In a BFGoodrich vs Goodyear comparison, neither brand wins every category. Looking specifically at the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 and Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT, the KO3 makes a strong case for balanced all-terrain use, wet braking, comfort, and sidewall protection, while the DuraTrac RT stands out most clearly in snow and aggressive loose-surface driving.
Quick Answer
Choose the BFGoodrich KO3 for balanced all-terrain use, strong sidewall protection, and the better wet-braking and comfort results in one 2026 comparison. Choose the DuraTrac RT if snow performance is the bigger priority. Both are 3PMSF-rated and currently carry 50,000-mile limited mileage warranties.
Last checked: September 30, 2026. Dates and figures were verified against official sources.
Key Takeaways
- Both tires carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol for severe-snow performance.
- The DuraTrac RT led snow braking and snow handling in a 2026 same-size comparison.
- The KO3 stopped shorter in the wet and scored higher for subjective ride comfort in that test.
- Both delivered competitive dirt performance, with only small differences in the controlled dirt test.
- Size, load index, load range, inflation needs, and vehicle clearance matter as much as the brand name when fitting either tire.
BFGoodrich KO3 vs Goodyear DuraTrac RT
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 and Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT are both serious all-terrain tires, but their strengths are different. The KO3 combines rugged construction with an all-terrain tread aimed at long wear and mixed driving, while the DuraTrac RT uses a more aggressive shoulder design and reinforced construction aimed at demanding off-road and winter conditions.
BFGoodrich lists the KO3 as a severe-snow-rated all-weather tire with a 50,000-mile mileage warranty. Goodyear lists the DuraTrac RT as an all-season, all-terrain, 3PMSF tire with the same 50,000-mile warranty.
| Feature | BFGoodrich KO3 | Goodyear DuraTrac RT |
|---|---|---|
| Design focus | Balanced all-terrain durability and mixed driving | Aggressive all-terrain traction and winter capability |
| Snow rating | 3PMSF | 3PMSF |
| Mileage warranty | 50,000 miles | 50,000 miles |
| 2026 test highlight | Better wet braking and subjective comfort | Best snow braking and snow handling in the test |
The biggest difference is not simply “off-road versus road.” The KO3 and DuraTrac RT trade small advantages across wet pavement, snow, dirt, comfort, and braking.
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What Each Tire Does Best
The KO3 is strongest as a tough, balanced all-terrain tire that still needs to live comfortably on pavement. The DuraTrac RT makes more sense when snow and loose-surface traction carry extra weight in your decision.
BFGoodrich uses an optimized footprint, full-depth locking 3D sipes, serrated shoulders, Mud-Phobic Bars, and CoreGard sidewall technology. These features target even wear, gravel durability, traction, and resistance to sidewall damage.
Goodyear equips the DuraTrac RT with DuPont Kevlar reinforcement, a three-ply sidewall, Durawall compound, and tread extending over the shoulder. Those features are intended to resist cuts and abrasions while adding bite in rough terrain.
That means you should choose by where you actually drive. Highway-heavy mixed use may favor the KO3’s balance, while regular snow, dirt, ruts, and loose surfaces give the DuraTrac RT more opportunity to use its aggressive design.
How They Handle Highway Driving
Both tires can handle regular highway use, but neither behaves like a road-focused touring tire. In controlled 2026 testing, the KO3 scored higher for subjective comfort, while the DuraTrac RT stopped slightly shorter in the dry.
Because these are aggressive all-terrain tires, expect some tradeoff in braking, noise, weight, and rolling resistance compared with a less aggressive highway tire.
Highway Grip And Stability
The two tires were relatively close in several road tests, but the results do not support a simple claim that one is always more stable. In the 2026 comparison, the DuraTrac RT recorded a 46.27-meter dry-braking result, compared with 47.06 meters for the KO3.
The KO3, however, earned the test’s highest subjective comfort score among the all-terrain tires. Its tread and casing felt progressive and comfortable even though its measured dry braking was a weakness.
