Test Charts / Tire Reviews

Which is Best? BFGoodrich All Terrain KO3 vs Bridgestone AT Ascent vs Cooper Stronghold AT

Compare each discipline in the tested size. See the measured result, position and gap to the best tire, then read the verdict for the trade-offs behind the finishing order.

Tested size: 275/65 R18
Tires tested: 3
Disciplines: 4
Test vehicle: 2011 Porsche Cayenne S (Off Road Modified)

Read the measurements, not just the rank

Lower is better for braking distances and lap times; higher is better for subjective scores and aquaplaning speed. Bars start at zero. Read the gap alongside the position: adjacent tires can be separated by very different margins.

Positions and gaps always refer to the full test field within each group. Selecting tires does not recalculate rankings or change the best-in-test benchmark.

Dry

Subj. Dry Handling
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT	10 Points	Best
2BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO3	9.5 Points	-0.50 Points
3Bridgestone Dueler AT Ascent	9 Points	-1.00 Points

The difference between best and worst was 10% (1 Points).

Off road

Subj. Dirt Handling
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT	10 Points	Best
2BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO3	9 Points	-1.00 Points
3Bridgestone Dueler AT Ascent	7.5 Points	-2.50 Points

The difference between best and worst was 25% (2.5 Points).

Comfort

Subj. Comfort
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Bridgestone Dueler AT Ascent	10 Points	Best
2BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO3	9.5 Points	-0.50 Points
3Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT	8 Points	-2.00 Points

The difference between best and worst was 20% (2 Points).

Subj. Noise
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Bridgestone Dueler AT Ascent	10 Points	Best
2BFGoodrich All Terrain TA KO3	9.8 Points	-0.20 Points
3Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT	7.5 Points	-2.50 Points

The difference between best and worst was 25% (2.5 Points).

Test setup & methodology

The test setting, the conditions recorded and how the results contribute to the score.

Tire Pressures (as recorded): 35psi

Show full testing methodology

Score Weighting

Weights express the scoring priorities, not how much each discipline actually changed the finishing order. The size of the performance gaps matters too. Category weights contribute to the overall score. Within each category, discipline weights divide that category’s share. Published finishing positions also need to be read alongside the editorial verdict.

Test	Within category	Share of overall score
Dry · 83%
Subj. Dry Handling	100%	83%
Comfort · 17%
Subj. Comfort	50%	8.5%
Subj. Noise	50%	8.5%

Our standard methods

The conditions above are recorded for this test. The descriptions below explain our standard procedures; measurement windows and run counts can vary by test.

Subj. Dry Handling

I also carry out a structured subjective handling assessment at the limit of adhesion on a dedicated dry handling circuit. I score steering precision, steering response, turn-in behavior, mid-corner balance, corner-exit traction, breakaway characteristics, and overall confidence using a standardised 1–10 scale used consistently across my testing. The final assessment combines numeric scoring with written technical commentary. I complete familiarisation laps on the control tire before evaluating each candidate.

Subj. Dirt Handling

I also carry out a structured subjective handling assessment on a dedicated dirt course. I score steering feel, traction, stability, breakaway characteristics, and overall confidence using a standardised 1–10 scale used consistently across my testing. The final assessment combines numeric scoring with written technical commentary. I complete familiarisation laps on the control tire before evaluating each candidate.

Subj. Comfort

To assess comfort, I drive on a wide range of road surfaces (often dedicated comfort tracks at test facilities) at speeds from 50 to 120 km/h, including smooth motorway, coarse surfaces, expansion joints, broken pavement, and sharp-edged obstacles. I evaluate primary ride quality, secondary ride quality, impact harshness, seat-transmitted vibration, and the tire's ability to absorb sharp inputs. Ratings are assigned on a 1–10 scale relative to the reference tire.

Subj. Noise

For subjective noise assessment, I drive at constant speeds across multiple surface types with the windows closed, ventilation off, and audio system off. I assess overall noise level, tonal quality, cavity boom, pattern noise, broadband roar, and sensitivity to both speed and road texture. Each tire is rated on a 1–10 scale and supported by written observations on noise character and annoyance.

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