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Last updated 12/03/2024 - Originally published 12/03/2024
Written by SimpleTire
Founded in 1962, the Taiwanese tire brand Kenda Tire was introduced in the US market in the early 90s. In a significantly short period, Kenda Tire has emerged as a capable tire option in the replacement tire market, especially in the off-road segment. On the other hand, we have Cooper Tire, a revered American tire maker that has a vast portfolio of all-terrain, all-season, winter, mud-terrain, and UHP tires designed for passenger cars, SUVs, CUVs, and light trucks. Kenda and Cooper tires are loved for their off-road range of tires that offer spectacular performance without costing a bomb.
Designed for jeeps, 4x4s, SUVs, and pickup trucks, the Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 and Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT feature sturdy rubber compounds, reinforced carcasses, and aggressive tread patterns for effective all-round performances on paved and unpaved roads. While both assure solid durability and great grip on challenging terrains, their limited manufacturer tread life warranties further ascertain their value among off-road enthusiasts. So, which is the one to go for? Let’s compare Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 vs. Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT based on our SimpleScore scoring mechanism to know which one is a better option.
Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 tires
Introduced in 2020, the Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 is a capable all-terrain tire that features an aggressive style and optimized tread pattern to conquer challenging terrains while being civilized on paved roads. Designed at the Kenda American Technical Center, the next-gen all-terrain tire promises solid durability, effective traction, and enhanced performance on and off the road. While the interlocking center tread offers improved lateral and off-road forward traction, the numerous biting edges of the Klever A/T2 KR628 lend extra grip, control, and traction. The Three Peak Mountain Snowflake-certified Kenda tire features high sipe density for superior ice and snow performance. While the computer-tuned footprint boosts wearability and steering response, the upper sidewall design and sturdy rubber compound resist tears, cuts, and abrasions. It is backed by a solid 50,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
With an average SimpleScore of 8.1 out of 10, the Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 assures great handling, traction, control, and longevity without breaking the bank.
Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT tires
Launched a couple of years later than the Kenda, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT is designed for medium to heavy-duty trucks and features Durable-Tread technology for solid durability and a longer service life. Boasting a cut and chip-resistant rubber compound, the Cooper tire comes with Whisper Grooves Technology, which reduces noise and vibration levels for a quiet and comfortable ride quality. The Three Peak Mountain Snowflake-certified Discoverer AT3 LT offers superb performance in rainy, dry, and moderate to severe wintry conditions. While the stone ejectors resist the accumulation of stone, rocks, and dirt within the tread, the robust construction ensures increased durability even under heavy loads. It is backed by a solid 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
With a SimpleScore of 8.4, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT promises increased durability, traction, control, and longevity on different surfaces.
Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 vs Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT tires on traction
Traction is defined as the ability of a tire to remain grounded during motion without skidding. Both all-terrain tires promise great traction on and off the road. Let’s check out their traction scores.
Boasting an 8, the Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 features an interlocking center tread pattern for improved lateral and off-road forward traction. The Kenda tire has a high sipe density that creates more biting edges for effective snow and ice performance. It comes with the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification for improved performance in moderate to severe winter conditions.
Scoring an 8.4, the Cooper tire features deep and wide grooves that aid it in conquering difficult terrains. While the sidewall-extending shoulder design of the Discoverer AT3 LT provides extra traction, stone ejectors lend consistent traction by clearing gravel, stone, rocks, and debris from the tread. The Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification assures great snow and ice performance in moderate to heavy winter conditions.
With a better traction score, it’s the Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT that turns out to be ‘cleverer’ than the Klever A/T2 KR28.
ADVANTAGE: Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT
Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 vs Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT tires on handling
The more precise the steering response the more fun it is to drive the car and the more in control you are of your vehicle. At high speeds and during off-road runs, you need to have optimum control and accurate handling to travel safely.
The Kenda all-terrain tire scores a modest 7.9 in handling thanks to high-density siping and computer-optimized footprint that improves steering response and stability both on and off the road.
On the other hand, the Discoverer AT3 LT, with a score of 8.6, features a new rubber compound and tough shoulder blocks that happily sail it through rocky terrains, highways, and suburban roads. Moreover, the Wear Arc Technology aids in returning improved handling.
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT continues its supremacy by beating the Kenda in the handling section too.
ADVANTAGE: Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT
Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 vs Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT tires on longevity
The longevity of a tire depends on driving habits, tire maintenance, tire quality, and weather conditions. We know that the Kenda and Cooper tires are great when it comes to service life, but let the SimpleScores confirm the same.
The Klever A/T2 KR628 achieves an 8.6 longevity score thanks to an aggressive upper-sidewall design that resists cuts, tears, and damages for a longer service life. Furthermore, the computer-optimized contact patch ensures the returns even wear throughout its lifecycle. It is backed by a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty for P-Metric and Metric sizes and a 50,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty for LT sizes.
Contrarily, the Cooper boasts a slightly low longevity score (8.5) compared to the Kenda. Thanks to the Durable-Tread and Even Wear Arc technologies, the Discoverer AT3 LT limits cuts and chips while resisting stone drilling to protect the tire from damage. It also comes with a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
Finally, the Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 wins a section, by a whisker (0.1).
ADVANTAGE: Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628
When to use each
All-terrain tires offer solid durability and performance on paved and unpaved roads thanks to their reinforced construction and sturdy rubber compound that helps negate cuts, chips, and snags on the way. If you travel more off-road than on-road, you can go with mud-terrain tires as they offer superior off-road performance but then you need to compromise on the on-road comfort.
If you mostly travel on highways, highway terrain tires are your best companion as they come with sturdy sidewalls and tough construction to bear heavy loads as well as all-season tread patterns to provide comfortable rides.
Which one should you choose?
To sum up, it’s the Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT that wins 2 out of 3 sections, while the Kenda only has a longevity section as a saving grace. So, if you prefer better traction and precise handling, the Cooper should be your choice; if you are someone whose priority is service life, the Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 is the perfect workhorse for you. Let’s compare their prices to understand which is the deal with better value.
For an LT235/80R17 120/117R E tire size, the Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 costs roughly $186 per tire, while a set of four tires cost $744. Contrarily, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT is tagged at $303 per tire and four such tires will cost $1212 (the difference in their prices is a whopping $468!).
Based on SimpleScores, you can choose the Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 if you:
- Drive vehicles like Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Jeep Wrangler, and Dodge Durango
- Want a longer service life (8.6 vs 8.5)
- Prefer a more affordable option
You can go for the Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT if you:
- Drive vehicles like Toyota Tundra, GMC Sierra 2500, and Ford F-350
- Want better handling (8.6 vs 7.9)
- Prefer better traction (8.5 vs 8)
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.