THE VERDICT – If you are looking for an answer whether to buy the DuraTrac vs KO2, the answer is: Buy the BF Goodrich KO2
DuraTrac VS KO2 — are two of the most popular all-terrain tires as of right now. Both of these tires feature unique designs and comes equipped with numerous premium features.
If you are looking for an all-terrain tire, either of these tires could be an ideal fit for you.
Although they are almost similar tires, there are a lot of differences between them. For that reason, one would be better suited than the other depending on different driving conditions.
So, which is the better tire between the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac and the BF Goodrich KO2? Let’s find that answer in this comparison post down below.
Things to Consider Before Buying All-Terrain Tires
When deciding on buying an all-terrain tire, you should be familiar with all the crucial features that matter the most. So, what features to consider when you are choosing an AT tire?
Interestingly, it all depends on the driver. However, there are a few features that are must-haves on an AT tire.
For instance, a good AT tire would be a great performer whether you use it on mud, snow, dirt, rocks or a paved highway. Another essential thing is the life expectancy of the tires.
You should always go for a tire that will serve for the longest. Because it won’t be very wise to replace expensive tires frequently.
You should also take the tread composition and the build quality of the tire into consideration.
Added to this, you should also think about the ride comfort and handling of the tires in all those different conditions you are going to drive with them. And, last of all, the price should also be a factor to be considered.
Comparison Of The DuraTrac VS KO2
Now that you have an idea of the things to be considered before buying an All-Terrain tire. We can start to compare both these tires from that perspective. So, let’s begin…
Overview of BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
BF Goodrich has been manufacturing tires for various types of vehicles for a long time. About 15 years ago, they have introduced a new breed of All-Terrain tires for the first time.
Since then, they have been improving and updating this model. And, now we have the BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 which is a 4th generation all-terrain tire from the company.
It’s suitable for SUVs, pickups, Jeeps, and any overlanding rigs. It will hold up pretty well both on and off-road under extreme conditions. The unique tread pattern and the extended sidewall make it an ideal choice as an all-season and all-terrain tire.
Yes, this tire is also capable of handling wet, snowy or icy roads. Overall, this is a ruggedly built tire which can be a great choice if you are looking for an All-Terrain tire.
Read our full review of the BF Goodrich KO2 tire here.
Overview of Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac
On the other hand, the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac is also reputed for its performance throughout all-season and all types of terrains.
The tread pattern of this tire is different than the BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2. However, the overall construction and performance are quite similar to its competitor.
This is also intended for trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps all alike. However, it will be great if you are looking for a longer tread life. Most of the all-terrain tires tend to perform worse on smooth roads.
However, it is not the case for this tire. This performs almost equally well on both types of roads. So, depending on the preference of the driver, it could be a great all-terrain tire.
DuraTrac VS KO2: Which One is the Best?
In this section, we will dive a little deeper in order to compare these two tires in a detailed manner.
Which is better KO2 or Duratrac?
The KO2 is quieter, more stable, and has the best traction on roads. It, therefore, offers a more comfortable and relaxed drive on tarmac.
When you compare the two, DuraTrac is better for high traction and good grip on off-road conditions, winters, and dirt roads. Duratracs stronger design also allows better tread life.
On-Road Performance
Tarmac/Paved Road
Both of these tires perform exactly as you would expect from an all-terrain tire on a tarmac or smooth road. The tread pattern of both of these tires is suitable for driving on paved roads without any issues.
Riding on high speed won’t be any issues as well. However, in our opinion, the BF Goodrich performs better than the DuraTrac in terms of on-road performance.
Winter/Snow
Again, both of these tires are made for combatting extreme cold weather with ease. For your information, the BF Goodrich KO2 comes with the 3PMSF symbol.
This implies that it is suitable for winter seasons. Besides, this tire also features 3D siping which increases the traction capability in icy or snowy roads.
On the flip side, the DuraTrac Wrangler is also a great performer in the snowy condition. However, the tread pattern of the DuraTrac is not the best for winter.
Thus, it might lose to the BF Goodrich KO2 in terms of traction capability by the barest of margins.
Rain/Wet Roads
None of these tires has any issues performing well on a rainy or wet road. However, due to the difference in the design of these tires, the DuraTrac Wrangler has a disadvantage compared to the BF Goodrich KO2.
If you are looking for the best grip on wet roads, then you would have to go with the KO2. It is because the most part of the tread of the KO2 tends to be touching the road.
Off-Road Performance
Rock
You will need a ruggedly built tire to perform better in rocks or gravels. In terms of durability, both of these tires are top-notch. And, these two tires also come with a few features which helps them to perform better in rocks, pebbles, and gravel.
