Duratrac Vs Ko2: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Are you trying to decide between BFGoodrich KO2 and Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires for your truck or SUV? As two of the most popular all-terrain tires on the market, the KO2 and Duratrac share many similarities but also have key differences.
This in-depth KO2 vs Duratrac review compares these flagship tires on all the factors that matter most:
- Traction, grip, and handling on different surfaces
- Ride comfort and noise on pavement
- Treadwear and longevity
- Capability and performance off-road
- Additional considerations like price, sizes, warranty, and more
After reviewing the pros and cons of both the BFGoodrich KO2 and Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac side-by-side, you’ll know exactly which tire is the better choice for your vehicle and driving needs.
Table of Contents
Traction and Grip: Dry Traction
When driving on dry paved roads or loose dirt and gravel trails, traction and grip determine how well your vehicle handles corners and accelerates. Here is how the KO2 and Duratrac compare:
The BFGoodrich KO2 provides excellent dry grip thanks to its stiff sidewalls and aggressive open tread pattern. The side lugs, shoulder blocks, and stiff footprint all help to grab the road surface for control and stability. Owners report confident cornering and acceleration even on loose gravel where tires can slip.
The Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac also delivers great dry traction through its interlocking tread blocks. The blocks have multiple sipes and biting edges to cling to dry pavement and dirt. The Duratrac performs well on most dry surfaces. Some drivers feel the KO2 has slightly better grip on hard-packed dirt and gravel roads.
Verdict: The KO2 and Duratrac are evenly matched on dry roads. The KO2 may have a marginal advantage on loose dirt and gravel.
Traction and Grip: Wet Traction
Performance in rain, snow, and other wet conditions is crucial for safety and capability. Here is how the two tires compare:
The BFGoodrich KO2 excels when the weather turns wet thanks to its tread pattern optimized for water evacuation. The high void space between tread blocks allows water to escape. And the numerous micro-gauges and sipes help channel water out from the tire contact patch. This prevents hydroplaning and loss of control. Owners praise the KO2 for stable handling even through standing water on trails.
The Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac does not shed water quite as effectively. The tread blocks are less tapered with fewer channels for water to escape. Performance falters more on wet roads, especially at higher speeds where hydroplaning is a concern. Owners warn the Duratrac can feel loose when braking on wet pavement.
Verdict: The BFGoodrich KO2 clearly outperforms the Duratrac in wet driving conditions.
Traction and Grip: Snow and Ice
Winter weather traction determines whether you can safely drive in snow and on icy roads. Here’s the lowdown:
The Goodyear Duratrac tire has the Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF) symbol, meaning it meets industry standards for snow and ice traction. The tighter tread blocks engage snow better and the compound stays flexible in cold weather. Drivers in snowy regions praise the stable handling and braking of the Duratrac in the white stuff.
While the BFGoodrich KO2 lacks the 3PMSF certification, it still grips remarkably well on snow-covered roads. Owners surprise themselves with how capably the KO2 performs in light-moderate snow. The shoulder blocks provide some extra bite. The only downside is traction can suffer in deeper fresh snow before the tread has a chance to “pack in.”
Verdict: The Duratrac has better proven performance in deep snow, while the KO2 also does well enough for light-moderate snow use.
Traction and Grip: Mud and Sand
To explore off the beaten path, your tires need grip in mud and sand. Here is how these two options compare:
With its open tread spacing that quickly sheds packed mud, the BFGoodrich KO2 shines in muddy conditions. The staggered shoulder blocks grip and propel through thick mud when aired down. Owners are thoroughly impressed by the KO2’s mud performance. The side lugs also provide excellent grip on loose sand.
Similarly, the void space in the Goodyear Duratrac tread pattern allows mud to clear quickly. It performs well in light to moderate mud. However, the tread lacks deep channels and scoops to continually clean and grip in heavier mud situations. Owners notice the KO2 pulls ahead in these deep mud scenarios. But in sand, the Duratrac holds its own.
Verdict: The KO2 has the clear advantage in deep mud while both tires tackle sand with ease.
Ride Quality and Noise
Since most driving time will be on paved roads, a smooth and quiet highway ride is desirable. Here is how the tires compare:
The Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac shines when it comes to on-road manners. The tread blocks are designed for stability and low noise on pavement. Owners report a smooth, comfortable ride with minimal impact harshness. Road noise is also mellower than expected for an aggressive all-terrain. The Duratrac rides much like a highway tire.
The BFGoodrich KO2 has a noticeably stiffer ride, especially at highway speeds. The thick, stiff tread blocks transmit more vibration into the chassis for an impactful feel over bumps and cracks. Road noise is also louder than the Duratrac, with some owners noting significant noise on certain pavement. If you prioritize a plush ride, the Duratrac may be the better choice.
