NEW BF Goodrich KO3 vs NEW Falken Wildpeak AT4W

If you're in the market for new all-terrain tires, you're likely considering the BF Goodrich KO3 and the Falken Wildpeak AT4W. We've thoroughly tested both to give you a clear, direct comparison on how they perform in various conditions... wet roads, dry roads, winter weather, and off-road terrains.
In wet conditions, the Falken Wildpeak AT4W edges out with its advanced groove system for better water expulsion, making it the safer bet. However, when it comes to dry performance, the BF Goodrich KO3 leads with superior handling and braking, thanks to its hook-shaped central lugs and lighter weight.
Both tires hold a 3-peak mountain snowflake rating, indicating good winter performance, but don't expect a massive leap over their predecessors. On snow, the KO3 performs slightly better on powdery surfaces, while the Wildpeak AT4W has the upper hand on packed snow due to its siping design.
Looking at tread wear and fuel economy, the KO3 offers a slight advantage in fuel efficiency because of its lighter build. The Wildpeak AT4W, though, wins on tread longevity with its deeper tread depth and robust construction.
Off-roading reveals a mixed bag: the KO3 shines on rocky terrain while the Wildpeak AT4W is your tire for sand and mud, thanks to its superior traction in loose conditions.
This comparison is about giving you the information straight up, helping you make an informed decision based on what matters most for your driving needs.
0:17 Design
01:52 Wet Traction
03:04 Dry Traction
04:07 Winter Performance
05:21 Tread Wear & Fuel Efficiency
06:23 Off-Road Performance
06:37 Rocky Terrain
07:09 Muddy Terrain
07:50 Sandy Terrain
Disclaimer
Parts of this video include clips sourced from videos under the "Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed)." I'd like to provide the proper attribution for them:
🌟Original Video: 2021 Jeep Gladiator Mojave: Off-Road Beast and Desert Rated ( • 2021 Jeep Gladiator Mo... )
Creator: ePic eXhaust
License: Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed) (creativecommons.org/licenses/... )
Modifications: No changes were made.
🔹Portions of this video contain clips from "official product videos". These clips are used under the premise of fair use for review and commentary purposes. All rights belong to their respective owners. If you have any concerns or copyright issues, please contact [[e-mail]] before taking any action.
#bfgoodrich #allterraintires #falken #offroad #ko3vsat4w #falkentires #KO3 #AT4W

[@noctilucent7396]

Just got the at4w and WOW!!!! They ride even smoother than the at3w!!!!! And MADE IN JAPAN!!!!!

[@comparethetire]

Glad you like them.

[@NigelNaughton]

Do you notice the heavier weight of the tire at all?

[@noctilucent7396]

@NigelNaughton I got stock size for my 4runner sl I think thats the trick with these, I came from.at3w stock size so the difference is not even noticeable mpg wise and the ride quality wow, I can't believe how these feel turned my 4R into a freaking limo quality ride, the cherry ontop was checking to see where they were made after the instal and pleasantly suprised to see JAPAN

[@Goingplaces101]

@@NigelNaughtonI got these for my ZR2 and they do feel heavier than the my old Goodyear Duratracs

[@darwin8025]

@@Goingplaces101the wild peaks are mainly for trucks and suvs.

[@jetdr]

I have had the Ko2 and I just put a set of the at4w's on my truck, both are fantastic, would buy both again. I like the at4's a little more, they are fantastic offroad in the dirt and ride very well on the road, less noise than my previous KO2's. but would put either one back on again.

[@comparethetire]

Good choice!

[@robedmund9948]

Just put a new set of KO2s on my '03 F150 (third set) and a new set of AT4Ws on my '93 Cherokee XJ (first set). Love both of these tires. Falkens got a more aggressive look. Figured I couldn't go wrong by mixing it up, and I couldn't be happier! Both do great on dry and wet pavement as well as in the snow.

[@comparethetire]

Oh, that's a great idea. Thanks for sharing mate.

[@alanpilibosian1979]

Excited to see how the KO3 performs after it's been out a while. I've had good luck with KO2's but wet weather performance was definitely not great. Hopefully the new design addresses that issue with minimal off road concessions. The AT3W was a surprisingly good tire so I see why Falken didn't change it much. Too bad Falken isn't the bargain it was 5-10 years ago

[@comparethetire]

Right on point!

[@bobvedder2451]

We have BFG KO2s on our jeeps, which was available at time of purchase up here in A!aska, they work really well, better than the mud terrain tires i had been buying..

