Kenda Tires Review: If you have a tight budget, our Kenda tires review is great for owners. who want to replace their tires without spending a lot of money. We all know an entire set can cost an arm and a leg if you aren’t careful. But you don’t need to overspend on ultra-high performance tires. you mainly drive something like a Pontiac Aztek. Not that the Aztek doesn’t deserve a nice set! But you get my point – your tire choice should match the vehicle. This is where Kenda tires shine brightest.
Unlike the old days with limited consumer choice, today we have brands like Kenda offering safe, above-average performance for the same price as cheap no-name Chinese tires.Kenda has an interesting origin story, launched in 1962 in Yuanlin, Taiwan. They started on motorcycle and scooter tires in the 1970s, then grew into lawn equipment and trailer tires by the 1980s.
Kenda set up US operations in Ohio in 1991, and then entered the passenger car radial market in 2001 with a Chinese manufacturing venture.Two big things make Kenda stand out – attractive pricing and thoughtful tread designs. Now I know we shouldn’t judge a tire solely on looks, like judging how fast a sloth can sprint.
But a good-looking tread makes a strong first impression that can dramatically elevate a vehicle’s style. Thankfully Kenda hasn’t sacrificed design for cost savings. The price tags and curb appeal are just the start of why drivers should take note of this brand.
Where are Kenda tires made?
Kenda Rubber Industrial Company makes tires in Taiwan. They have been making tires since 1962. They have factories in Taiwan, Mainland China, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
Why Choose Kenda Tires?
Above-average performance
Kenda tires are not as good as Michelin or Continental, but they perform better than many cheaper no-name brands. They handle well in wet and dry conditions and brake well too. The tread also lasts pretty well, even though they are very cheap. So drivers get good usable traction and safety at a bargain price point.
Affordable pricing
Without a doubt, attractive pricing is Kenda’s biggest selling point. You can score a quality set of new Kenda tires for around $45-50 per tire in many common sizes. Considering the advanced compounds and engineering that goes into tires nowadays, that kind of value is a major win for budget-focused shoppers.
Surprising variety
Kenda offers a wider selection of models than expected too. While not comparable to the vast global offerings of Michelin or Bridgestone, Kendas come tailored for cars, trucks, minivans, and SUVs of all types. So most drivers can find a design fit for their unique vehicle handling needs. That customization is nice given the discount pricing.
Testing Criteria for Kenda Tires
With over 7 years of experience in the tire industry, I’ve tested my fair share of tire brands during that time. And living here in Carolina, our weather allows me to push tires to the limit in all conditions – dry roads, rain and wet pavement, and of course snow and ice when winter rolls around.
So I’ve gotten to know how a lot of these tires actually perform through hands-on, year-round driving. I take into account traction, handling and braking on dry roads, grip and hydroplaning resistance when it’s wet, plus ice and packed snow capabilities.
In this Kenda tire review guide, I’ll share my real-world testing impressions to give drivers a good consumer understanding of Kenda’s strengths and limitations. I try to evaluate each tire model honestly through the lens of an everyday driver, not just as an industry expert. My goal is for regular folks to know what to reasonably expect if they choose to go the Kenda route to save some money versus buying premium name brands.
Best 4 Kenda Tires Review:
| Tire Model | Dry Road | Wet Road | Snowy Road | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenda Klever A/T2 | Good (some slippage at high speeds) | Excellent | Good (average driving, not aggressive) | 4/5 |
| Kenda Kenetica KR17 | Excellent | Good (some grip issues) | Not recommended | 3/5 |
| Kenda Vezda UHP A/S | Good (excellent cornering grip) | Strong (excellent aquaplaning resistance) | Not recommended | 4/5 (limited winter performance) |
| Kenda Klever R/T KR601 | Exceptional (off-road performance) | Excellent | Moderate (not for high-speed) | 4/5 (limited winter performance) |
1. Kenda Klever A/T2
Kenda has a new tire called the Klever A/T2. It performs really well on all types of roads. If you want one set of tires for driving on highways and offroading, the Klever A/T2 is a top choice. These tires work well no matter where you go.
