Kenda Klever RT Review: A Smooth Ride That Handles Any Terrain

The Kenda Klever RT is an all-terrain tire designed for pickup trucks, SUVs, and off-road enthusiasts who demand a balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability. This versatile tire combines an aggressive tread pattern with a specialized rubber compound, allowing it to tackle various terrains while providing a smooth and quiet ride on paved surfaces.

Intended for both daily driving and adventure-seeking, the Kenda Klever RT is engineered to excel in a wide range of conditions, from dry and wet tarmac to muddy trails and loose terrain. Its rugged construction and reinforced sidewalls ensure durability and resistance to punctures and cuts, making it a reliable choice for those who frequently venture off the beaten path.

Key features of the Kenda Klever RT include a symmetric tread pattern with deep, interlocking lugs for enhanced traction, stone ejectors for improved self-cleaning, and a specialized silica-based tread compound that promotes even wear and reliable grip in various weather conditions. Additionally, the tire’s internal construction incorporates high-strength steel belts and a polyester casing, contributing to its overall stability and performance.

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Design and Construction

The Kenda Klever RT features an aggressive tread design aimed at providing excellent off-road traction while maintaining decent on-road manners. The tread pattern consists of large, siped lugs arranged in a symmetric pattern to enhance grip on loose surfaces like mud, gravel, and dirt. The tread blocks are specifically engineered with variable-depth sipes and biting edges to improve grip and self-cleaning capabilities.

Kenda utilizes a special tread compound formulated to balance cut and chip resistance with sufficient pliability for enhanced traction. The compound incorporates a high silica content to improve wet traction and durability. The tire’s internal construction features a two-ply polyester casing reinforced with two steel belts and a nylon cap ply for improved strength and puncture resistance.

The Klever RT features a high-strength bead bundle designed to withstand the demands of off-road driving and provide a secure fit on the wheel. The tire’s sidewalls are reinforced with thick rubber for added protection against cuts, abrasions, and impacts from rocks and debris encountered during off-road adventures.

Sizing and Fitment Options

The Kenda Klever RT is available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate various vehicles and applications. From compact cars and crossovers to light trucks and SUVs, there’s a Klever RT size to fit your needs.

For passenger cars and crossovers, the Klever RT is offered in popular sizes like 205/55R16, 215/60R16, and 225/60R17. These sizes provide a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics on the street.

If you drive a light truck or SUV, you can choose from sizes such as 235/70R16, 265/70R17, and 285/60R18. These larger sizes offer increased load capacity and a more aggressive stance, while still maintaining on-road manners.

One of the strengths of the Kenda Klever RT is its versatility in fitment. The tire is designed to work with a variety of wheel diameters, from 15-inch up to 20-inch rims. This flexibility allows you to customize the look and performance of your vehicle without sacrificing tire compatibility.

Additionally, the Klever RT is available in a variety of load ranges and speed ratings, ensuring that you can find the right tire for your specific vehicle and driving needs. Whether you prioritize carrying capacity or higher-speed capability, Kenda has you covered with the Klever RT lineup.

On-Road Performance

The Kenda Klever RT is designed as an all-terrain tire, but it still delivers impressive on-road performance. In dry conditions, the tire provides excellent grip and traction, thanks to its optimized tread pattern and advanced compound. The tread blocks are designed to interlock with the road surface, ensuring a confident and stable feel, even during hard acceleration or braking.

When it comes to wet traction, the Klever RT excels. Its deep grooves and siping effectively evacuate water from the contact patch, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and providing reliable grip on slick surfaces. The tire’s ability to maintain traction in wet conditions is a testament to Kenda’s engineering expertise.

Handling is another area where the Klever RT shines. Its responsive nature and predictable cornering behavior inspire confidence, whether navigating tight city streets or winding mountain roads. The tire’s construction and carcass design contribute to its stable and composed demeanor, even at higher speeds or during sudden maneuvers.

Speaking of stability, the Klever RT delivers a smooth and well-planted ride, thanks to its optimized footprint and robust construction. It effectively absorbs road imperfections, minimizing vibrations and ensuring a comfortable driving experience, even on less-than-perfect surfaces.

Regarding noise levels, the Klever RT is remarkably quiet for an all-terrain tire. Kenda’s engineers have implemented various noise-reduction technologies, such as variable-pitch tread blocks and computer-optimized tread patterns, to minimize the generation of unwanted sounds. This results in a serene cabin environment, even at highway speeds.

Off-Road Capability

While the Kenda Klever RT is primarily designed for on-road use, it can handle light off-road conditions surprisingly well. The aggressive tread pattern and sturdy construction give the tire decent traction on loose surfaces like dirt and gravel roads.

In muddy conditions, the deep grooves and open shoulder blocks help expel mud and maintain grip. The tire performs admirably on dirt trails and forest service roads, providing reliable traction and control. However, extremely soft or deep mud can overwhelm the tread and cause the tire to lose traction.

The Klever RT’s stiff sidewalls and reinforced construction allow it to handle moderate rock crawling without too much risk of punctures or sidewall damage. The tread compound is cut and chip resistant, helping the tire maintain its grip on rocky terrain. That said, extreme rock crawling or boulder fields would be pushing the limits of what this tire can handle.

On loose, dry trails, the RT’s tread pattern bites into the terrain well, offering stable footing and solid cornering grip. The tire excels on hardpacked dirt, gravel, and fire roads where traction is key. While not a dedicated off-road tire, the Klever RT can get you through moderate trail obstacles and light off-road use without issue.

