Many users have noted the tire’s positive characteristics and affordability – a much-sought-for chemistry for any driver. They speak about its biggest advantages, such as:
- Superb traction on all types of roads and terrains: paved, unpaved, gravel, dirty, waterlogged, slightly iced and snow-drifted, etc.
- Good traction in rocky terrains.
- It uses high-integrity compounds and construction ensuring high cut-resistance and a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty regardless of terrain type.
- Easy handling and steering in dry weather and in city environments
- Good highway traction and stability.
- Stable driving on wet surfaces.
- Now noise (except for high-speed driving).
- Lack of stability on iced surfaces.
Drivers are increasingly picky and demanding in terms of what a vehicle can do. In turn, vehicles are increasingly versatile and capable of satisfying drivers’ demands and desires. What a decade or two ago was hardly possible, today is a common thing: there are lots of vehicles that do well both on the street and off road.
Likewise, there were times when we had to distinguish between on-road tires or off-road tires. These used to be a kind of antagonists, and all attempts to combine their features and characteristics would fail: on-road tires wouldn’t do well in off-road terrains. Vice versa, off-road tires couldn’t boast good traction on the street.
Happily, things have changed much since then. Tire makers have developed technologies that allow them to combine the two polar opposites. The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tire is as great as the name sounds: it shows high performance in all types of terrains.
It is noteworthy that BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 has gained popularity in the Mexico, the USA and Canada among regular drivers and, particularly, beginner and amateur off-road drivers. Everyone, who has use it for at least a little while, talks very well of its performance in different environments and seasons.
This review reveals the tire’s characteristics to potential buyers and describes its most specific features that contribute to its high performance. There are some details explaining why BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 behaves in its specific way in different terrains. Finally, it describes and explains why drivers say it is one of the best tires they have ever used.
This all-terrain tire is available in various diameters, including the most popular 15-inch to 20-inch, as well as 31-inch, 33-inch and 35-inch versions. The larger ones are really great for off-roaders. Most of these are LT-metric and therefore fit a variety of large trucks, SUVS, as well as haulers and towers. Last, but not least, is the price/quality ratio:
BFGoodrich offers its all-terrain tire in the most popular sizes, ranging from 15-inch wheel diameter to 20-inch wheel diameter. You can also find the KO2 in 31-inch, 33-inch, and 35-inch sizes, which work best for off-roading. In terms of availability, this is one of the best tires on the market right now. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 combines features and advantages of several formerly incompatible tire types at a very affordable price.
Contents
- What are the biggest specifics of the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2?
- Is it maintenance-friendly?
- What is its dry tarmac performance?
- What should I expect on slippery and wet surfaces?
- How does it behave during winter months?
- Is it good for off-roaders?
- What is the ride quality?
- Is the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 worth buying?
What is so special about the BFGoodwGoodrichich All-Terrain T/A KO2?
BFGoodrich presents KO2 as an all-season tire, which relies on a technology, which was previously applied in Baja tires. Also, they say it is an all-terrain tire that boasts unprecedented traction within its category. The tire has a great mud and snow traction, which exceeds those of its predecessors by 10% and 19% respectively. The company achieved this through the use of a high-quality tear-, cut- and chip-resistant compound coupled with a tire tread pattern, which is even more aggressive compared to many other all-terrain tire brands.
Engineers have used advanced computer modeling and optimization techniques to develop a unique all-terrain tread pattern. It features a new kind of 3D sipes and interlocking tread blocks. The combination ensures high durability and stability on all types of roads, regardless of your driving manner.
Many of the solutions used in the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 have been inspired by those used in racing tires. The tire demonstrates effective object ejection, even force distribution and relevant noise characteristics (noise increases at higher speeds).
The tire demonstrates high off-road performance thanks to the serrated “mud buster bar” pattern, which improves traction on soft, muddy and waterlogged soil and snow, as well as in rocky areas. The interlocking blocks make the tire equally great for driving in the street and across the countryside. Also, the sidewall has side biter lugs – rubber blocks, which ensure a firm bite and therefore good traction in muddy and snowy areas. If you air it down a little, the biter lugs will contribute to rock climbing traction.
The new impact-resistant sidewall rubber has been introduced as part of the CoreGuard Technology, which adds a good portion of strength and toughness. It is twice thicker than in older BFGoodwich tires, and it deflects protruding objects much more effectively.
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 features a three-peak-mountain/snowflake trademark symbol. It means that it not only meets the Rubber Manufacturer Association snow traction standard, but also exceeds it in many aspects.
On the inside, the tire features a TriGard 3-ply polyester cord topped with a pair of steel belts with spiral nylon reinforcement. This is another great addition, which improves strength and makes a vehicle more stable even at higher speeds.
Also, BFGoodrich has come up with new DT tires with a special kind of tread pattern and compound. These increase durability and chip-, tear- and cut-resistance, boosting the tire’s high-torque performance and making it more suitable for professional off-road activities.
Is it maintenance-friendly?
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tire has tread wear indicators, which help drivers keep tread depth in check. It is absolutely imperative that drivers use tires with acceptable tread depth and replace them once the depth becomes critically low. Low tread depth impairs traction on wet roads and creates a potential for an accident.
