AUTONEWS

BF Goodrich KO3: the new off-road tire that can handle it all

BF Goodrich, the Michelin Group's American brand for the Off-Road world, is now making a statement with the launch of the BF Goodrich KO3, a direct evolution of the legendary KO2, so popular among 4x4 enthusiasts.

This tire is more robust, durable, and more effective on any surface, promising to become the new benchmark for adventure and off-road driving enthusiasts.

The enormous challenge of creating a tire that performs well in all types of applications begins with the rubber compounds, which must remain malleable enough to ensure traction even in extreme cold and ice (situations in which rubber tends to become more rigid).

Up to 185 different materials can be used in the construction of a single type of tire. This chemical combination includes formulated nanoparticles, among other functions, to reduce material shedding during use, thus reducing wear.

To handle all types of road surfaces, one of the key aspects is the tread pattern, which must drain water effectively and quickly expel mud and small stones from its grooves, creating a self-cleaning effect.

The tread pattern must wear evenly while maintaining its effectiveness—without causing unwanted flexing or noise over time. Traction and braking capabilities must also be maintained, especially in the wet. And, complicating the situation even further, there are owners who “chip” their pickup trucks and drive at speeds much higher than originally intended.

For years, BF Goodrich has carried the Michelin Group's flag on the most challenging terrains: off-road. Its experience in legendary events such as the Dakar and Baja California Rally has cemented the brand as a leader in adventure tires. The KO2, launched in 2015, became an icon among enthusiasts. And now its successor, the KO3, arrives with notable improvements in every aspect.

The international launch took place at the Château Lastours circuit in France, where the Dakar Rally teams train. At the wheel of an Ineos Grenadier—one of the few pure off-road vehicles available on the market—international journalists were able to test the new KO3 on all types of terrain: dirt, sand, rocks, mud, and steep slopes. The result? No punctures, no stuck vehicles.

Technology inherited from the competition...The new BF Goodrich T/A KO3 incorporates CoreGard technology developed in the Baja KR3 competition tire. This makes its structure 20% more robust and its tread life 15% longer than that of the KO2.

Engineers specifically reinforced the sidewalls, the most vulnerable area in off-road terrain, with a compound more resistant to cuts and tears. Furthermore, sculpted shoulders and prominent protection shields improve traction and lateral protection. The new design, with deeper grooves, facilitates the expulsion of mud, snow, or gravel. 

Suitable for all types of terrain... and adventures...The KO3 is designed to perform on any surface, from desert sand to snow and mud. That's why it boasts the demanding Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, which guarantees its effectiveness even in extreme winter conditions.

With the rise of recreational off-roading and the camping phenomenon, BF Goodrich aims to offer the safest and most versatile tire on the market. The new tread improves stability and handling—even on asphalt—thanks to interlocking studs that reinforce rigidity and extend durability.

The KO3 maintains the unmistakable design that made the brand's tires so popular, with the characteristic "Baja Champion" logo stamped on the sidewall. It's also more durable than its predecessor, which translates to more miles and fewer worries. 

The BFGoodrich KO3 is designed to appeal to two audiences. The classic buyer, as you might imagine, is the pickup truck or jeep driver who needs a tire that performs well on rough terrain, is efficient on trails, and is also low-noise and durable on asphalt—after all, reaching the most beautiful and unexplored places requires thousands of miles.

Incredibly, this audience, which marketing jargon calls "aspirational," makes up about 90% of buyers of tires like the new KO3. It's no surprise that the eye-catching white lettering on the sidewalls is the choice of nine out of ten buyers.

Another curious fact is that a tire's design is legally protected for a period of five years. After that, it's common for Asian "generic manufacturers" to copy it (which is already happening with the KO2). With the launch of the KO3, BFGoodrich hopes to have a unique look, at least for a while…

The manufacturers' mission, therefore, is to make tires that are efficient on dirt, sand, and mud, but also comfortable for those simply looking to enhance the pickup's lines.

The vast majority of pickups come standard with H/T tires, an acronym for highway-terrain, designed for use on asphalt rather than dirt. This could be said to be 80% asphalt and 20% off-road (or 70%/30% in some cases).

M/T tires—mud-terrain tires—are designed for extreme off-roading, with a ratio of 20% asphalt and 80% off-road. In normal use, however, they roll harshly and are noisy, in addition to being much more expensive.

That's why, in 1976, BFGoodrich developed A/T (all-terrain) tires, a compromise between H/T and M/T. They offer good performance for everyday driving, in most weather conditions, and on dirt or mud terrain. If you frequently drive on paved roads, gravel roads, and dirt paths, A/T tires—which are 50/50—may be the ideal choice.

Available starting in 2026...The new BF Goodrich T/A KO3 will hit the market in early 2026 in a wide range of sizes, from 16 to 20 inches, for pickup trucks, vans, and SUVs. Prices vary by dealer, but will remain in line with the previous generation.

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