KO3s or KO2s

robatl067
Mar 29, 2025

Rank V

Sat at 4:01 am

Has anybody taken the KO3s on some serious off-roading? How is the compound holding up? I still have the opportunity to get a set of KO2s. Which do you prefer?

you can tune a guitar but can't tune a fish

Sat at 11:51 am

#1
2s
Joined May 29, 2020 Member 546
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Rank IV

Sat at 1:20 pm

#2
I know this doesn’t answer your question but it could help your decision. Maybe someone has a dedicated off road test, but for on road where most of these vehicles tend to be driven the K03’s are average at best.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=337
Chief Ron

Rank V

Sat at 3:09 pm

#3
I know this doesn’t answer your question but it could help your decision. Maybe someone has a dedicated off road test, but for on road where most of these vehicles tend to be driven the K03’s are average at best.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=337
Thx for the response; I read that previously also. I want to know if anybody has used them. I off-road a lot, almost every other weekend, the trails in North Georgia or dirt roads and through the woods down South Georgia. I was hoping to get some feedback on how the the KO3 new compound hold up.
Chief Ron, extra toasty

Rank V

Sat at 3:09 pm

#4
2s

Why the choice over the 3s?

KCsBronco

Sat at 4:56 pm

#5
We just replaced our WildTrak's OEM Goodyear Territories. I'm long-time BFG roller and probably would have gone with KO3s if they were available in 35/70/R17 - Load D. BFG tells me their KO3 D's scheduled for release in Nov-25. So, I looked at several alternatives and mounted Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT.

This is a very aggressive tire that met our specs - weight under 70lbs, durable sidewalls, best in class off-road, reasonable on-road performance without being too obnoxious on the pavement.

Gonna say my initial impressions are totally positive! These things grip like a tiger, run quite and very smooth/comfy on the road. Mickey T's currently offering $100 - $125 rebate that made us happy too.

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Cheers
Bluestreak57, Chief Ron

Rank IV

Sat at 5:32 pm

#6
I put 285/75/17 KO3s on back in January. Haven't taken them offroad yet though so also curious how they hold up.

I have had KO2s on my old Xterra and now Bronco. I like the KO3s, definitely seem improved (if they hold up like the KO2s). Here are my initial impressions compared to my KO2s:

1. KO3s handle noticeably better, especially on wet roads (note - they are still not great, but I can actually hit the gas without spinning the tires on wet roads).
2. KO3s seem better in the snow. You can actually see the "mud-phobic bars" in the snow where they released the snow pack. I'm curious if that means mud traction will be improved.
3. Ride - I can't really compare because this size was only available in E-rated. Slightly harsher until I lowered psi to 35. Definitely not a carriage ride though which worried me as I've never used E-rated tires.
4. Look (if you care) - Personally, I like the KO3s better. I also think they look more aggressive in real life than the photos.
5. Rock Slinging - I think the KO3s sling rocks at the same rate as the KO2s
2022 4-dr Badlands, Cyber Orange, 2.7L, High Package, Optional BL Wheels
Chief Ron, robatl067

Rank V

Sat at 10:56 pm

#7
I put 285/75/17 KO3s on back in January. Haven't taken them offroad yet though so also curious how they hold up.

I have had KO2s on my old Xterra and now Bronco. I like the KO3s, definitely seem improved (if they hold up like the KO2s). Here are my initial impressions compared to my KO2s:

1. KO3s handle noticeably better, especially on wet roads (note - they are still not great, but I can actually hit the gas without spinning the tires on wet roads).
2. KO3s seem better in the snow. You can actually see the "mud-phobic bars" in the snow where they released the snow pack. I'm curious if that means mud traction will be improved.
3. Ride - I can't really compare because this size was only available in E-rated. Slightly harsher until I lowered psi to 35. Definitely not a carriage ride though which worried me as I've never used E-rated tires.
4. Look (if you care) - Personally, I like the KO3s better. I also think they look more aggressive in real life than the photos.
5. Rock Slinging - I think the KO3s sling rocks at the same rate as the KO2s
Thx a bunch!!! The feedback from use on a Bronco. I like this group, you can find your answer here most times! I will let y'all know how they do in mud (GA red clay) next month.
Chief Ron, TK1215

Rank IV

Yesterday at 2:30 am

#8
Thx a bunch!!! The feedback from use on a Bronco. I like this group, you can find your answer here most times! I will let y'all know how they do in mud (GA red clay) next month.

Nice! I'm crossing my fingers they are decent with mud. My main off-road use is hunting and trout fishing in upstate PA, plus some Appalachian hiking in MD/VA, so lots of logging roads, tight trails, and mud.

I'm >99% on road though, so want good road behavior, which is why I liked the KO2s (and KO3s so far).
2022 4-dr Badlands, Cyber Orange, 2.7L, High Package, Optional BL Wheels
Chief Ron

Tough times makes tough people 🔨

Yesterday at 3:54 am

#9
Take a look at the Falken tires before ko2/3. I understand it is not answering your question but weigh your options b4 purchasing them.
🐎
2023 Wildtrak, sas, mid, soft top. Not crazy offroader…. Just a normal trail junkie
PSUTE

Rank V

Yesterday at 6:31 pm

#10
So in 10,000 words or less what's different from the KO3 vs KO2? I have the 2's on my 23 Badlands. I currently have 37K on the truck. Tires are generating more road noise then when they were new. Thanks.

Rank IV

Yesterday at 7:23 pm

#11
So in 10,000 words or less what's different from the KO3 vs KO2? I have the 2's on my 23 Badlands. I currently have 37K on the truck. Tires are generating more road noise then when they were new. Thanks.

My neighbor has 255 K02’s on his jeep. Sounds like a helicopter coming down the road.
Chief Ron

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