KO2 vs Duratrac - Which Is the Better Pick

‍If you’re unfamiliar with KO2 and Duratrac, it’s hard to choose between them because they seem similar and are all-terrain tires. But, which is the better pick?

The difference between KO2 vs Duratrac tires lies in the technology behind them; design, features, and performance. While they’re both all-terrain tires, BF Goodrich KO2 offers a wider application range including off-road and highway, while Duratrac is mainly designed for commercial purposes.

Buying all terrain tires can be daunting. Although they’re both popular all-terrain tires and high-class products with their own wide range of applications, there are still a lot of different features and merits between them. As a result, the better pick can go both ways depending on individual needs and expectations. To make it easier for you, I’ve done thorough research on BF Goodrich KO2 and Goodyear Duratrac tires based on industry experts and verified customer reviews to help you choose which tire is better for your specific usage.

‍KO2 Vs Duratrac: General Comparison

KO2 and Duratrac are two of the most sought-after all-terrain tires dominating the market currently. If you’re looking for high-quality all-terrain tires, either of them could be ideal. However, although they’re almost similar at first sight, they’re very different and one of them might be better suited than the other when it comes to different driving conditions.

Before you choose, it’s important that you consider different factors like where you intend to drive, the life expectancy, and the tread composition. That said, it’s quite important that you choose one that will serve you best depending on your preferences and expectations.

Here’s a sneak peek of the BFG KO2 vs Wrangler Duratrac general comparison:

‍So, what makes up the KO2 and Duratrac all-terrain tires? Let’s dive deeper and compare these two tires.

BF Goodrich KO2, All-Terrain Tires

BF Goodrich KO2 is a company that has been manufacturing various tires for a long time, and their all-terrain tires are one of their introductions. They have been improving and updating the BF Goodrich all-terrain model, which is currently the 4th generation from the company.

The BF Goodrich KO2 tires are great for SUVs, jeeps, and pick-ups. These all terrain tires tend to hold up well on both off- and on-road under extreme conditions. In addition, their extended sidewall and unique tread pattern make them ideal for both all-terrain and all-season.

Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac, All-Terrain Tires

Are you looking for a versatile, hardworking tire offering excellent on and off-road traction? The Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tire is a tire that will not only offer minimal road noise and work well on wet roads, but also offer awesome traction.

The Wrangler Duratrac tire is a workhorse tire carefully designed to handle rugged off-road terrain, including icy roads with deep snow conditions. These off-road tires have bold and aggressive tread design, excellent for work truck hauling and towing.

Duratrac tires are light trucks designed for drivers handling multi-purpose full-sized sport utilities, vans, pickups, and commercial vehicles. Basically, these tires are great for vehicles that play hard and work even harder.

Goodrich KO2 Tire vs Wrangler Duratrac Tire Specifications

KO2 Tire Specifications

KO2 all-terrain tires come in 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, and 22-inch rim sizes. When it comes to height and width, KO2 tires are broader but are not as high as Duratrac. KO2 tires are also less heavy than their competitor Goodyear Duratrac and are only available in C, D, and E load ranges.

The BF Goodrich KO2 tire also features one of the best sidewalls globally. The tire has a unique CoreGard technology that boosts the sidewall durability by about 20% to ensure better grip and exceptional performance. The best part is that the latest version of this tire appears to be indestructive compared to prior models.

The BFG KO2 tire appears more elegant, seductive, and eye-catching; this is mainly due to its unique size and tread pattern. Here’s a summary of BFG KO2 tire specifications:

Duratrac Tire Specifications

On the other hand, Duratrac tires offer 15, 16, 17, 18, and 22-inch rim sizes, but also offer 19 inches, which KO2 does not offer. In terms of height, Wrangler Duratrac is slightly higher than its counterpart, BFG KO2. That said, Duratrac features deeper treat grooves of 2/32.’’

However, Duratrac tires tend to be a bit heavier than KO2, a feature that goes a long way to alleviate fuel mileage. When it comes to the load range, Duratrac has an additional F load range, which makes it more of a commercial tire.

