BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO3 vs Nokian Outpost nAT
- TR Score
- 7.1/10
- Owners say
- 78% · 16
- TR Score
- 8.6/10
- Owners say
- 80% · 19
In the 2 independent tests that ran both tires, the Nokian Outpost nAT finished ahead 2 times and the All Terrain TA KO3 not once. The All Terrain TA KO3 was 1.8% quicker in the snow traction test; the Outpost nAT stopped 2.2% shorter on snow.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Pick the Nokian Outpost nAT if you want the best one-tire solution for year-round SUV/4x4 use with strong winter safety (especially on ice), excellent aquaplaning resistance, lower noise, and better value. Choose the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO3 if your priority is maximum snow traction and a tougher, more off-road-oriented feel for frequent loose-surface use-and you can accept weaker on-road sharpness and braking performance.
Where the All Terrain TA KO3 is stronger
- Best-in-comparison snow traction in both tests (strong 'get-going' capability)
- Competitive dirt performance (wins dirt lap time in 2026: 74.87 s vs 75.43 s)
- Good comfort and generally progressive, safe breakaway behavior off-road
Where the Outpost nAT is stronger
- Stronger overall all-round performance (wins both shared tests: 2/8 in 2026; 1/6 in winter 2025)
- Clearly better winter safety on ice (ice braking 11.33 m vs 13.14 m; ice traction 2.03 s vs 2.11 s)
- Better wet stability and aquaplaning resistance (straight aquaplaning 105.8 vs 102.1 km/h)
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
All Terrain TA KO3 vs Outpost nAT at a glance
| Category | All Terrain TA KO3 | Gap | Outpost nAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won2 shared tests | 0 | 2 | |
| Dry2 measurements | 0 | 2 | |
| Wet4 measurements | 1 | 3 | |
| Snow9 measurements | 3 | The Outpost nAT stopped 2.2% shorter on snow (2 tests) | 5 |
| Ice2 measurements | 0 | 2 | |
| Off road2 measurements | 1 | Level between the two. | 1 |
| Comfort3 measurements | 0 | 2 | |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 7.1/10 | The Outpost nAT by 1.5 | 8.6/10 |
| Owner rating16 and 19 reviews | 78% | The Outpost nAT by 2 points | 80% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 73% | Too close to call | 72% |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tires; a tick marks the tire ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 2 tests, 2025 to 2026
Each row is one published test in which both tires ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | All Terrain TA KO3 | Field | Outpost nAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The BEST All Terrain Tires for 2026 Tested and Rated | P3 of 7 | P2 of 7 | |
| The Best All Terrain Tires For Winter 2025 Tested | P4 of 5 | P1 of 5 |
Performance profile
18 measurements from the 2 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
All Terrain TA KO3
Outpost nAT
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 118 ft stop against 112 ft is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 94%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow.
Where each scores higher
All Terrain TA KO3
Outpost nAT
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
All Terrain TA KO3
Outpost nAT
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the All Terrain TA KO3 78% from 16 reviews and the Outpost nAT 80% from 19. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tires posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | All Terrain TA KO3 | Gap | Outpost nAT | Wins | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 154 | 3.8% | 149 | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| scored | 11.1% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| 132 | 4.9% | 139 | 1-0 | |||||||||
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| 129.2 | 0.1% | 129.1 | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| scored | 2.5% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| 63.4 | 3.6% | 65.7 | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| 59 | 2.2% | 58 | 0-2 | |||||||||
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| 4.5 | 1.8% | 4.57 | 2-0 | |||||||||
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| 91.89 | 0.3% | 91.7 | 1-1 | |||||||||
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| scored | 1.8% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| 34.27 | 1.7% | 33.69 | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| 43 | 13.8% | 37 | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| 2.11 | 3.8% | 2.03 | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| 74.87 | 0.7% | 75.43 | 1-0 | |||||||||
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| scored | 1.2% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||
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| scored | 5.3% | scored | 0-1 | |||||||||
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| 57.72 | 2.9 dB | 54.83 | 0-1 | |||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tires shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the All Terrain TA KO3 scores 7.1 and the Outpost nAT 8.6 out of 10.
