The most impactful upgrade you can make to a vehicle you plan to take off-road is the tires. One of the most popular choices for off-road-capable tires is the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2. I’ll explain why the KO2 remains my go-to tire for every overland and off-road build I’ve done.
I’ve run KO2s on multiple trucks and SUVs over the years. I’ve tested other tires, but I always come back to the KO2 for the balance it offers between on-road comfort and trail capability.
Why Do I Need Off-Road Tires?
If you never leave paved roads, off-road tires aren’t necessary. However, once you start driving on dirt, gravel, or any unpaved roads, an all-terrain tire is worth serious consideration. If you regularly encounter mud or snow, the right off-road tire can make a significant difference in safety and confidence.
Off-road tires differ from standard street tires in several important ways that improve durability and traction off pavement.
Increased Traction
Off-road tires typically have deeper, more aggressive tread patterns. Those treads shed dirt, mud, and snow more easily while maintaining better contact with uneven surfaces. Improved traction is the primary advantage and the main reason many people move away from stock tires when they plan to explore off-pavement terrain.
There are two common off-road categories: all-terrain (AT) and mud-terrain (MT). All-terrain tires like the KO2 are designed for a mix of highway and trail use. They typically deliver better fuel economy and less road noise than mud-terrain tires while still providing strong off-road traction. This makes ATs a practical, do-everything option for most overland and daily-driven vehicles.
All-terrain tires let you move from highway to graded dirt roads without swapping tires. If you need extra off-road performance, airing down the tires increases contact patch and traction for rougher or rockier terrain.
Mud-terrain tires feature more aggressive, widely spaced lugs that dig through mud and clear debris quickly. The trade-offs are higher rolling resistance, more road noise, and typically reduced fuel economy. If you expect to tackle very aggressive trails, consider a dedicated MT tire such as BFGoodrich’s KM3, which is aimed at heavy-duty off-road performance.
Stronger Sidewalls
Sidewalls are a common vulnerability on tires exposed to rocks and trail obstacles. BFGoodrich engineered the KO2 with sidewall reinforcement that’s roughly 20% tougher than its predecessor, improving resistance to bruising, cuts, and snags from jagged rocks and debris.
Despite stronger sidewalls, sensible driving technique—such as driving over obstacles squarely rather than scraping them—still helps protect the tires and prolong their life.
Handles Heavy Loads
The standard KO2 comes with a 6-ply equivalent construction, which is sturdier than many stock tires. For heavily loaded vehicles—those with bumpers, rock sliders, roof racks, or frequent towing—an “E” load-range tire (10-ply equivalent) provides higher load capacity and greater durability. I prefer E-rated tires when I’m carrying heavy gear because they offer extra peace of mind and robustness, even if they feel a bit firmer on the road.
Although E-rated tires can ride stiffer, the trade-off for increased load-carrying ability and sidewall strength is worthwhile for many overlanders and heavy-use vehicles.
Are BFGoodrich KO2 Tires Worth the Hype?
From my experience, the KO2s strike the best balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability. I’ve logged thousands of highway miles and many off-road miles on KO2s without hesitation. They perform reliably across a wide range of conditions and terrain types.
BFGoodrich KO3 Tires Have Arrived
BFGoodrich introduced the KO3 as the next generation after the KO2, and it looks promising. The KO3 uses updated materials and tread technology to improve wear, gravel durability, and snow traction while retaining sidewall toughness and off-road bite. The KO3 also launched with a 50,000-mile warranty and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, making it worth watching for those seeking the latest in all-terrain performance.
If I get a chance to test a set of KO3s, I’ll publish a follow-up evaluation comparing them directly to the KO2.
I trust my KO2s for long family road trips, towing around the ranch, and desert adventures—from sand dunes to rocky washes. Their versatility is why many owners stick with them: they’re dependable on the highway and capable on trails.
Tire competition is strong, but the KO2 remains a favorite because it reliably delivers the right compromise of road manners, durability, and off-road traction. Owners who want a proven, versatile all-terrain tire often stay loyal to the KO2 for that reason.
