BFGoodrich consistently creates high-quality components that have a positive impact on the vehicle’s performance.
The company’s catalog is diverse, with two of the top products available being the KO2 and the KM3 tires.
Since you probably don’t need to buy both, in this article, we’ll review each one to make a comparison and pick the most suitable.
It all depends on what you need, so make sure to read the entire KO2 vs. KM3 guide to learn about the differences that set the tires apart.
Let’s start by talking about the BFG KM2 tire.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table
| Topics | KO2 Tire | KM3 Tire |
|---|---|---|
| The tire’s design and traction | The tires have a gentler sidewall than the BFGoodrich KM3 mud-terrain tires, which have a more severe and thicker sidewall, making them easier to puncture. The tread pattern on the BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires is tighter, lowering road noise and improving pavement traction. | These tires are made for off-road use; they grip well in silt, sand, mud, and snow, and they will help you get out of any tough circumstances. |
| Types | The KO2 is a multi-terrain tire. | A mud-terrain tire is the KM3. |
| The grip of the tires in wet areas | KO2 has a much higher hydroplaning resistance than KM3. | As hydroplaning is solely an on-road characteristic, the mud tire KM3 does not provide as much remarkable wet traction as the KO2 in on-road circumstances. |
| Comfort Comparison | Due to friction and a lower bounce rate, KO2 has a very close pattern with minimal gaps, making it feel harder. | In terms of comfort, KM3 is better than KO2. KM3 treads are one-of-a-kind. The large grooves between them create a gentler feel. |
| Which one is long-lasting? | The KM3 tires will need to be replaced after 35-40,000 miles. | The KO2 tire has a long-life expectancy of up to 50,000 miles. |
BFG KO2 Tire
The KO2 tire is one of BFG’s greatest creations. It has a good balance between aggressive off-road performance and the comfort for on-road driving.
Furthermore, the technology used for its build is outstanding, creating a tire capable of achieving many feats.
Strong & Reliable Performance
The tire is good for off-road driving due to the traction offered. On tricky terrains, drivers have the opportunity to react quickly and maneuver their way along the trails.
Should there be any obstacles ahead, you’ll also have the means to climb over them.
Resistant
Both the materials and the technology involved in the production of the tire are top-notch.
For instance, the Core-Gard tech and the tread rubber does an incredible job, just as the upper sidewall traction bars.
This combination of features makes the KO2 tire a durable choice.
Appealing
The tire’s intense black color and overall design is just appealing to the eye. On the road, your vehicle will grab everyone’s attention due to such good-looking tires.
Recommended BFG KO2 Tire to Buy
Has the KO2 gotten your interest? Let’s take a closer look at the top picks:
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Tire – 245/75R16 120S
This tire is one of BFG’s top offers, as it quickly becomes a must-have for drivers on and off the road.
It delivers comfort through a smooth ride, which is multiple times better than many of the stock tires.
The reasons behind the success of this product are several, as we’ll learn next.
First and foremost, the tire features Core-Gard technology, an incredible addition for long-lasting performance.
Over many surfaces, the tire performs pretty well, offering good traction, a solid grip, and maneuverability. Also, the noise is low, which is always a plus.
Additionally, the tire looks incredible, making it a good-looking addition for the vehicle.
Due to its high compatibility, drivers will find a suitable model to fit their vehicles.
After months, and thousands of mileage, the tread life remains in good condition.
For on-road driving, the results are pretty good, but many customers mentioned that it isn’t as good as other models when it comes to off-road driving.
PROS
CONS
Related Guide: Travelstar Ecopath AT Review
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 All-Terrain Radial Tire -265/75R16 123R
Strong tires are capable of doing many things, but they won’t last long without the right technology.
Luckily, BFGoodrich gets things right with this KO2 tire, which features the brand’s high-quality CoreGard design. Despite the abuse of regular use, the damage received is pretty low.
A tough sidewall rubber build, as seen in this tire, is capable of improving on and off-road performance significantly.
If you encounter obstacles along the road, the tire quickly adapts to the environment, reducing the risks of accidents. There won’t be snags or splits on the sidewall.
The advanced footprint shape is yet another incredible feature since it comes in handy on tough trials.
It efficiently distributes stress, allowing the tire to wear uniformly, and improve its lifespan.
Additionally, the interlocking tread design and the stone ejectors are two other useful features for drivers.
If there’s an irregularity in the ground, which is quite likely for off-road, the stability received is pleasant.
If you drive on highways, the performance of the tire is decent. However, you’ll be able to notice it could be quite loud.
PROS
CONS
BFGoodrich Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Tire-LT285/70R17/C 116/113Q 116Q
Finally, we’re reviewing a tire that proved to be both efficient and good-looking.
It fits Jeeps, pickups, trucks, and SUVs, among other cars. The tire is surprisingly resistant, making it a product, drivers shouldn’t dismiss. After many years, the results on the road continue to be excellent.
You can also expect the tire to be a reliable choice. It offers that level of confidence needed to tackle many terrains, as it delivers control of stability over most of them.
Although it may have some grip issues off-road, the tire does decently on dirt, mud, and sand.
Much like the other KO2 tires, this one features Core-Gard technology, which provides that extra resistance off-road.
With an improved tread life, the interlocking tread design, as well as the aggressive traction, will put up an incredible performance for most drivers.