Dry Conditions
The Klever A/T2 tire has good grip and traction on dry roads, even when carrying a heavy load. I was impressed by its confident handling in dry conditions, especially considering its mid-range price. The braking distances are short for its price range, and you can drive aggressively before it starts to lose control. However, if you push it too far, it will lose some grip. Overall, it performs well in dry conditions, especially for its price.
Wet Conditions
Wet roads can be a problem for many tires, but the Klever A/T2 handles rain and puddles easily. It has good traction and stability in wet weather, which is enough for most driving situations. You can go around corners with lots of puddles without worrying about hydroplaning because of the grooved lugs. Just be careful not to drive too fast through deep standing water.
Snow Conditions
And with a 3PMSF snow rating, the Klever A/T2 unsurprisingly handles light snow and slush with no problem. At normal winter pace, they shine bright. Just don’t expect high intensity ice racing traction if you go with a thrill ride in the snow. Stick to average winter driving and these will excel given their pricing tier.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent wet road performance: Strong grip, handling, and aquaplaning resistance. | Limited dry road performance at high speeds: Some slippage can occur. |
| Good mud and off-road traction: Capable of handling moderate off-road conditions. | Not ideal for aggressive off-roading: Not as robust as dedicated mud tires. |
| Enhanced winter performance: Offers better grip than many all-terrain tires in snow, but not a true winter tire. | Not suitable for icy roads: Can struggle on hard-packed snow and ice. |
| Relatively quiet ride: Comfortable for highway driving compared to some other all-terrain tires. | Lower handling stability than some competitors: May not be as responsive as other options on dry roads. |
| Affordable price point: Offers good value for its performance. |
2. Kenda Kenetica KR17
Kenda’s Kenetica KR17 tire delivers sporty styling and all-season performance well-suited for coupes, CUVs and SUVs. With Kenda’s latest NMA tech molded in, the KR17 aims for durable driving in all weather extremes.
Dry Road Handling
Testing on a Mitsubishi 3000GT, the KR17 impressed me on warm dry pavement. The grip levels felt fantastic, with the tires sticking hard even when I picked up speed. Traction out of corners was plentiful, and I could brake aggressively with little drama. The steering also felt accurately controlled.
Wet Weather Performance
In the rain, the competent road-holding mostly continued, with only an occasional slide during very hard driving. Wet braking distances were unfortunately longer than ideal. But keeping in mind the slick roads, they retained acceptable traction when pushing through tight wet corners. The tread pattern does a fine jobshedding water to resist hydroplaning concerns.
Snow and Ice
While light snow is manageable with care, I cannot fully endorse winter sport driving on the KR17s. Even with added studs, these all seasons struggle to find grip on frozen roads and tightly packed snow surfaces. They’re best suited to warm and even wet climates rather than icy cold environments.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent grip and traction on dry roads | Good, but not excellent, traction on wet roads |
| Excellent steering control | Not recommended for icy or hard-packed snow conditions |
| Affordable price point | May not be suitable for aggressive driving due to some grip issues in wet conditions |
| Relatively quiet ride |
3. Kenda Vezda UHP A/S
Kenda rolled out one of its highest performing tires back in 2017 – the Vezda UHP A/S. This ultra-high performance all-season model caters to sporty coupes and sedans packing some power under the hood. Right away, the confident dry and wet cornering grip won me over, especially for its reasonable price point.
Dry Traction
On warm, clear roads, the Vezda UHP offers up better than expected traction and control. The cornering hold matches the name, allowing you to dig deep into sweepers without losing composure. An asymmetric tread pattern and ample silica boost road adhesion across driving scenarios.
Wet Weather Handling
In wet conditions, four wide grooves kick water away to minimize hydroplaning concerns. But it’s the 3D sipes biting down all over that provide excellent wet weather behavior. The tire sticks hard, making it easy to drive aggressively when roads get slippery.
