Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) vs Milestar Patagonia X/T tires

Taiwanese tire maker Kenda Rubber Industrial Company has manufactured pneumatic tires at several plants since 1962. While manufacturing tires for industrial machines, trailers, vehicles, motorbikes, golf carts, ATVs, light trucks, and bicycles, performance and value have always taken the front stage for them. Kenda Tires was declared the 27th biggest global tire producer in 2010. They have been creating excellent rubbering rings for a range of cars for consumers in Europe, North America, and Asia for about sixty years. As a rugged-terrain tire, the Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) can traverse difficult terrain without sacrificing ride quality. Made using a tough 3-ply sidewall, the Klever R/T (KR601) is a studdable tire that can be fitted with TSMI#15 studs (check your State regulations) for tackling snow and ice.

Owned and distributed by private US manufacturer Tireco Inc. since 1972, Milestar tires have been made for passenger cars and heavier vehicles like SUVs, CUVs, and light trucks. Designed for 4x4s, SUVs, and pickup trucks, the Milestar Patagonia X/T shows great performance on- and off-the-road. Stone ejectors and the aggressive tread designs that feature large blocks not only increase traction and grip on difficult courses but also shield the tire from any damage. The tire's robust carcass and strong sidewall designs ensure continuous resistance to cuts, snags, and chips, hence extending tread wear. We shall use the expertise gained through our SimpleScore scoring system to compare the Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) against Milestar Patagonia X/T to determine the best choice.

Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) tires

The Kenda Klever R/T (KR 601) is a great choice among recognized rugged-terrain tires in the market. It offers better traction, handling, and performance all year round than an all-terrain tire though is not as grippy on difficult surfaces as a mud-terrain tire. A triple-threat sidewall that includes 3 complete carcass plies, strong bead protection, and aggressive sidewall tread and high tread depth are useful to minimize damage on difficult surfaces.

While blocks in the center of the tread here interlock to provide aggressive off-road and snow performance, the large groove pattern decreases hydroplaning chances for a safer drive.

The high sipe density is responsible for superior traction on snow, ice, and wet surfaces, with the TSMI #15 studs being useful in harsh winter weather where permitted. The available ply rating may not be suitable for major loads, but it can handle the weights of vehicles like SUVs, light trucks, and Jeeps. We found the Klever R/T (KR601) to be suitable for an average SimpleScore of 7.9.

Milestar Patagonia X/T tires

Milestar Patagonia X/T is a member of the tough and capable Milestar Patagonia family of tires that offers high traction, handling, longevity, and stability over demanding terrain. Developed for fitting pickup trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps, it also showcases 3-ply sidewall construction like the Kenda tire and is constructed using a chip and cut-resistant tread compound for maximum longevity. While the step-down, outside tread grooves increase tread rigidity leading to enhanced stability on paved and muddy surfaces, the alternating open shoulder blocks offer more biting edges for enhanced grip. To ensure a quiet ride, it features a variable pitch tread design. While stone ejectors withstand stone drilling and offer steady on- and off-road traction to protect the tire, the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification guarantees good performance in moderate to harsh winter conditions. Unlike the Kenda, the Milestar tire gets a limited manufacturer tread life warranty.

For the above features and benefits, the Milestar Patagonia X/T manages an average SimpleScore of 8.1.

Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) vs Milestar Patagonia X/T tires on traction

The most important feature of a tire is its capacity to grip the surface without losing contact, and this is denoted as traction. Let's see if the Kenda and Milestar tires live up to their promises of great traction or not.

An aggressive tread pattern helps the Kenda to grip soft, loose, and uneven surfaces. There are upper sidewall tread blocks with a sturdy design on this tire. TSMI #15 studs, when possible, help it provide good traction in winter conditions. Designed optimally and with all-season rubber compounds to enhance on- and off-road grip, the Klever R/T (KR 601) gets an average traction score of 7.6.

Conversely, the step-down center tread pattern of the Milestar Patagonia X/T increases off-road traction, thereby scoring 7.7 in traction. Alternating shoulder blocks also give extra biting edges for improved traction on various surfaces. You'll be able to experience great winter traction due to Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, a rating that is unavailable for the Kenda Klever R/T (KR601).

