Kenda Klever A/T2 Review: A Budget All-Terrain Worth Buying

Finding an all-terrain tire that doesn’t destroy your wallet or your ride quality feels almost impossible these days. Premium options from BFGoodrich and Falken easily push past $250 per tire, and that’s before mounting and balancing.

So when I got a set of Kenda Klever A/T2 tires mounted on my truck, I was genuinely curious whether this budget-friendly all-terrain could hang with the big names.

If you’ve been exploring Kenda’s full lineup, our complete Kenda Tires Review guide covers every model side by side — but today, I’m going deep on the A/T2 specifically.

What Is the Kenda Klever A/T2?

The Kenda Klever A/T2 (model KR628) is Kenda’s second-generation all-terrain tire designed for light trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. It replaces the original Klever A/T, and Kenda made significant improvements to the tread compound, siping pattern, and overall construction.

This tire carries a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty on most sizes, which is competitive even against more expensive options. It also features a 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rating, meaning it meets the industry standard for severe snow service — a feature you won’t always find at this price point.

Kenda is a Taiwanese tire manufacturer that’s been around since 1962, though their presence in the US truck and SUV tire market has really ramped up in the last decade. They’ve earned a reputation as a value brand, but the A/T2 feels like their bid to be taken more seriously by enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.

First Impressions Out of the Box

When I first pulled the Klever A/T2 out of the packaging, I was struck by how aggressive the tread pattern looks for a tire in this category. The interlocking tread blocks have a chunky, confident appearance, and the sidewall design features a rugged pattern that adds both protection and visual appeal.

The rubber compound felt firm but not overly stiff to the touch. I noticed the siping was dense — each tread block is covered in fine sipes that I knew would contribute to wet and winter traction.

Honestly, just looking at them, you’d think they cost more than they do. A friend who saw them on my truck assumed they were BFGoodrich KO2s from a distance, which says something about the design effort Kenda put into the aesthetics.

On-Road Performance: Highway and City Driving

Let me be straightforward — this is where I spend most of my driving time, and it’s where the Klever A/T2 needs to deliver if it’s going to earn a recommendation from me. I drove these tires extensively on a mix of interstate highways, suburban streets, and city roads during my test period.

Ride Comfort

The ride quality surprised me from the first day. All-terrain tires typically introduce a firmness that you feel on every expansion joint and pothole. The A/T2 does have a slightly firmer ride compared to a highway tire, but it’s noticeably more comfortable than many competing all-terrains I’ve tested.

On smooth interstate pavement at 70+ mph, the tires felt planted and composed. I didn’t experience any wandering or vague steering response, which can be an issue with aggressive tread patterns.

Around town at lower speeds, road imperfections were absorbed reasonably well. I wouldn’t call the ride plush, but for an all-terrain tire, it’s genuinely comfortable for daily commuting.

Highway Noise

This was the biggest positive surprise for me. I expected the aggressive tread pattern to generate significant road noise, especially at highway speeds. Instead, the Klever A/T2 produced a low, consistent hum that I’d describe as barely noticeable with the radio at a moderate volume.

Kenda credits their variable pitch tread block design for reducing harmonic noise, and whatever they did clearly works. On coarse asphalt surfaces, there’s a mild increase in noise, but it never becomes intrusive or fatiguing on long highway drives.

Compared to my previous set of all-terrain tires from a competitor brand, the A/T2 is measurably quieter. I noticed this within the first few days and it continued to hold true throughout my testing.

Dry Traction

Dry grip is excellent. Whether I’m accelerating from a stoplight, taking highway on-ramps, or making sharp turns in a parking lot, the A/T2 inspires confidence. The wide contact patch puts plenty of rubber on the road, and the tread blocks feel like they dig into the pavement under hard cornering.

Emergency braking performance on dry pavement was reassuring. The tires gripped progressively without any unexpected behavior, and stopping distances felt on par with premium all-terrain options I’ve tested.

Wet Traction

I had several opportunities to drive through heavy rain during my test period, and the A/T2 handled wet conditions admirably. The four wide circumferential grooves do an excellent job of channeling water away from the contact patch, and I never experienced hydroplaning — even driving through standing water on the highway.

Wet cornering grip was good, though not outstanding. I could feel the tires working harder in tight, wet turns compared to dry conditions, but they never lost composure. The transition from grip to slip is predictable and gradual, which gives you time to react.

Wet braking distances were slightly longer than I’d expect from a dedicated highway tire, but they’re right in line with — and possibly better than — most all-terrain tires at this price point.

Off-Road Performance: Dirt, Gravel, and Light Trails

I took the Klever A/T2 through a variety of off-road conditions to see where its limits are. This included gravel roads, packed dirt trails, loose sandy terrain, and some moderately muddy sections after a rainstorm.

Gravel and Dirt Roads

This is the A/T2’s sweet spot off-road. On maintained gravel roads and packed dirt trails, these tires felt completely at home. The tread pattern bites into loose surfaces with authority, and the stone ejector ribs between the tread blocks do a good job of kicking out rocks before they get lodged.

