Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 vs Armstrong Tru-Trac AT tires

Established in 1962, Kenda is a Taiwanese tire manufacturer with a solid reputation across North America because of its highly innovative range of tires that bring along affordability and value. The tire manufacturer has its technical center in Akron, Ohio, which leads the development of reliable tires for use on passenger cars, light trucks, CUVs, SUVs, lawn & garden equipment, trailers, golf carts, farm applications, and EVs.

Armstrong is an American tire manufacturer founded in 1912 and makes tires for use on passenger cars, light trucks, CUVs, SUVs, commercial vehicles, lawn & garden applications, and farm equipment. Armstrong’s tire lineup takes inspiration from the brand’s focus on everyday value and solid durability. The tire manufacturer utilizes modern materials and advanced designs to deliver reliable performance.

The two all-terrain tires we have picked for the comparison here come from these two aforementioned manufacturers: the Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 and the Armstrong Tru-Trac AT. Both tires are suitable for use on light trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps, and offer versatile performance on- and off-road year-round. If you want to take smooth, silent rides or want to go for an occasional weekend adventure, these tires are certainly for you. But which one is right for you? That’s where this Klever A/T2 KR628 vs Tru-Trac AT tires comparison plays a key role.

To help you pick a reliable set of all-terrain tires out of the two, we will compare these tires using our proprietary tire rating system, SimpleScore. This will help us understand the overall potential of these tires, along with their performance in areas like traction, handling, and longevity on a scale of 0-10.

Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 tires

The Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 comes as a choice for value-conscious drivers looking for versatile performance on pavement as well as in mild mud, gravel, and dirt. The tire is tuned for solid year-round grip, increased durability, improved off-road traction, and defence against cuts and abrasions. Additionally, the best part about the tire is that it is Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certified for use in moderate to severe snow conditions.

Overall, the Klever A/T2 KR628 is rated a great 8.2 SimpleScore because of its decent tread life, solid traction, and great steering response.

Get Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Armstrong Tru-Trac AT tires

The Armstrong Tru-Trac AT also brings versatility to conquer both roads and rough terrain, but in dry, wet, and mild winter conditions (as it is not 3PMSF certified). The tire is tuned to offer consistent grip on asphalt and dirt paths and sports a symmetric pattern to provide solid traction performance, increased hydroplaning resistance, protection from irregular wear, and high-speed stability. Additionally, Armstrong has engineered the tire casing to resist chips and punctures, especially in rugged conditions.

Overall, the Tru-Trac AT is rated an 8.2 SimpleScore because of its long-lasting tread life, great traction, and responsive handling.

Get Armstrong Tru-Trac AT tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 vs Armstrong Tru-Trac AT tires on traction

Let’s commence the analysis with traction and find out which of the two tires leads when it comes to surface grip on roads and biting terrains off the roads.

First, we will talk about the Klever A/T2 KR628, which is rated an 8.1 SimpleScore because of its solid traction performance. Thanks to the deep grooves and a bunch of sipes across the footprint, which increase the biting ability on slippery surfaces or waterlogged roads. The Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification further adds to the tire’s merits of conquering roads and terrains even in moderate to severe winter weather, in temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

On the contrary, the Tru-Trac AT matches the rival in traction run and scores an identical 8.1. The tread features interlocking blocks and slanted tread corners for confident crawling and surface-biting in loose dirt, whereas the four circumferential zigzag grooves force out water from the contact patch to reduce the risk of hydroplaning. The traction performance is further enhanced by all-season rubber, which keeps the tread glued to pavement and rugged terrain in dry, wet, and mild winter weather.

Both tires score an identical rating in traction, which leads to a tie!

ADVANTAGE: Tie

Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 vs Armstrong Tru-Trac AT tires on handling

Moving on to handling, let’s find out which of the two tires scores and performs better when it comes to maintaining ride control, stability, offering solid steering response, stopping right on time, and staying balanced while cornering.