| All Terrain TA KO3 | Category | Outpost nAT | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | Dry | 60 | ||
| 57 | Wet | 68 | ||
| 46 | Comfort | 64 | ||
| 19 | Value | 81 | ||
| 53 | Snow | 56 | ||
| 10 | Ice | 57 | ||
| 70 | Off road | 63 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| All Terrain TA KO3 | Category | Outpost nAT | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.6 | Dry Grip | 8.6 | ||
| 7.5 | Wet Grip | 8.2 | ||
| 7.1 | Road Feedback | 6.9 | ||
| 7.9 | Handling | 7.6 | ||
| 9 | Wear | 8.3 | ||
| 7.8 | Comfort | 7.6 | ||
| 9 | Snow Grip | 9.1 | ||
| 6.9 | Ice Grip | 7.3 | ||
Owners rate the All Terrain TA KO3 78% from 16 reviews and the Outpost nAT 80% from 19. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO3
- 78%from 16 reviews
- 73%would buy again
- 184,500 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners generally rate the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO3 well (average 77.8%), with most praising its off-road traction and its more civilised on-road comfort and noise levels than expected for an all-terrain. Wet performance is a bit mixed but leans positive overall, with several noting an improvement versus the KO2, though a meaningful minority still want more confidence in wet grip/braking. The main recurring drawback is balance/vibration issues (around one in four owners), and around one in four also point out that ice grip is not a strong suit, even if snow traction is often praised.
- Strong off-road traction on dirt/gravel and trails
- Comfortable ride for an all-terrain
- Low road noise, often reported as quieter than expected
- Good snow traction
- Balancing problems leading to vibration or wobble
- Limited ice grip (not a winter tire)
- Slower, less sharp steering response
Summarised by AI from 16 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 16 All Terrain TA KO3 reviewsHow much you love or hate these tires is highly dependent on the amount of time you spend on vs. off road. On dirt or mud, at least on a Ranger Raptor, they come alive inspiring tremendous confidence on loose surfaces at speed. But that confidence evaporates the moment you return to tarmac. Wet braking is particularly bad and frankly, when new, downright dangerous. After 2-3K miles they become a bit grippier in the wet, but never do they inspire confidence. In short, if your spending a lot of time hooning it on logging roads, you'll likely be satisfied, but otherwise Id look elsewhere.
Nokian Outpost nAT
- 80%from 19 reviews
- 72%would buy again
- 210,120 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners rate the Nokian Outpost nAT highly overall, with most praising its standout snow traction and secure all-round grip for an all-terrain tire. Around two thirds of owners mention road noise, and opinions are split, though it leans slightly towards being louder or more 'droney' at certain speeds. Comfort is generally well regarded, and those who use it off-road report consistently strong traction, while a noticeable minority mention mixed results for rolling resistance (some seeing little change, others a small mpg hit).
- Excellent snow traction for an all-terrain tire
- Strong off-road traction on mud and rough tracks
- Comfortable ride that handles potholes and poor surfaces well
- Confidence-inspiring wet grip
- Road noise can be noticeable, with a drone or hum for some
- Rolling resistance/fuel economy impact is inconsistent and can drop mpg
- Slightly reduced steering precision compared with more road-focused tires
Summarised by AI from 18 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 19 Outpost nAT reviewsI bought LT version instead of P version to get a little more tread depth and load capability. They are pleasant for an AT tire. A little bit of noise around 55 MPH. They perform well in all types of road surfaces and conditions except for ice which is to be expected from an AT tire. Southern Ontario Canada is the location they are used in. City driving affected fuel mileage, but highway driving, not so much. Mounted on a 2019 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x. The only tire I can compare them to would be the factory equipped P series Hankook AT-M. The Nokians are better in every way except for comfort, noise and mileage which is to be expected when comparing an LT AT tire to a P series all weather tire.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
| Category | All Terrain TA KO3 | Outpost nAT |
|---|---|---|
| Season | All Season | All Season |
| On the market since | 2024 | - |
| Replaced | BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO2 (2014) | Nokian Outpost AT (2021) |
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
This is a head-to-head between two modern, all-season all-terrain tires in the popular 265/70 R17 fitment: the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO3 (the latest evolution of the classic KO line) and the Nokian Outpost nAT (Nokian's road-and-winter-leaning all-terrain). Both target SUV and 4x4 drivers who want one tire to cover commuting, touring, and light-to-moderate off-road use without giving up winter capability.
