About BFGoodrich
BFGoodrich traces its origins to 1870, when Dr Benjamin Franklin Goodrich set up a rubber business in Akron, Ohio, which became one of the first big American tyre makers. The company produced the first US radial tyre in 1965, and in 1976 it launched the Radial All-Terrain T/A, the tyre that created the modern all-terrain category. Michelin bought the brand's tyre business in 1990 and has used it ever since as its off-road and enthusiast label, backed by long participation in desert rallies such as the Dakar and the Baja 1000. The KO3, launched in 2024, replaced the KO2 after almost two decades as the reference all-terrain tyre.
Strengths
- Very tough CoreGard sidewalls that resist cuts on rocks and kerbs
- Long tread life, often 60,000–80,000 km on a well-maintained 4x4
- Proven sand performance when aired down
- Michelin quality control and wide UAE availability in 4x4 sizes
Weaknesses
- Expensive compared with Falken, Cooper or Maxxis all-terrains
- Heavy tyres that can add 0.5–1 L/100 km fuel use
- Limited choice for normal sedans and hatchbacks in the UAE
- Mud-terrain models are loud on the highway
BFGoodrich ranges and prices
| Model | Type | Rims | Price per tyre |
|---|---|---|---|
| BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 | All-terrain 4x4 | 15–22 inch | AED 780 – AED 1,300 |
| BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 | Mud-terrain off-road | 15–20 inch | AED 900 – AED 1,500 |
| BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A | On-road biased all-terrain | 16–20 inch | AED 620 – AED 1,000 |
| BFGoodrich Advantage | Touring passenger | 14–19 inch | AED 330 – AED 650 |
Cars it suits
- Toyota Land Cruiser
- Toyota Prado
- Nissan Patrol
- Jeep Wrangler
- Toyota Hilux
- Ford Ranger
- Toyota FJ Cruiser
- Ford Bronco
Our ratings out of 10
- Wet grip
- 6
- Dry grip
- 8
- Comfort
- 6
- Quietness
- 5
- Tread life
- 9
- Heat resistance
- 9
Performance
BFGoodrich tyres are built for traction and toughness first. On sand the KO3 floats well at 15–18 psi and keeps enough sidewall stiffness to resist rolling off the rim on dune faces, and on gravel and rocky wadis the three-ply sidewall shrugs off sharp stones that puncture lighter tyres. On tarmac the KO3 is noticeably more refined than the old KO2, with better wet braking and less hum, but it still trails a dedicated highway tyre for comfort and wet grip. The KM3 mud-terrain is a specialist tyre for rock crawling and heavy off-roading and is not the right choice for daily commuting on the E311.
Durability and tread life
Durability is BFGoodrich's biggest selling point in the UAE. A KO3 on a Land Cruiser or Patrol that is rotated every 10,000 km and kept at correct pressure typically lasts 60,000–80,000 km, and the deep tread (around 13 mm new on many sizes) holds up well to sand abrasion. The thick sidewalls rarely crack from heat within the first 4–5 years, but owners who park outdoors in Al Ain or the Western Region should still inspect for ozone cracks after year four. Replace at about 5 years from the DOT date regardless of depth.
BFGoodrich in UAE conditions
BFGoodrich is one of the most requested brands for 4x4s in the UAE, and common sizes such as 265/70 R17, 285/70 R17, 275/65 R18 and 285/60 R20 are usually in stock in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Because demand is high, stock turns over quickly and fresh DOT dates are normal; still check the four-digit code before fitting. For dunes, lower to 15–18 psi, never drive fast on low pressure, and re-inflate to about 32–36 psi (or the placard value) before the highway. A set of four KO3s for a Land Cruiser typically costs AED 3,400–4,400 before fitting.
Alternatives in the same class
- Michelin — AED 450–AED 1,050, France
- Bridgestone — AED 400–AED 950, Japan
- Pirelli — AED 450–AED 1,100, Italy
- Continental — AED 420–AED 1,000, Germany