Snow and Ice
While capable on damp roads, I’d avoid piloting the Vezda UHP A/S in winter snow storms. The tread voids well for heavy rain, but packed snow and ice reduces the tire to a hockey puck. This one is best suited to warm environments and temporary light rain rather than heavy winter traction.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable: Often priced lower than comparable high-performance all-season tires. | Limited Winter Performance: Not recommended for icy roads or heavy snowfall. |
| Responsive Handling: Great cornering grip and steering control for a comfortable and confident driving experience. | Moderate Noise: May be slightly louder than some premium brands. |
| Quiet Ride: Lower noise levels compared to many other performance tires. | Average Treadwear: May not last as long as some competitors. |
| Year-Round Traction: Good performance in dry, wet, and light winter conditions. | Not for Off-Road Use: Not designed for off-road driving or heavy mud/snow conditions. |
| Long Tread Life: Offers a 50,000-mile limited warranty, indicating good expected wear. | Fuel Efficiency: May not be as fuel-efficient as some eco-focused tires. |
4. Kenda Klever R/T KR601
Kenda rolled out the Klever R/T KR601 in 2018 – a rugged all-terrain tire targeting SUVs and light trucks needing to venture off the paved path routinely. Sitting between a mild all-terrain and extreme mud terrain tire, the KR601 uses a burly construction and triple tread towers ready for whatever the trails may bring.
Dry Road Dynamics
Even with its rugged intentions, the KR601 grips and handles dry pavement with ease. The durable compound sticks hard around corners, providing responsive feel even when pushed. Impressively, it remains stable and predictable at higher velocities too – no squirming on dry roads here.
Wet Weather Handling
Similarly, the deep grooves and void space shrug off wet roads and splashing rain puddles. Where comparable tires lose some composure, the KR601 retains impressive steering precision and steady tracking when the clouds open up. Standing water doesn’t phase it much either thanks to effective water evacuation.
Snow Traction
Donning M+S certification, the KR601 can manage lighter snow with expected grip and control up to moderate pace. But push the pace inaccumulating frozen powder or icy ruts and it can struggle to match a dedicated winter tire. Still, its balance of on- and off-road manners makes it easy to live with year-round in areas with milder winters.
Let me know if any other questions on the Klever R/T KR601!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional dry and off-road performance: Excellent grip, traction, and handling on dirt, gravel, and other unpaved surfaces. | Moderate snow performance: Not specifically designed for winter conditions and may not perform well in heavy snow or on ice. |
| Strong wet road performance: Excellent grip and resistance to hydroplaning in wet conditions. | Higher road noise: May be louder than some other all-terrain tires on the highway. |
| Durable construction: Designed to withstand the demands of off-road driving. | Not as fuel-efficient as some other tire options. |
| Wider range of sizes available: Fits a variety of vehicle types and sizes. |
Are Kenda Tires Good?
Kenda makes good tires that are worth considering. They are a good option if you want good quality tires without spending too much money. What stands out is how they have a variety of tires that perform well, last a long time, and are reasonably priced for different types of vehicles.
Kenda tires are great for any type of vehicle, whether it’s a basic car or an SUV that goes off-road occasionally. These tires are comfortable to ride and handle well. They are also affordable. The treadwear also meets expectations for the reasonable prices.
Are Kenda tires as good as premium brands that cost twice as much? Not exactly. If you prioritize good value and versatility for mostly driving on paved roads with occasional off-road trips, consider Kenda. It offers quality at a lower cost.
Overall, Kenda tires are reliable for everyday use instead of focusing on maximum performance. If you want good tires that are well-rounded and affordable, you should definitely consider Kenda. They have great features and provide a good ride compared to other budget options.
Conclusion
Kenda tires are high quality and affordable. My friend still loves the performance and value of the set I recommended to him years ago. Kenda tires outperform their price range, offering good traction and durability. They handle well in dry and wet conditions and provide a smooth, quiet ride. Kenda is a great option for those looking for value. The upfront cost is low, but you get long-lasting tires that are quiet and have good grip all year. If you want reliable and affordable tires, consider Kenda. They offer great value for the price.