I don’t typically get excited about new tire news. This is different, though. Nearly ten years ago, I was introduced to the amazing world of all things off-road by way of a tire launch event down in Mexico. BFGoodrich invited me to sample the then-new KO2, and it blew up my brain. I loved not just the tire but the experiences it could deliver. Eventually, I purchased my own off-road-ready vehicle, and there was never a doubt about what tires I’d be using. Time marches on, however, and it’s time for the KO2 to evolve… and so it has, into the new KO3.

According to BFGoodrich, the engineers have been preparing for this moment thanks to ten years’ worth of data collected from customer feedback and a whole lot of racing. They consider themselves their own competitor in the space, and I get it. I’ve driven vehicles with other all-terrain tires, and I’ve never found one to be as tough and capable as the KO2. I know others have plenty of good things to say about a handful of the other options out there, but my own experience with the KO2s and the competition says otherwise.

With the KO3, BFG says it’s improved on areas that customers would cite as potential pain points. Wear performance is improved. Gravel road durability is increased. Traction in the snow and soft-soil traction are better. And all of these upgrades come with no expense to the strength of the sidewall.

I can’t wait to upgrade to KO3s on my own truck. But I’m going to have to wait, as the size rollout will happen over the course of the next two years! Starting in May, there will be an initial 13 sizes made available. August will deliver 17 more before 5 more in October. After that, BFG will deliver 52 sizes in 2025 and another 19 in 2026. My desired 275/70R16s will land sometime in May of 2025. Hopefully, the fresh engine in my truck will keep it running until then.

Either way, I look forward to putting these KO3s to work when they’re finally available in my size. Maybe another trip to Baja is in order?