Truck and SUV owners often require a tire that can perform well both on and off-road while remaining durable and long-lasting. Two tires that are popular among these drivers are the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 and General Grabber ATX. While they may look similar in tread design, there are notable differences in their construction and performance.

Pros and Cons:

BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2:

• Pros: Tough construction, excellent off-road capabilities, superior snow traction, low road noise.
• Cons: Shorter tread life warranty.

General Grabber ATX:

• Pros: Good off-road performance, comfortable ride, longer tread life warranty.
• Cons: Not as durable as the BFGoodrich KO2, slightly less traction in deep mud and sand.

Design and Construction:

Both the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 and General Grabber ATX feature an aggressive, all-terrain tread pattern that provides excellent traction on various surfaces. The KO2’s tread features interlocking tread blocks, which provide improved stability and durability, while the ATX’s pattern has multiple biting edges for enhanced grip on loose surfaces. The KO2 also has a tougher sidewall construction that improves its resistance to punctures and abrasions.

The BFGoodrich tire uses a special CoreGard Technology that reinforces the sidewalls with thicker, extended rubber, which protects against splits and punctures. Additionally, the KO2 has a three-ply construction that adds to the durability of the tire. The General Grabber ATX also has a strong construction, featuring a robust, two-ply sidewall and a Duragen Technology that enhances its strength and longevity.

On-Road Driving Characteristics:

Both tires offer a comfortable and stable on-road driving experience. The BFGoodrich KO2’s tread design provides a smooth and quiet ride on pavement, with good handling and stability. The General Grabber ATX offers a similar experience, with a quieter ride than its predecessor, the Grabber AT2.

Off-Road Driving Characteristics:

The BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 is highly regarded for its off-road capabilities, with superior traction on dirt, gravel, and rock surfaces. The tire’s interlocking tread blocks and large voids provide excellent grip, while the tougher sidewall construction allows it to withstand the rigors of off-road driving. The General Grabber ATX also performs well off-road, with a tread pattern that delivers good traction on soft surfaces such as mud and sand.

Wet Performance:

Both tires are equipped with circumferential grooves that help channel water away from the contact patch, improving their wet performance. The BFGoodrich KO2 also has a serrated shoulder design that enhances its traction on wet surfaces. The General Grabber ATX features biting edges that improve its grip on wet and slippery surfaces.

Snow Performance:

The BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 has the three-peak mountain snowflake logo certification, meaning it is a solid tire for winter conditions. The tire’s special tread design provides excellent traction in snow and icy conditions. The General Grabber ATX also performs well in winter conditions, with its deep tread pattern and biting edges providing good grip on snow and ice.

Tread Life and Warranty:

The BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 has a relatively low 50,000-mile tread life warranty. However, the tire’s tough construction and durability make up for the shorter warranty period. The General Grabber ATX has a slightly longer tread life warranty of up to 60,000 miles.

Road Noise:

Both tires offer a quiet and comfortable ride, with minimal road noise compared to other all-terrain tires.

Overall Winner:

The BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 is the overall winner due to its superior off-road capabilities, tough construction, and excellent snow traction. While it has a shorter tread life warranty than the General Grabber ATX, the KO2’s durability and performance make it a favorite among off-road enthusiasts and truck and SUV drivers.

However, for those looking for a more affordable option, the General Grabber Altimax is a solid choice, offering good all-terrain performance at a lower price point.

In summary, both the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 and General Grabber ATX are excellent all-terrain tires that offer a comfortable and stable on-road driving experience, good off-road performance, and solid wet and snow traction. However, the KO2’s superior off-road capabilities and durability make it the overall winner in this comparison.