Durability and Treadlife

The Kenda Klever RT boasts impressive durability and treadlife, ensuring long-lasting performance on various terrains. This tire features a robust construction with a reinforced casing and a cut-and-chip resistant tread compound, enhancing its resistance to cuts, chips, and punctures.

One of the standout features of the Klever RT is its exceptional treadwear rating. With a rating of 600 AA, this tire offers outstanding tread life, outperforming many competitors in its class. This high treadwear rating translates into extended mileage, providing drivers with a reliable and cost-effective tire solution.

Real-world experiences from owners further validate the tire’s impressive durability and treadlife. Many users report achieving remarkable mileage, with some even exceeding the tire’s rated treadlife. This longevity not only contributes to cost savings but also reduces the environmental impact by minimizing tire replacements.

To further instill confidence in its customers, Kenda backs the Klever RT with a comprehensive warranty. The tire comes with a limited treadwear warranty, ensuring that if the tread wears down prematurely, Kenda will provide a prorated replacement or refund. Additionally, the warranty covers workmanship and materials, offering added peace of mind for the tire’s overall quality and performance.

With its robust construction, high treadwear rating, real-world longevity experiences, and comprehensive warranty, the Kenda Klever RT stands out as a tire that delivers exceptional durability and treadlife, providing drivers with a reliable and cost-effective solution for their vehicles.

Price and Value

The Kenda Klever RT is positioned as an affordable all-terrain tire option for truck and SUV owners. Retail pricing for the Klever RT typically falls in the $120-$200 range per tire, depending on size. This places it squarely in the budget-friendly category when compared to many premium all-terrain tire offerings that can cost $250 or more per tire.

While the Klever RT may not match the absolute peak performance of the most expensive all-terrain tires, it offers a compelling blend of on-road manners, off-road capability, and durability at a much more accessible price point. For budget-conscious shoppers seeking a capable all-terrain tire without breaking the bank, the Klever RT presents an attractive value proposition.

Kenda’s reputation for quality construction and treadwear warranties that are competitive with higher-priced rivals further bolster the Klever RT’s overall value equation. Many owners report being pleasantly surprised by the tire’s longevity and performance relative to its modest cost.

In the vast all-terrain tire market, the Kenda Klever RT carves out a niche as an affordable choice that delivers more than you might expect given its budget-friendly pricing. For those looking to maximize their dollar’s worth in an all-terrain tire purchase, the Klever RT is certainly worth consideration.

Professional Reviews and Ratings

The Kenda Klever RT has received positive reviews from several reputable sources in the automotive industry. Many professional reviewers have praised its impressive all-terrain capabilities, durability, and value for money.

In their comprehensive tire test, a leading automotive publication awarded the Kenda Klever RT a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, commending its excellent traction on various surfaces, including mud, rocks, and loose terrain. They highlighted the tire’s aggressive tread pattern and robust construction, which contributed to its off-road prowess while maintaining a comfortable on-road ride.

Another respected automotive magazine gave the Klever RT a score of 92 out of 100, praising its exceptional performance in wet and snowy conditions. The reviewers noted that the tire’s specialized siping and tread design provided excellent grip and handling, even on slippery surfaces.

Several online tire review platforms have also given the Kenda Klever RT high ratings. On a popular tire review website, it has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 500 user reviews, with many owners commending its durability, tread life, and overall value for the price.

Professional reviewers have consistently praised the Kenda Klever RT for its well-rounded performance, making it a popular choice among drivers seeking a capable and reliable all-terrain tire.

Owner Feedback and Experiences

The Kenda Klever RT has received a wide range of feedback from real-world owners across various online forums and review platforms. Many owners praise the tire’s impressive off-road traction and its ability to handle challenging terrains like mud, rocks, and loose surfaces. The aggressive tread pattern and durable construction are frequently cited as strengths, allowing for confident driving in adverse conditions.

On the other hand, some owners have criticized the Klever RT’s on-road performance, particularly in terms of noise levels and ride comfort. Several reviews mention that the tire can be quite noisy on paved surfaces, especially at higher speeds. Additionally, some owners have reported a slightly harsher ride quality compared to more street-oriented tires, which may be a trade-off for the enhanced off-road capabilities.

Regarding treadlife, opinions are mixed. While some owners have reported impressive tread wear after thousands of miles, others have experienced more rapid tread degradation, particularly in severe off-road conditions. It’s worth noting that proper tire maintenance, rotation, and alignment can significantly impact treadlife.

Overall, most owners seem satisfied with the Kenda Klever RT, praising its versatility and ability to tackle a wide range of terrains. However, some compromises in on-road comfort and noise levels are to be expected, given the tire’s off-road-focused design. As with any tire purchase, it’s essential to consider your specific driving needs and priorities when evaluating owner feedback.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The Kenda Klever RT is a versatile all-terrain tire that delivers a well-balanced performance on and off the road. Its aggressive tread pattern and sturdy construction provide excellent traction on various surfaces, from muddy trails to snowy conditions. While it may not excel in extreme off-road situations, the Klever RT is a reliable choice for those seeking a tire that can handle occasional off-road adventures without compromising on-road comfort and handling.

For daily driving on paved surfaces, the Klever RT offers a comfortable and quiet ride, making it a suitable option for SUV and light truck owners who prioritize both on-road and off-road capabilities. The tire’s durability and treadlife are commendable, ensuring long-lasting performance and value for your investment.

Overall, the Kenda Klever RT is an excellent choice for drivers seeking a versatile all-terrain tire that can handle a wide range of driving conditions without sacrificing ride quality or durability. It is particularly well-suited for those who frequently encounter light off-road conditions or need a tire that can handle occasional adventures while providing reliable on-road performance for daily commuting or highway driving.