I’ve run BFGoodrich’s KO2 on three of my own trucks over the years, so when the KO3 finally landed after what felt like forever in development, I mounted a set on my current daily-driven half-ton specifically to see whether it actually earns the upgrade or just trades on the KO2’s reputation.
After a full season of highway commuting, gravel roads, and enough trail time to get the tires genuinely dirty, I’ve got a clear answer — and it comes with real numbers, not just adjectives borrowed from a spec sheet.
For a broader look at how BFGoodrich’s whole lineup stacks up, our BFGoodrich tires review covers the brand’s overall reputation across categories. This review focuses specifically on the KO3, including a direct, data-backed comparison to the KO2 it replaces — something most reviews of this tire skip entirely.
This review combines my own time behind the wheel and on the trail with aggregated manufacturer data and independent testing, since one set of tires on one truck doesn’t tell the whole story on a tire this widely discussed.
- What it is: BFGoodrich’s third-generation All-Terrain T/A, launched in late 2024 as the direct replacement for the widely respected KO2.
- Real strengths: Genuine improvements over the KO2 in wear, gravel-road durability, wet braking, and ride quality, backed by both BFGoodrich’s own published figures and independent measured testing.
- Real weaknesses: Narrower size availability than the KO2 right now, a real price premium, and the KO2 still edges it out in deep mud specifically.
- The catch: This isn’t a completely new tire — it retains the KO2’s CoreGard sidewall protection and 3PMSF winter certification, refining rather than reinventing the formula.
- Bottom line: A genuine, measurable step forward for most truck and SUV owners who split time between highway and trail, though the KO2 remains a smart buy if you find it discounted or need a size the KO3 doesn’t yet offer.
Price Check
Check the price of this tire at the following retailers:
TireRack PriorityTire SimpleTire AmazonDon’t know the correct size tire to purchase? Start here!
Liked this article?
Add TireAdvise as a preferred source so you see more of our tire reviews and guides on Google.
My Time With the KO3
I put this tire through a genuinely normal mix of driving — daily highway commuting, a few weekend trips out to gravel forest service roads, and enough moderate trail use to get a real feel for how it handles loose dirt, rock, and the occasional muddy stretch.
On the highway, I noticed the difference from my old KO2s within the first week. Road noise was noticeably lower, and the ride felt more composed over rough pavement — not luxury-tire quiet, but a real, felt improvement for a tire this aggressive-looking.
Off-road, the KO3 gripped confidently on gravel and loose dirt, and it handled a couple of wet, rutted sections without the vague, squirmy feeling I remember from older all-terrain tires.
Where I noticed the real KO2 comparison most directly was wet braking on the highway during a sudden rainstorm — the KO3 felt genuinely more planted and confident than I remember the KO2 feeling in similar conditions, which lines up with the independent measured data I found afterward.
What the KO3 Actually Is
The All-Terrain T/A KO3 is BFGoodrich’s third-generation all-terrain tire, launched in late 2024 as the direct replacement for the KO2 — a tire so respected that BFGoodrich reportedly spent roughly four years in development trying to actually improve on it rather than just refresh the branding.
It’s built on the same core DNA as the KO2: aggressive, interlocking tread blocks, a serrated shoulder design, and “mud-phobic bars” that help the tire self-clean in soft terrain.
BFGoodrich retained the KO2’s CoreGard sidewall protection technology and its 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) winter certification — this isn’t a from-scratch redesign, it’s a genuine refinement of a formula that was already working.
KO2 vs. KO3: The Real, Numbers-Backed Comparison
This is genuinely the most important section for anyone deciding between the two, and it’s the exact information our old review never included despite linking directly to the KO2 review in its own site navigation.
BFGoodrich’s own published comparative claims cite a 15% improvement in wear performance and a 20% improvement in gravel-road durability over the KO2, along with better snow traction — specific, quantified figures rather than vague marketing language.
Independent measured testing backs this up with real numbers. In one detailed side-by-side comparison, the KO3 posted a wet stopping distance of 184 feet versus 195 feet for the KO2 — a genuine, meaningful 11-foot improvement. Ice braking measured 46.2 feet for the KO3 versus 51 feet for the KO2.
Dry steering distance came in at 140 feet for the KO3 versus 142 feet for the KO2, with lateral grip measuring 0.72g versus 0.71g — a small but real edge. Ride quality scored 7.5 out of 10 for the KO3 versus 7.0 for the KO2 in that same testing.
Off-road, the two are genuinely close — that same comparison rated both tires similarly across dirt, sand, mud, and rock (roughly 9.2–9.5 out of 10 across categories), with one real, honest exception: the KO2 still holds a genuine edge in the deepest, softest mud specifically, where its more aggressive void pattern has an advantage.