If you have been using the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 for a while, make sure that the tread depth is at least 2/32 inches. Replace your tires when it reaches this point. Failure to do so will result in poor snow traction and lack of stability on a rainy day. It is highly advisable to look for new tires when you notice that tread depth is approaching the critical point.
Tread wear indicators are found in the tire’s widest grooves. They will become more visible when your tire gains some mileage and wears down a little. Once the tread depth wears down to the critical point (2/32 inches), the indicators will level with the tire surface.
The good thing is that the All-Terrain T/A KO2 has outlasted many other all-terrain tire brands. Regardless of size, BFGoodrich offers a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty. This puts it on a top position within its segment. It takes tremendous effort to damage the tire: some drivers say that they have deliberately drove in rocky and hardpacked surfaces to test their worn down tires before replacing those. None of these “tests” has resulted in a puncture so far.
What is its dry tarmac performance?
Many all-terrain tires are inferior to highway tires in the city environment. However, the KO2 is an exception. Numerous tests have demonstrated its superb behavior on various types of paved roads. They show a very predictable braking and general handling behavior. Finally, the tire remains very stable at higher speeds. Most likely, you will be ok with the tire both in the city and in the countryside.
What should I expect on slippery and wet surfaces?
The Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 boasts impressive performance on wet and slippery roads. The large grooves create superb hydroplaning resistance and prevent skidding. Also, they create an excellent traction effect, which ensures safe driving, maneuvering and cornering. The pattern significantly shortens the braking distance, which is untypical of all-terrain tires, and makes your vehicle’s behavior very predictable in and during all types of terrain and weather.
How does it behave during winter months?
As said above, snow traction is one of the tire’s strongest points. Thanks to the sidewall structure and the compound’s specifics, you can drive through deep snow without fear of getting stuck. The tread pattern provides easy handling and short braking distances. The only weak spot of this tire is relatively low ice traction. Please, do not slam on the brake or make sharp turns at high speeds on iced-up roads!
Is it good for off-roaders?
In the all-terrain segment, the KO2 is impressively good at off-road driving. It demonstrates exceptional traction in hardpacked off-road conditions. It is the most attractive thing about the tire.
The compound and thick sidewalls make the tire impervious to even large rocks, which are galore in cross-country terrains.
Although the KO2 is not a mud-terrain tire, it does boast a performance level, which can satisfy amateur and would-be professional off-road drivers. It still has something to be desired as a maximum-traction professional off-road tire, but it is definitely a champion in the all-terrain segment.
In any event, will not have any problems driving from the city to the countryside and back every day!
What is the ride quality?
Most drivers are satisfied with the smooth and comfortable ride, which the tire provides. They say it is moderately firm and not quite so soft, which is typical of all-terrain tires.
Some drivers complain about noise. However, it is the case with all tires of this category, as noise tends to appear at high speeds. Goodrich continues to work hard on the issue by introducing new compounds and techniques, and now the tire shows better noise reduction characteristics than many other renowned brands.
Is the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 worth buying?
If you are looking for a decent and long-lasting all-terrain tire, it is. The Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tire combines the best and most common off-road features and characteristics with those of highway tires. To make the final picture clear, I can draw a little pros-and-cons list:
Pros:
- High durability thanks to the innovative compound and structure (twin steel nylon-reinforced belts and the Tri-Gard polyester cord sidewall ply construction)
- High dry-, wet-, and snow-performance
- High off-road performance
Cons:
- Poor ice traction
Well, if you are ok with these, the Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tire will definitely give you a nice and lasting driving experience.
Price
Prices for TA KO2 start from around $157. Please, keep track of special offers and promo actions, where you can buy the tires at a discounted price.
Tire Sizes
15″
215/75 R15 100/97S XL
235/75 R15 104/101S
30X9.50 R15 104S
31X10.50 R15 109S XL
32X11.50 R15 113R XL
33X10.50 R15 114R XL
33X12.50 R15 108R
35X12.50 R15 113Q
16″
215/65 R16 103/100S
215/70 R16 100/97R
225/70 R16 102/99R
225/75 R16 115/112S XL
235/70 R16 104/101S
235/85 R16 120/116S
245/70 R16 113/110S
245/75 R16 120/116S
255/70 R16 120/117S XL
265/70 R16 121/118S XL
265/75 R16 119/116R
275/70 R16 119/116S
285/75 R16 116/113R
17″
225/65 R17 107/103S
225/70 R17 110/107S
235/65 R17 109/105R
245/65 R17 111/108S
245/70 R17 119/116S
245/75 R17 121/118S
255/65 R17 114/110S
255/75 R17 111/108S
265/65 R17 120/117S
265/70 R17 121/118S
275/65 R17 121/118S
285/70 R17 121/118R XL
315/70 R17 121/118S XL
37X12.50 R17 116R
18″
235/60 R18 108/104R
255/55 R18 109/105R
255/70 R18 117/114S XL
265/60 R18 119/116S XL
265/65 R18 117/114R XL
285/60 R18 118/115S
285/65 R18 121/118R XL
35X12.50 R18 118R XL
20″
265/60R20 121/118S XL
275/55R20 115/112S
275/60R20 119/116S
285/55R20 117/114T
325/60R20 121/118S