The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 and the Nitto Ridge Grappler are two of the most popular off-road tires for trucks and SUVs, but they solve different problems. The KO2 is a traditional all-terrain tire built for durability, tread life, and all-weather confidence. The Ridge Grappler is a hybrid-terrain tire that bridges the gap between all-terrain comfort and mud-terrain aggression. This comparison breaks down exactly where each tire wins and loses so you can choose the one that fits your driving.
Updated June 16, 2026
Quick verdict
If you spend 70%+ of your time on pavement and want a proven tire that handles everything from highway cruising to moderate trails, the KO2 is the safer bet. If you want more aggressive off-road bite, a meaner look, and you're willing to trade some tread life for it, the Ridge Grappler delivers.
Best for: Daily drivers who want maximum durability and all-season confidence with solid off-road ability
Strengths
Weaknesses
Best for: Truck owners who want aggressive looks and stronger mud/rock traction without going full mud-terrain
Strengths
Weaknesses
| Attribute | BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 | Nitto Ridge Grappler | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tire Type | All-Terrain | Hybrid-Terrain | Tie |
| Tread Life (est.) | 50,000–60,000 miles | 40,000–50,000 miles | BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 |
| Road Noise | Moderate | Moderate-Loud | BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 |
| Mud Traction | Good | Very Good | Nitto Ridge Grappler |
| Rock Crawling | Good | Very Good | Nitto Ridge Grappler |
| Snow / Ice | 3PMSF Rated | M+S only | BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 |
| Wet Traction | Very Good | Good | BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 |
| Sidewall Strength | CoreGard sidewall, very tough | Reinforced, but less proven | BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 |
| Ride Comfort | Good for an A/T | Average for a hybrid | BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 |
| Looks / Aggression | Classic A/T look | Aggressive, variable pitch tread | Nitto Ridge Grappler |
| Price (avg 285/70R17) | ~$260–$290 | ~$250–$280 | Tie |
| Available Sizes | 130+ sizes, 15"–22" | 90+ sizes, 16"–24" | BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 |
The KO2's longer tread life, lower noise, and 3PMSF winter rating make it the better daily driver.
The Ridge Grappler's hybrid tread clears mud better and grips loose surfaces with more confidence.
The KO2 is 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certified; the Ridge Grappler is not.
Wider voids and more aggressive shoulder lugs give the Ridge Grappler an edge on rocks.
Better stability, lower rolling resistance, and less heat buildup under heavy loads.
The Ridge Grappler's aggressive tread pattern and bold sidewall design stand out more.
Superior puncture resistance and tread life matter more when you're far from a tire shop.
Both tires perform similarly in sand. The KO2 has slightly more surface area; the Ridge Grappler has slightly more dig.
It depends on your use case. The KO2 is better for daily driving, highway comfort, winter handling, and tread life. The Ridge Grappler is better if you want more aggressive off-road traction and a more rugged look.
The BFGoodrich KO2 is noticeably quieter on the highway. The Nitto Ridge Grappler's more aggressive tread pattern generates more road noise, especially above 60 mph.
The Ridge Grappler has an M+S (Mud and Snow) rating and handles light snow reasonably well. However, it does not carry the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification like the KO2, so it's not the best choice for heavy snow or ice.
The BFGoodrich KO2 typically lasts longer. Most owners report 50,000–60,000 miles on the KO2 versus 40,000–50,000 miles on the Ridge Grappler, depending on driving style and alignment.
There is significant overlap, but the KO2 has more than 130 size options while the Ridge Grappler has around 90. The KO2 covers more smaller sizes (15") while the Ridge Grappler offers more large-diameter options (up to 24").
Both are excellent choices for an F-150. The KO2 is the safer all-around pick for a truck that sees mostly pavement. The Ridge Grappler makes more sense if your F-150 is lifted and regularly hits trails.
Compare prices and check availability for the KO2 and Ridge Grappler in your size.