I drove several days on Forest Service roads in varying conditions and never felt like I was lacking traction. The tires tracked straight, handled loose corners predictably, and provided excellent feedback through the steering wheel.

Mud Performance

Here’s where the A/T2 shows its limitations — and to be fair, this is true of any all-terrain tire. In light mud and wet dirt, the tires performed well. The open shoulder design helps shed mud from the tread, and I was able to maintain forward momentum without much drama.

However, in deeper, sticky mud, the tread blocks packed up faster than I’d like. The spacing between the lugs isn’t wide enough to truly self-clean in serious mud conditions. If you regularly encounter deep mud, you need a dedicated mud-terrain tire — that’s not what the A/T2 is designed for.

Sand and Loose Terrain

On loose sandy soil, the A/T2 performed better than I expected. I aired down to around 22 PSI and the tires floated over soft surfaces reasonably well. The wide footprint at reduced pressures helped distribute the weight, and I was able to navigate sandy forest roads without getting stuck.

Rock Performance

For light to moderate rocky terrain, the A/T2 is capable. The sidewall construction feels robust, and I didn’t experience any cuts or punctures despite driving over sharp-edged rocks. The tread grips rocky surfaces well, providing confidence on uneven terrain.

That said, I wouldn’t take these into serious rock crawling terrain. The sidewall lugs provide some protection, but they’re not as prominent as what you’d find on a premium off-road tire like the BFGoodrich KO2 or Toyo Open Country A/T III.

Winter and Snow Performance

The 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification on the Klever A/T2 isn’t just a marketing badge — it means these tires met the required traction threshold in standardized snow testing. I had the opportunity to drive on snow-covered roads during my test period, and the results were positive.

On packed snow, the dense siping pattern does its job. The tires gripped well during acceleration and braking, and I felt confident maintaining control at moderate speeds. The tread compound stays flexible enough in cold temperatures to maintain grip, which is a real advantage over all-terrain tires without the 3PMSF rating.

On ice, however, the A/T2 is no substitute for a dedicated winter tire. You’ll get better traction than a standard highway tire, but don’t overestimate the capability. Drive cautiously on icy surfaces.

For drivers in northern states who face moderate winter conditions, the A/T2 could serve as a solid year-round option. If you’re in Minnesota, Wisconsin, or similar climates with severe winters, I’d still recommend a dedicated winter set.

Treadwear and Durability

During my test period, I paid close attention to how the tread was wearing, and I’m pleased to report even wear across all four tires. There were no signs of cupping, feathering, or irregular wear patterns — which tells me the tire’s construction and contact patch geometry are well-designed.

The tread depth started at 13/32″, which is above average for all-terrain tires. After several weeks of mixed driving, the wear was minimal and consistent. Based on what I’ve observed so far, hitting the 60,000-mile warranty seems realistic if you maintain proper alignment and rotate on schedule.

The rubber compound feels durable without being excessively hard. I noticed a few small cuts from off-road use on the tread surface, but nothing that affected performance or raised concerns about long-term integrity.

Tire Specs and Size Availability

The Kenda Klever A/T2 is available in a broad range of sizes covering most popular trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps on US roads. Here’s a summary of the key specifications:

• Size range: 15″ to 22″ wheel diameters
• Load ratings: SL, XL, C, D, and E load ranges available
• Speed rating: T (118 mph) on most sizes, S (112 mph) on select sizes
• Treadwear warranty: 60,000 miles (LT sizes: 50,000 miles)
• 3PMSF rated: Yes — severe snow service certified
• UTQG rating: 600 A B (P-metric sizes)
• Rim protector: Available on select sizes

Popular sizes include 265/70R17, 275/65R18, 275/55R20, and 285/70R17 — covering the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Wrangler, and RAM 1500 among many others.

Price and Value Comparison

This is where the Kenda Klever A/T2 makes its strongest case. I’ve compared pricing across major US retailers including Tire Rack, Discount Tire, and Walmart, and the A/T2 consistently comes in well below the premium competition.

Here’s a comparison table using the popular 265/70R17 size as a reference point (prices approximate and subject to change):

As you can see, the Klever A/T2 offers a set-of-four savings of roughly $200–$350 compared to premium all-terrain tires. That’s a significant amount of money for everyday drivers who need reliable all-terrain performance without breaking the bank.

The value equation gets even better when you factor in the 60,000-mile warranty, which actually exceeds what BFGoodrich offers on the KO2. You’re paying less and getting a longer warranty — that’s hard to argue with.

Who Should Buy the Kenda Klever A/T2?

Based on my testing, the Klever A/T2 is best suited for specific types of drivers. Let me break it down.

Ideal For:

• Daily drivers who occasionally go off-road: If 80% of your driving is on pavement and you want a tire that can handle weekend trail rides, camping trips, or gravel road adventures, the A/T2 delivers without compromising your daily commute.
• Budget-conscious truck and SUV owners: If you’re replacing tires on a Tacoma, F-150, Silverado, or Wrangler and don’t want to spend $1,000+ on a set of premium all-terrains, this tire is a smart choice.
• Drivers in moderate winter climates: The 3PMSF rating makes this a genuine year-round option for states that see moderate snowfall.
• Owners who prioritize quiet ride: If you’ve been avoiding all-terrain tires because of noise, the A/T2’s remarkably low highway noise levels might change your mind.

