What are the KO3 and the Open Country A/T III?

Both are premium all-terrain (A/T) tyres — the middle ground between a quiet highway-terrain tyre and an aggressive mud-terrain. The BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO3 is the 2024–25 replacement for the legendary KO2, built by BFGoodrich (part of the Michelin group). The Toyo Open Country A/T III is the third-generation all-terrain from Toyo, the Japanese maker that also owns Nitto. Both are sold widely in Australia through Bob Jane T-Marts, Tyrepower, JAX Tyres & Auto, Beaurepaires and mycar, and both are available in genuine LT (light-truck) construction for dual-cab utes and heavier 4WDs.

How do they compare head to head?

The two tyres sit at slightly different points on the all-terrain spectrum. The table below summarises where each one leads. Treadwear-warranty figures are quoted in miles because both are US-designed products; Australian distributors do not always honour a kilometre-equivalent mileage warranty, so treat these as a guide to relative durability, not a promise.

Factor	BFGoodrich KO3	Toyo Open Country A/T III
Best suited to	Regular rock, gravel, remote touring	Highway commuting with occasional dirt
Sidewall toughness	Reinforced (CoreGard-style), stone ejectors	Good, but less armour than the KO3
On-road noise	More noticeable at highway speed	Quieter, more refined
Ride comfort	Firmer, more “4WD” feel	More car-like, smoother
Tread life (US warranty guide)	~50,000 miles on LT sizes	~65,000 miles on many sizes
Severe-snow rating	3PMSF rated	3PMSF rated
LT construction available	Yes	Yes

Which is tougher off-road?

The KO3 wins on outright ruggedness. BFGoodrich has carried over the KO2’s reputation for sidewall strength, adding a fresh compound aimed at resisting rock chips and cuts, plus stone ejectors to shed trapped gravel. On sharp rock, gibber country and corrugated remote tracks — the terrain covered in our outback corrugations guide — that extra sidewall protection is what keeps you moving instead of plugging a staked tyre. The Open Country A/T III is capable on dirt, gravel and moderate trails, but it carries less sidewall armour and slightly less aggressive biting edges, so it is happier on formed roads than in a rock garden.

Which is better on the road?

Here the Toyo takes the points. The A/T III runs quieter at freeway speed, rides more smoothly and tracks with a more car-like feel — exactly what you want if the tyre spends most of its life on bitumen. The KO3 improves markedly on the KO2’s road manners, but it is still an aggressive all-terrain and generates more tread roar. If cabin quiet matters to you, read our explainer on all-terrain tyre noise before you commit.

What about tread life and value?

On paper the Open Country A/T III carries the longer treadwear warranty, and its more highway-oriented pattern tends to wear evenly on sealed roads. The KO3 is designed to outlast the KO2, but a more aggressive off-road tyre driven hard on gravel will generally give up some tread life. As always, judge them on cost per kilometre rather than the sticker price — a tyre that lasts 20% longer can be the cheaper choice even if it costs more up front. See how these two premium options sit against cheaper rivals in our premium vs budget breakdown and the tyre tier guide.

Which should you buy?

Match the tyre to how you actually drive. If you regularly tackle rocky tracks, tour remote country or want maximum puncture resistance, the KO3 is the safer bet. If your 4WD or ute lives on the highway during the week and sees dirt on weekends, the Open Country A/T III delivers a quieter, more comfortable everyday drive without giving up much capability. Whichever you choose, never drop below your placard load and speed rating — on a loaded ute or 4WD that usually means staying with LT construction. For an even more aggressive comparison, see our Mickey Thompson vs Maxxis shootout, and the broader Toyo vs BFGoodrich and BFGoodrich vs Cooper pieces.

Bottom line: The KO3 is the tougher off-roader; the Open Country A/T III is the better daily driver. Both are 3PMSF-rated, both come in LT, and both are excellent — so pick the one that matches where your tyres spend most of their time.

Frequently asked questions

Is the BFGoodrich KO3 better than the KO2?

BFGoodrich positions the KO3 as an improvement on the KO2, with an updated compound targeting longer wear and better rock-chip resistance, plus refined road manners. The KO2 remains a proven tyre; the KO3 is the current model.

Are both tyres legal on Australian roads?

Yes. Both are standard all-terrain tyres that meet Australian Design Rules, unlike some extreme mud-terrains. See our guide on whether aggressive tyres are road-legal if you are cross-shopping mud-terrains.

Do I need LT (light-truck) versions?

On a loaded dual-cab ute, a towing rig or a heavier 4WD, LT construction is usually the right call for the load rating and sidewall strength. Check your placard and read our LT construction guide.

Which is quieter?

The Toyo Open Country A/T III is the quieter of the two, both when new and as it wears.

How long will they last in Australia?

It depends heavily on how much dirt driving you do and how well you rotate them. See our realistic all-terrain tyre life guide.

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External references: BFGoodrich Australia; Toyo Tires Australia.