ADVANTAGE: Milestar Patagonia X/T

Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) vs Milestar Patagonia X/T tires on handling

Whether on- or off-the-road, handling always displays a direct relationship with vehicle control. Rugged-terrain tires have been specifically developed to strike a fine balance between mud-terrain and all-terrain tires, giving you the best characteristics from both worlds.

While blocks in the center of the tread interlock for aggressive snow and off-road performance, a robust bead protector ensures superior handling in wet and dry conditions. Additionally, interlocking center blocks and high-density sipes are also responsible for confident handling. There are large grooves to prevent the risk of hydroplaning and enable safe performance. Based on the above, we have given the Kenda tire an average handling score of 8.0.

On the other hand, the Milestar tire handles well thanks to staggered step-down grooves and rugged center blocks that boost tread rigidity for improved steering response and increased stability. While both tires have the same symmetric tread patterns, the Milestar has a slightly higher tread depth. Additionally, the chip-and-cut-resistant rubber compound also improves overall handling. Based on the above, we were able to give the Milestar tire an average handling score of 8.1.

ADVANTAGE: Milestar Patagonia X/T

Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) vs Milestar Patagonia X/T tires on longevity

The longevity of tires can be explained as their capacity to last. It takes into account your driving patterns, weather, etc. while also considering inherent factors like the rubber compound and general tire quality.

The Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) sports a triple threat sidewall (includes 3 full carcass plies, aggressive sidewall tread, and a robust bead protector) to minimize damages and wear while traversing off-road. Dense sipes are responsible for reducing irregular wear, but one area that the Kenda tire loses out when compared to the Milestar is the limited manufacturer tread life warranty. The upper sidewall tread blocks sport a sturdy design that also positively contributes towards tread life. We found the Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) suitable for a respectable average longevity score of 8.2.

Compared to the above, the Milestar Patagonia X/T gets a rugged 3-ply sidewall. It showcases a sturdy rubber compound and a higher tread depth for longer tire life. Stone ejectors prevent the accumulation of debris like stones and mud on the tread and Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification will help it last longer in the cold. As a tire designed for great performance on challenging terrains, the Patagonia X/T is backed by a 40,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty. Based on the above, it manages to attain an average handling score of 8.8.

ADVANTAGE: Milestar Patagonia X/T

When to use each

Rugged terrain tires are useful when you have a lifestyle that includes both off-roading and drives on paved surfaces, even if the former usage is not hardcore. Consider them as great options if you’re fond of visiting trails on the weekends, as an example. The sturdy construction, optimized tread design, and aggressive tread pattern allow them to travel comfortably on the road with heavy loads while safeguarding them on rough terrains.

However, if you intend to participate more in tough off-road challenges, we suggest that you should pick mud-terrain tires. Meanwhile, all-terrain tires will offer lesser off-road traction when compared to rugged-terrain tires.

Which one should you choose?

In a nutshell, it is quite clear that the Milestar Patagonia X/T has beaten the Kenda Klever R/T (KR601) in all three rounds of traction, handling, and longevity, as well as the average SimpleScore. However, the Kenda does score some brownie points by being the more well-known tire in this segment. To make the differences clearer, we have compared the prices of the two tires.

For the LT285/70R17 size, the Kenda costs roughly $238 per tire, ending up as $952 for 4. Similarly, the Milestar costs $224 per tire, which ends up as $896 for 4 (a difference of $56 on four tires).

We have the following reasons for you to consider buying the Kenda Klever R/T (KR601):

• Drive vehicles like the Ford Bronco, Toyota 4Runner, and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• Are more familiar with the Kenda brand
• Feel more confident about studdable tires handling heavy winter conditions

You should go for the Milestar Patagonia X/T if you:

• Drive vehicles like the GMC Sierra 2500, Ford F-350, and the Ram 1500
• Are looking for a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified tire
• Want the tire with a limited manufacturer tread life warranty
• Want improved handling
• Want better traction

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.