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Last updated 12/12/2024 - Originally published 12/12/2024
Written by SimpleTire
The Taiwanese tire manufacturer Kenda was established in 1962 and offers tires for use on passenger cars, CUVs, SUVs, light trucks, ATVs/UTVs, golf karts, lawn & garden equipment, and various other applications. On the other hand, Falken is a Japanese tire brand that was established in 1983 and is also a part of Sumitomo Rubber North America Inc. Both tire brands cater to different vehicle types in the American subcontinent and have a diversified portfolio of tires to suit different driving styles and purposes.
Coming from these two tire manufacturers are the two reliable rugged-terrain tires, the Kenda Klever R/T(KR601) and the Falken Wildpeak R/T01 that we will be comparing here. To mention, rugged-terrain tires are hybrid tires and can be called a great blend of all-terrain and mud-terrain tires. Like the traditional all-terrains they can be used on paved roads, but they also offer a slightly better off-roading experience, taking inspiration from mud-terrain tires.
Both Kenda and Falken have incorporated advanced technologies and features to make these rugged-terrain tires good for reliable on-road driving and solid off-road performance. The Klever R/T KR601 and the Wildpeak R/T01 tires are a great choice for use on light trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps, and they are both optimized for year-round traction.
So, based on SimpleScore, the tire rating system introduced by SimpleTire, let’s evaluate how these Klever and Wildpeak tires perform overall, as well on traction, handling, and longevity fronts. Read on this Klever R/T KR601 vs Wilpdeak R/T01 tires comparison to find out which of the two best meets your driving style and needs!
Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) tires
The Kenda Klever R/T KR601 made its debut in April 2020 and is suitable for use on Jeeps, light trucks, and SUVs. Built and designed to offer solid traction on rough roads without compromising the ride and comfort of a typical all-terrain tire, the Klever R/T KR601 boasts solid durability, offers year-round traction, ensures reduced noise levels, and sports aggressive styling. There are dedicated features offered with the Kenda Klever R/T KR601 that enhance off-road and snow performance and provide damage resistance. What makes it more interesting is its studdable tread design that allows you to give the tires a boost in traction while driving on snowy terrains. With a ton of features offered for enhanced driving experience on- and off-road, the Klever R/T KR601 achieves an admirable 7.9 SimpleScore rating overall.
Falken Wildpeak R/T01 tires
The Falken Wildpeak R/T01 was launched in October 2022 and since then, it has been well-received by enthusiasts and daily drivers because of its great capabilities. The tire sports ultimate abilities to defend itself in rugged conditions and provide traction in the most challenging environments. It is optimized for stability and great road manners on the highways and its towing and hauling abilities are also exceptional. The aggressive look makes it a great companion for those rugged-looking pickups and SUVs and its sidewall design certainly engages the onlookers at first glance. All these great features award the Wildpeak R/T01 an 8.7 SimpleScore rating.
Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) vs Falken Wildpeak R/T01 tires on traction
Evaluation of traction performance is important in the case of both the Klever R/T and the Wildpeak R/T01 as they both are engineered for on- and off-road driving. To find out how these tires perform on the traction front, we compared the features and dedicated SimpleScores, and the findings reported that there was a big difference in the performances of both tires.
Let’s talk about the Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) first which scores a 7.6 rating in traction. The rating is good enough to prove that the tire is capable of serving well in certain conditions. The tread features interlocking center tread blocks that deliver aggressive off-road and snow performance, while the larger grooves resist hydroplaning and ensure better traction in wet and muddy conditions. The aggressive Triple Threat Sidewall of the tire further boosts the traction performance in rugged off-road conditions. The icing on the cake is the introduction of studdable treads that can be pinned with studs to further increase grip and traction in snowy conditions.
On the contrary, the Wildpeak R/T01 scores a higher 8.5 SimpleScore rating in traction. Thanks to a hybrid tread pattern that utilizes optimized rubber compound for increased grip in varying weather and terrain conditions. The wider open shoulders increase traction in muddy and rocky terrains, offering better off-road performance. Likewise, the aggressive upper sidewall and shoulder blocks also offer claw-like traction while driving with low pressures. Additionally, the Wildpeak R/T01 also sports sharper tread block edges and sipes across the footprint for increased performance in dry, wet, and light snow conditions.
Looking at the traction scores, it is quite visible that the Wildpeak R/T01 wins the race and leaves the Klever R/T KR601 behind.
ADVANTAGE: Falken Wildpeak R/T01
Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) vs Falken Wildpeak R/T01 tires on handling
Let’s talk about the handling performances of the Klever R/T KR601 and the Wildpeak R/T01 now. When the scores of both tires for handling were compared, a slight difference was seen. To mention, the evaluation of the handling performances of these tires helps the tire buyer understand their lane-changing ability, steering response, stability, and cornering performance.
