(Updated August 2021)
It’s the battle of two brands — Falken versus BFGoodrich — as we look at which is better for off-roading, four-wheeling enthusiasts. We compare Falken WildPeak A/T3W vs Falken WildPeak M/T vs BFG KO2.
If you are looking for replacement tires for off-road sport utility vehicles such as Jeep Wranglers, Ford Broncos, Toyota 4Runners, Toyota Tacomas, and other Jeep four-wheel drive vehicles, read on. Both Falken and BFGoodrich tires are considered by many in the automotive industry to be “tier 2” brands, which means both brands offer a good mix of quality and affordability. (Tier 1 tires tend to be higher quality, higher priced tires, while tier 3 tires are strictly economy priced and, hence, lesser quality.)
BFGoodrich is one of the oldest rubber manufacturing companies, founded in 1870 in the U.S., and is the OEM for many automakers’ SUVs, crossovers, and trucks.
BFGoodrich’s T/A KO2 tires are well known for their legendary performance and brand name recognition. The T/A KO2 includes features inherited from its race-performance cousin, the BFGoodrich Baja T/A®KR2. With a more resistant sidewall thanks to BFGoodrich’s CoreGard™ Technology, this tire has 20% thicker sidewalls to protect against abrasions while off-road. There’s no question as to why this tire has been chosen as OE for the new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and .
The unique tread design features locking 3D sipes that increase stability and ability for towing and hauling. Promoting more uniform treadwear, the tread is designed for evenly distributed weight, resulting in a long tread life.
A special serrated shoulder design gives the BFGoodrich T/A KO2 an aggressive bite and off-road traction. The interlocking tread elements provide stability when in off-camber situations.
Falken is the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) for automakers including Nissan, Jeep, Ram, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Chrysler, Mazda, Subaru, Audi, Volkswagen, Mitsubishi, and Toyota. The company was established in the 1980s and is now owned by the Sumitomo Tire company of Japan. Its U.S. headquarters are in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. Learn more about Falken tires in our Falken Buying Guide.
The Falken WildPeak A/T3W is an all-terrain vehicle tire that does well in all sorts of road conditions, including off-roading. It has the three-peak mountain symbol, which means it is able to handle snowy and harsh winter weather. The tire has deep grooves and sipes that grip the snow and ice.
Tailor-designed in sizes LT275/65R18 and 275/55R20 the Falken WildPeak A/T3W has been an automaker favorite, including as an OEMwas announced the original equipment tire choice for the Dodge Ram 1500. Meeting the high standards and criteria for the vehicle manufacturer, this tire meets and exceeds the vehicles’ necessary technical requirements.
As Falken tires climb the OE ladder, the Falken WildPeak M/T got its debut with the 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Going head to head with the BFGoodrich T/A KO2 isn’t an easy battle. This rubber earns its place with Falken’s proprietary DURASPEC sidewall technology. With the unique 3-ply construction that can handle the harshest conditions, this tire is a match for the BFGoodrich T/A KO2 legacy.
Falken’s heat diffuser technology keeps the inner part of the tire cool. This protects the most crucial area of this mud-terrain tire to ensure stability as the tire heats up when working hard in various driving conditions. Capable of hauling and towing heavier loads, this tire is an obvious choice for off-road vehicles such as the Jeep Wrangler, especially in muddy conditions
Able to tackle snow and mud while providing a smooth on-pavement drive, the Falken WildPeak M/T proudly serves many off-road vehicle enthusiasts.
Both Falken Wildpeak and BFG KO2s are equally good on road and off-road, and they’re both priced within the same range. It’s a matter of personal preference and availability. When comparing the WildPeak vs KO2, you’re looking at two highly competitive tires that boast the same off-road capabilities, longevity, and endurance. SUV all-terrain enthusiasts will do well with either Falken WildPeak or BFG KO2.
If you’re expecting to do a lot of off-road mudding, then look at the Falken WildPeak M/T vs A/T or KO2. The M/T has that added mud-terrain factor.
So the decision is yours…BFGoodrich or Falken?