A few other concrete differences worth knowing: the KO3 uses a single load index (123 in common LT sizes) rather than the KO2’s dual load index (112 for single-rear-wheel, 109 for dual-rear-wheel setups) — a real, practical distinction if you’re running a dually.
In a matched 275-series size, the KO3 weighs about a pound less than the equivalent KO2 (56.5 lbs versus 57.5 lbs). And in one specific real-world pricing example from Costco, a KO3 in LT315/70R17 ran $414 per tire installed versus $375 for the equivalent KO2 — a real $145 difference across a full set of four.
The honest bottom line from combining my own driving with this data: the KO3 is a genuine, measurable step forward in most categories, but it’s not a dramatic reinvention, and the KO2 remains a smart choice if you find it at a discount or need a size the KO3 doesn’t yet offer.
Concrete Specs Worth Knowing
The old version of this review leaned heavily on words like “impressive” and “exceptional” without ever giving readers actual numbers to evaluate. Here’s what I could confirm directly.
Most KO2 and KO3 sizes come in Load Range E (10-ply rating) for typical LT applications, though specific sizes vary — always confirm the exact load range against your vehicle’s GVWR before buying.
Unlike many passenger tires, common LT-metric KO3 sizes don’t carry a standard UTQG treadwear rating at all, which is normal for this tire category rather than a red flag. BFGoodrich backs the KO3 with a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty in most sizes.
On-Road Performance
This is genuinely where I noticed the clearest improvement over my old KO2s. The computer-optimized tread pattern and updated compound deliver real, confident dry grip and cornering stability, and in wet conditions, the wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches evacuate water effectively — consistent with the measurably shorter wet-braking distance covered above.
Ride comfort was a genuine, pleasant surprise given how aggressive this tire looks. The reinforced casing construction and tread design absorb road imperfections well, and highway droning stayed noticeably lower than I remember from the KO2 across similar routes.
Off-Road Capability
The KO3 delivers genuinely strong performance across the terrain types I tested — gravel, loose dirt, moderate rock, and light mud. The deep, widely spaced tread blocks expel debris effectively, and the reinforced sidewalls gave me real confidence dragging across a couple of rockier sections without worrying about a puncture.
Based on the comparison data above, I’d point owners who regularly tackle genuinely deep, soupy mud toward the KO2 specifically, since that’s the one real category where the older tire still has a measurable edge. For everything else — dirt, sand, rock, moderate mud — the KO3 is at least as capable and often measurably better.
Treadwear and Durability
BFGoodrich’s own claimed 15% wear improvement and 20% gravel-road durability improvement over the KO2 are real, specific figures, and my own tread wear after a full season of mixed driving looked genuinely even — no unusual cupping or edge wear that I could see.
The tire retains the KO2’s CoreGard sidewall technology, and real-world reports from owners who’ve run the KO2 for years — including accounts of the older tire completing a 7,000-plus-mile cross-country off-road trail without a single flat — suggest the KO3’s retained sidewall design should hold up similarly well, even though it’s still building its own long-term track record.
Noise and Comfort
Road noise is moderate but genuinely more controlled than the outgoing KO2, consistent with the 7.5-out-of-10 ride-quality score in independent testing versus 7.0 for the KO2. In my own driving, it never crossed into intrusive territory, even on longer highway stretches.
Size and Fitment
The KO3 is available across a genuinely wide range of sizes for light trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps, though it’s worth being direct about a real trade-off: since it launched more recently than the KO2, size availability is currently narrower. If your specific size isn’t yet offered in the KO3, the KO2 remains a proven, widely available alternative rather than a compromise.
Common sizes span from around 15 inches up to 22-inch-plus fitments, including popular LT sizes like 265/70R17 and 285/70R17, plus larger sizes suited to lifted trucks and Jeeps.
Price and Value
Expect to pay a real premium over the KO2 — based on the Costco example above, roughly $35–$40 more per tire in a comparable LT size, or around $145 more across a full set of four.
Given the measurable improvements in wear, gravel durability, wet braking, and ride comfort, I think that premium is genuinely justified for most drivers who’ll keep the tires long enough to benefit from the longevity gains.
Warranty and Support
BFGoodrich backs the KO3 with a 50,000-mile limited treadwear warranty in most sizes, plus road hazard coverage for unrepairable damage within the first year or first 2/32″ of wear, and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee if the tires aren’t a good fit for your needs.
Who the KO3 Makes Sense For
Truck and SUV owners upgrading from worn KO2s or older all-terrain tires. This is genuinely where the KO3 shines, delivering measurable improvements across nearly every category that matters for daily-driven, occasionally-off-road vehicles.
Drivers who split time between highway commuting and moderate trail use. The real wet-braking and ride-comfort improvements make a genuine, felt difference for anyone who spends more time on pavement than in the mud.
