When it comes to all-terrain tires, the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 and the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S are two of the most popular choices on the market. And two of our favorites… although for very different reasons.
Both are designed to offer a balance of on-road comfort and off-road performance, making them ideal for truck and SUV drivers who need a tire that can handle a wide range of driving conditions. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at both tires, comparing their design, performance, and overall value to help you determine which one is the best choice for your needs.
Hint: it’s got a lot to do with the type of driving you’ll be doing.
BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2:
The BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 is a popular choice among off-road enthusiasts thanks to its aggressive tread design and durable construction. The tire features a tough, three-ply sidewall that resists punctures and cuts, while the advanced deflection design helps protect against hazards on rocky or gravel terrain. Additionally, the tire is designed with stone ejectors that help prevent stone retention, which can damage the tire and decrease performance.
Features and benefits:
- Aggressive tread design for off-road performance
- Three-ply sidewall for durability
- Advanced deflection design to protect against hazards
- Stone ejectors to prevent stone retention
- Three-peak mountain snowflake logo certification for winter performance
Pros:
- Excellent off-road performance
- Durable construction
- Strong sidewalls
- Good winter performance
- Good traction on loose surfaces
Cons:
- Produces noticeable road noise
- Lower tread life warranty (50,000 miles)
Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S:
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is designed to provide a comfortable ride on the road while still offering solid off-road capabilities. The tire features a unique Adaptive-Traction Technology that helps the tire grip the road in wet conditions, while the five-rib tread pattern improves stability and handling. Additionally, the tire is designed with a silica-infused compound that helps improve fuel efficiency and reduce rolling resistance.
Features and benefits:
- Adaptive-Traction Technology for wet traction
- Five-rib tread pattern for stability and handling
- Silica-infused compound for fuel efficiency
- Three-peak mountain snowflake logo certification for winter performance
Pros:
- Good on-road comfort
- Better wet performance than the BFGoodrich
- Good off-road capabilities
- Good winter performance
- Longer tread life warranty (60,000 miles)
Cons:
- Less aggressive off-road performance than the BFGoodrich
- Less durable construction than the BFGoodrich
- Higher price point than the BFGoodrich
Driving Characteristics on-road:
Both the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 and Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S provide a comfortable and smooth on-road driving experience. However, the Cooper tire offers slightly better handling and stability on wet roads due to its silica-infused compound and larger tread blocks that help to disperse water more efficiently. The BFGoodrich tire, on the other hand, offers excellent handling and stability on dry roads, thanks to its large and well-spaced tread blocks that provide a solid grip.
Winner: Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S
Driving Characteristics off-road:
When it comes to off-road driving, the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 is the clear winner. Its aggressive tread pattern and sidewall design offer excellent traction and durability in challenging off-road conditions. The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is a capable all-terrain tire, but it doesn’t match the BFGoodrich’s performance in extreme off-road conditions.
Winner: BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2
Wet Performance:
Both the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 and Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S have the three-peak mountain snowflake certification, which means they are suitable for winter use. In terms of wet performance, the Cooper Discoverer AT4 4S is the better tire. Its advanced tread design and silica-infused compound offer improved traction and handling in wet and slippery conditions. The BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 is a good all-around tire, but it can struggle with wet traction due to its more aggressive tread pattern.
Winner: Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S
Snow Performance:
Both tires have the three-peak mountain snowflake certification, indicating that they are suitable for winter driving. However, the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 has a more aggressive tread pattern that provides better snow and ice traction than the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S.
Winner: BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2
Tread Life:
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S has a longer tread life warranty of 65,000 miles, while the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 has a tread life warranty of 50,000 miles. Both tires use durable materials and construction techniques, and their tread designs offer even wear and long-lasting performance.
Winner: Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S
Warranty:
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S comes with a 65,000-mile tread life warranty, while the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 has a 50,000-mile tread life warranty. Both tires also come with limited warranty coverage for workmanship and materials.
Winner: Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S
Road Noise:
Both tires are relatively quiet on the road, with minimal road noise and vibration. However, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is slightly quieter than the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2, thanks to its optimized tread pattern and advanced materials.
Winner: Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S
Overall Winner:
While both the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 and Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S are excellent all-terrain tires, the BFGoodrich tire is the better choice for drivers who frequently go off-road and need maximum durability and traction in challenging conditions. The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is a solid choice for drivers who need a versatile tire that performs well in a variety of on-road and off-road conditions, and who prioritize a longer tread life warranty and better wet performance.