BFGoodrich KO3 vs. KO2: Which Is Better For Your Off-Roader?
March 29, 2024
BFGoodrich KO3 Release Date and New Features Compared To The KO2
The BFGoodrich KO3 tire has been in what can only be described as "development hell" for the better part of the last four years. Always teased but never nailed down with a concrete release date, BFG has been in the lab working tirelessly to perfect this tire and have it truly be an industry kingpin when it comes to market.
Now that we've (finally!) heard some rumblings about the KO3's impending North American release, we naturally got wondering if it's truly better than what the existing KO2 can offer, and if it'll be worth it for your off-roader. After all, the BFGoodrich KO2 is widely considered one of the best tires of all time, especially in our world - so if BFG really has something here, the KO3 will undoubtedly be special. We have all the tests to see how these tires stack up, so let's not waste any more time - let's see which one is best for you!
Table Of Contents
-When Is The BFGoodrich KO3 Being Released In North America?
Size Comparison Between The BFGoodrich KO3 and KO2
We've got good news and bad news about the KO3's available sizing. The good news is that you can buy this tire right now! But the bad news is that it's only available in two sizes: 275 and LT285, or 31" and 32/33".
Why did this happen? Well right now, the KO3 is only available on a couple stock trucks, including the GM 2500 and Ford Raptor Ranger - we've gotten a couple Toyota sizes teased to us as well also, so here's hoping that BFG lets us in on those sizes soon.
We're tempted to give the KO2 the point here, but we can't, because we know the KO3 is coming in all sorts of sizes, and in fact, it'll be available in 163 sizes when compared to the 92 that the KO2 offers.
Cost Differences Between The BFGoodrich KO3 and KO2
It'll be hard to determine what the cost of the KO3 will be on release, but given the information we've received from BFG, we can expect it to be relatively close to the price point that the KO2 is at.
Because of the way markets work, we'd expect the KO2 to drive down a bit in price once its big brother is released, but that doesn't mean it won't still be a fantastic tire option for your rig - this means the KO2 gets the point, but hold your horses, because this discussion is about to get a whole lot more fun.
Tread Designs of the BFGoodrich KO3 and KO2
Both the KO2 and KO3 will have the same 50,000 mile warranty, and for an added bonus, both of them are 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake Rated. So if the KO3 is to beat its older brother, its reengineered tread design will have to show up to win - and that it does.
At a closer look at the two tires, you'll notice that the shape of the lugs is about the same outside of the center, which is now a sort of "S" shape. The lugs on the KO3 are thicker, with less gaps in between - this will help improve its road manners while also giving longer tread life due to reduced stress.
But the KO3 also has another trick up its sleeve when it comes to sidewall design. It offers a serrated shoulder design and mud-phobic bars that are engineered to improve both mud and snow traction, as well as protect more of the critical sidewall failure areas.
The compound of the new KO3 also has more silica as well, which will allow it to withstand the harsh winter months even better, while giving it even better grip on wet roads. This is due to the improved full-depth 3D Locking Siping on the KO3, which helps to facilitate water ejection. BFGoodrich didn't do any wet tests on this tire, and we don't expect the KO3 to outperform some other titans in the business like the Wildpeak AT4W, but in terms of aesthetics, treadwear, toughness, traction, and construction, the KO3 grabs the point.
Weight Differences Between The BFGoodrich KO3 and KO2
A size-275 KO2 weighs in at 57.5 pounds, and a KO3 in the same size weighs in at 56.5 pounds, a full pound less than the same tire from a generation prior. So, this means that with all the technological and aesthetic upgrades BFG has provided to the new KO3, it still manages to weigh less than its predecessor in the same size. Major props to BFGoodrich on creating what appears to be a better tire, while also reducing the weight - point to the KO3!
When Is The BFGoodrich KO3 Being Released In North America?
So far, it's been a relatively close battle, with the KO3 pulling ahead by just one point. But that doesn't matter too much if you can't get the dang thing, so once and for all, when does the KO3 release to the public?
Well, it's complicated - kind of. In May of 2024, the KO3 will officially release in 13 different sizes across four different ranges. 17 more sizes will be released later in August 2024, and the last sizes of the year will be released in October. 52 more sizes will be released in 2025, and the final 19 will come in 2026. So it's a staggered schedule, but whether you're looking for serious off-road performance or a better on-road drive, the KO3 promises to be well worth the wait.
Shop BFGoodrich Tires Online Now At TrailBuilt Off-Road
Of course, once the BFG KO3 comes to market you can find it here first in our tire store! Be sure to package new wheels and tires together for FREE mounting, balancing, and shipping to anywhere in the lower 48. We're stoked to be able to share in this long-awaited tire launch with you, so if you do end up getting the KO3 for your rig, let us know how you like it and add it to the gallery. We'll see you out on the trails!
