KO3's in my future?

[jkernitzki]

I'm a long way away from needing replacements, but based on a number of factors, I'm unlikely to keep the OE Goodyears. Not a bad tire, but has some weaknesses (namely a more vulnerable sidewall than I prefer, see my trip report on Moab: https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/trip-report-bronco-off-roadeo-moab-october-2025-long-post.18351/post-285792).

I'm leaning towards the KO3, and even though they're up to 95 sizes, the '25 Badlands Sasquatch OE (235/65R17) isn't one of them. While more sizes are likely to become available over the coming years, if stuck with the current availability the three closest I'm looking at are:

• 225/65R17
• 235/80R17
• 245/70R17

The 225's would definitely fit, but I don't want to go down in size and the 235 may be too tall. The 245 might work, but there's no telling with any of them until a set is installed. The circumference change can me taken care of in FORScan, but obviously rubbing at lock-to-lock is a concern that can't be ignored.

Anyone out there running either of the larger two sizes (regardless of trim)? Issues, solutions you've encountered?

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[Mt Goat]

I did a rough measurement at the dealer when I got mine comparing the OE Goodrich to the KO2's in a 245/65/17 and they were pretty much the same height. They had a BS Big Bend they had lifted and put on the KO2's. I know people put the KO2's in the spare tire space - it was tight for me to put the OE Goodyear in there - I had to take out the carpet. Melissa Clark, who had a pre release version of the BL Sasquatch compared them to the 235 Wildpeaks and said they were definitely bigger. So I think the OE tires are essentially the same size as the 245/65 KO2's. I see they don't make the KO3 yet in that size, but asking Chat GPT it looks like it may be released sometime soon. The rest of the changeover from the KO2's to the KO3's is supposed to be done by 2026.

I have actually really liked my OE Goodyear tires. My buddy has a 2023 Badlands with KO2's in the 225 size. They are definitely noisier and a harsher ride than the Goodyears. I have had good luck with traction and handling on 4WD roads in Colorado when aired down to 25psi cold. But I do worry a bit about them not being as solid as the KO2's. Thats why I got a full size spare........ Interestingly enough (and for what it's worth) when I was asking Chat GPT about tires, they said our BS with the OE tires are basically as good as the KO2's on a full size rig. The full size rigs weigh more and put more stress on the sidewalls than our lighter rig. I know you had one rip out in Moab, but I guess time will tell if that was just a bad combo of things, or if the tires are really vulnerable. For me now, I will keep the OE tires, and if they fail next year on the trails in Colorado, I will get something beefier. If not, I will stick with them. This is just me trying to justify the lighter, quieter and more comfortable tires for all around use

Here was the Chat GPT summary:

Bottom Line

• On your Bronco Sport at 25 psi, the light weight + footprint spread means you’re less likely to suffer a rock-cut or flat than a heavy truck on KO2s at 30 psi.
• On a full-size truck, even though KO2s are tougher, the higher stress per tire and firmer pressure mean they’re still more at risk of cuts than your lighter rig — it’s just physics.
• If both rigs were on the same trail, your setup would generally be safer from rock punctures, while the truck’s KO2s are needed just to survive its higher weight.

In short: Light SUV + 25 psi Territory RT ≈ Tougher against flats than Heavy truck + 30 psi KO2 (at least in moderate off-road use).