For daily driving, that makes the choice more nuanced. The Goodyear showed a small dry-braking advantage, while the BFGoodrich gave the testers the better subjective ride-comfort impression.
Braking And Road Noise
Braking changes with surface conditions, so one number should never be presented as a universal stopping distance. In the same 265/70R17 test, the KO3 stopped shorter in the wet, while the DuraTrac RT stopped shorter in the dry.
| Tire | Braking | Road noise |
|---|---|---|
| KO3 | Wet: 40.23 m | Measured: 57.72 dB |
| DuraTrac RT | Wet: 41.44 m | Measured: 56.01 dB |
| KO3 | Dry: 47.06 m | Subjective noise: 9.5/10 |
| DuraTrac RT | Dry: 46.27 m | Subjective noise: 8.5/10 |
The noise results need context. The Goodyear produced the lower measured figure, but testers rated the KO3 better subjectively for noise and comfort. Tire noise can also change with pavement texture, vehicle insulation, tread wear, pressure, and tire size.
Which Tire Is Better Off-Road?
Neither tire delivered a decisive overall off-road win in the available same-size dirt test. The DuraTrac RT was slightly faster around the dirt course, while testers gave the KO3 a slightly higher subjective dirt-handling score.
More technical terrain can also reward construction features that a timed hard-dirt course cannot fully measure, including sidewall protection, tread clearing, and traction when aired down within safe operating limits.
Off-Road Traction
The DuraTrac RT recorded a 74.68-second dirt-handling time in the 2026 comparison, versus 74.87 seconds for the KO3. That 0.19-second difference was small, and all tested all-terrain tires finished within a narrow range.
Subjectively, the order reversed. Testers rated the KO3 at 8.4 out of 10 for dirt handling and the DuraTrac RT at 8.3.
So the safer conclusion is that both deliver competitive dirt traction. The terrain itself matters more: mud, deep sand, sharp rock, hardpack, and loose gravel place different demands on a tire.
Durability On Trails
Both manufacturers specifically engineer these tires for rough use, but their approaches differ. BFGoodrich emphasizes its KO3 tread compound, optimized footprint, full-depth sipes, and CoreGard sidewall construction.
BFGoodrich’s KO3 technology information also describes resistant sidewall rubber, Advanced Deflection Design, and extended shoulder protection intended to reduce damage from rocks and other trail hazards.
Goodyear emphasizes Kevlar reinforcement, a three-ply sidewall, and Durawall compound on the DuraTrac RT. Those features are designed to resist punctures, abrasions, and cuts during rough off-road use.
No tire is damage-proof. Pressure, vehicle weight, speed, sharp impacts, and sidewall contact can still cause failures.
Sidewall Grip Design
Both tires extend useful tread features toward the shoulder and sidewall, but their designs should not be reduced to “slanted versus vertical.” Their complete tread geometry, casing, compound, and shoulder construction work together.
The KO3 uses an updated serrated shoulder design and extended shoulder rubber. These features help provide biting edges in loose terrain while protecting more of the sidewall’s vulnerable area.
The DuraTrac RT uses bold over-the-shoulder tread elements with a reinforced three-ply sidewall. That design adds traction around the outer tread area and supports durability in rough conditions.
Wet, Snow, and Braking Performance
The clearest measured difference between these two tires is the split between wet and snow performance. In the 2026 Tyre Reviews all-terrain test, the KO3 stopped shorter in the wet, while the DuraTrac RT led the field in snow braking and snow handling.
| Tire | Wet | Snow |
|---|---|---|
| DuraTrac RT | 41.44 m wet braking | 13.08 m snow braking |
| KO3 | 40.23 m wet braking | 13.60 m snow braking |
The KO3 also recorded a 129.16-second wet-handling lap compared with 129.70 seconds for the DuraTrac RT. In straight aquaplaning, the figures were close at 102.1 km/h for the KO3 and 101.4 km/h for the Goodyear.
