Toyo Open Country AT3 vs. BFG KO2: Which Is Better?

Both the Toyo Open Country AT3 and BFG KO2 are well-known for their durability and versatility. However, your choice ultimately depends on your specific preferences and the driving conditions you typically encounter when choosing your next set of tires.

This article will compare the key features and characteristics of the Toyo Open Country AT3 and the BFG KO2 to help you make an informed decision on which tire best suits your needs.

Toyo Open Country AT3 vs. BFG KO2: Comparison Overview

Before diving into the detailed comparison, let’s begin with the overview of the Toyo Open Country AT3 and the BFGoodrich KO2, highlighting their key features and performance characteristics.

Toyo Open Country AT3 vs. BFG KO2: Detailed Comparison

Off-road Performance

The enhanced aggressive tread pattern and sidewall design not only elevate the BFG KO2’s aesthetic appeal but also significantly increase its off-road performance. Therefore, if aggressive looks and excellent off-road capabilities are your priorities, the BFGoodrich KO2 should be your choice. 

BFG KO2 tires are tough for off-roading across various terrains, with impressive resistance to punctures. These tires easily handle obstacles like mesquite trunks and thorny terrain. However, it has a minor limitation on ultra-tacky, greasy clay mud over a solid surface, as it tends to quickly accumulate and lose traction.

Now, you may be wondering: “How does the Toyo AT3 perform off-road?”. 

Although the Toyo AT3 doesn’t quite match the off-road capabilities of the BFG KO2, it still offers impressive capabilities, making it a close competitor. The Toyo AT3 outperforms the BFG KO2 in certain aspects, especially when it comes to handling muddy conditions. These Toyo tires will help you to get out of these challenging situations easily.

On-road Performance

Both the Toyo AT3 and BFG KO2 are excellent choices for everyday highway driving on dry roads. They provide strong grip, good braking, and stable handling.

However, when it comes to wet surfaces, the Toyo AT3 outshines the BFG KO2. Thanks to their numerous sipes, the Toyo tires are notably superior on rainy roads, ensuring solid performance in wet weather. 

On the other hand, the BFG KO2 struggles in wet conditions as they wear down. Initially, within the first 20,000 miles, KO2 tires perform admirably. However, as they age, you may experience decreased traction on wet pavement, especially when accelerating or pulling out of intersections. For me, this reduced wet-weather performance is the primary drawback of the KO2 tires.

Overall, considering the performance on both dry and wet surfaces of these two tires, we will recommend the Toyo Open Country A/T III for your on-road driving.

Snow & Ice Performance

It’s worth noting that these tires are certified with the 3-peak Mountain Snowflake Symbol. You’ll be satisfied with either Toyo AT3 or BFG KO2 tires in terms of their performance on snowy and icy surfaces.

The serrated shoulder design and the active 3D siping technology contribute to BFG KO2’s great grip and traction in snowy roads. Meanwhile, the enhanced snow performance of Toyo AT3 is thanks to its 3D multi-wave sipes and increased lateral grooves.

However, what truly sets these tires apart is their performance in deep and hard-packed snow. In this regard, the Toyo AT3 is observed to navigate such conditions more easily and maintain traction more stably. Therefore, if you reside in areas with severe winter conditions, it’s better to opt for The Toyo AT3. 

Noise & Comfort

It’s no surprise that the Toyo Country AT3 produces less road noise and provides better ride quality than the BFG KO2. 

Particularly, the difference in noise is more noticeable when driving at higher mileage, as the BFG KO2 tends to generate more noise under these conditions. Conversely, the Toyo AT3 remains quiet even at highway speeds.

Besides, one potential issue with the BFG KO2 is its balance. While the Toyo AT3 balances very well, these BFG tires tend to lose their balance relatively quickly, necessitating regular rebalancing. You may also find it more difficult to balance the KO2 compared to the Toyo AT3, as it requires more weight for proper balancing.

Fuel Efficiency & Longevity 

With the same size, the Toyo AT3 is generally lighter compared to the BFG KO2. This weight advantage results in reduced unsprung weight, ultimately leading to enhanced fuel efficiency. In fact, you can expect an improvement of approximately 1.5 to 2 miles per gallon (mpg) when driving with the Toyo AT3.

The Toyo AT3 is not be as rugged as the BFG KO2. However, the BFG KO2 has a problem with uneven wear, particularly cupping, which can cause a shorter lifespan for these tires. In contrast, Toyo AT3 tires tend to wear much longer than BFG KO2.

Therefore, despite being less robust, the Toyo AT3 offers the benefit of extended longevity and improved fuel economy, making it a good choice for those seeking these advantages.

Treadwear Warranty

The Toyo Open Country AT3 offers better treadwear warranties, with 65,000 miles for P metric sizes and 50,000 miles for flotation and LT sizes. Meanwhile, the BFG KO2 has a consistent 50,000-mile treadwear warranty.

So, if longevity and mileage coverage are crucial factors in your tire choice, the Toyo AT3 provides a more extensive warranty, offering added peace of mind for potential tire wear and tear.

Price

The Toyo AT3 tires are more budget-friendly with a starting price of around $163, while the BFG KO2 starts at around $190. 

Both tire models offer various size options, and the cost will increase as you choose larger sizes for either brand. Therefore, the overall price difference will depend on the specific size you require.

Final Recommendations

To conclude, your choice should align with your specific driving needs and preferences:

• If you’re an off-road enthusiast who prefers aggressive looks and values robust performance in challenging conditions, the BFG T/A KO2 is your go-to tire. 

• If you prioritize on-road comfort, wet-weather performance, fuel savings, and longevity, the Toyo Open Country AT3 is the superior option.

Read more: Nitto Terra Grappler G2 vs. Toyo Open Country AT2 vs. BFG KO2: Which is better?