Driven: The BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A+ Merges Off-Road Capability With On-Road Comfort

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      Are you considering replacing the tires on your off-road daily driver? This task has become much simpler compared to a few years ago. Nowadays, nearly every tire manufacturer offers an “on-road all-terrain” option, designed to combine everyday comfort with considerable off-road capabilities. At BFG, that product line is the Trail-Terrain T/A—and a new variant has been introduced, marked by a simple “+” at the end: BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A+.

      BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A+DrivenTest Vehicle: “JK” Jeep Wrangler 2-Door Sport (2011)Tire Size: 265/70R/17 (uniform)Tire Weight: ~30-50 lbs (varies by size)UTOG: Treadwear: 660, Traction: B, Temperature: A Suspension & Geometry: Stock (OE Wrangler 2-Door Sport Package suspension)Driving Conditions: Casual cruising on open highwaysLocation: Midwest USAHighlights: Ride quality; dry traction and handling; appearanceDrawbacks: Twitches in deeper puddles; limited feedback through the wheelWhere To Buy: Check Price at TireRack

      BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A+: Overview

      While the KO series appeals to enthusiasts, the T/A+ caters to the weekend warrior. This tire targets drivers who need a substantial off-road capability in what is primarily a daily driver. If you’re merely seeking a highway tire, the T/A+ offers more performance than necessary. However, if your driveway resembles a rally stage for a significant part of the year, this is the right choice for you.

      Positioned below the KO2/KO3, the BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A+ earns its “+” due to enhancements in three main areas, according to BFG: all-weather traction, durability, and fuel economy. The first two (traction and fuel efficiency) can be assessed in a review, while long-term reliability is beyond my evaluation capabilities within a reasonable timeframe.

      I am particularly keen to assess the Trail-Terrain’s traction in wet conditions. As an all-terrain tire, it lacks the distinct circumferential grooves that enable street tires to effectively evacuate water. This peculiar zigzag tread pattern excels on rocky surfaces but is not ideal for rainy conditions.

      2011 Jeep Wrangler JK with BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A+ Byron Hurd

      BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A+: Review

      The Cost

      If you think of BFG as a premium brand in the off-road market, you probably won’t be shocked to learn that the T/A+ isn’t particularly inexpensive. In the standard fitment for my Wrangler (255/75R/17), the price is about $315 per tire at the time of publication; in the size we’re currently testing (265/70R/17), they retail for around $15 less.

      These tires replaced a set of Nokian Outpost ATs (now succeeded by the nAT; same tire, different designation) that are priced about $30 lower per tire in the comparable size.

      The Visual Appeal

      The Trail-Terrain T/A+ is marketed as a white-letter tire, but this only applies to one side. The symmetrical/nondirectional tread pattern allows for flexible mounting. I chose to install them white-side-out just for fun, and it pairs reasonably well with the aftermarket OEM steel wheels. The shop was very apologetic for not being able to completely remove all of the blue dye, but I’m not overly concerned.

      Aside from the letters-out option, the T/A+ has a rugged appearance. The wide rubber looks particularly aggressive on my factory-height JK, giving it a more substantial stance compared to the less impressive factory 16s and fuel-efficient tires.

      2011 Jeep Wrangler JK with BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A+ Byron Hurd

      The Initial 500 Miles

      You only get one chance to make a first impression, and BFG absolutely excelled with the new T/A+. Despite their size and weight, these robust BFG tires offer an excellent ride. They absorb sharp impacts well without bouncing over softer ones. However, there are two downsides. First, the lack of feedback due to minimal impact transmission is noticeable. Second, partly due to the first issue, they feel a bit restless in deep water, and their considerable width amplifies the problem.

      It’s challenging to evaluate the influence of these wider tires on fuel economy with such few miles driven so far—after all, this is a Wrangler. Mediocre fuel efficiency is part of the experience, but I plan to monitor it over the next few fill-ups as I expect trends to become clearer long-term.

      The Everyday Drive

      Around town, the T/A+’s calm road manners are a significant advantage. Even