Commencing with the Kenda Klever R/T KR601, the tire scores an 8.0 SimpleScore in handling, which is good enough to reveal that the tire is good at responding to steering commands and overall controllability. The high sipe density provides increased stability in wintry conditions, while the studdable tread further boosts ride control in snow. The wider footprint and robust shoulder maintain stability on the highways as well as during occasional off-road adventures. The sidewalls are sturdy enough to handle the cornering pressures and ease rock climbing and sailing through the dunes.
The Wildpeak R/T01, on the other hand, scores an 8.5 in handling and for this, the credit goes to many great features the tire is offered with. The hybrid tread pattern of the Wildpeak R/T01 ensures optimum stability and better road manners on the highways. The Tectonic tread blocks with step-down support also increase stability and improve the towing and hauling capabilities of the tire. The footprint has multiple edges and sipes to maximize surefootedness in varying terrain and weather conditions.
Looking at the features and scores, it is the Wildpeak R/T01 that surpasses the Klever R/T KR601.
ADVANTAGE: Falken Wildpeak R/T01
Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) vs Falken Wildpeak R/T01 tires on longevity
Longevity is another important factor as no one wants a tire that wears quickly. The difference in the longevity scores of both tires was the maximum. Here’s what we found!
First, let’s talk about the Kenda Klever R/T KR601 which scores a great 8.2 SimpleScore rating in longevity. This score highlights that the tire can serve for an extended period, subject to timely maintenance and rotation. The Triple thread 3-ply sidewall of the tire provides solid durability and helps in controlling the wear rate. The reinforced construction of the tire also ensures long-lasting wear and protects from cuts and punctures. The use of extra rim protector shields further guards the tire for extended use. However, it lacks the tread life warranty, which usually indicates that the manufacturer is confident that the tire will run for a good number of miles.
That’s not the case with the Wildpeak R/T01 as it scores a higher 9.2 SimpleScore rating and is also backed by a generous 50,000 miles limited manufacturer tread life warranty that confirms that the drivers can enjoy the drives for at least 50K miles worry-free. The aggressive upper sidewall of the tire protects sharp rocks for an extended service, while the wide open shoulders provide solid defense in off-road conditions. The inner casing of the tire is reinforced enough to keep that in shape and armored enough to handle off-road pressures.
Looking at the scores it can be seen that the Wildpeak R/T01 wins all three areas including longevity and the Klever R/T KR601 is the runner-up.
ADVANTAGE: Falken Wildpeak R/T01
When to use each
Both tires are suitable for on- and off-road use and therefore, consider using them if you are looking for something that’s not only good for driving on highways but also great when it comes to off-road driving. These tires are good for year-round use in dry, wet, and light snow conditions. However, none of them is Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, and therefore, they cannot be used in moderate to severe winter conditions. But yes, if you want to get extra traction on snow, you can consider Kenda Klever R/T KR601 tires as they can be pinned with studs and used wherever permissible by law (refer to your local laws pertaining to the use of studdable tires). If you are looking for something that’s driven more on paved roads and less in rough conditions, all-terrain tires could be your best bet. Similarly, if you’re looking for a set of tires that are purely for off-road purposes, then consider buying a set of mud-terrain tires.
When it comes to tire sizes, the Klever R/T KR601 tires are available in 15- to 24-inch rim sizes and the Wildpeak R/T01 tires are offered in 16- to 22-inch rim sizes.
Which one should you choose?
Based on overall SimpleScores, the Wildpeak R/T01 comes out as a better choice than the Klever R/T KR601 (8.7 vs 7.9). However, both tires have their respective strengths and specialties, which must be taken into consideration to buying a set of tires that suits your driving preferences.
When it comes to pricing, the Kenda Klever R/T KR601 is available at a starting price of at least $189.43 per tire, while the Wildpeak R/T01 is offered at a starting price of at least $277.00 per tire. This means a set of four Klever R/T tires will cost you at least $757.72, while a set of four Wildpeak R/T01 tires will be available at a price of at least $1108.00. So, here it is quite visible that the Wildpeak tires are good in all the areas of consideration, however, they are more expensive than the Klever tires.
Based on our SimpleScore analysis and detailed observations done on each tire, we have reached the following conclusions:
You should choose the Klever R/T KR601 if you:
- Drive a powerful pickup truck like the RAM 2500 or a mid-size SUV like the Toyota 4Runner
- Need a set of tires that performs better in snowy conditions and is also studdable for extra traction
- Need a set of tires that’s reliable and yet affordable
- Want a set of tires in the range of 15- to 24-inch rim sizes
You should choose the Wildpeak R/T01 if you:
- Drive a full-size pickup truck like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or an off-road SUV like the Jeep Wrangler
- Need a set of tires that’s better in traction
- Need a set of tires that’s better in handling
- Need a set of tires that’s better in longevity
- Need a set of tires that’s backed by a 50,000 miles limited manufacturer tread life warranty
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.