Goodyear Duratrac is more reliable, versatile, and satisfying, and its design is a perfect mix of mud and all-terrain tires. Here’s a summary of Duratrac tire specifications:

Performance of Duratrac vs KO2 Tires

If you’re an all-terrain tire enthusiast, it goes without saying that performance and durability are factors you can’t just overlook. The greater your tire’s durability, the greater the cushion against external impacts such as sharp, loose stones, dangerous rock edges, and dirt roads.

When it comes to performance, all tires have their ups and downs, so you have to factor in your needs, expectations, and preferences when selecting the best tire. It’s always best to understand the tire’s performance in different road conditions before making a choice.

On-Road Performance

Both KO2 and Duratrac tires have tread patterns that allow them to perform well on tarmac, smooth, or paved roads without issues. However, in my experience, the BF Goodrich KO2 tire generally performs better when it comes to on-road performance.

Comfort, Traction, and Steering Performance on Dry Roads

In terms of on-road comfort, traction capability, and steering,  the Duratrac tire tends to be less bumpy due to its softer rubber material. However as said earlier, Duratrac tends to get a bit louder due to its design, especially as the tire ages.

When it comes to noise, KO2 shows a daily acoustic performance. The noise level is often determined by the tread design, and KO2 happens to have smaller groove incisions and therefore, less road noise. On the other hand, Goodyear Duratrac has wider and thicker pattern blocks, making it noisier than KO2 tires. So if you’re considering a quieter tire, then KO2 will be a greater choice.

That said, BFG KO2 tires show better performance when it comes to dry roads because they have wider contact with the road. The larger surface contact allows a stronger grip when riding on paved surfaces. In addition, KO2 tires often maintain stable traction when you turn your vehicle around a corner. On the other hand, Duratrac tires are not so great for dry roads as they tend to feel quite stiff on the steering wheel when making a turn due to their cornering stability.

Performance in Snow or Winter

Even though both KO2 and Duratrac work great in the snow, there’s no doubt that Duratrac tires get the upper hand here - especially if you’re driving on soft snowy terrains. That’s because the Duratrac tire has more grip to it, hence better winter performance.

Duratrac tires feature perfectly alternating length and width of shoulder blocks, which creates zig-zag-shaped grooves that are circumferential. The groves make similar uneven-shaped or staggered shoulder blocks and a wave-like siping design, giving the tire better friction.

BF Goodrich KO2 also offers great performance, almost the same performance as Duratrac when you ride on a snowy road. The tire’s design gives it a good grip from all directions. However, it’s worth noting that the KO2 tire does not have prominent circumferential or lateral groove patterns like its counterpart Duratrac. KO2 tire’s design is simply a web that allows the tire to grab the surface properly from all sides.

Wet Road Performance

Wet roads are where many all-terrain tires fail. But when it comes to a rainy or wet road, both these tires work pretty well - none of them has issues performing on wet roads. The battle on which tire works best on wet roads is pretty close.

For instance, Wrangler Duratrac has solid wet traction because of the softer rubber. Conversely, BF Goodrich KO2 has better hydroplaning resistance due to its better shoulder design that helps with water evacuation.

However, the Duratrac Wrangler is a bit disadvantaged compared to BFG KO2 due to the tire design, as its deep treads tend to decrease water evacuation. So, if you’re looking for a better grip on wet roads, KO2 is a great choice.

Off-Road Performance

When you think of off-roading, all you think of are the features that will affect your off-road performance, and that includes mud, dirt, gravel, or rocks. Now the question is, how do KO2 and Duratrac tires handle these factors? Let’s go through the off-road performance of both tires in sections.

Rock Performance

If you intend to drive more on rocks, gravel, or loose stones, you need ruggedly built and durable tires. Both Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac and BF Goodrich KO2 have top-notch durability as well as features that help them perform better in gravel and rocks.

For example, Duratrac is designed to offer a better grip on rocks, and KO2 is designed with serrated shoulders and a sidewall that features CoreGuard technology for better grip and traction.

However,  there’s always one that’s better than the other in terms of performance. In this case, the BF Goodrich KO2 tire has stronger sidewalls, a feature that makes it the king of rock crawling, including gravel and treacherous roads.

