The Kelly Safari TSR is an all-terrain tire designed for SUVs, crossovers, and light trucks. This tire provides a balanced combination of on-road comfort and off-road capability.
The Safari TSR is well-suited for drivers who regularly go off-roading but still spend most of their time on paved roads.
It works well for activities like camping, fishing, hunting, and visiting cabins where you encounter dirt, gravel, and mud.
However, it’s not an extreme mud terrain tire made for rock crawling or other hardcore pursuits.
This Kelly tire aims to deliver responsive handling, a smooth ride, and long tread life. It features an all-season tread design to provide traction in dry, wet, and wintry conditions.
The Safari TSR is a great choice if you need an all-terrain tire but don’t want to sacrifice on-road manners.
List of Other Goodyear Tire Reviews
- Goodyear Assurance All Season Review
- Goodyear Assurance MaxLife Review
- Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady Review
- Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude HT Review
- Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT Review
- Kelly Safari TSR Review
Kelly Safari TSR Review
All-Terrain, All-Season Tire
- Designed for SUVs, crossovers, and light trucks and offers balanced on-road and off-road performance
- The tire performs well in wet conditions and off-road terrain
- It has an impressive 80,000-mile treadwear warranty
- The Safari TSR is more fuel-efficient than the standard Safari tire
- It is competitively priced with a manufacturer’s warranty covering material and workmanship defects
Tire Overview
The Kelly Safari TSR is an all-terrain tire designed for pickup trucks, SUVs, and crossover vehicles. This tire comes in a wide range of popular sizes to fit most light truck applications.
The Safari TSR is available in 14 to 20 inch rim diameters.
Section widths range from 215 to 325 millimeters to accommodate vehicles from compact crossovers up to heavy duty pickups.
Kelly engineered this tire for soft-roading and moderate off-road conditions.
The adventurous all-terrain tread provides responsive handling on pavement while also gripping gravel, dirt and muddy trails.
With its rugged build, the Safari TSR works well for light trucks and SUVs that are occasionally driven off the beaten path.
Tread Design
The tread pattern on the Kelly Safari TSR tire is an all-terrain design that provides a good balance of on-road and off-road performance.
The tread features large, staggered blocks with wide grooves in between to help eject rocks and mud. The blocks themselves have sipes for extra grip on paved roads.
The prominent shoulder lugs give the tire good traction in mud, sand and loose gravel.
At the same time, the central blocks are designed to minimize road noise while providing stability and control on asphalt and concrete.
Overall, the tread pattern lets you comfortably drive on the highway to your favorite off-road spot.
Once off-road, the aggressive shoulder lugs and siped tread blocks grip reliably even on steep, loose terrain.
So you get a tire truly optimized for both on-road comfort and off-road adventures.
Traction
The Safari TSR tire performs very well in wet weather conditions, providing reliable traction and braking on slick roads.
The aggressive tread pattern channels water away efficiently to prevent hydroplaning. Drivers report feeling in control even during heavy rain storms.
Off-road, the Safari TSR shines as well. The chunky tread blocks dig into loose dirt, mud, and gravel to keep your vehicle moving forward.
The tire excels at climbing steep, muddy hills where many all-terrain tires struggle.
The braking and handling characteristics make the Safari TSR a very responsive, stable tire.
The large shoulder blocks provide lateral grip when cornering, reducing the chances of spin outs.
Hard braking is drama-free thanks to the sticky rubber compound and symmetric tread pattern.
Overall, drivers praise the precise steering feel and braking capabilities of the Safari TSR in dry, wet, and loose conditions.
Ride Comfort of Kelly Safari TSR
The Kelly Safari TSR tire shines when it comes to ride comfort. The tire design and materials used help minimize noise, vibration, and harshness for a smooth drive.
Noise Levels
Compared to other all-terrain tires, the Safari TSR is surprisingly quiet at highway speeds.
The tread pattern is designed to limit noise on pavement. And the silica-enhanced tread compound also helps dampen noise for a quieter ride.
Users report minimal road noise, even after thousands of miles. This makes the Safari TSR ideal for those looking to limit noise in the cabin.
Vibration
The Kelly Safari TSR effectively absorbs vibration thanks to its symmetric tread design and stiff internal construction.
By reducing bounce and vibration, it creates a stable feel over bumps and rough terrain.
The tire stays composed over washboard roads and rutted trails, while maintaining secure contact with the ground.
This noticeably cuts down on vibration and harshness transmitted into the cabin and chassis.
Impact on Vehicle Ride Quality
Overall, the Kelly Safari TSR has a positive impact on ride quality for both on and off-road driving.
The tires excel at absorbing imperfections in the road while resisting flex, enhancing comfort. The stable feel also inspires driver confidence.
Truck and SUV drivers report the Safari TSR rides smoother than expected from an all-terrain tire, making it a quieter, more comfortable choice for mixed on/off-road use.
Durability
The Kelly Safari TSR tire has proven to be quite durable according to customer reviews.
The tire features an impressive 80,000 mile treadwear warranty, meaning the tread is expected to last for 80,000 miles before needing replacement.
The tire’s construction uses a specialized tread compound and stiff casing design to improve treadlife.
Independent tests have shown the Safari TSR achieving over 50,000 miles before the tread depth legally requires replacement.
Owners of SUVs and light trucks report getting 65,000 to 75,000 miles on average before needing new tires.