Snow reversed the advantage. DuraTrac RT recorded an 81.05-second snow-handling time compared with 82.69 seconds for the KO3, and its 13.08-meter snow-braking result was the best in the test.
Both tires carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol. That means they meet the applicable severe-snow traction performance requirement, but the symbol does not mean they will perform identically on snow or ice.
Tread Design and Sidewall Differences
The KO3 and DuraTrac RT both use aggressive tread patterns, but the manufacturers emphasize different technologies. BFGoodrich focuses on tread stability, even wear, shoulder protection, and mud clearing, while Goodyear combines aggressive shoulder traction with a reinforced casing.
These construction details help explain why the two tires can produce similar dirt results while feeling different on pavement and snow.
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Tread Pattern Comparison
The KO3 uses an optimized footprint, full-depth locking 3D sipes, interlocking tread elements, serrated shoulders, and Mud-Phobic Bars. The design is intended to stabilize tread blocks while maintaining biting edges and clearing material from the shoulder area.
| Tire | Tread Focus | Primary Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| KO3 | Full-depth sipes, serrated shoulders | Balanced traction, wear, and durability |
| DuraTrac RT | Bold over-shoulder tread | Loose-surface and snow traction |
| Both | Aggressive all-terrain patterns | Mixed on-road and off-road use |
The DuraTrac RT combines pronounced shoulder tread with extra biting edges for snow. Its tread is paired with Kevlar reinforcement and the Durawall sidewall compound rather than relying on tread shape alone.
Sidewall Style Differences
Sidewall styling gives each tire a different visual character, but appearance should come after load capacity, size, construction, and intended use. The KO3’s extended shoulder protection creates a muscular profile, while the DuraTrac RT carries tread farther over the shoulder.
Those elements also serve functional purposes. BFGoodrich uses extended shoulder rubber and CoreGard technology for protection, while Goodyear combines its shoulder tread with a three-ply sidewall and Durawall compound.
Off-Road Grip Impact
Off-road grip comes from more than tread depth. Tread-block stability, void space, compound, shoulder biting edges, casing flexibility, tire pressure, and the surface under the tire all affect traction.
That is why one tire can feel better to a driver while another posts a slightly faster timed lap. In the 2026 dirt test, DuraTrac RT had the small objective time advantage, while KO3 received the slightly higher subjective dirt score.
Durability, Wear, and Tread Life
Both tires are marketed around durability, and both currently carry a 50,000-mile limited mileage warranty. That makes it inaccurate to assume from the warranty alone that one has a major tread-life advantage.
A mileage warranty is a manufacturer’s coverage limit, not a controlled measurement proving how many miles every driver will get from a tire.
BFGoodrich says its optimized footprint and full-depth sipes are designed to promote even wear. Goodyear’s reinforced construction focuses heavily on resistance to tread and sidewall damage in rough conditions.
Your real tread life depends on alignment, inflation, rotation, vehicle weight, towing, road surface, driving style, and how often you use the tire off-road.
For maximum life, use the vehicle manufacturer’s inflation guidance for your approved tire configuration, rotate the tires on schedule, and correct alignment problems before they create uneven wear.
Price, Discounts, and Overall Value
Neither BFGoodrich nor Goodyear is always the cheaper choice. Tire prices change by size, load range, retailer, region, installation package, and promotion, so broad brand-level price claims can be misleading.
| Brand | Mileage Warranty |
|---|---|
| Goodyear DuraTrac RT | 50,000 miles |
| BFGoodrich KO3 | 50,000 miles |
For a fair value comparison, price the same tire size, load range, and quantity. Then include installation, balancing, disposal fees, road-hazard coverage if you want it, and the actual warranty terms.
A cheaper tire is not automatically better value if it is less suitable for your driving. Likewise, paying more makes little sense if the extra capability addresses conditions you rarely encounter.
