Although Michelin and Bridgestone are the top two sellers of tires in the world, American tires still reign supreme in terms of innovation, reputation, and prestige.
Within these objective rankings, both BFGoodrich and Goodyear can present their cases as the best American-made tire, or even the best around the globe.
With over a century of creating a better tire, they didn’t reinvent the wheel, but they certainly realigned it.
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TL;DR: BFGoodrich vs Goodyear
The chart below will help you identify a number of the top features and downsides of both BFGoodrich and Goodyear tires. While this isn’t a complete breakdown, it should give you a basic idea of the capabilities and offerings of both companies.
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Title |
Strengths/Wins |
Downsides/Issues |
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BFGoodrich |
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Goodyear |
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BFGoodrich Introduction
For over 150 years, BFGoodrich has been one of the premier names in the tire industry. In 1870, Dr. B.F. Goodrich, which gives the company its name, founded the company in Akron, Ohio. Since its beginnings, BFGoodrich has been an innovator in the industry and a leader in tire applications. Some milestones of the company include:
- Used as the first tire on a car to traverse the United States in 1903
- Used on Charles Lindbergh’s plane, The Spirit of St. Louis, for his 1927 transatlantic flight
- Created the world’s first radial tire
Over 100 years later, BFGoodrich was a force on the international state. But capitalism always prevails. In 1990, the company was bought by Michelin, a French tire manufacturer, in the largest buyout in the tire industry. However, this gave BFGoodrich global brand recognition that it continues to hold to this day. Today, the company has a wide range of all-season, all-terrain, winter, and summer tires for consumer applications, as well as racing and commercial divisions. With such a variety of products, the company remains a huge player in the tire world.
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Goodyear Introduction
Also founded in Akron, Ohio, in 1898, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company (as it’s officially called) has been a major player in the tire industry for nearly 125 years. But unlike BFGoodrich, it manufactures tires for just about everything that needs a piece of rubber underneath it, including:
- Personal automobiles
- Trucks and SUVs
- Commercial trucks
- Airplanes
- Race cars
- Earth-moving machinery
- Farm equipment
With such an extensive list of clientele and customers, Goodyear may seem like it’s spread too thin, but that isn’t the case. In fact, the company has some of the best innovations in the game thanks to a nonstop research and development effort. Moreover, it still is one of the most recognized brands in the United States among any consumer or commercial goods thanks to its name emblazoned on the Goodyear blimp, which has been around since 1925.
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Other company milestones include
- Being the first American tire company to enter the Chinese market
- The first synthetic rubber tire
- Instant puncture repair technology for commercial trucks
- Official sponsor and supplier of NASCAR for a number of years
Similar to BFGoodrich, Goodyear maintains its image of high-quality tires that only continue to get better over time.
BFGoodrich vs Goodyear Company Comparison
| Header |
BFGoodrich |
Goodyear |
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Where Are Their Products Made? |
Tuscaloosa, AlabamaOpelika, AlabamaWooburn, Indiana |
KansasNew YorkTennesseeOklahomaAlabamaNorth CarolinaVirginia |
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Who Manufactures Their Products? |
Michelin and pre-buyout BFGoodrich facilities |
Goodyear |
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Who Owns These Companies? |
Michelin |
Goodyear |
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How Long Have They Been Around? |
151 years |
123 years |
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What’s their Warranty Like? |
6 years |
6 years |
What BFGoodrich Does Better Than Goodyear
If you want to talk about what BFGoodrich does better than Goodyear, it has to start with durability. As the creator of the radial tire and several other tread and compound innovations, BFGoodrich centers its focus not only on performance but also on the longevity of the tire. Even the most economical BFGoodrich tires offer at least 50,000 miles, making them a solid choice for your next tire.
The key to the durability of the tire lies in a number of factors that are superior to Goodyear, including more plies than Goodyear in comparable tires, nylon-wrapped dual steel belts, and upper shoulders that are larger than almost any other competitor.
