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Last updated 11/27/2024 - Originally published 11/27/2024
Written by SimpleTire
Rugged terrain tire tires are available from brands like Kanati and Kenda, and they are engineered for exceptional performance in challenging off-road environments, including mud, dirt, sand, gravel, and rock.
These tires are equipped with aggressive tread patterns that enable them to tackle various terrains with ease. Reinforced sidewalls are a key feature, providing crucial protection against damage during off-road driving. These tires are popular choices for light trucks, jeeps, and SUVs, offering drivers reliable traction even in slippery conditions. Their durable construction ensures they can withstand harsh terrain for better traction.
While both tires offer great performance, one has to be better than the other, right? Let’s compare Kanati Terra Commander RTX vs Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) tires using SimpleScore to show where each tire excels and which one might be right for you.
Kanati Terra Commander RTX tires
The Kanati Terra Commander RTX is known for its handling, and performance, designed for light trucks and SUVs, this tire boasts an aggressive tread pattern, robust sidewalls, and shoulder lugs to deliver exceptional off-road traction and performance while exuding a rugged appearance. Built-in stone ejectors enhance self-cleaning capabilities, ensuring consistent traction and safeguarding the casing from potential damage. Additionally, it comes with a 45,000 miles limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
The tire boasts an average great SipleScore of 8.4 out of 10. This tire excels in handling and traction, specifically, off-road.
Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) tires
If you are looking for an alternate tire brand that is equally efficient in gripping the roads and delivering great performance all year round, look at the Kenda Klever R/T (KR601), this rugged terrain tire is crafted for light trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs, providing drivers with exceptional handling and outstanding all-weather traction, ensuring reliable performance in any off-road setting. Additionally, This tire can be pinned with TSMI #15 studs, where permitted, to increase traction in severe winter weather conditions.
You also notice that increased block stiffness enhances handling performance, and the Klever R/T (KR601)'s strong tread compound resists cuts and chips while also allowing for longer tread life. This tire boasts a solid SimpleScore average of 7.9.
Kanati Terra Commander RTX vs Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) tires on traction
Traction is crucial in rugged terrain tires because it directly affects their ability to grip the road or terrain surface.
Comparing the above two based on traction, you will see that the Kanati Terra Commander RTX comes with an aggressive tread pattern that allows for solid traction and performance on- and off-road. This has helped this tire to reach a solid average traction SimpleScore of 8.4 which is a solid score when it comes to performance.
On the other hand, the Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) has a score of 7.6 out of 10 in traction. This is thanks to an aggressive tread pattern and a Triple Threat Sidewall that includes 3 full carcass plies, aggressive sidewall tread, and robust bead protector for superior handling and traction in dry and wet weather conditions. Additionally, it can be pinned with TSMI #15 studs for extra traction in severe ice and snow.
Regarding traction, the Kanati Terra Commander RTX leaps over the Kenda Klever R/T (KR601).
ADVANTAGE: Kanati Terra Commander RTX
Kanati Terra Commander RTX vs Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) tires on handling
The handling of a tire is improved by different elements of the tire’s tread pattern and the tire’s overall design.
The Kanati Terra Commander RTX sports a great 8.4 SimpleScore for handling, which is largely driven by the tire’s mud and stone ejectors within the tread that clear debris to help create a longer tread life so that drivers can spend more time off-roading to conquer the toughest road conditions while also adding an extra layer of protection.
On the flip side, the Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) is a little behind the Kanati Terra Commander RTX for handling as the tire comes in with a SimpleScore of 8. The tire comes with increased block stiffness and a robust bead protector that enhances handling performance.
Here again, the Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) falls short in front of the Kanati Terra Commander RTX over responsive vehicle handling.
ADVANTAGE: Kanati Terra Commander RTX
Kanati Terra Commander RTX vs Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) tires on longevity
Longevity is equally important to traction and handling when purchasing a tire. The longevity of a tire depends on several factors, including the quality of the tire, driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance.
Starting with the Kanati Terra Commander RTX, the tire offers a great SimpleScore of 8.4 out of 10 on the longevity front. The tire's durable rubber compound and reinforced construction collaborate to enhance handling, leading to an extended tread life. Additionally, its optimized design and connected shoulders increase the rubber contact with the road, preventing uneven wear by evenly distributing road forces, while also improving handling. Additionally, it comes with a warranty of 45,000.
Conversely, the Klever R/T (KR601)’s SimpleScore in longevity is two points less at 8.2. The tire comes with an enhanced tread compound to improve wear performance on the road while maintaining cut-and-chip resistance off the road. Additionally, mud and stone ejector bars between the shoulder lugs prevent damage from stone drills and aid self-cleaning. The Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) also features reinforced construction, and its innovative tread design gives drivers a quiet, comfortable ride, plus even wear to extend the tire's tread life.
Here again, you will notice progress in terms of longevity for the Kanati Terra Commander RTX over the Kenda Klever R/T (KR601). Additionally, the Kanati tire comes with a mileage warranty which is missing for the Kenda tire.
ADVANTAGE: Kanati Terra Commander RTX
When to use each
Rugged terrain tires can perform well on various surfaces, such as paved roads, dirt trails, snow, and mud. They are a good choice for drivers who want a versatile tire that can handle different driving conditions.
Both the Kanati Terra Commander RTX and Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) perform well in both on-road and off-road driving. As rugged-terrain tires, they can be used for moderate temperatures but in case you stay in an area that witnesses heavy snow and extreme weather conditions, you will need a pair of winter tires, because they offer unmatched performance in snow and ice, making them suitable for regions with severe winter conditions.
Finally, cautious driving habits and avoiding harsh conditions can help preserve the tread and overall integrity of the tires.
Which one should you choose?
So, which rugged-terrain tire is the right option for you? When looking at SimpleScore, the Kanati Terra Commander RTX is way ahead of the Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) with an overall score of 8.4 versus 7.9.
As noted above, there are key differences between the two tires and these need to be weighed against each other to determine what’s best for you. Finally (and maybe, most importantly), pricing on these two tires is a bit different as Kanati Terra Commander RTX tires cost approx $139.99 per tire while Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) tires cost approx $189.43 per tire. That means a set of four Kanati Terra Commander RTX rugged terrain tires will cost you approx $559.96 for a set of four, while a set of four Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) tires will cost you approx $757.72.
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Kanati Terra Commander RTX if you:
- Drive a light truck like the Mitsubishi Challenger, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Fortuner, or the Chevrolet Tahoe
- You are looking for an affordable tire that also performs better in all aspects
- Looking for great longevity (8.4 vs 8.2)
- Want solid vehicle handling of (8.4 vs 8.0)
- Looking for increased traction at (8.4 vs 7.6)
- Looking for a warranty of 45,000
Conversely, you should choose the Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) if you:
- Drive a Ford F-250, Hummer H3, Land Rover Defender, Dodge RAM 1500, or Nissan Titan or a Ram 3500
- You want a tire from the Kenda brand
- You want a tire that can be studded as permitted by law
Kanati Terra Commander RTX vs Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) tires might not seem a close comparison on the surface, but the above clearly shows that either is a great option. Remember, both of the tire brands are some of the best tire manufacturers on the market, and that tradition continues with the Kanati Terra Commander RTX and Kenda Klever R/T (KR601).
At the end of the day, the decision to buy one or the other depends on your vehicle, where (and how) you drive, and what you care more about in terms of traction, handling, longevity, and price.
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.