Which Tire Fits Your Silverado ZR2
For a Silverado ZR2, first match the tire to the truck’s exact size and load requirements. After fitment is confirmed, choose the KO3 or DuraTrac RT according to whether you value balanced daily use or more snow-focused performance.
For the 2026 Silverado 1500, Goodyear’s vehicle fitment page lists 275/70R18 for the ZR2 suspension package. Other model years or configurations can differ, so use your driver’s-door tire placard as the starting point.
To choose between them, weigh these factors:
- Terrain mix: Consider the DuraTrac RT if snow and aggressive loose-surface driving are frequent; consider the KO3 for a balanced mix of trails and pavement.
- Road performance: The KO3 had the shorter wet stop and higher subjective comfort score in the 2026 same-size test, while DuraTrac RT stopped slightly shorter in the dry.
- Construction: KO3 uses CoreGard and extended shoulder protection; DuraTrac RT uses Kevlar reinforcement, a three-ply sidewall, and Durawall compound.
Note: Do not choose by diameter alone. Match the required size, load capacity, wheel fitment, and inflation needs. If you are changing from the factory tire specification, have a qualified tire professional confirm clearance and load requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BFGoodrich better than Goodyear?
No brand is better in every situation. In this KO3 versus DuraTrac RT comparison, the KO3 had advantages in wet braking and subjective comfort, while the DuraTrac RT led snow braking and snow handling in the 2026 same-size test.
Which is better in rain, the KO3 or DuraTrac RT?
The KO3 performed better in the available 2026 wet-braking comparison. It stopped in 40.23 meters versus 41.44 meters for the DuraTrac RT, and it was also slightly quicker in wet handling.
Which is better in snow, the KO3 or DuraTrac RT?
The DuraTrac RT had the stronger snow results in the 2026 comparison. It led the test in snow braking and snow handling, although both tires carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake severe-snow designation.
Are BFGoodrich tires good or bad?
BFGoodrich makes well-established off-road and all-terrain tires, but performance depends on the specific model. The KO3 offers strong dirt and snow capability, rugged construction, and good comfort, with weaker dry braking in the cited 2026 test.
What are the top three best tire brands?
There is no universal top three because performance varies by tire model and use. Michelin, Goodyear, and Bridgestone are major established manufacturers, but you should compare the specific tires available for your vehicle rather than choosing by brand reputation alone.
Is Goodyear the same as Goodrich?
No. Goodyear and BFGoodrich are separate tire brands with different product lines, technologies, warranties, and corporate ownership. Similar wording in their names does not mean they are the same company.
Do the KO3 and DuraTrac RT have the same treadwear warranty?
Yes. BFGoodrich and Goodyear currently list 50,000-mile limited mileage warranties for the KO3 and DuraTrac RT. Warranty mileage should not be confused with guaranteed real-world tread life.
Conclusion
The BFGoodrich KO3 and Goodyear DuraTrac RT are both capable all-terrain tires, but the measured tradeoffs are clearer than a simple brand winner. Choose the KO3 if wet braking, ride comfort, balanced trail use, and BFGoodrich’s sidewall-protection design suit your driving. Give the DuraTrac RT extra consideration if snow performance and an aggressive reinforced tread package matter more. Either way, confirm the exact size, load specification, and vehicle fitment before buying.
Sources
- BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3: 3PMSF rating, mileage warranty, product positioning, and warranty information.
- BFGoodrich KO3 Technology Overview: tread, CoreGard, shoulder, mud, snow, and sidewall design details.
- Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT: 3PMSF rating, 50,000-mile warranty, Kevlar reinforcement, three-ply sidewall, and Durawall features.
- Tyre Reviews 2026 All-Terrain Tire Test: controlled wet, dry, snow, dirt, noise, comfort, and rolling-resistance comparison data.
- Goodyear 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Fitment: listed tire size for the 2026 Silverado 1500 with ZR2 suspension package.
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