BFGoodrich Tyres Review: Off-Road Performance Tested

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BFGoodrich is known as both a standalone tyre brand and as part of the wider Michelin Group – following the acquisition by Michelin in 1988. In short, Michelin purchased BFGoodrich to represent its high-value performance range, with these being the tyres that are slightly less refined than Michelin’s own models but that still offer quality and reliability on the roads.

BFGoodrich has actually played a vital role in automotive history and was the brand that backed the first vehicular crossing of the United States, way back in 1903. Despite this, it’s the ownership of Michelin that makes BFGoodrich such a reputable and popular premium brand by today’s standards.

What Are BFGoodrich Tyres Known For?

BFGoodrich Tyres is respected for being a revolutionary name in the tyre industry, making history with the development of the first commercial off-road tyres, countless racing car tyres and tyres for both vintage and classic cars. Owned by Michelin, it benefits from unrivalled exposure to innovation and development, with the premium price tag fixed to reflect both its leading research and testing facilities.

With BFGoodrich being positioned by Michelin as its more affordable counterpart, produced with many of the same innovations and tyre technologies but without the prestige of the Michelin branding and name, BFGoodrich benefits from broad market exposure.

Some other notable accolades held by BFGoodrich, and reasons why it’s such a popular brand among drivers, include its early links to radial racing tyre design, the technological edge that comes from being the first brand to produce radial tyres for road vehicles, and of course the high quality and reliability of its tyres. What’s more, these are tyres that balance value with performance.

But what are the significant benefits of choosing BFGoodrich – and are there any downsides?

BFGoodrich Tyres: Pros

BFGoodrich is a known brand that sits at the upper end of the market, under the premium tyre bracket. Drivers who choose BFGoodrich tyres are often committed customers or are Michelin fans who have been converted by the affordability of Michelin’s subsidiary.

One of the major benefits of this particular brand is the access to quality research, development and testing throughout the manufacturing process – ensuring every tyre is of a high standard. This translates into tyres which are safe and durable, and which are fit for purpose across different terrains and conditions.

The innovative technology that has long underpins BFGoodrich’s position on the market is another significant benefit of this brand, with its off-road and mixed terrain tyres particularly highly respected among the driving community. Strength is at the heart of these tyres with reinforced sidewalls and chunky tread blocks that maximise traction.

A couple of other benefits worth noting include:

  • Undeniable value for money,  boasting the pedigree of Michelin ownership but at a more affordable price
  • Superior performance
  • Reliable grip and comfort

BFGoodrich is a good tyre brand for those seeking quality and durability – but that’s not to say there aren’t some limitations.

BFGoodrich Tyres: Cons

Despite not being as premium as Michelin and other names of a similar industry status, BFGoodrich Tyres are at the upper end of the market and so do price out a substantial portion of drivers.

The brand is also noted as having tyres which create a high level of noise on the road in specific conditions, with the wet grip not as strong as other premium tyres. These traits are seen across the road and off-road tyre models.

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Popular BFGoodrich Tyre Models

By far the most popular BFGoodrich tyre is the KO3, which is an all-terrain model that was launched as an upgrade to the former KO2 model. The KO3 is proof that even premium brands work hard to improve their own sticking points, with the latest iteration supporting a longer tread life and better wet and winter traction.

The fact that the KO3 is capable of handling challenging winter conditions as well as all-season and summer conditions makes it a great option for enhanced safety for year-round driving.

Some other popular models include the BFGoodrich Advantage 2 and Advantage 2 SUV tyres for summer driving, the G-Force Winter2 tyres for cold weather, and the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A for SUVs.

Are BFGoodrich Tyres Worth the Premium Price Tag?

All things considered then, what do we make of BFGoodrich as a premium brand?

In short, BFGoodrich combines its rich history in the tyre industry with highly reputable and often unrivalled quality features. Because it’s owned by Michelin, its access to premium manufacturing and testing facilities ensures the highest quality, while the diversity of the range means that there is something for every kind of driver and terrain.

We consider BFGoodrich worth the higher price tag – sitting below its parent company of Michelin and other brand names, but well above the budget and mid-range competitors on the market. If you think BFGoodrich could be the right brand for you, head to our brand overview pages or browse the full collection of summer, all-season, winter, and mixed terrain tyres on our site.

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