Toyo Open Country AT3 and BF Goodrich KO2 are popular off-road tires for Jeeps, trucks, and SUVs. They look tough and perform well both on and off-road. If you drive daily, Toyo might suit you better as BF Goodrich is only in LT sizes. Different tire sizes can affect their performance. Let’s dive in to explore these tires!
Toyo Open Country AT3 vs BF Goodrich KO2
| Feature | Toyo Open Country AT3 | BF Goodrich KO2 |
|---|---|---|
| Target Use | All-terrain with good on-road manners | All-terrain with a bias towards off-road performance |
| Tread Design | Aggressive block pattern with large siping for off-road traction | Aggressive, self-cleaning tread with interlocking shoulder lugs for off-road grip |
| On-Road Performance | Comfortable ride, good handling, and low noise | Slightly firmer ride, good handling, and moderate noise |
| Off-Road Performance | Good traction on loose surfaces (gravel, dirt), decent rock crawling ability | Excellent traction on loose surfaces, superior rock crawling ability |
| Winter Performance | Three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMS) rating for severe snow traction | Three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMS) rating for severe snow traction |
| Durability | Two-ply polyester carcass with high turn-up construction for sidewall protection | Two-ply polyester carcass with CoreGard technology for sidewall puncture resistance |
| Warranty | 50,000-mile treadwear warranty (varies by size) | 50,000-mile treadwear warranty (varies by size) |
| Price | Generally less expensive | Generally more expensive |
Where BF Goodrich KO2 is better?
BF Goodrich KO2, a robust tire, is the company’s flagship. Its durable construction offers excellent puncture resistance. The tire boasts impressive off-road grip with multiple biting edges.
Where Toyo Open Country AT3 is better?
The Open Country tire excels off-road and remains smooth on-road. With strong grip and stable handling, it responds quickly in corners.
Tread Appearance
Both tires have a bold design, each distinct. The shoulder blocks stand out; BF Goodrich KO2 appears wild.
On the Shoulders of Both Tires:
The tire design showcases remarkable differences in the shoulder area. The BF Goodrich KO2 has chunky shoulders and sharp slits. These boost off-road traction. The Toyo Open Country AT3 has less detailed shoulder blocks. They focus on improving on-road traction with wavy siping.
In the Central Area of Both:
The Toyo Open Country AT3 showcases a distinct central design, featuring S-shaped blocks, a feature also present in its predecessor, the AT2. These blocks are complemented by notches and interlocking siping, enhancing wet traction.
On the other hand, the BF Goodrich KO2 displays smaller ribs, each sharing a similar shape. All blocks incorporate interlocking siping throughout their full depth.
Additional Information:
Observe the grooves of the BF Goodrich KO2 closely, and you may notice triangular shapes hidden within. These are stone ejectors, designed to enhance tire durability by expelling debris.
Durability Difference
Durability:
The BF Goodrich KO2 is known for its durability. It has a strong construction with 3-ply polyester, steel belts, and nylon cords. This creates tough sidewalls for rough terrains. On the other hand, the Toyo Open Country AT3 has 2-ply sidewalls. It includes polyamide, steel belts, and nylon layers but lacks spiral winding.
On-Road Noise:
Noise from tire rotation comes from air in grooves, like whistling. BF Goodrich KO2 has wider blocks, increasing on-road noise slightly. Toyo Open Country AT3, in contrast, has ridges for noise reduction. It uses Whisper Groove Technology to dampen noise better.
Ride Comfort:
When it comes to ride comfort, the Toyo Open Country AT3 provides a smoother drive. This is because it’s lighter and has fewer layers inside. On the other hand, the BF Goodrich KO2 feels firmer. This can make you feel more bumps on the road, resulting in a less comfy ride.
Fuel Efficiency:
The BF Goodrich KO2, with its heavier build and stiffer composition, tends to have higher rolling resistance, impacting fuel efficiency negatively. Conversely, the lighter and softer construction of the Toyo Open Country AT3 results in better fuel efficiency.
Dry On-Road Performance:
Both tires excel on dry roads. The Toyo Open Country AT3 boasts stability and grip. It has a unique shoulder block design and interlocking sipes. The BF Goodrich KO2 performs well too. Despite larger spaces between blocks, it offers commendable performance. Interlocking sipes and a stiffer construction contribute to its performance.
Wet Performance:
The Toyo Open Country AT3 does better in wet conditions. It’s more flexible and disperses water well. The BF Goodrich KO2 has stiffer sidewalls. It might not channel water effectively. This could impact traction on wet roads.
Winter Traction:
Both tires are 3PMSF rated for winter conditions. The Toyo offers better traction in low temperatures. On the other hand, the BF Goodrich excels in snow grip. The Toyo’s softer compound aids in extreme cold. The BF Goodrich features deep siping and wide grooves. These factors contribute to its superior snow-trapping ability.Off-Road Capabilities:
Both tires offer excellent off-road traction, with the Toyo Open Country AT3 featuring deep notches and the BF Goodrich KO2 boasting full-depth sipes for enhanced biting edges. While both perform well, the KO2’s powerful shoulder lugs and lateral g-forces make it slightly superior in rugged off-road terrain.
Traction on Sand:
The BF Goodrich KO2 generally outperforms the Toyo Open Country AT3 on sand, especially in terms of lateral traction and overall stability. However, the AT3 still provides satisfactory performance, particularly in average sand scenarios.
Traction on Rocks:
Both tires excel on rocky terrain. BF Goodrich KO2 impresses with lateral grip. Aired down, it excels in g-forces. Toyo Open Country AT3’s compound aids rock climbing. Its block designs ensure reliable traction in all conditions.Mud Performance:
Neither tire excels in mud performance due to limited self-cleaning abilities. While both feature staggered shoulder blocks with mud scoops, thick mud terrains may pose challenges for both tires. For optimal mud performance, alternative tire options may be preferable.
Take Home Points:
Summing up, the BF Goodrich KO2 excels in durability and off-road performance. It’s perfect for tough terrain and harsh weather. On the other hand, the Toyo Open Country AT3 stands out in wet conditions, comfort, and fuel efficiency. It’s great for those wanting a smoother ride on-road with decent off-road ability.
Specification Comparison for Popular Sizes
| Feature | Size | Toyo Open Country AT3 | BF Goodrich KO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section Width | 35×12.5R20 | 35″ | 35″ |
| 285/70R17 | 11.2″ | 11.2″ | |
| 275/60R20 | 10.8″ | 10.8″ | |
| 265/70R17 | 10.4″ | 10.4″ | |
| Aspect Ratio | 35×12.5R20 | 12.5 | 12.5 |
| 285/70R17 | 70% | 70% | |
| 275/60R20 | 60% | 60% | |
| 265/70R17 | 70% | 70% | |
| Rim Diameter | 35×12.5R20 | 20″ | 20″ |
| 285/70R17 | 17″ | 17″ | |
| 275/60R20 | 20″ | 20″ | |
| 265/70R17 | 17″ | 17″ | |
| Load Range | Not available publicly | Not available publicly | |
| Treadwear Warranty | Refer to manufacturer website (varies by size) | Refer to manufacturer website (varies by size) |
Conclusion
Toyo Open Country AT3 suits daily rides, but BF Goodrich KO2 rocks rough terrains. Both ace the all-terrain tire game.