Mud Performance

When considering an all-terrain tire with exceptional performance in muddy roads, soft terrains, and loose soils, keep in mind that all that matters is self-cleaning capabilities and traction ability on loose grounds. Even though both Duratrac and KO2 perform well because they’re both all-terrain tires, Duratrac tires are well-known to be mud tires because they have a slight advantage in mud performance due to the deep tread and wider grooves.

KO2 has a lesser capability when rolling through the mud due to its shallow and compact tread. The tire allows relatively smaller mud evacuation compared to Duratrac, meaning that its grooves take longer to self-clean. That said, it’s still safe to say that the KO2 tire is also a solid option for both light and deep muddy roads.

Performance on Sand and Dirt

When it comes to sandy and dirty roads, Wrangler Duratrac doesn’t earn a performance point because of its deep treads. The deep treads often dig into the loose sand and can get you stuck for a moment. On the other hand, Goodrich KO2 is an excellent performer on sand and dirt roads. In fact, a vehicle with KO2 tires can maintain top speed on sand without subjecting to the hassles of stability and grip.

Duratrac vs KO2 Durability and Treadlife

I can’t simply talk about performance without touching on tread life and durability. Both tires have longer tread life. For BFG KO2, reports from previous customer reviews have shown that the tire offers over 60,000 miles. In addition, the tire also comes with a 50-mile trade warranty, a clear indication that the tire has an excellent tread life.

Conversely, Duratrac also offers great tread life and is often employed on heavy trucks, off-road vehicles, and diesel trucks. Duratrac is a durable tire that has proven to excel at handling longer rides and heavier loads better, for example, hauling or towing due to its higher load range.

If all you’re considering is the application range, KO2 and Duratrac are both the right choices. Bottom line is that both KO2 and Duratrac tires are both great in terms of durability and longevity. While Duratrac handles heavier loads, KO2 is well-equipped with a tread compound that resists tears, cuts, and chips.

What Sets Duratrac Vs KO2 Apart?

Are you still wondering about which tire you should pick between the two? Both KO2 and Duratrac offer excellent performance, and it can be daunting to choose one. If you’re stuck and confused about which tire is best for you, simply think of what you want to do with your vehicle. Do you need a mud terrain tire, an all-terrain tire, or a tire that offers both?

For instance, if you’re looking for an aggressive tire design for mud terrain without compromising much with your on-road comfort, then Wrangler Duratrac will be a perfect choice. Duratrac conquers all terrains and still offers excellent performance in winter conditions, including thick snow.

But if you’re looking for a tire that will allow you to go off-road at most two to three times a year, you don’t need extreme off-road performance, and you don’t mind experiencing some noise, then I suggest you go with the KO2 tires. Through my personal evaluation, these tires work wonders on highways, they’re really seamless and quieter. KO2 tires are excellent off-roading tires without compromise, and can comfortably maintain a great function of up to 60,000 miles.

Benefits Of Duratrac Vs KO2 All-Terrain Tires

I'm sure by now you know how both tires work, so here’s a quick overview of Duratrac vs KO2 benefits.

Benefits of BF Goodrich KO2 Tires

• Enhanced rigidity and toughness
• Great wear balance rate
• Stronger sidewalls
• The tread design and performance are over average
• The tire offers excellent traction on both wet, dry, and snow-covered roads
• You’re assured of superior traction, maneuvering, braking, and cornering performance
• The new model also offers a better grip on snow and mud.
• The all terrain T/A KO2 tires that are designated “DT” offer improved resistance to chips and cuts to provide seamless high torque and heavy-duty use.

Benefits of Duratrac Tires

• They have a longer tread life
• They offer a smooth, quiet ride on paved roads
• They have an aggressive look that most SUV drivers like
• Excellent off-road performance than a regular all-terrain tire
• You can use them in any kind of weather, including winters

Drawbacks of Duratrac vs KO2 Tires

Cons of BF Goodrich KO2

• You’ll experience some heavyweight noise

Cons of Duratrac Tires

• Have a slightly weaker sidewall
• Tends to be squirmy on the heavy-duty trucks
• Lacks proper hydroplaning needed for rainy or wet roads