Verdict: The Duratrac provides a softer, quieter pavement ride while the KO2 favors capability over comfort.
Durability and Treadwear
To get your money’s worth, you want tires that last. Here is how treadwear and longevity stack up:
The BFGoodrich KO2 is revered for its long tread life thanks to a rugged carcass and sturdy sidewalls. Owners regularly report achieving 50,000 to 60,000 miles or more before needing replacement, even with off-road use. The tread compound resists cuts and punctures well.
In contrast, the Goodyear Duratrac tread tends to wear faster under typical driving. Many owners are replacing them around 40,000 miles, sometimes sooner if used extensively off-road. However, Goodyear did revise the Duratrac tread compound in 2023 which may improve longevity. But for now, the KO2 appears to have the clear durability advantage.
Verdict: The BFGoodrich KO2 lasts significantly longer than the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac. It’s one of the longest-lasting all-terrain tires available.
Off-Road Capability
Rugged traction off pavement is what sets these aggressive all-terrains apart. How do they compare when used off-road?
The BFGoodrich KO2 shines brightest when taken off-road, especially on rocky trails. The sidewall tread blocks provide side grip, while the firm sidewalls resist punctures from sharp rocks. Owners praise the KO2 as a nearly unstoppable tire on technical terrain. It’s a top choice for serious rock crawling use.
By comparison, the Goodyear Duratrac is better suited to mild off-road use rather than intense rock crawling. While it performs admirably overall off-road, the tread design prioritizes on-road stability over extreme traction. Duratrac owners successfully tackle dirt, mud, sand, and light trails but prefer the KO2 for conquering rocks.
Verdict: The BFGoodrich KO2 is preferred for extreme off-road use while the Duratrac handles mild to moderate off-road driving well.
Additional Factors to Compare
Beyond performance, here are some other considerations when choosing between BFGoodrich KO2 vs Goodyear Duratrac tires:
- Price – The Duratrac runs around $50-80 less per tire on average
- Sizes – Duratrac offers a maximum 37″ diameter tire, the KO2 maxes out at 35″
- Load range – Both are available in load range C for lighter trucks or range E for heavy duty
- Warranty – Each tire comes with a 50,000 mile treadwear warranty
These factors are relatively similar between the two tire models. The main differences lie in performance capability.
The Verdict: Which Tire is Best?
So which comes out on top in this BFGoodrich KO2 vs Goodyear Duratrac comparison?
For serious off-road use on rough terrain, especially rocks, the BFGoodrich KO2 is hands-down the winner. Its rugged build and tread pattern grip better for intense 4×4 trails.
However, for mixed on-road and mild off-road use, especially in snowy regions, the Goodyear Duratrac is an excellent choice. It balances off-road traction with a quiet, comfortable highway ride.
Ultimately, it depends on your specific needs and where you plan to drive. Evaluate the key differences above to decide if the BFGoodrich KO2 or Goodyear Duratrac better fits your vehicle’s purpose. Either tire will upgrade your truck, Jeep or SUV over stock options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Duratrac and KO2 handle rain, snow, and ice?
The Duratrac tends to perform slightly better in the rain and snow thanks to its Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake rating and tread designed to eject water and slush. However, the KO2 still provides ample wet weather capability for most drivers.
Which tire rides smoother and quieter on pavement?
The Goodyear Duratrac runs much quieter and absorbs bumps better than the BFGoodrich KO2. Its tread blocks are less aggressive, resulting in a comfortable highway ride with minimal noise.
Will the KO2 or Duratrac last longer before needing replacement?
Owners consistently report achieving the longest tread life from the rugged BFGoodrich KO2 – 50,000 miles or more is common. The Duratrac wears faster under typical driving, with owners averaging 40,000 miles per set.
Can I install KO2 or Duratrac tires on my stock Wrangler/F-150/Silverado?
Yes, both tires come in all the common sizes to directly replace factory tires on the Wrangler, Gladiator, F-150, Silverado, Tacoma, and other light trucks without any modifications needed. They are great upgrades over OE options.
How are these tires in mud and sand?
With their self-cleaning tread lugs, both the KO2 and Duratrac work well in mud, sand, and loose dirt. The KO2 generally outperforms in deeper mud while the Duratrac still handles mild terrain well. Both tackle sand easily.
Ready to Upgrade Your Truck or SUV with KO2 or Duratrac Tires?
Whichever tire you choose, both the BFGoodrich KO2 and Goodyear Duratrac deliver excellent traction on- and off-road matched with durable construction. If your vehicle’s factory tires are due for replacement, upgrading to one of these rugged all-terrains is a smart investment.
Hopefully this detailed KO2 vs Duratrac comparison helps you pick the right new tire for your driving needs and terrain. Your truck or Jeep will gain newfound capabilities to traverse rugged routes in confidence and comfort.
