Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 vs Sumitomo Encounter AT tires

Those who wish their vehicles to balance off-road capabilities with on-road comfort should think about buying the right all-terrain tires. The aim of this comparison is to examine two choices in the all-terrain category, namely the Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 and Sumitomo Encounter AT. From hard terrain to daily commutes, the high degrees of durability, traction, and flexibility help both tires to show outstanding performance in a variety of conditions. Using their features and advantages to generate SimpleScores in the major categories of traction, handling, and longevity, we will help you select which tire best fits your driving demands. By way of our unique approach, SimpleScore assigns 1-10 points to the abovementioned criteria as per their individual performances.

Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 tires

Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 lets drivers and vehicle occupants of light trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs enjoy smooth, quiet rides while gaining from high traction. Customers will be able to enjoy peace of mind from the limited manufacturer tread life warranty. An aggressive, interlocking tread pattern is able to generate off-road traction in both lateral and forward directions. On challenging terrain, the robust sidewall of the Klever A/T2 KR628 guards against cuts, bruising, and abrasion. With a high ply rating and Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, the Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 gets an average SimpleScore of 8.1, fit for tough winter service.

Sumitomo Encounter AT tires

While Japanese company Sumitomo Rubber Industries famously owns the Falken brand, it is also known for selling tires under its own name. Sumitomo Encounter AT offers buyers the new standard of all-terrain durability and all-season drivability for SUVs, light trucks, CUVs, and vans. It features variable width shoulder lugs that provide consistent traction by evacuating stones, dirt, water, rocks, and other debris from its tread. A limited manufacturer tread life warranty and Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification are also on offer here. An optimized tread design is responsible for a comfortable, smooth ride and the Encounter AT is suitable for an average SimpleScore of 7.8.

Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 vs Sumitomo Encounter AT tires on traction

When it comes to traction, there’s not a lot that separates the Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 and the Sumitomo Encounter AT in terms of SimpleScores, thereby showing their strong abilities to handle different terrains as all-terrain tires. We noticed an aggressive, interlocking tread pattern on the Kenda tire generates off-road traction that works in the forward and lateral directions. The Klever KR628 showcases dense sipes and several biting edges for assured traction in dry, wet, and moderate to severe winter weather. This tire delivers a smooth, quiet ride without losing traction, enabling it to be suitable for an average traction score of 8.0.

Both tires are available with Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification for severe winter service. Additionally, both feature the same tread depths and symmetrical tread patterns, showing exactly why SimpleScores are separated by such a tiny margin. The Sumitomo Encounter AT offers great traction on surfaces such as dirt, rock, gravel, paved roads, snow, and standing water. The 3D wave sipes on the tire expand to increase traction and staggered tread blocks remove snow, mud, and other debris for consistent grip. Deep circumferential grooves remove water from the surface to decrease hydroplaning and enhance wet traction. As per the above, the Sumitomo Encounter AT is suitable for an average traction score of 7.8.

ADVANTAGE: Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628

Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 vs Sumitomo Encounter AT tires on handling

Numerous biting edges help the Kenda Klever KR628 perform well on all kinds of terrain. Kenda has done a great job by developing a better all-weather rubber compound for this tire that helps improve handling performance. A computer-optimized footprint ensures good handling under heavy load conditions. Drawing on the above, we have calculated an average handling score of 7.9 here.

A five-rib tread pattern is responsible for the Encounter AT’s all-season drivability, which includes better handling, stability, and steering response. Circumferential grooves are helpful in decreasing hydroplaning and the reinforced internal structure provides better road contact, leading to even forces of cornering, braking, and acceleration. We feel that the Sumitomo Encounter AT deserves an average handling score of 8.0.

ADVANTAGE: Sumitomo Encounter AT

Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 vs Sumitomo Encounter AT tires on longevity

The combination of an all-weather compound and Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, the latter allowing the tire to survive and perform in subfreezing conditions, helps understand the longevity of the Kenda tire. While P-metric sizes allow a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, LT-metric sizes are backed by a 50,000 mile warranty. The high sipe density reduces unequal wear and the robust upper sidewall shields this tire from abrasions and cuts. Based on the following data, the Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 proved appropriate for an average longevity score of 8.6.

Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification and high tread depth are common, which means the Sumitomo Encounter AT will manage to stay afloat in subfreezing weather. As the tire moves, variable shoulder lugs remove stones, rocks, dirt, and other debris from the tread. While a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty is available for P-metric and LT sizes, a free lifetime replacement policy for workmanship and material defects is also on the cards. Overall, the Encounter AT is suitable for an average longevity score of 7.6.

ADVANTAGE: Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628

When to use each

While the Kenda tire feels more at home off the road, the Sumitomo tire offers drivers a mix of all-terrain and all-season durability, whether on- or off-the-road. Both tires provide reliable all-terrain performance and both are Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified for heavy winter service. On the other hand, if you prefer to drive your CUV, SUV, van, or light truck on city roads and highways, all-season tires or all-weather tires might be the better option.

Which one should you choose?

The Kenda tire is better than the Sumitomo tire on 2 out of 3 parameters. However, this comparison can be taken towards a conclusion by knowing the prices of the two products.

While the Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628 starts from $139 per tire ($556 for 4), the Sumitomo Encounter AT is available for $122 per tire ($488 for 4).

Here are the highlights of the Kenda Klever A/T2 KR628:

• Offers better traction
• Offers better longevity
• It is a more popular name in the world of all-terrain tires

On the other hand, here are the points to consider while choosing the Sumitomo Encounter AT:

• You want to fit the tires on a van
• You want better handling from the five-rib tread design
• Variable width shoulder lugs remove debris such as mud, rocks, and stones for longer tread life

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.