Full review
This review of the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2. This is one of BFGoodrich’s 2nd generation tires with the key feature of high mud traction.
We thoroughly researched both manufacturer statistics and consumer-driven tests and reviews to write this. Additionally, we went through products marketed for similar road conditions to check how people felt about similar features from different brands.
Don’t have time to read everything? Here’s a quick summary of our review as well as pros & cons listed.
To find out why we came to this conclusion, we analyzed what real people had to say about this tire in a variety of conditions. The diverse opinions and data gathered after years of being on the market helped us, and it can help you too.
Keep reading to find out if the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 is what your vehicle needs.
Overview: All About BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2
After concise research on manufacturer statistics, tests, and real-world user reviews, we have collected a non-biased report of the tire’s performance and how it looks compared to tires like the same company’s next-generation Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 and the similar Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003.
What Is This Tire For?
This tire is specifically-made for trucks, SUVs, and other four-wheel-drive vehicles. It specialized in retaining traction in off-road environments like mud, rocks, and sand. It holds up well on both wet and dry roads, although there is a significant dip in quality when looking at the tire’s traction on icy surfaces across platforms.
Based on Tire Rack user reviews, the Goodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 is the third most recommended tire in its category. The data and user experiences we have gathered suggest that this model is an overall safe choice for off-road and various weather conditions.
Statistics & Test Findings
BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 is an off-road, maximum traction tire with a ranking of four out of five stars on Tire Rack. A majority of the site’s reviews come from self-identified “spirited” drivers, meaning they tend to take off-road paths with less caution than the average person.
Performance
The 255/75-17 size scored very well in traction tests when compared to competitors of the same tire category. However, it’s not the best option – according to user reviews, Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 gets better ratings in all conditions, though the difference is not that big. Moreover, there is only handful of reviews for Yokohama, which may distort the results.
The survey conducted through Tire Rack takes into account overall miles reported in addition to many other driver statistics. The overall performance is quite good, although there are two better-ranked tires and newer models that have yet to receive as many ratings that could be improved.
Handling
The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 has an excellent steering response in dry conditions. In wet conditions, the tire has a solid hydroplaning resistance but loses some traction compared to when driving on dry roads.
The tire ranked excellently in off-road and dry conditions. Its lowest-rated off-road performance was in the sand, coming in at an 8.7 out of 10, still maintaining a score in the excellent range. The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 has its highest off-road performance in dirt, ranking at a whopping 9.5 out of 10.
Noise & Comfort
According to user reviews, the noise of the tire is noticeable, even in harsher conditions. While the overall quality of the ride is not heavily impacted compared to similar models, or even the newer KM3, it is a sticking point in some consumer reviews.
While it is worth noting that reducing road noise is not an intended feature of this tire, it is a consistently-mentioned aspect of user reviews across multiple sites, including the BFGoodrich site itself.
Durability
This tire is designed for tough wear. Its sturdy construction and side-wear compound make the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 built to outlast rough off-road conditions. It has a Krawler-inspired tread design that is made for long-term performance both on and off-road.
Its speed rating suggests it can only safely handle speeds up to 99mph. The load indexes for the various sizes range from about 100 to 127; the higher the number, the greater the capacity. The KM2 has sidewall cords that are up to 33 percent stronger than its previous generation.
With the right care taken in rotation and alignment, users have reported a lifespan that fits the long warranty life. Usually, tires cannot boast that achievement, although individual results still vary.
Price
Many BFGoodrich tires fall among the most expensive of the top brands but have a strong reputation among other off-road tires. The average price for this tire is around $320.00. Competitors have tires made for similar conditions as low as $120.00.
However, comparing this model to top-rated tires in the same category reveals that even for similarly expected lifespans, this is a spendy option. The Geolandar is $289 on average, and another higher-ranked tire, the General Grabber X3, is also cheaper, at $266.
Recommendations & Conclusions
Overall, the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 is a solid choice for adventurous drivers seeking experiences in off-road conditions, but it’s not the best in class.
Based on tests and user reviews, we would conclude that this is a good tire in terms of absolute performance. The longevity of the tire helps justify the price, although it can fall short when considered next to similar models.
Conclusions
The tire performs strongly on and off-road, mainly in dry conditions, and provides a relatively comfortable ride. If you are prepared to keep a close eye on these expensive tires, then they will reward you with high dependability and lifespan.
However, based on our extensive research, we do not recommend its use in very snowy conditions, even in specific off-road environments. Small but steady improvements are shown in the next-generation KM3 from BFGoodrich, which is a good sign, although the handling in icy environments is still at its lowest point.
References
BFGoodrich Tires
Tire Rack BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2
BFGoodrichoodrich Tires: Mud-Terrain KM2
Consumer Reports: Treadwear
