Do you drive a light truck, SUV or crossover and enjoy the occasional off-trail adventure with your vehicle? Then you know that this requires a tire that is slightly heavier, with a more imposing tread and greater traction levels, in order for you to travel safely. These added grip levels will allow you to truly enjoy your off-road adventures. That is why we are presenting you with this comparison between two tires that are perfectly suited to this type of situation: the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 vs the Goodyear DuraTrac, which are both undeniable allies for those who love to drive off the beaten path!
Why opt for this type of tire? If, for example, you love spending your weekends traveling in the country, driving up and down small dirt roads looking for the perfect camping spot or outdoor adventure, or if you sometimes have to drive over bumpy roads although your weekly job requires more “normal” driving conditions on the highway or city streets, then you are faced with a variety of different road conditions. In this case, it would be a smart choice to search for all-terrain tires that can allow you to face all of these different road conditions easily, while still offering you a comfortable driving experience and great maneuverability.
If you are currently looking for all-terrain tires, then you should know that the technology that is utilized to make these tires allows for them to be better adapted to difficult road conditions such as bumpy, rocky and sloped trails, gravel roads or muddy surfaces, regardless of weather conditions, including under the rain, snow and even on ice. Offering a tread that is much tougher than regular all-season tires, they are also able to withstand wear and tear better. A good set of all-terrain tires will allow you and your vehicle to reach your destination safely, no matter the road conditions.
While these types of tires used to be considered noisier because of their more aggressive tread, technology today is much more advanced with tire manufacturers who have worked diligently in order to make these performant tires more quiet and smooth on the road, without taking anything away from the outstanding capacities they offer. When analysing KO2 tires vs DuraTrac, you will quickly see that this mission has definitely been accomplished by both tire manufacturers!
The differences between All Terrain T A K02 and Wrangler Duratrac tires
Two tire models that are amongst the most popular while also remaining very performant in tough road conditions are the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 and the Goodyear DuraTrac. Both of these tire brands –who also have an excellent reputation in Canada and the rest of the world- offer all-terrain treads that are designed for all types of off-road conditions including the roughest, while also offering you a comfortable daily driving experience.
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tire
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tire is an excellent choice for those who are looking for all-terrain tires with advanced technologies. This sturdy tire is categorized by the manufacturer for use in abundant snow conditions, and has sides that are 20 % more resistant to wear thanks to the BFGoodrich CoreGuard technology, which was inspired by the racing tire models offered to the Baja Company.
According to BFGoodrich, the tire flanks offer a remarkable resistance to cracks and bruises, which makes them ideal for off-road conditions. They also have a thicker rubber compound, which also helps deviate pebbles while driving off the beaten path and also protects the tire from exterior damages caused by rocks, branches and other obstacles, for example. These tires also come with a BFGoodrich 80,000 km warranty and a 60 day satisfaction guarantee.
The Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tire
The Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tire is an extremely tough tire, perfect for off-road adventures with your SUV, your crossover or your light truck. This tire was also specially made to be quieter than other models of the same category, which also makes it enjoyable to drive on the highway or city streets.
Amongst the features this all-terrain tire for intense use offers, let’s mention the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol –which is one of the highest Goodyear certifications indicating the tire’s capacity for snow- as well as the TractiveGroove technology for traction in the mud or deep snow. It also has a rim protector element which helps you protect your wheels against accidental damages on sidewalks. This tire also enjoys an 80,000 km limited warranty on tread life.
The driving experience with the DuraTrac vs KO2
As you have probably noticed, both of these tires offer solid skills and are incredibly tough. But what about the performance they offer in rough weather conditions? Let’s look at this in greater detail below.
On Ice and Snow
Our comparison between the Wrangler DuraTrac vs KO2 demonstrates that these two winter certified tires can be used safely on snow and ice. Regardless of which tire set you choose and how performant your tires are, it is –obviously- also important to adapt your driving style to the winter conditions… After all, safety really does come first!
The Goodyear Wrangler has self-cleaning shoulder blocks and the TractiveGroove technology, which provides this tire with thousands of griping sipes, providing it with superior traction levels and maneuverability in deep snow. Moreover, DuraTrac tires can be studded for superior grip levels on icy surfaces, which also gives it a slight advantage over its rival that does not offer this possibility.
When it comes to the KO2, you will greatly appreciate the exceptional grip levels it offers on icy surfaces as well as in deep snow. In fact, according to the manufacturer, traction is now 19 % superior in the snow.
Under the Rain
Both of these all-terrain tires will tackle rainy conditions with ease. In fact, they are specially made to reduce aquaplaning risks to a minimum, and the great traction levels they offer will provide you with reduced braking distances as well, even when road surfaces are wet.
Driving in the Mud
If you have to drive on muddy roads, then you will obviously need all-terrain tires to do so easily. Both the Goodyear and the BF Goodrich will give you exceptional grip levels in these tough road conditions.
Moreover, the remarkable traction they offer will prevent you from getting stuck in the mud while maintaining remarkable maneuverability. When it comes to the Goodyear, it owes these remarkable capacities mostly thanks to the Tractive Groove technology, while the BF Goodrich KO2 enjoys elevated bars on the shoulder area that allow for quick and efficient evacuation of accumulated mud, which also contributes to evacuating mud that has accumulated in the grooves. This will provide you with added grip, which also translates into better maneuverability.
Off-road trails
The first reason to purchase off-terrain tires is obviously to make your adventures over rougher roads –or the absence of roads- easier! Both the BF Goodrich and the Michelin offer features that allow them to provide you with solid performance in this type of environment.
When it comes to the Michelin, you will find a sturdy rubber compound that resists very well to shocks, lacerations and tears, on top of providing you with the grip and traction levels that are necessary for you to get from point A to B safely.
As for the BF Goodrich KO2, the CoreGard technology reinforces the flanks, making them more resistant to perforations and shocks when you are driving off the beaten path.
It is also important to note that several all-terrain tires were specially designed and made with technologies that allow them to be used as a winter tire, like with a deeper tread for deep snow, as well as a capacity to resist to harsh weather conditions including extreme colds, which are both situations we face everywhere in Canada. If you have questions regarding if your all-terrain tires are suitable to be used as winter tires, do not hesitate to contact the experts at blackcircles Canada. We will be happy to advise you.
Duel DuraTrac vs KO2: which one comes out on top?
As you have probably noticed, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A K02 and the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac both have important design features that allow them to be used as all-terrain tires on your light pick-up, SUV or crossover. Both also offer excellent traction levels in several road conditions, including rocky terrain or gravel roads, or even a smooth road surface covered in ice or snow.
This makes it hard to decide which of the 2 tires is best, especially given how performant they both are; but if your budget is one of the most important factors, then you should know that the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac is more affordable ($ 240.83 to $ 518.69) than the BFGoodrich KO2 ($ 255.95 to $ 845.95). However, the latter offers more size options (from 15- to 22- inches) than the Goodyear (17- to 22- inches).
When you are shopping for tire, it is –of course-, always a great idea to compare models. So, should you have questions regarding both of these brands, their features, prices and compatibility with your vehicle, do not hesitate to contact our blackcircles Canada team! Our experts will be happy to answer all of your questions.
