressing a key concern for year-round off-roaders.
3. Refined Tread Design for Better Mud Performance
Mud was another area where the KO2 could struggle, especially in deep, sticky conditions where its tread pattern had difficulty self-cleaning. The KO3’s modified tread geometry is designed to evacuate mud more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of getting bogged down when the terrain gets messy.
4. Balanced On-Road Comfort
All-terrain tires are always a balancing act—too aggressive, and they become noisy and rough on pavement; too mild, and they lose effectiveness off-road. The KO3 maintains a rugged build but incorporates small design tweaks to reduce road noise and soften the ride, making it more livable for those who use their rigs as daily drivers.
New Sizes Available
The latest expansion brings even more fitment options to the KO3 lineup, up to 43 different products and programmed for 70 sizes by the end of 2026. While specific size details can be found on BFGoodrich’s website, the focus is on offering choices for a wider range of vehicles, from midsize SUVs to full-size trucks. Whether you’re driving a Jeep Wrangler, Toyota Tacoma, or Ford F-250, chances are there’s a KO3 that fits your needs.
Is the KO3 Worth the Upgrade?
If you were happy with the KO2 and haven’t experienced issues like chunking or wet traction struggles, you might not feel a pressing need to switch. However, if you’re looking for better durability, improved wet and ice performance, and a refined on-road experience, the KO3 brings noticeable improvements without sacrificing off-road capability.
For those new to the BFGoodrich all-terrain lineup, the KO3 presents a well-rounded, do-it-all solution and one that acknowledges the lessons learned from the KO2 while delivering a smarter, more capable tire for modern off-roaders.
To us, it looks like BFGoodrich didn’t just add more sizes to the KO3, they fine-tuned a classic to meet the demands of today’s adventurers. Whether you’re crawling over rocks, tackling muddy trails, or simply cruising down the highway, the KO3 seems ready to handle the job. The only question remaining: white walls in or out? For full tire specs and availability, visit BFGoodrich’s official site.