The tire indeed makes some noises, but you won’t be able to notice that issue most of the time. Overall, this KO2 is a decent pick that’ll satisfy many of your needs.
PROS
CONS
Related Review: WESTLAKE SL369 Tire Guide
BFG KM3 Tire
With an oversized build, the KM3 tire delivers drivers an impressive grip that quickly makes the tires among the best you could use. Here’s what you can expect from this particular model.
Outstanding Tread Design
The massive tread blocks featured are incredible to tackle any roads. They deliver a remarkable grip that allows the vehicle to adapt to its surroundings, which leads to better handling and maneuverability.
Enhanced Grip & Traction
Due to the Krawl-Tek design, the tire offers improved grip on rocky or slick terrains.
The linear flex is also helpful, as it provides flexibility during aired-down situations.
Resistant
The CoreGard Max Technology used to create the tire prevents sidewall splits and punctures.
It’s an effective feature that protects an essential part of the tire with increased thickness.
Versatile
Despite doing better off-road, the KM3 tire proved to be capable of handling well on-road terrains.
Recommended BFG KM3 Tire to Buy
The following KM3 models delivered an excellent performance, meeting most of the expectations set. Keep them in mind as you consider buying new tires for your car.
BFGoodrich 28x10R14 Mud-Terrain KM3 All-Terrain UTV Tire
Over-sized tread blocks may seem like a bit much in some vehicles, but the grip provided is undeniably remarkable.
Regardless of the approach, drivers are always on control of both their cars and the ground, securing stability and handling to tackle the toughest conditions.
The grip has a significant improvement due to the Krawl-Tek design, which is useful over rock, and more.
Over those surfaces, the traction received is also comfortable, allowing drivers to maneuver and adapt to the environment around them quickly.
There’s so much this tire can do, which is why high resistance is a must. Luckily, the robust upper shoulder prevents snags or splits, protecting the tire’s performance as you drive off-road.
Certainly, drivers will be able to go on their adventures and worry less about the damage it may cause.
While the tire delivers an excellent performance, it may not meet your expectations over mud or slick surfaces.
Not that it does badly on those terrains, but it isn’t as good as other tires reviewed here.
PROS
CONS
BFGOODRICH Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 All-Season Radial Tire-32×10.00R15NHS/8PR Q 124Q
The following tire won’t only deliver good results, but it’ll also make your car look incredible.
It’s an all-terrain, all-season mud tire with an outstanding 8-ply build, guaranteeing an efficient performance while having the protection required to serve you well for thousands of mileage.
While the tire does well over most terrains, its specialty is mud. On that surface, you’ll be able to power through, just like you would over loose soil.
The aggressive tread design, with over-sized tread blocks, secure proper off-road grip to provide a comfortable ride.
If we consider the tire’s over-sized dimensions, it won’t take much for drivers to see what they’d be capable of doing.
Particularly, the build makes this KM3 tire an ideal choice for rock climbing, all due to the UTV-specific tread compounds.
The tire is a good choice for drivers that enjoy that all-terrain driving. Other than some noise, you’ll be able to see an improvement in your driving experience while using this product.
PROS
CONS
BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 Tire 35×12.50R20/E 121Q
Similar to its predecessors, this tire features massive tread blocks for that optimal grip off-road.
While driving, you’d be able to enjoy enhanced traction that makes it possible to tackle all types of terrains.
Whether you’re on or off the road, you’ll be able to reach the destination successfully.
Another high-quality addition is the Max Technology, which is responsible for the tire’s safety.
As you’re driving, this feature prevents sidewalls splitting, as well as it’ll keep the risks of punctures very low.
So, even if you’re in a tough environment, the damage is almost non-existent.
The tire’s resistance comes in very handy on mud and snow. In those particular areas, the Boost Traction allows you to maneuver the vehicle rather easily, with no risks of getting stuck.
Even under pressure, the chances of messing up the tire’s lifespan shouldn’t concern you.
Since the design of the tire aims to satisfy off-road drivers, its performance on-road is not as good as you’d expect. It’s an issue you’d have to keep in mind.
PROS
CONS
KO2 Vs KM3 Comparison 2023
Both tires are good in their own right, but one may be more useful than the other depending on your driving preferences.
KO2 – A Balanced Performance
Due to its closer tread pattern, the KO2 tire is capable of producing less noise than the KM3.
Plus, its grip over pavement is the best. Compared to the KM3, the KO2 tire is the better choice for pavement.
Of course, if needed, the KO2 also performs well off-road, although it doesn’t get nearly as good as the KM3.
KM3 – The Ultimate Pick for Off-Road
If you’re looking for the ideal off-road tire, then the KM3 is the one for you. Its aggressive and thick sidewall proves to be far more capable than the KO2 at preventing puncture, making the KM3 resistant and durable.
While the KM3 is great for off-road, it doesn’t compare to the KO2, a tire with better grip over highways and similar surfaces.
Conclusion
We could argue that choosing one of the two tires ultimately depends on personal preference, their differences are clear.
If you lean more to off-road driving, the KM3 would be a good ally. On the other hand, the KO2 delivers excellence on the pavement while still being decent off-road.
That’s pretty much it for our KO2 vs. KM3 tire guideline. Now, it’s your turn to pick the one you like the most!