[@comparethetire]

Well than you'd really like the KO3s.

[@Bananahammock88]

Having a hard time deciding between the kenda rt, ko3, and the wildpeak at4w for a 4Runner that does some rock crawling in the desert. What would be your choice?

[@comparethetire]

If we're talking strictly rock and sand, then you'd be better off getting a more aggressive Kenda Klever R/T.

[@Bananahammock88]

@@comparethetire thank you!

[@davidchavez3267]

I'm sad to hear the Ko3 is still lacking in the wet performance. The KO2, at least in my experience, is downright scary in the rain. I have a 2005 gmc yukon xl with ko2s that have 7k miles and it's like riding over ice especially when braking. Had a very dangerous situation recently where at an intersection the tires just slid with no traction and wasn't even able to make the stop from 40mph-0mph even with cautious braking. I've never had that happened with other tires like Falken At3w and Cooper at3 xlt or General grabber atx even with more aggressive braking and at higher speeds. I have falkens on my work vehicle a 2000 gmc sierra 2500 that I regularly tow with a 6x12 trailer and have never once had something similar happen even with the extra weight of the loaded trailer.

[@comparethetire]

Yes KO2s wet traction was lacking behind and its now a little better on KO3.

[@JavierPadron]

This is so true i akways put my truck is auto 4wd when it raining. But the k02 is one tough tire and does great in sand. I use this tire here in south texas and alot of beach trips to pins never been stuck out there.

[@pacificflooring9631]

Which is is noisier?

[@xxtwobitxx]

I seen that ko3 realised the size there going to produce, one of the sizes i was looking for wont be available, and it looks like there not coming out with anything till mid to end of 2025 at least according to a tire deal website

[@comparethetire]

Thanks for the info mate.

[@skoVBA2]

Man i really was excited for the at4w,but at a weight of almost 70lbs for 35s, vs 50ish? On the ko3 thats a hard sell.

[@comparethetire]

Yes I can understand.

[@AdventureAndy208]

Agreed!

[@AnonymousOtters]

Strange. Looking up weights for 265/70/17s that I need the AT4W is lighter at 46lbs vs 55lbs on the KO3. Tire Rack specs, which I find generally pretty accurate

[@tosselite]

I was all in on AT4W until I learned about the weight. That's a huge turnoff for such a great tire

[@comparethetire]

Yes that's a big one for sure.

[@wisesa09]

More compound mixture more weight

[@foskco87]

I think both are going to be really good tires. Falkens are always good, they know what they are doing. As for BFG, I don't think they would be putting out the KO3 so soon after the KO2 came out if it wasn't a significant improvement. They obviously were well aware of the KO2's issues and this was their response. That's my hope atleast. The new tread pattern makes way more sense for wet conditions, and it sounds like they've made a lot of other subtle changes that will make an all around better tire.

[@johnphillipsjr7238]

So soon🤦‍♂️🥴🤡

[@firebirdlover4460]

yeah 40 years is practically next day.

[@gregbiles7120]

@@firebirdlover4460 KO2 came out in 2015, so just 9 years ago.

[@comparethetire]

I completely agree! Both brands have a strong track record, and it's exciting to see the new improvements. The KO3 does seem to address many of the KO2's shortcomings, especially in wet conditions. Let's hope the changes make a noticeable difference!

[@matthewhayes5221]

I have used falkens for pretty heavy offroading, and they ultimately chunked so terribly on multiple tires i used warranty to swap to a different brand. Wont ever use them again.

[@comparethetire]

Thanks for sharing.

[@TundraBreaks]

If you like picking stones outta your tires go with the KO3. I’m highly disappointed in them. Just bought a set at discount tire last week and there going back. Wife has the AT4W on her 4Runner with no issues. BFG if u Add the stone ejectors back u have a perfect tire

[@comparethetire]

Yes really miss the stone ejectors on the KO3s.

[@TundraBreaks]

@@comparethetire crazy how much difference they make

[@trolzealot8635]

Grabber X3 General Tyres the best

[@comparethetire]

Yes they're pretty great in the category of mud terrain tires.

[@johnphillipsjr7238]

Falken is complete garbage

[@AnonymousOtters]

Objectively you're wrong. They've worked great for thousands of people. There is a reason they are a top competitor in the AT category.

[@Michael-cf3zd]

How so?

[@comparethetire]

Sorry to hear you've had a bad experience with Falken. It's interesting how tire performance can vary so much depending on the use case. What issues did you run into with them?