Across two shared professional tests-an all-terrain group test for 2026 and a winter-focused all-terrain test for 2025-the pattern is consistent: the Outpost nAT is the more rounded road-and-winter performer (and the overall winner in both tests), while the KO3 counters with excellent snow traction, competitive dirt ability, and a more “traditional” all-terrain feel that prioritizes progression and toughness over on-road sharpness.
Conclusion
On the results, the Nokian Outpost nAT is the clearer all-rounder and the safer default choice for mixed driving-especially if your reality includes cold rain, slush, and intermittent ice. It wins both overall comparisons (2nd/8 vs 3rd/8 in the 2026 test, and 1st/6 vs 4th/6 in the winter 2025 test) and backs that up with tangible advantages in key safety and refinement areas: better dry braking (45.27 m vs 47.06 m), notably better aquaplaning resistance (105.8 vs 102.1 km/h), much lower measured noise (54.83 vs 57.72 dB), and a decisive edge on ice braking (11.33 m vs 13.14 m, ~13.8% shorter). It's also better value in the 2026 scoring (4.87 vs 5.8 price/1000).
The BFGoodrich KO3's case is more specialized: if you prioritize snow “pull” (getting moving, climbing, and digging for traction) and you want an A/T that feels robust and predictable when surfaces get loose, it delivers. It wins snow traction in both tests (e.g., 3.55 s vs 3.64 s in 2025; 5.44 s vs 5.5 s in 2026) and edges dirt handling on lap time (74.87 s vs 75.43 s). The trade-off is that it gives away too much on-road performance for many drivers: it's last on dry braking in the 2026 field, and while it narrowly beats the Nokian in wet braking in that test (40.23 m vs 42.29 m), the KO3's wet handling is described as meaningfully off the front group-so its on-road safety margin is more situational than consistent.
Practical takeaway: choose the Nokian if you want the most confidence in real-world winter and wet-road touring (plus lower noise and better value), and choose the KO3 if your use case is more traction-led in snow and more time on dirt where progressive, tough A/T behavior matters more than sharp road stopping.
All Terrain TA KO3 vs Outpost nAT: your questions
Is the BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO3 or the Nokian Outpost nAT the better tire?
In the 2 independent tests that ran both tires, the Nokian Outpost nAT finished ahead 2 times and the All Terrain TA KO3 not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the All Terrain TA KO3 scores 7.1 and the Outpost nAT 8.6 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the All Terrain TA KO3 or the Outpost nAT?
The Outpost nAT led 3 of the 4 wet measurements the shared tests recorded.
Which is better in the dry?
The Outpost nAT led 2 of the 2 dry measurements the shared tests recorded.
Which is better in snow?
The Outpost nAT led 5 of the 9 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 2.2% shorter on snow across 2 tests.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 7.8/10 for the All Terrain TA KO3 and 7.6/10 for the Outpost nAT.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the All Terrain TA KO3 78% from 16 reviews and the Outpost nAT 80% from 19. 73% of All Terrain TA KO3 owners would buy it again, against 72% for the Outpost nAT.
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Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tire wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tires ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tire Reviews Score rates each tire out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tires can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tire Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tires independently since 2007.
The Nokian can be aired down.
The nAT is up there with most of the agressive all terrain patterns, it has kevlar sidewalls, comes in load range E (10 ply) etc. It might not quite be as tough as a KO3 but I expect it to be up there with any of it's other tires in that segment.