Soon after the purchase of my 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road, I knew I wanted to swap out the stock wheels and tires. There are hundreds of options on the market today, but I didn’t hesitate to go with the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires. I didn’t even shop for other tires, that’s how confident I was that these were the ones I wanted.
I’ve used the KO2s on previous vehicles, and I knew their performance would complement the overlanding rig I had started to build. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or experienced overlander, these tires hit that perfect sweet spot between on and off-road performance, making them one of the best options for light trucks and SUVs.
Table Of Contents
Design Features & Specs
BFGoodrich really crushes the all-terrain category with the KO2s, which were released in 2015 after their ever-popular predecessor, the original T/A KO. The OG All-Terrain KO tire was so good that it’s hard for me to imagine that the brand could further improve the design, but they did.
The major noticeable change from the original design is the tire’s serrated shoulders. According to BFG, these new shoulders increase traction, especially when aired down, and they add stability and a biting edge on those snowy drives.
Speaking of airing down, one major concern when reducing tire PSI for traction is sidewall protection. The KO2’s sidewalls are embedded with what they call its CoreGard Technology, which provides a 20% stronger sidewall. Plus, they are labeled with their “Severe Snow Rated” label. Living in New England, I can attest to how well these tires really do plow through the heaviest of snowstorms, keeping you safely on the road.
BFGoodrich backs its product with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, a 6-year standard limited warranty, and a 50,000-mile manufacturer’s treadwear limited warranty, giving you peace of mind throughout the life of the tire.
Aggressive Style Without Noise
Let’s be honest. We all want that aggressive mud-terrain tire look, but without the hum.
I’m a big fan of the KO2’s younger brother, the BFGoodrich T/A KM3, and I love the look of its knobby, chunky tread pattern, which performs remarkably well off-road. However, the slight amount of road noise you get from the M/T tread on-road is annoying on long rides, and the humming gets more obvious as M/T tires wear down. That’s not the case at all with these. I put over 60,000 miles on a previous set with my old Hummer H2; those tires didn’t show signs of age even until their last days touching the pavement.
Some KO2s come with white lettering on the sidewall, which I think is a pretty cool option if you’re going after a more retro style. Not all sizes are sold with the white letter option, so keep that in mind when picking out your set.
On-Road Performance
Most tires that boast great off-road abilities typically don’t perform the best in daily driving, but the KO2 does not disappoint. A thicker sidewall keeps these tires from feeling washed out on my 60-mile round trip drive to work each day, which typically consists of 50% back road driving and 50% highway. Even when hauling a few sheets of plywood in the bed of the Tacoma, I don’t feel any difference in traction or stability. Plus, the road noise is very good – there’s no chatter at low speeds or even a hum at highway speeds.
By far one of my favorite on-road characteristics is their ability to maintain traction in wet weather. One of the main reasons I swapped out my stock Goodyear Wrangler tires is because they performed so poorly in wet or snowy conditions. I could feel them fighting for traction in the easiest of situations, and they never really gave me the confidence needed to drive comfortably in big rainstorms or the nor’easters (aka, intense snowstorms) that we get slammed with here in Rhode Island. On the other hand, they feel solid and planted to the ground, giving you the confidence that you can rely on your Tacoma in those crucial situations.
I’ve heard people complain of the wet performance as the tread wears. No issues yet and time will tell.
Off-Road Performance
If you’re anything like me, when you shop for all-terrain tires, you truly mean all-terrain. I need my tires to cover everything from dry pavement to snow-covered mountain passes and all that comes in-between.
On my most recent trip to the North Maine Woods, I spent just over 200 miles off-road, really putting these tires to the test. I can honestly say they did not disappoint.
After airing down a bit, hauling down a rutted dirt road with a week’s worth of camping gear in the back of the Taco was a breeze.
The KO2s proved their ability to maintain traction while through mud pits, never losing grip when their treads were filled with mud. Overall, I’ve found these tires have no problem maintaining traction in all different types of off-road terrain.
Sizes & Availability
The tires are available in a wide range of sizing, load ranges, and speed ratings, and prices range from $147 to $485 per tire.
