bfgoodrich t/a ko2 vs toyo open country at3

BFGoodrich T/A KO2 vs Toyo Open Country AT3

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I stumbled across a debate on a forum about BFGoodrich T/A KO2 vs Toyo Open Country AT3. However, it was not easy to find an unbiased verdict.

Since I have used both tires, I decided to test them side by side to decide upon a winner. Below is a detailed comparison between BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 and Toyo Open Country AT3. We will see how the tires perform and which one excels in particular department.

BFGoodrich T/A KO2 vs Toyo Open Country AT3: Overview

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2

bfgoodrich all-terrain t/a ko2

The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is an all-terrain tire for light trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. The tire was introduced in 2016 and is the successor to the famous All-Terrain T/A KO.

According to the company, the All-Terrain T/A KO2 is BFGoodrich’s most fantastic all-terrain tire. If you’re looking for a class-leading all-terrain tire, the KO2 must be considered.

The KO2 is marketed as “the hardest all-terrain tire ever,” and you might find it difficult to dispute that claim after driving it. Its sidewalls have been strengthened, it has improved grip in mud, snow, and other terrains, and it has extended its tread life.

PROS

  • Outstanding off-road traction
  • Excellent in deep mud and snow
  • Very good on the highway
  • Excellent tire life

CONS

  • A bit noisy on the highway

Read the full review here.

Toyo Open Country AT3

toyo open country at3

The Toyo is a new all-terrain tire that delivers gripping off-road traction with responsive and predictable on-road handling. 

Furthermore, the tread compound provides confident braking, handling in wet conditions/surfaces, and a quiet and comfortable ride. So, a driver, before buying this model, can be assured of the tire mentioned above features.

The tire strongly focuses on wet performance, durability, and tread life. The Toyo Open Country AT3 also has the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, which signifies the winter capability of the tire.

Pros

  • Excellent traction in shallow mud
  • Usable for rock crawling
  • Good grip and traction on dry roads
  • Excellent traction and braking on snow (3PMSF rating)
  • Exceptional tread life and outstanding treadwear warranty

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Not the best off-road performance
  • Mud performance is not top-class

Read the full review here.

BFGoodrich KO2 vs Toyo Open Country AT3: Which tire excels?

By reading the article so far, you can tell that both tires are designed for all-terrain and deliver excellent traction on various surfaces. But that does not help us in making a decision.

Therefore I decided to list each feature of the tires in which one supersedes the other. Let us start with the tread pattern of the tires!

Different Tread Pattern

  • BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2

The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 features an aggressive tread design with large tread blocks and voids. The tread pattern provides good traction in various conditions, including mud, snow, and sand. The tire also features BFGoodrich’s Mud-Phobic bars, which help to reduce mud buildup on the tires.

The All-Terrain T/A KO2 features BFGoodrich’s Max Traction compound, designed to provide increased traction in all conditions. The tire also features sidewall protection against punctures and bruising.

The tire is also notable for its use of Michelin’s Mud-Phobic Bars technology, which helps resist the mud buildup on the tires.

  • Toyo Open Country AT3

Toyo utilizes an entirely new tread compound in this model. The all-season rubber is cut and chip-resistant, an essential aspect of a tire that will spend a lot of time on hardpacked surfaces.

The compound is molded into an asymmetric tread pattern. The manufacturer specifically engineered the pattern to increase off-road traction while also increasing block rigidity. The block rigidity is vital for on-road stability but also for comfort performance.

Design/Construction of Both Tires

  • BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2

BFGoodrich incorporates its CoreGard technology, which was created for their Baja T/A KR2 tire, in the sidewall to provide the KO2 20% additional strength. It can handle anything from sharp pebbles and other debris to the hardest job sites without fear of failure since the tread is thicker and the shoulders extend along the sidewall.

A 3-ply polyester casing provides outstanding bruising resistance with TriGard construction, further enhancing handling and agility in slick conditions.

The engineers developed a serrated shoulder shape for enhanced grip in the mud and snow. Along with providing biting edges, sidewall rubber blocks and 3D active siping technology further increase traction.

  • Toyo Open Country AT3

The tread blocks of Toyo Open Country AT3 feature 3D Multi-Wave Sipes, which increase traction in wet and snowy conditions. Toyo also utilized great lateral grooves, which help damp grip and hydroplaning resistance while increasing snow traction.

As far as the internal construction of the tire is concerned, the Toyo is stronger than highway tires of a similar category. The tire includes two high-strength steel belts for a rigid foundation and aid in the strength and speed stability of the tire.

Performance on Wet and Slippery Roads

  • BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2

The company’s claim that the tire is “reinforced with DynaPro CrossGrip technology for added durability and all-season traction” appears genuine. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 performs admirably over wet and slippery roads. KO2 provides excellent traction and handling on dry and wet roads.

  • Toyo Open Country AT3

The Open Country AT3 is entirely predictable in the corners during brakes. Hydroplaning resistance is simply outstanding, but that’s expected from a tire with such a large void area. What is not likely is exceptional traction and safe handling. The Open, the tire’s response to dry surfaces, is quite remarkable.

Performance on Snowy Roads

  • BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2

The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 performs well in various conditions, including snow. You will be impressed with its overall traction and handling, especially in deeper snow.

Several all-terrain tires are known to struggle with winter traction, but BFGoodrich has ensured that the KO2 won’t. Additional 3-D sipes give the traction needed to quickly cut through ice, snow, and slush.

However, it doesn’t come with the mountain/snowflake symbol. Still, if you’re looking for an all-terrain tire that can handle snowy roads, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is an excellent option.

  • Toyo Open Country AT3

Toyo Open Country AT3 is genuinely usable in wintry conditions and provides the driver with excellent traction and comfort. Moreover, the tire handles corners pretty well and offers short braking distances.

Performance on ice is still quite worse than a proper all-terrain tire with studs. And the Open Country AT3 just cannot be mistaken for better ice traction.

Off-Road Performance

  • BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2

KO2 has improved sidewall strength, puncture resistance, durability, and traction. The solid construction makes it glide on rocky surfaces, and the 3D active technology ensures enhanced traction.

  • Toyo Open Country AT3

The Toyo Open Country AT3 does not deliver superior off-road traction compared to KO2. For daily driving, though, this supreme tire performs more than adequately. It has a good cornering grip, intense braking, and exceptional highway stability. Most important, the tire is completely safe.

BFGoodrich T/A KO2 vs Toyo Open Country AT3: Final Verdict

The Toyo Open Country AT3 fares quite well in performance and driving experience but isn’t that superior when it comes to off-roading. However, this tire is a good option if one wants it for regular driving.

On the other hand, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is one of the more expensive tires on the market, but it is also one of the most popular. Many drivers feel that the tire’s performance and durability are worth the price.

The choice is yours to make now!

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