The American tire manufacturer, BF Goodrich, specializes in products that are focused on off-road driving and offers very competitive models. Do you like the products this manufacturer offers but are unsure of which model to choose between the BFGoodrich Train Terrain vs KO2?
The blackcircles Canada team has prepared this detailed comparison for you. Find out more about the features and strength each tire offers so that you can make the best decision!
How do the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain vs KO2 compare
Since both models were made by the same manufacturer, you can probably guess that they are made for different types of drivers. We are here to help you understand their similarities, but also –and mostly- the differences between both tires.
Firstly, the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain tire is an all-new model on the market. It is here to cater to an increasingly common need: getting equipped with a versatile tire for crossovers.
In fact, this tire is specially designed for crossovers and SUVs, mainly those built for adventure. It allows drivers to take advantage of a comfortable drive in the city and on the highway, while also being able to handle gravel covered roads in full confidence.
It is a tire that offers good all-terrain skills, but it truly focuses on versatility and other qualities that we will look into in greater detail below.
Contrary to the Trail Terrain, the BFGoodrich KO2 tire is a name that is already well known in the industry; we could even say it almost has a mythical status in the all-terrain tire industry! This rugged tire is mostly designed for a solid all-terrain driving experience. It is particularly excellent in mountains and on gravel, but it fares well in the mud too.
Although it focuses mostly on the off-road, it is also a versatile and comfortable tire for your daily drives. One of the common features found on both is that the two are winter certified tires, which means that they are adapted to driving in all seasons.
The differences between the two models are easy to spot from the moment we lay eyes on them: the KO2 boasts more aggressive lines, while the Trail Terrain is closer to a regular all-season tire.
Moreover, these differences are quite noticeable as well when it comes to weight, speed rating and load index, as we will see in both models’ specs.
Given that the Trail Terrain is specially designed for crossovers and SUVs, it is available in 47 dimensions, ranging between 15- and 22- inches. As for the KO2, it caters to SUV and truck needs, and comes in a total of 91 dimensions, also ranging between 15- and 22- inches.
BFGoodrich Trail Terrain: Specs
The Trail Terrain is a tire that is specially made for crossover and SUVs, rather light and fast, with specs like:
- A weight of 30 to 46 lbs
- A T or H speed rating
- A load index from 98 to 116
- A tread that is 12.5/32’’ deep on most of its dimensions
This tire is specially made to offer a stable driving experience in a wide variety of situations, mostly thanks to wide shoulder blocks. Moreover, the shoulder blocks’ serrated motif allows the tire to eject small rocks and debris when you drive over a gravel covered road.
The resistant material will also ensure better resistance to lacerations in this type of situation. It also offers a solid structure for light off-road conditions.
For a confident driving experience in winter, the tire is also equipped with full depth 3D sipes that provides it with good grip levels on snow and ice when needed. The depth not only allows for optimal traction, but also maximum durability.
The block footprint at the center of the tire also ensures a maximum contact surface with the road, for a stable and comfortable driving experience, which also ensures a quiet drive.
All of these features ensure that the lifespan is maximized, thanks to a lower rolling resistance and even wear.
BFGoodrich KO2: Specs
As we have mentioned, the KO2 is a rugged tire, as we can see from its specs:
- A weight between 35 and 67 lbs
- A Q, R or S speed rating
- An index load of up to 129
- A tread that is 15/32’’ on most of the dimensions
- CoreGard Technology
- Numerous griping sipes
- Superior flank resistance
- A 3- layer structure
The CoreGard technology is a thicker and more resistant rubber compound, specially made to resist shocks and perforations. A deviation technology is also added to better eject sharp objects.
Resistant flanks also provide you with added insurance as to the tire’s solidity in all circumstances. In fact, the newest generation of the KO2 provides you with flanks that are 20 % more resistant!
The 3- layer structure ensures that you will have a tire that can resist rocky trails, while the griping edges work to ensure maximum traction levels on slippery road surfaces.
These edges are added to a 3D sipe design that, just like for the Trail Terrain, work to offer solid traction levels in the winter. The auto-locking sipes ensure remarkable efficiency by gripping onto the road!
The rugged and serrated shoulders and the even tread distribution are also part of its main features for a stable and enjoyable driving experience.
Choose between the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain and the KO2
Which tire should you choose between the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain vs BFGoodrich KO2? The above descriptions should help you see more clearly, but we will take this comparison a step further to make your decision even easier.
Firstly, each tire’s weight and features must be taken into consideration. An adventurous tire like the KO2 certainly provides you with greater off-road skills, but that also comes with its set of disadvantages.
In fact, the Baja champion is definitely sturdy and weighs more than the Trail Terrain. The latter, given that it is lighter, will offer a lower rolling resistance. This means that when it comes to fuel efficiency, the second comes out on top.
Not only will this allow you to reduce your fuel consumption, the tire itself offers a slightly superior lifespan. The warranty on tread life serves as proof: the Trail Terrain is covered up to 100,000 km, while the KO2 offers an 80,000 km warranty on tread life.
However, if you are planning on having to face extreme conditions, the KO2 is obviously the better choice. The 3- layer structure offers a greater resistance than the 2- layer construction offered by the Trail Terrain. This means that you can tackle off-road conditions with greater confidence, without risks of perforations.
In other words, the best tire for you is the one that offers the features and qualities you need most. If you mostly drive in the city and on the highway, then the Trail Terrain will provide you with the versatility you need for your occasional or more regular outings.
However, if off-road driving is part of your daily reality like, for example, if you work or live in a rural area, then the KO2 will be better suited to your needs. The capacities it offers obviously have an impact on its price and you can expect a slightly higher price range.
Comparing Treads
Although their treads do present some similarities, safe to say that the BFGoodrich Trail Terrain vs KO2 are designed quite differently.
For example, the offset block design is similar on both, but the distribution is different: for the Trail terrain it is mostly focused in the center of the tread while with the KO2, it is evenly distributed throughout the entire tire’s surface.
Moreover, the grooves create a continuous network on the latter, from the shoulders all the way to the flanks. Inversely, the Trail Terrain’s serrated edges are not linked to the groove network.
These differences create distinct advantages for both. On the one hand, the Trail Terrain’s block distribution promotes centralized pressure and better maneuverability, along with a more reactive direction. The rounded contact surface will also provide you with a smoother and more enjoyable driving experience.
Although a little less precise during turns, the KO2 still remains a maneuverable tire. Simply said, driving on the highway is not its forte; rather, it tends to excel at lower speeds.
Moreover, the KO2’s groove network provides you with better water evacuation. This means that the tire is more resistant to aquaplaning, while driving over wet road surfaces in the Trail Terrain’s main weakness.
Furthermore, it is precisely this groove network that allows the KO2 to provide you with good performance in the mud! It is also efficient on snow that might be a little deeper. The Trail Terrain’s flexible compound also serves to ensure good winter performance.
This comparison allows you to understand each tire’s main strengths and the features they have in common. With BFGoodrich, you will enjoy rugged and solid tires, an advantageous warranty, along with a 60 day satisfaction guarantee!
Shop for your next set of tires online with blackcirlces Canada. You will find BFGoodrich tires at the best possible price on the market!