For example, the BFG KO2 has a serrated shoulder design. And, the sidewall of the BFGoodrich KO2 also features a new technology called ‘CoreGard’.
This particular feature helps to keep the sidewall safe from splitting or bruising when you are driving on rocks. To top all these, this tire also has a special deflection design that helps to deflect small pieces of rocks or loose stones effortlessly.
Conversely, the DuraTrac tire is designed in a way, it can grip better in rocks. So, if you want the best traction and handling on gravels or rocks, you will have to go with the DuraTrac Wrangler.
Likewise, if you are looking for a durable tire that has special features to tackle rocky and treacherous roads, you should pick the BFGoodrich KO2.
Sand/Dirt
In this instance, the winner is the DuraTrac Wrangler. Why? Because it has a wider design than the BFG KO2. This design helps the DuraTrac to run faster and better on the sand.
Also, Goodyear has included its own ‘TractiveGroove Technology’ on the DuraTrac. As a result, this technology helps to provide better grip in sand or dirt roads.
Additionally, the same technology also helps the DuraTrac keep grip even if they age. In contrast, the BFG KO2 is a great performer on sand but not the best one.
So, if you are looking for better traction in sand or dirt roads, you should choose the DuraTrac Wrangler.
Mud/Soft Terrains
The BFG KO2 comes with special mud buster bars. This feature keeps the sidewall safe and clean from the mud. It also offers better traction in muddy areas compared to the DuraTrac.
To be frank, the DuraTrac is also well capable of driving in mud, loose soils, soft terrains, etc. But, due to some extra features of the BFG KO2, we think this is a great option for driving on muddy roads.
Additional Factors
Treadlife & Durability
In terms of treadlife, we cannot choose a winner here. Because both of these are well known for exceptional treadlife.
A lot of previous customers of the BFGoodrich KO2 has reported that they have got over 60, 000 to 70, 000 miles from their tire.
Added to this, the BFG KO2 comes with a 50,000 miles tread warranty. The owners of Goodyear DuraTrac have also shared quite similar stats.
Thus, you won’t have to be worried about the treadlife whether you go with either the KO2 or the DuraTrac.
The DuraTrac comes with a hardened tread compound which is perfect for handling on and off-road driving. It is also good for towing. The BFGoodrich KO2 comes with a design that disperses the load on the entire tire.
Thus, it can handle heavier loads and longer rides better. The BFGoodrich KO2 is equipped with a brand new tread compound which is puncture, tear, chip, and cut resistance.
So, both of these tires are equally good in terms of longevity and durability.
Ride Comfort, Noise & Vibration
When you are driving off-road, reducing the vibration and noise of your tire wouldn’t be your top-most priority.
However, when you are on a highway or a smooth road, you would expect low disturbance from your tires. One drawback of the all-terrain tires is the noise and vibration they produce.
Lucky for you, both of these tires are not that noisy and offer a very comfortable ride. Frankly, the DuraTrac is a bit noisier than the BFG KO2 on a smooth road.
The KO2 also produces less vibration than the DuraTrac. So, if you want a quiet and smooth ride, you should go with the KO2. Still, the DuraTrac will not be that much of an annoyance in terms of ride comfort.
Price
Both of these tires come in a number of sizes. And, depending on the size, the price of the tires might vary.
Typically, we can say that there is not a huge difference in the price of these tires. Thus, the price won’t be a big factor in choosing the most suitable tire for you in this instance.
DuraTrac VS KO2: The Ultimate Winner
If you have gone through the post above, you will notice that both of these tires are great. Consequently, each of these tires has its pros and cons as well.
The KO2 is better if you need a less noisy, ruggedly built, and high traction capable tire.
On the other hand, the DuraTrac is better if you are looking for an all-terrain tire that has a longer tread life, and better for sand/dirt roads. But you need to be aware that it’s slightly noisier on the blacktops.
Then again, we can tell you this, both of these tires are awesome. And, you will make a good choice whether you are going with the KO2 or the DuraTrac depending on your circumstance, nevertheless.
But we can confidently say that the absolute winner here is the BFG KO2. Considering everything, it’s the better tire, even if only just slightly better. We’ve done most of our adventure with a set of KO2’s and, in our opinion, it’s an absolute champion of an AT tire.
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But we can confidently say that the absolute winner here is the BGG KO2. Considering everything, it’s the better tire, even if only just slightly better.
You have a typo. It’s BFG, not BGG.
Good spot, thanks Mark! That’s now been corrected. So which tire are you going for?
I’ll probably go with the BFG… it was a close call between both!
Good choice I reckon!