The Klever A/T2 KR628 secures an 8.0 SimpleScore for its reliable handling performance. The tire’s computer-optimized pattern prevents tread squirm under lateral stress and offers consistent stability. Likewise, the structural rigidity of the tire also contributes to a predictable steering response on paved roads. The variable tread sequencing of the tire further enhances the cabin experience by controlling the noise levels and vibrations. Additionally, the wider footprint of the Klever ensures improved cornering performance as well as stable rides.

Comparatively, the Tru-Trac AT takes a marginal leap and scores an 8.1 SimpleScore for its great handling performance on- and off-road. The solid tread blocks reduce flex during sharp turns for quicker steering feedback, while the sipes, grooves, and sharper block edges offer commendable braking performance. The reinforced inner casing of the tire helps withstand heavy vehicle loads for consistent performance on highways. Additionally, the optimized contact patch helps in solid high-speed stability on paved surfaces.

In the handling race, it is the Armstrong tire that takes the lead in commanding controllability year-round.

ADVANTAGE: Armstrong Tru-Trac AT

Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 vs Armstrong Tru-Trac AT tires on longevity

Now, let’s find out which of the two tires is better on the long-lasting front and offers better wear resistance and longer service.

Starting with the Klever A/T2 KR628, the tire secures a great 8.6 SimpleScore in longevity, assuring a decent service life. Likewise, the backing of 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty for P-metric sizes and 50,000 miles for LT-metric sizes underlines its impressive ability to resist wear. Additionally, the Klever tire also comes with built-in stone ejectors to prevent debris from drilling for a longer tread life.

Contrarily, the Tru-Trac AT comes with an outstanding 8.8 SimpleScore in longevity and confirms much better wear resistance. Across all sizes, the tire is backed by a higher 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty. The advanced connecting bridges and flat footprint further maximize service life by evenly distributing the driving forces.

No doubt, the Kenda tire has the ability to last longer, but the Armstrong tire excels with a better rating and similar warranty coverage for all of its available sizes.

ADVANTAGE: Armstrong Tru-Trac AT

When to use each

Both the Klever A/T2 KR628 and the Tru-Trac AT are all-terrain lines, designed and engineered to conquer trails, rough surfaces, and paved roads. While they both can be used in dry, wet, and light winter conditions, the Klever A/T2 KR628 comes with an extra ability to serve in moderate to severe winter conditions, as it is Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified.

As far as sizes are concerned, the Klever A/T2 KR628 is available in 15- to 22-inch rim options, while the Tru-Trac AT is offered in 15- to 20-inch rim choices.

Which one should you choose?

Based on SimpleScore, both tires stand equally well with an overall SimpleScore of 8.2. However, your selection of tires depends on whether you need an all-terrain tire with severe winter driving abilities or something that lasts longer and offers better handling on highways.

Coming to the prices, the Klever A/T2 KR628 is available at a starting price of at least $147 per tire, which means a set of four will cost at least $588. On the other hand, the Tru-Trac AT is offered at a starting price of at least $80 per tire, which means a set of four will cost at least $320.

Looking at SimpleScore, you must choose the Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 if you:

• Drive a vehicle like the Ford F-150, Toyota Tacoma, or Jeep Wrangler.
• Need a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified tire that can be used in moderate to severe winter conditions, along with its utility in dry and wet conditions.
• Need a tire in the rim size range of 15- to 22-inch rims.
• Need a tire that’s quiet.

On the other hand, you should prefer the Armstrong Tru-Trac AT if you:

• Drive a vehicle like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, RAM 1500, or Nissan Titan.
• Want a tire that’s better in longevity (8.8 vs 8.6).
• Want a tire that’s better in handling (8.1 vs 8.0).
• Want a tire that can withstand heavy loads and trailer weights.
• Want a tire that’s backed by a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty across all sizes.
• Want a tire that’s available in 15- to 20-inch rim sizes.

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.