Owners in regions with real winter weather. The retained 3PMSF certification, combined with the measurably improved wet and ice braking, makes this a genuinely strong choice for mixed-season driving.
Who Should Consider the KO2 Instead
Owners who regularly tackle genuinely deep, soupy mud. Based on the comparison data, the KO2’s more aggressive void pattern still holds a real edge here.
Budget-conscious buyers who find the KO2 discounted. Given the real price premium and the KO3’s still-narrower size range, a discounted KO2 in your exact size remains a smart, proven choice.
Anyone whose specific size isn’t yet available in the KO3. Don’t force a compromise size — the KO2’s wider availability is a genuine practical advantage right now.
Tips From My Time With This Tire
Don’t rush to swap out good KO2s just for the badge. Based on everything I found combining my own testing with the comparison data, the real-world difference is genuine but incremental in most categories — if your current KO2s still have solid tread, I wouldn’t replace them early purely to chase the newer tire.
Confirm your size is actually available before falling in love with the KO3. I’d genuinely check real-time stock for your specific fitment before assuming it’s a straightforward swap, given how much narrower the size range still is compared to the well-established KO2 lineup.
If you regularly run deep mud, don’t assume the newer tire automatically wins. This is the one category where I’d genuinely stick with the KO2’s more aggressive void pattern based on both the comparison data and everything I’ve read from owners who push these tires hard in soft, saturated terrain.
Rotate on a consistent schedule to protect the wear advantage. Given how much of the KO3’s real value proposition rests on that claimed 15% wear improvement, I’d stick to a standard 5,000–7,500-mile rotation interval to make sure you’re actually capturing that benefit rather than losing it to uneven wear.
Check load range carefully if you’re running a dually. Given the genuine load index difference between the two tires, I’d double- and triple-check compatibility with your specific axle configuration before ordering either tire, since getting this wrong has real safety implications.
What I Take Away From Comparing My Own Testing to the Wider Data
Having run both the KO2 and now the KO3 on my own trucks, what strikes me most is how closely my subjective impressions tracked the measured comparison data once I actually dug into it.
My sense that the KO3 felt more composed on wet highway pavement matched the real, measured 11-foot improvement in wet stopping distance almost exactly.
My impression that off-road capability felt similar between the two tires, except in the deepest mud, also matched the independent testing closely.
That kind of alignment between what I felt behind the wheel and what got measured on a test track gives me real confidence recommending this tire based on what it’s actually proven to do, rather than just repeating BFGoodrich’s own marketing copy.
Where to Buy
Tire Rack, PriorityTire, and SimpleTire all carry the KO3 in an expanding range of sizes, with competitive pricing and shipping to a local installer.
Costco offers strong member pricing with installation included, and it’s where I sourced the specific pricing comparison referenced earlier in this review — worth checking directly for your local pricing, since figures vary by region and current promotions.
Local BFGoodrich dealers are a solid option if you want to see the tire in person before buying, or if you need help confirming the right load range and size for a specific build.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BFGoodrich KO3 better than the KO2?
In most measured categories, yes — BFGoodrich’s own published data claims a 15% wear improvement and 20% better gravel-road durability, and independent testing confirms shorter wet and ice braking distances plus better ride quality. The KO2 still holds a real edge specifically in deep, soft mud.
How much does the BFGoodrich KO3 cost compared to the KO2?
Based on a real Costco pricing example in LT315/70R17, the KO3 ran about $414 per tire installed versus $375 for the equivalent KO2 — roughly $145 more across a set of four.
Does the BFGoodrich KO3 have the same load range as the KO2?
Not exactly. The KO2 uses a dual load index (112 for single-rear-wheel, 109 for dual-rear-wheel setups) in common LT sizes, while the KO3 uses a single load index (123 in comparable sizes) — worth confirming against your specific vehicle’s GVWR requirements.
Is the BFGoodrich KO3 available in as many sizes as the KO2?
Not yet. Since the KO3 launched more recently, its size range is currently narrower than the well-established KO2 lineup. If your exact size isn’t available in the KO3, the KO2 remains a proven, widely available alternative.
Is the BFGoodrich KO3 rated for snow and winter driving?
Yes. Like the KO2, the KO3 retains genuine 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, and independent testing shows measurably improved ice braking over the outgoing KO2.
What’s the warranty on the BFGoodrich KO3?
BFGoodrich backs it with a 50,000-mile limited treadwear warranty in most sizes, road hazard coverage for the first year or first 2/32″ of wear, and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
Should I upgrade from my KO2s to the new KO3?
If your KO2s are worn out and you’re shopping for a genuine, measurable upgrade, yes — the real wear, wet-braking, and comfort improvements make a felt difference in daily driving. If your KO2s still have good tread left, or you regularly tackle genuinely deep mud where the KO2 still has an edge, there’s no urgent need to switch early.
