Michelin Defender LTX M/S vs BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 — Compared

“I’ve got KO2s on a 4Runner currently, and have ran 10 other sets in the past. Installed these KO3s on a GMC Sierra 1500 a couple months ago, and I’m up to 12K miles on them so far and adding another 3K miles to that this week. Also running Mickey Thomson Baja Boss ATs on my Tremor currently with about 12K on them as well. I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the KO2s durability, overall wear, and mileage on lighter vehicles such as half tons and the 4Runner. I haven’t been happy with them on HD trucks though. Traction isn’t as good on heavy vehicles off pavement, and mileage sucks. So far the KO3 has better wet pavement traction, so the same great traction off road on a lighter truck, and seems to be even quieter. We’ll see what I think I’m another 60K miles. I have yet to get less than 80K on a set of KO2s on a half ton, so I’m hoping the KO3 will do the same. The Mickeys have been a great tire for now. I’m not sure how well they’ll wear though. It seems to be noticeable tire wear already at 12K miles. However wet weather traction and snow has been fantastic. Minimal noise for a tire this aggressive. I’m just not convinced I’ll make it past 40K miles with them.”

“I really like my KO2s. Great traction in wet/dry/gravel/dirt conditions, not noisy on the pavement, they wear very evenly and my current set is coming up on 32K miles. The tires had 15/32" tread depth when new, I'm down to about 8/32" left, minimum tread is 4/32" so they're good for a little while yet. Won't hesitate to buy another set when the time comes.”

“FWIW, I had the same 18s that you have and went to a 16" Vision Cross wheel and wrapped them in 225/70 KO2s. I weighed the stock wheels and the new wheels and the new set is only 2 pounds heavier than stock at most. I don't notice much acceleration loss, but I really don't beat on my jeep either. I did notice a little "hum" once I'm going 30mph but it's nothing annoying at all and I don't even hear it anymore. I have also carefully measured MPGs with both set ups and I have not lost anything. This is calculated MPG, not just what the computer says and I do add an additional 2.5% due to the increase in tire circumference. My avg is 25.1 (25.73 when adding the 2.5%) and my commute is 75% hwy and 25% local. I was afraid to get the KO2s because of added weight, tire noise and mpg loss, but I was afraid for nothing. Just my 2 cents, but I remember reading most people talk about how bad things would be with these tires. I'm glad I listened to those who said mpg loss would be minimal at most. Mike”