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Last updated 12/31/2024 - Originally published 12/31/2024
Written by SimpleTire
For more than 25 years, GT Radial has been supplying high-quality tires to the North American market. The Singapore-based tire maker offers great value as its tires return adequate grip, traction, handling, and longevity across different seasons. Similarly, Kenda Tire is a Taiwan-based manufacturer rolling out tires for passenger cars, SUVs, CUVs, minivans, and light trucks. With the introduction of a new tire category – all-weather – both tire makers have tried their hand; the MaxClimate from GT Radial and Vezda Touring 4S (KR211) from Kenda are two decent tire lines assuring great year-round performance in unpredictable weather conditions.
Designed for passenger cars, minivans, and CUVs, the GT Radial MaxClimate and Kenda Vezda Touring 4S (KR211) returns increased grip, traction, stability, handling, and durability around the year in dry, wet, and moderate to severe snowy conditions. With solid limited manufacturer tread life warranties, the tires are Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified for great ice and snow performance. The asymmetric tread pattern not only boosts increased grip and traction but also returns precise steering response in different driving conditions. So, which one is a better option? Let’s compare GT Radial MaxClimate vs. Kenda Vezda Touring 4S (KR211) tires based on our proprietary SimpleScore to know the answer.
GT Radial MaxClimate tires
Launched in Dec 2024, the GT Radial MaxClimate is among the latest all-weather tires to open its account in the US. Marking GT Radial’s first attempt at all-weather tires, the MaxClimate features an asymmetrical tread pattern with an all-weather rubber compound for solid performance in dry, wet, and mild to extreme wintry conditions. Featuring full-depth zigzag sipes, the MaxClimate provides extra biting edges for effective grip, braking, and control on snow-covered roads. While the three circumferential grooves with connected lateral grooves allow easy channeling of water and slush to mitigate the risk of hydroplaning and boost wet traction, the optimized tread pitch sequencing ensures the noise and vibration levels are reduced so you can enjoy a comfortable ride quality. The Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified tire is backed by a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, road hazard warranty, 24-hour roadside protection, and 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
With a 7.6 SimpleScore, the GT Radial MaxClimate assures adequate traction, handling, control, and performance around the year.
Kenda Vezda Touring 4S (KR211) tires
The Vezda Touring 4S (KR211) is also the first attempt at an all-weather tire from Kenda. With large shoulders and hundreds of sipes, the Kenda all-weather tire offers great grip, handling, and traction in different driving conditions of dry, wet, and moderate and severe winter weather. While the asymmetric tread design improves steering response and stability, the optimized tread pattern reduces noise and vibration levels for a comfortable ride quality. Introduced in 2022, the Kenda Vezda Touring 4S (KR211) is a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified with deep sipes for extra biting edges in snow and ice. While the four circumferential grooves boost wet performance by reducing the risk of hydroplaning, the Kenda tire features a natural, soybean-infused rubber compound that maintains a consistent grip in unpredictable weather conditions. It is backed by a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
The Kenda Vezda Touring 4S (KR211) secures an 8.2 average score, ensuring solid traction, comfort, stability, and increased durability.
GT Radial MaxClimate vs Kenda Vezda Touring 4S (KR211) tires on traction
Traction allows the tire to remain in consistent contact with the surface without skidding. All-weather tires offer great traction and grip in wet and snowy conditions. The GT Radial and the Kenda promise adequate traction in dry, wet, and snow. Let’s see their scores.
With a 7.6 traction score, GT Radial MaxClimate features full-depth zigzag sipes that provide extra biting edges for effective traction, braking, and grip in dry, wet, and snow. The circumferential grooves allow quick water and slush evacuation to avoid the risk of hydroplaning and boost wet and snow traction.
On the other hand, the Kenda Vezda Touring 4S (KR211) scores 7.7 thanks to its natural, soybean oil-enriched silica and resins molded rubber compound that aids in altering its performance with the changing weather conditions while delivering consistent grip and traction year-round.
Here both tires are 3PMSF certified for use in moderate to severe winter weather conditions and with a marginally better score, the Kenda wins the traction race.
ADVANTAGE: Kenda Vezda Touring 4S (KR211)
GT Radial MaxClimate vs Kenda Vezda Touring 4S (KR211) tires on handling
All-weather tires are preferred for their increased handling and stability in different weather conditions. The MaxClimate and Vezda Touring 4S (KR211) return adequate handling performance.
Boasting an 8 in handling, the GT Radial MaxClimate features an asymmetric tread pattern that offers responsive handling and increased stability in dry, wet, and moderate to extreme winter conditions.
With a fine 8.1, the Kenda Vezda Touring 4S (KR211) features dense sipes and large shoulder blocks for enhanced dry cornering and controlled performance on slick surfaces. The center ribs with multiple sipes boost block stiffness for improved steering response.
Continuing its winning run, the Kenda tire beats the GT Radial by a small margin.
ADVANTAGE: Kenda Vezda Touring 4S (KR211)
GT Radial MaxClimate vs Kenda Vezda Touring 4S (KR211) tires on longevity
Longevity is the number of years or miles a tire can deliver. However, it depends on a number of factors such as driving habits, driving conditions, tire upkeep, tire quality, etc. Both the all-weather tires promise excellent durability and longevity.
Scoring an excellent 9 in longevity, the GT Radial MaxClimate has an optimized tread pattern that assures equal distribution of driving pressure, leading to even wear throughout its lifecycle. It is backed by a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
Conversely, the Kenda Vezda Touring 4S (KR211) levels the score with the GT Radial thanks to the advanced rubber compound infused with soybean-rich silica that resists uneven wear and promotes uniform wear throughout its lifecycle. It is covered by a solid 60,000 limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
With the same scores, both tires are neck and neck for tread life.
ADVANTAGE: Tie
When to use each
All-weather tires offer excellent grip, traction, braking, and control in different driving conditions along with exceptional tread life. They are the best for year-round service in regions that experience unpredictable weather with moderate to severe wintry conditions. However, if the temperature remains moderate the whole year with light snow, we recommend all-season tires as they offer extended tread life with adequate performance in dry, wet, and light snow.
For areas experiencing temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, you should opt for winter tires as they offer excellent performance in sub-freezing climatic conditions of heavy snow and ice.
Which one should you choose?
To sum up, the fight between all-weather tires is really close with no real winner. The Kenda Vezda Touring 4S (KR2211) offers marginally better scores in traction and handling while leveling scores in the longevity section. You can opt for the GT Radial MaxClimate for a quiet and comfortable ride quality.
Comparing the prices of the 235/40R19 96V XL tire size, the GT Radial MaxClimate costs around $192 per tire, and four such tires cost $768, while the Kenda Vezda Touring 4S (KR211) costs around $161 per tire, and four such tires cost $644 (a difference of $124).
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the GT Radial MaxClimate if you:
- Drive vehicles like the Hyundai Elantra, Tesla Model 3, and Chevrolet Cruze
- Want a long-lasting tire (9 out of 10)
- Prefer tires with a mileage warranty (60,000 miles)
You can opt for the Kenda Vezda Touring 4S (KR211) if you:
- Drive vehicles like the Dodge Dart, Ford Focus, and Buick Verano
- Are looking for slightly better traction (7.7 vs 7.6) and handling (8.1 vs 8)
- Want an affordable yet capable all-weather tire
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents will be more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.