Another edge for BFGoodrich over Goodyear is that its on-pavement tires consistently outrank other options on the market. While the differences aren’t markedly different, BFGoodrich offers a bit more in terms of comfort and stability. If there was one aspect that would stand out, it’s that the company’s wet pavement traction far outpaces that of Goodyear. So if you’re in a rainy climate, BFGoodrich might have the added grip that you need.
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What Goodyear Does Better Than BFGoodrich
On the flip side, Goodyear isn’t outdone by BFGoodrich by any stretch of the imagination. Instead, it pivots to provide superiority where their competition is lagging. In this sense, Goodyear is a monster when it comes to research and development.
In 2020, Goodyear released a teaser on the world’s first “smart tire,” which uses internet connections and other networks to achieve a better tire. With proprietary cloud-based algorithms and constant monitoring of tire performance, these smart tires are said to reduce the amount of stopping distance, as well as tell prematurely if a tire is about to blow or wear out. In the tire industry, this is a breakthrough that no one else in the industry, including BFGoodrich, can boast about.
Although the companies are neck and neck when it comes to off-road and all-terrain tires, Goodyear might have a slight edge, although the similarities are apparent (read below). The reason that Goodyear might have a leg-up on the competition hinges entirely on the capability of the tires. While BFGoodrich is no slouch, Goodyear off-road tires are guaranteed to cut through snow, mud, sand, and dirt without any problems. And while BFGoodrich comes close, consumer reports show that the Goodyear tire comes out on top.
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BFGoodrich vs Goodyear: Similarities
Although they have significant differences, the two Akron-based tire companies also share a number of similarities. While this won’t help you decide which tire to choose, it should be noted to level the playing field and minimize the risk of bias.
All-Terrain Tires
Research and development is on BFGoodrich’s side, as they have a number of innovations that make their tires unique in the industry, and in comparison with Goodyear. Although passenger car tires by BFGoodrich come highly rated, it’s their all-terrain tires that speak volumes. With proprietary UltiGrip Technology and the G-Force Tread, the company’s all-terrain tires provide superior grip in all types of terrain and conditions. The key to the design of these tires is upper sidewall traction bars to push out snow, mud, and debris, while an interlocking tread provides superior grip, stability, and handling in even the harshest conditions.
While BFGoodrich has a tire for almost any type of vehicle, all-terrain tires are their forte and an excellent choice in terms of safety, durability, and value. That’s why they’re consistently ranked among the best tires money can buy. In particular, the KO2 all-terrain tire receives nearly universal praise, giving it a unique position among off-roaders and those that want more precision in uncharted territory.
That said, many off-road enthusiasts would argue that Goodyear produces the superior off-road tire, although both are similar. At the heart of this argument is the longevity of Goodyear tires in the off-road market thanks to a design that places the stress of the drive on the entirety of the tire. Unlike their competitors, many of these tires can last 80,000 to 100,000 miles before they even garner enough wear and tear for replacement consideration.
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Pricing
While neither tire is on the economical side for the most part, their prices are similar. The reason for this is twofold. First, neither tire can be that much more expensive than the other due to competition, as consumers that know little about tires simply recognize a name and buy the cheaper one. Second, both company’s tires have similar features (except for their high-end options), giving neither a reason to price their tires at a premium over the other.
BFGoodrich Tires vs Goodyear Tires
With all-season, summer, and truck/SUV tires available from both companies, deciphering which is the better choice for your vehicle can feel taxing. While your budget, geographic location, and climate, as well as the type of vehicle you drive will factor into your decision, here’s a breakdown of competing tires from two of America’s most well-known and trusted brands.
Performance Summer Tires: BFGoodrich vs Goodyear
If you live in places like South Florida, Arizona, or Southern California, you rarely see cold temperatures like other parts of the country. However, even more temperate climates can have heat waves that can impair the grip of all-season tires. As such, a pair of summer tires is the optimal choice.