If you’re looking to upgrade your Tacomas’ stock tires, check your inner door frame for your OEM replacement tire size.
Who Are They For?
The short and sweet answer is everyone. The KO2s are a great upgrade to anyone’s stock tires. I personally believe they outperform the original Goodyear Wrangler tires that came on my 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road in all categories. With more aggressive styling and better on-road capabilities, they are perfect for daily drivers who really want that aggressive look – without sacrificing performance.
On the flip side of the coin, as a dedicated overlanding tire, they really stand out among the rest. Their ability to comfortably push for miles on paved roads out to your favorite off-roading park or camping location is remarkable, and when the trails get tough, the KO2s are ready for the abuse. With tires like these, the days of having to sacrifice on-road performance for off-road capabilities (or vice versa) are gone.
If more of your time is spent on the trail than on the pavement, you should check out the KM3, which is a more off-road focused mud-terrain tire that still handles well on the street.
Final Thoughts
In my life, I’ve tried many brands of tires (I even gave retreaded tires a shot), but I keep coming back to the BFGoodrich T/A KO2s.
When I was looking to replace the stock tires on my 2018 Tacoma, I didn’t think twice about picking these up. They’re simply amazing all-around tires that really get the job done, no matter the conditions.
My k/o 2 tires lasted me 8 years bought them in 2015 just changed them out in 2023..worked great for me.
Once the BFG KO2s are broken in, the wet performance is atrocious. They’re absolutely dangerous on wet pavement. When new they’re decent, but for the other 35k miles of ownership you’ll be white knuckling it in the rain and snow. I’d give then a 3/10 in that category. Had to get rid of them at 25k miles because they became such a hazard. Every damn mile of ownership my Wildpeaks gripped like glue and I had no issues with traction.
What’s it pay and is it really I’m a hunting guide I. Nw Montana really good at breaking crap and using quality
When are the ko3s coming out that everyone is talking about.
Amen bro. I got 70K miles on my last set
I have KO2s on my 14 Honda CRV AWD. No place on solid ground im scared of going in western NY in the winter.
Tbf they arent hard winters there so thats not saying much.
Had my KO2 tires on my 2018 Tacoma, and I’m hooked. They wear great.
I’m on my third set on a Sprinter 4×4 and an generally very pleased with them: on-road noise isn’t an issue and offroad performance is excellent, as well as snow performance. My only gripe is that while they do well on wet surfaces when new, grip degrades quickly and in my experience, after 15-20k miles, the rubber has lost a great deal of its original properties and they become slippery as hell on wet surfaces, to the point of being dangerous on mountain roads in the rain (breaking distance increases drastically too). The tread will still look great and seemingly… Read more »
Im still running some at 70k and you are correct. About 20-25k miles they are downright dangerous in wet/snowy mix conditions. Montana is no joke in winter and these things about killed me twice just going around a long curve. Straight into the median. Run em for about 20k then replace or just get Wildpeaks and be safe the whole life of the tire.
BFG’s I have being running this brand since the early eighties, proven to us on the sand beaches, lava road shoreline trails. A great tire, very well respected for off roading and for the everyday streets.
Aloha
Can anyone recommend an all terrain tire with speed rating of H or higher.
Anyone??
I would like to change these BF
tyres, but I need tires with speed rating of H or higher for the to be legal iny car in my country.
Suggestions?
When did BFG add the TPMSF glyph to these tires? Did they change the tires? Early: the original KO had a cold weather variant. My KO2s from 2019 are OK in snow but useless on ice.
NO TIRE is good on ice. LMAO
Great review. Living in Mass, I also have to deal with large snow storms. My job requires me to drive through anything to get to work. I have a newer off road and I noticed the tires aren’t as good in the snow as I hoped. These K02’s will definitely be my next set of tires. Thanks for the review.
-T
You better think again then. I used these over two Montana winters and will never buy them again. Mass. winters arent even close to that bad but youll regret it I promise.
If you want to go from sliding around on the snow to firmly planted on the snow then go with an actual winter tire. Like an LT rated Blizzak. You’ll never go back for winter driving.