Bf Goodrich KO2 vs KM2
Will your tires keep you steady, or leave you spinning your wheels? The KO2 and KM2 are built to handle such challenges, but their approaches couldn’t be more different.
Stick around as we break down their strengths and weaknesses, from warranty to tread design, to help you roll confidently into your next adventure.
Bfg KM2 vs KO2
This table distills the key differences and strengths of the KO2 and KM2, making it easy to compare at a glance.
| Feature | BF Goodrich KO2 | BF Goodrich KM2 |
|---|---|---|
| Mileage Warranty | Offers a 50,000-mile warranty, great for long-term use on mixed terrains. | Comes with a standard warranty, no mileage guarantee, built for rugged bursts. |
| Price | Ranges $200–$300 for 35×12.5R17, more affordable for versatile performance. | Typically pricier, less available, reflecting its specialized off-road focus. |
| Tire Type | All-terrain design, balances on-road comfort with off-road capability. | Mud-terrain build, excels in extreme off-road conditions like mud and rocks. |
| Rim Range | Covers 15 to 17 inches, fits most trucks and SUVs, from commuters to trail rigs. | Spans 15 to 17 inches, suits off-road-ready vehicles with similar rim needs. |
| Tread Pattern | Serrated shoulders and interlocking elements, ideal for varied traction needs. | Aggressive deep lugs and large voids, perfect for clawing through mud and rocks. |
| Off-Road | Solid in mud and snow, a versatile choice for moderate off-road adventures. | Dominates extreme mud and rocky trails, tailored for hardcore off-roaders. |
| On-Road | Quieter and smoother, suits daily driving and long highway stretches. | Noisier and stiffer, prioritizes off-road grip over pavement comfort. |
| Expert Opinion | Praised for all-around durability and versatility by off-road reviewers. | Loved for top-tier off-road traction, especially in tough conditions, by pros. |
| Our Observation | Best for mixed use—affordable, warranted, and balanced for road and trail. | Ideal for off-road purists—pricier but unmatched in extreme terrains. |
Mileage Warranty
Tire warranties offer a glimpse into how long you can expect your investment to last. The BF Goodrich KO2 comes with a robust 50,000-mile treadwear limited warranty, a clear signal of its durability for extended use.
This makes it a standout choice for those who rack up miles on varied surfaces, from city streets to gravel paths. On the flip side, the KM2 opts for a standard manufacturer’s limited warranty, covering defects in materials or workmanship for the life of the original usable tread or six years from purchase—whichever comes first.
However, it lacks a specific mileage guarantee, suggesting it’s built more for intense, sporadic use rather than consistent long-haul driving. For drivers prioritizing longevity, the KO2 takes an early lead.
Tire Price
Cost often sways tire decisions, and here, the KO2 and KM2 diverge. The KO2 tends to be the more budget-friendly option, with prices for a common size like 35×12.5R17 ranging between $200 and $300 per tire, depending on the retailer.
This affordability aligns with its versatile, all-terrain design, appealing to a broader audience. The KM2, however, leans pricier—a reflection of its specialized mud-terrain build.
Exact prices for the same size are less readily available, hinting at its niche market and potentially higher cost, often exceeding the KO2’s range. If your wallet’s a factor, the KO2 offers strong value, while the KM2 demands a premium for its off-road prowess.
Tire Type
At their core, these tires serve different masters. The KO2 is an all-terrain tire, engineered to strike a balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability. It’s the jack-of-all-trades for drivers who split time between highways and trails.
The KM2, by contrast, is a mud-terrain tire, purpose-built for extreme off-road conditions like deep mud, rocky inclines, and loose dirt.
This fundamental distinction shapes everything from their performance to their feel, making tire type the first question to answer: Do you need versatility or specialization?
Rim Range
Both tires cater to similar vehicles, with rim diameters typically spanning 15 to 17 inches. The KO2’s availability in these sizes ensures it fits a wide range of trucks and SUVs, from everyday commuters to off-road rigs.
The KM2 mirrors this range, as seen in fitment discussions, making it equally compatible with off-road-ready vehicles. Neither tire limits your options here—your choice hinges more on performance needs than fitment constraints.
Tread Pattern
Tread design is where these tires reveal their personalities. The KO2 sports a serrated shoulder and interlocking tread elements, paired with Mud-Phobic bars to shed debris and maintain grip.
This setup delivers balanced traction across diverse surfaces—think wet roads, light mud, or snowy trails. The KM2, however, goes bold with an aggressive, Krawler KX-inspired tread featuring large voids and deep lugs.
It’s designed to claw through mud and grip rocks, prioritizing off-road dominance over subtlety. While the KO2 aims for harmony, the KM2 screams rugged intensity.
Off-Road Performance
For off-road enthusiasts, this category is make-or-break. The KM2 shines here, its mud-terrain DNA giving it an edge in extreme conditions. Reviews praise its ability to power through boggy swamps and scramble up rocky slopes, making it a favorite among hardcore adventurers.
The KO2, while no slouch, takes a more measured approach. It handles mud, snow, and gravel with confidence but doesn’t match the KM2’s mastery in the toughest terrains. If your weekends involve serious off-roading, the KM2 is your champion; for lighter trails, the KO2 holds its own.
On-Road Performance
Not every journey is off the grid, and on-road performance matters just as much. The KO2 excels here, offering a quieter, smoother ride thanks to its all-terrain design.
It’s built for daily driving, with less road noise and better handling on asphalt—ideal for those who commute or travel long distances.
The KM2, with its aggressive tread, sacrifices some of that refinement. Expect more noise and a stiffer feel, typical of mud-terrain tires optimized for off-road grip over on-road comfort. For pavement dwellers, the KO2 pulls ahead.
Expert Opinion
Experts weigh in with enthusiasm for both tires, but their praise splits along predictable lines. The KO2 earns high marks for its all-around prowess, with outlets like OutdoorX4 lauding its durability and versatility after long-term testing. It’s a go-to for drivers seeking a do-it-all tire.
The KM2, meanwhile, garners acclaim from off-road circles for its unbeatable traction in mud and rocks, though reviews note its on-road trade-offs.
Publications like TrailTire highlight its niche excellence, positioning it as a top pick for dedicated off-roaders. The consensus? Both are stellar—just in different arenas.
Our Observation
After dissecting these tires, the choice boils down to your lifestyle. The KO2 is the clear winner for drivers who crave flexibility. Its 50,000-mile warranty, lower price, and balanced performance make it a practical pick for those blending highway commutes with weekend escapes.
It’s the tire that adapts to you—quiet enough for the daily grind, tough enough for moderate trails. But if your heart beats for the wild, the KM2 beckons.
Its superior off-road grip and rugged design cater to those who live for mud-slinging, rock-crawling thrills, even if it means a noisier ride and a higher price tag. Neither tire disappoints; they simply serve different masters.