Not Ideal For:

• Serious off-road enthusiasts: If you’re regularly hitting deep mud, technical rock trails, or extreme off-road conditions, you need a more aggressive tire.
• Heavy towing applications: While the E-load range options can handle towing, premium tires with reinforced construction may be a better choice for frequent heavy hauling.
• Drivers in extreme winter conditions: For severe ice and heavy snowfall regions, a dedicated winter tire set is still the safest option.

How It Compares: Kenda Klever A/T2 vs. the Competition

Kenda Klever A/T2 vs. BFGoodrich KO2

The KO2 is the gold standard in all-terrain tires, and it’s unfair to expect a tire at the A/T2’s price point to match it in every category. The KO2 has superior sidewall durability, better off-road traction in extreme conditions, and the brand cachet that comes with decades of off-road racing heritage.

However, the A/T2 is quieter on the highway, rides more comfortably, and costs significantly less. For drivers who spend most of their time on pavement, the A/T2 might actually be the better daily driver — and it leaves money in your pocket.

Kenda Klever A/T2 vs. Falken Wildpeak A/T3W

The Wildpeak is the tire I most often recommend in the mid-tier price range, and it’s still a step above the A/T2 in off-road grip and wet weather performance. But the gap is smaller than the price difference suggests.

The A/T2 is competitive on highway noise and comfort, and it costs $40–$60 less per tire. If you’re not pushing the off-road limits regularly, the savings add up to a compelling argument.

Kenda Klever A/T2 vs. Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S

This is probably the closest competitor in terms of price and positioning. The Cooper has a longer treadwear warranty (65,000 miles) and slightly better wet traction in my experience. But the A/T2 matches it on highway comfort and costs a bit less.

It’s a toss-up between these two, and I’d say either one is a strong choice for the value-oriented buyer.

Installation Tips and Maintenance Recommendations

If you decide to go with the Klever A/T2, here are a few tips I’d offer based on my experience:

• Get an alignment immediately after installation. This applies to any new tire, but it’s especially important with all-terrain tires to ensure even wear and maximize the treadwear warranty.
• Rotate every 5,000–7,000 miles. I follow a strict rotation schedule and it’s paying off with perfectly even wear across all four tires.
• Check pressures regularly. The A/T2’s performance is sensitive to inflation pressure. I found that running at the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended PSI provided the best balance of comfort, wear, and traction.
• Air down for off-road. Dropping to 20–25 PSI on trails dramatically improves off-road grip and ride quality. Just remember to re-inflate before hitting the highway.
• Break them in gently. I drove conservatively for the first few days to let the tread surface wear off its release compound. Traction improved noticeably after the initial break-in period.

What I Don’t Like About the Kenda Klever A/T2

I believe in being honest about a tire’s shortcomings, so here’s what I think Kenda could improve:

Mud traction needs work. The tread pattern packs up too quickly in sticky mud. Wider channel spacing between the shoulder lugs would help with self-cleaning ability.

Sidewall protection could be beefier. While the sidewall design looks aggressive, the actual lugs aren’t as deep or prominent as what you’ll find on premium all-terrain tires. For serious off-road protection, this is a weakness.

Limited brand recognition. This isn’t a performance issue, but it matters to some buyers. Kenda doesn’t have the off-road heritage of BFGoodrich or Toyo, and some drivers hesitate to trust a lesser-known brand on their truck.

Availability can be spotty. Depending on your size, you might find limited stock at local shops. Online retailers like Tire Rack and Discount Tire tend to have the best selection.

The Bottom Line: Is the Kenda Klever A/T2 Worth It?

After spending extensive time with the Kenda Klever A/T2, I can confidently say this tire over-delivers for its price. It’s not going to beat a BFGoodrich KO2 on a technical off-road trail, and it won’t match a Toyo Open Country A/T III in longevity metrics. But it’s also not trying to.

What the A/T2 does is provide 85-90% of the performance of premium all-terrain tires at 60-70% of the cost. For the vast majority of truck and SUV owners in the US — people who drive to work on the highway, take their families camping on weekends, and occasionally navigate unpaved roads — that’s more than enough.

The highway comfort and low noise levels genuinely set this tire apart from other budget options. The 3PMSF winter rating adds real versatility. And the 60,000-mile treadwear warranty gives you confidence that Kenda stands behind the product.

I recommend the Kenda Klever A/T2 for value-conscious drivers who want all-terrain capability without the premium price tag. It’s a tire that respects your budget while still delivering where it counts — on the road and on the trail.

If you’re ready to buy, I suggest checking prices at Tire Rack, Discount Tire, and your local independent tire shop for the best deal. Many online retailers also offer free shipping to a local installer, which can save you even more.

Frequently Asked Questions