BFGoodrich: g-Force Sport Comp-2
The g-Force Sport Comp-2 summer tire from BFGoodrich might just bring your inner Lewis Hamilton to life. As BFGoodrich’s high-end, high-performance summer tire, this product takes its design from track straight to the four corners of your car.
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With more response to acceleration and improved grip around corners, it’s safe to say that you can put these tires to the test without any hassle. It’s even the preferred tire of the Ford Racing High Performance Driving School. So if you want a little fun in the sun, the g-Force Sport Comp-2 might not push you to g-forces, but it will certainly feel like it.
Goodyear: Eagle F1 Supercar 3
Originally developed for the mighty Chevy Camaro, the Eagle F1 Supercar 3 is the epitome of a high-performance tire. Using a race-inspired, high-grip tread compound, this tire provides excellent traction on both wet and dry pavement.
A three-ply sidewall and a two-ply rayon casing is the other source of this tire’s gripping power, making it a force to be reckoned with, even when the temperatures are north of three digits.
Touring Tires (All-Season): BFGoodrich vs Goodyear
If you want to go on tour, or at least drive around without fearing for your handling, both BFGoodrich and Goodyear tires offer a plethora of options. These tires work well in both warm and cold climates, making them ideal choices for mild areas, or those that don’t want to change their tires until they’ve reached the end of their useful life.
BFGoodrich: Advantage T/A Sport
Take your everyday driving experience to the next level with the BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Sport. With a V-rating, this tire can take speeds up to 149 mph (not that the Interstate is a forum for such testing), letting you see what your car is made of. The key to the superior traction of this tire is a continuous center rib running down the middle. In addition, 3D active sipe technology provides added traction on the wet pavement by expelling moisture as it comes into contact with the tire. As a final touch, BFGoodrich also adds its patented ETEC system to the fold, offering even more grip when you’re at high speeds.
Goodyear: Assurance WeatherReady
The smooth and quiet ride of Goodyear’s Assurance WeatherReady tire. Based on Goodyear’s Weather Reactive Technology, these tires are ready for both wet and dry roads ahead. Evolving and sweeping tread grooves move water away from the footprint while retaining grip, even when cornering or in otherwise slippery conditions.
Off-Road Tires: BFGoodrich vs Goodyear
If the thought of rock-crawling or cutting through the mud sends your salivary glands into overdrive, Goodyear and BFGoodrich have an excellent tire for your needs. While fans of both brands will argue that their preferred tire can traverse more obstacles, both present a solid case as the best off-road tire in the industry.
BFGoodrich: All-Terrain T/A KO2
For extreme off-roading, few other options can outpace or outperform the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tire.
Rated a 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake tire, the KO2 can punch through snow, ice, and other severe winter weather. This enables you to take on almost any mountain terrain that’s thrown in your path.
CoreGard technology is the central force behind these high ratings, providing puncture- and bruise-resistant sidewalls that are impervious to rocks and sharp debris.
Put it all together, and the All-Terrain T/A KO2 tire is what can turn your vehicle from an off-road vehicle to an off-road machine.
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Goodyear: Wrangler Duratrac
The Wrangler Duratrac just might be the best off-road tire money can buy, according to reviews from consumers across the board. Goodyear’s TractiveGroove technology is the centerpiece of these tires, providing grooves and biting edges that can outlast even the deepest mud and snow. Stepped shoulder blocks that self-clean, as well as zigzag sipes, finish off this off-roading masterpiece. And with the coveted 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake designation, you know that you’re ready for just about anything Mother Nature has in store.
They Both Have Good in the Name, But Which One is Good for You?
Goodyear and BFGoodrich both have excellent technology, innovation, safety, and durability in nearly every tire that rolls off their assembly line.
If you’re an avid off-roader, it’s tough to say which is better than the other, although Goodyear might have the slight edge. And while BFGoodrich might have an argument for the best tires for everyday driving, Goodyear doesn’t lag far behind. So for a lack of argument, both have good in the name. In that facet, you can’t go wrong either way.