Cooper and BF Goodrich often come up when choosing an all-terrain tire. While they both offer high-quality and durable tires, there are innovations of each that make them stand out.
Here, we will compare the Cooper AT3 vs BF Goodrich KO2 and look at their uses.
Cooper AT3 vs BF KO2: A Quick Look
| Comparing factors | Cooper AT3 | BFG KO2 |
| Comfort | Low | High |
| C to E load capacity | 2270 to 3170 pounds (low) | 2270 to 3750 pounds (high) |
| Performance on snow | Low | High |
| Off road performance | Good | Moderate |
| Sidewall performance | High | Low |
| Speed classification | An AT3 rating of R and S results in a good ride at 106-112 mph in perfect conditions | The KO2 R, S, Q, and T rating offers a great ride at 106-118 mph in perfect conditions and 99 mph at less than ideal conditions |
| Durability | Moderate | High |
| Tread design | Better | Good |
| Noise | minimizes cabin noise on the road, but not off-road | makes the cab noisy on both streets and rough terrains |
| Treadwear warranty | 60-day satisfaction guarantee and a 60,000 miles warranty | 60-day satisfaction guarantee with a 50,000 miles warranty |
| Tire weight | Has tires ranging in weight from 32 to 69 pounds | Weight range is 32.1 to 72.6 pounds |
| Price | Cheaper | More expensive |
The AT3 and the KO2 are the best all-terrain tires manufactured by Cooper and Goodrich. But that is where the similarities end.
Cooper’s AT3 rugged, durable treads adapt to any terrain. The snow grooves and saw tooth block edges combined with the tough, durable tread work great in off-road situations.
The Whispering Groove Technology helps reduce cabin noise while offering superior traction in dry conditions.
On the other hand, the KO2 is an upgraded version of the KO tire, offering improved sidewall strength, mud and snow traction. Their superior off-road ride results from the separated shoulder design, upper shoulder sidewall armor, and 3D track sides.
While they are popular because they drive well on wet roads, their lack of technology makes for a noisy ride.
Cooper AT3 Vs BF KO2: Key Differentiating Factors
Comfortable ride
Cooper
The AT3 Whispering Groove Technology helps minimize cabin noise on the road, but not off-road where the cabin is noisiest. The all-terrain drive is a bit bumpy as well.
BF KO2
The KO2 lacks noise technology, but the ride is more comfortable with the design of the KO2’s tread.
Winner
In all fairness, all-terrain tires are not known for their comfort. So the KO2 is the winner with a more comfortable ride.
Load
Cooper AT3
The AT3 is rated C through E and holds a capacity of 2270 to 3170 pounds.
BF KO2
The KO2 offers a high C to E load capacity at 2270 to 3750 pounds.
Winner
BF KO2 has the higher capacity load at 3750 and is the winner.
Performance on the road
Cooper AT3
The Cooper AT3 does well on dry roads and decreases hydroplaning in wet conditions but does not do as well on snow-covered roads.
BF KO2
The BF KO2 does just as well on dry roads, decreases hydroplaning, and is a great snow tire. Its best feature is how reliable it takes corners while maintaining steering wheel play.
Winner
The reliability of turning corners gives the KO2 the edge as the winner.
Performance off the road
Cooper AT3
The AT3’s Even Wear Arc Technology increases the tire contact on the terrain while using the entire tread surface to maintain traction. As a result, these tires keep their shape because of their durable traction shoulders. What’s more, Cooper has perfected the ATSXLT for MD performance.
BF KO2
The KO2 offers an irregular yet durable tread design, making it a great mud/terrain tire that performs well off-road.
Winner
Both companies offer impressive off-road performances, but the AT3 wins this challenge with its multiple innovations.
Performance of sidewalls
Cooper AT3
The AT3 offers a higher-performing sidewall.
BF KO2
The KO2, in comparison with the AT3, offers a lower-performing sidewall.
Winner
Cooper’s AT3 higher-performing sidewall is the winner.
Cold weather performance
Cooper AT3
Cooper’s deep but straight treads are known to slip in snowy conditions.
BF KO2
BF Goodrich features a more blocky interlocking tread made for wintery weather conditions.
Winner
The way the KO2 treads handle snow-covered roads makes it the clear winner.
Speed classification
Cooper AT3
An AT3 rating of R and S results in a good ride at 106 to 112 mph in perfect conditions.
BF KO2
The KO2 R, S, Q, and T rating offers a great ride at 106 to 118 mph in perfect conditions and less than ideal conditions at 99 mph (Q).
Winner
The KO2’s higher mph rating and the rating for less than optimal driving conditions make it the winner.
Stability when towing
Cooper AT3
A high load capacity comes with the AT3.
BF KO2
The KO2 also has a high load capacity.
Winner
A tie sicne both offer a high load capacity .
Tread design
Cooper AT3
AT3’s Stone Ejectors and rugged traction shoulders eject pebbles and stones embedded in the tire, detouring abrasions or punctures. The added compound of next-generation silica and Durable Technology makes the tires tear, chips, and cut resistant.
BF KO2
The Core Guard Technology and improved thickness of the tire’s rubber keep it from bruising or splitting. Combined with their Tri-Guard Technology and the interlocking tire tread, the tire is more durable than its counterpart.
Winner
Off-road conditions are the main culprit of tire wear for both tires, but the various technologies used in manufacturing the AT3 make it the winner.
Extent of noise
Cooper AT3
The AT3 Whispering Groove Technology helps minimize cabin noise on the road, but not off-road where the cabin becomes noisy.
BF KO2
The KO2’s lack of noise technology leaves the cab noisy on streets and rough terrain.
Winner
The AT3’s Whispering Groove Technology gives it the edge over the KO2.
Treadwear warranty
Cooper AT3
Cooper gives a 60-day satisfaction guarantee and a 60,000 miles warranty with their AT3.
BF KO2
Goodrich also offers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee with a 50,000 miles warranty.
Winner
The 10,000 miles extra offered by Cooper makes their AT3 warranty the better of the two.
Tire weight
Cooper AT3
The AT3 has tires ranging in weight from 32 to 69 pounds.
BF KO2
The KO2 weight range is 32.1 to 72.6 pounds.
Winner
The weight difference in the AT3 vs KO2’s heaviest tire is 4 pounds. So the KO2 weighs in as the winner.
Cost
Cooper AT3
AT3 is the more comfortably riding tire and is the less expensive tire option, plus they offer a more extended warranty.
BF KO2
The increased noise and less comfortable ride combined with the higher tire price do not justify the cost.
Winner
Both of their comparable construction, quality, and road performance are equal but the AT3 is more affordable.
When to use Cooper AT3 tires?
Anyone looking for a tire for street driving can use the AT3. While priced higher than a KO2, the durable sidewalls, the Whisper Groove Technology, and the addition of the next-generation silica create a quiet, long-lasting tire that’s worth the extra money.
When to use BF KO2 tires?
If you are an off-road enthusiast, this is your go-to choice. With its Tri-Guard Technology and interlocking tire tread, the tire is more durable than its counterpart. The KO2 is also a reasonably priced tire known for its high-stability towing and high-load capacity.
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