Reviews of the Kelly Safari TSR praise its long-lasting tread. Many owners say they are impressed with how the tire wears evenly and delivers the promised mileage.
There are very few complaints about premature treadwear or unexpected flats, indicating a sturdy and damage-resistant construction.
The exceptional durability of the Kelly Safari TSR makes it a cost-effective choice that avoids frequent replacements.
Drivers can rely on this tire to last for the long haul thanks to its impressive treadwear warranty, construction quality, and proven owner experience.
The long treadlife and damage resistance add confidence and value for drivers doing serious offroading or highway miles.
Fuel Efficiency
The Safari TSR tire has a lower rolling resistance rating than the standard Kelly Safari tire, making it more fuel efficient.
Rolling resistance measures the energy lost as a tire rolls down the road, with a lower rating indicating less energy loss.
According to owner reviews on tires forums and retailer websites, the TSR provides a measurable improvement in fuel economy over the standard Safari tire.
Many drivers reported getting an extra 1-3 mpg with the TSR tires installed. This can add up to significant fuel savings over the life of the tires.
The lower rolling resistance comes from changes to the tread compound that make it less deformable and easier to roll.
Kelly also optimized the tire construction to reduce friction. While these changes make the tire roll easier, Kelly says it does not compromise on traction or braking performance.
Overall, the TSR is a great option for SUV and truck owners looking to improve their fuel efficiency without sacrificing on-road performance.
The owner feedback indicates the TSR delivers on its promise of improved fuel economy.
Pricing
The Kelly Safari TSR tires have very competitive pricing, making them a great value buy compared to other all-terrain and all-season tires on the market.
They come in a wide range of common sizes from 15 to 20 inches.
The 15-inch tires retail around $100 per tire, while the larger 18-inch tires cost around $130-150 per tire.
The biggest 20-inch options range from $160-180 per tire. This puts the Kelly Safari TSR at the budget end of premium tire brands like BFGoodrich and Toyo, which can run $50-100 more per tire.
When compared to other cheaper off-road tires from brands like Ironman or Dynapro AT2s from General Tire, the Kelly Safari TSR is just slightly more expensive but delivers much better performance and durability.
Overall, it provides an impressive blend of quality, capability, and value at a very reasonable price point for an all-terrain tire. Most buyers find the extra cost worthwhile for the improved traction, comfort, and long tread life.
Warranty
Kelley Safari TSR tires come with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers defects in workmanship and materials for the life of the tread.
This means that if the tire has a defect or fails prematurely due to materials or the manufacturing process, Kelly will replace it free of charge.
The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, damage from road hazards like punctures, cuts, or impacts from potholes or curbs.
It also does not cover improper inflation pressure, overloading, or misapplication like using the wrong size tire for your vehicle or rim.
To be eligible for the warranty, you need to have your tires installed according to Kelly’s recommendations and maintain proper tire pressure and vehicle alignment.
The tires must be rotated regularly as well.
One limitation is that the warranty only applies to the original purchaser and is not transferable if you sell the vehicle.
Also, you will need to have documentation showing proper maintenance and the original purchase receipt to make a warranty claim.
Overall the Kelly warranty provides good protection against early defects, but does not cover abuse, wear, or damage during use.
Following the proper care guidelines will help ensure you get the full life out of your Safari TSR tires.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent off-road capability with good traction on various surfaces
- Durable tire construction that offers an 80,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Lower rolling resistance compared to the standard Safari tire, offering improvements in fuel efficiency
- Competitive pricing positions the Kelly Safari TSR as a valuable option in the all-terrain tire market
- Manufacturer’s warranty provides protection against early material and workmanship defects
Cons
- Tends to generate more noise at highway speeds owing to its aggressive tread design
- Less high-speed stability due to the large tread lugs
- Fuel economy suffers slightly in comparison to touring tires
Conclusion & Recommendation
After reviewing the Kelly Safari TSR tire, it’s clear this model offers superb off-road traction and durability thanks to its aggressive tread pattern and sturdy carcass construction.
Drivers looking for an all-terrain tire that can handle mud, rocks, and other challenges will be well-served by the Safari TSR.
On the downside, the aggressive tread produces more road noise than a highway tire, and the large lugs reduce high-speed stability.
Fuel economy also suffers slightly compared to a touring tire.
The Safari TSR is best suited for off-road enthusiasts who spend most of their time on dirt, gravel, and uneven terrain.
It’s an excellent choice for overlanding vehicles, Jeeps, pickups, and SUVs that see regular off-road use.
Drivers looking for a blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability may want to consider the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 as an alternative.
The KO2 offers a quieter ride and better stability at high speeds while still providing impressive traction off-road.
In the end, the Kelly Safari TSR is a superb specialist tire focused on off-road performance. For drivers who spend more time off-road than on, it’s an excellent choice that delivers robust traction and durability.
FAQ
What kind of vehicles are the Kelly Safari TSR tires suitable for?
The Kelly Safari TSR tires are suitable for SUVs, crossovers, and light trucks that are driven on both tarmac roads and off-road terrain.
Are the Kelly Safari TSR tires all-season?
Yes, the Kelly Safari TSR tires have an all-season tread design, which provides traction in dry, wet, and wintry conditions.
How does the Kelly Safari TSR perform in terms of durability?
The Kelly Safari TSR tire has an 80,000-mile treadwear warranty, and customers have reported their tires lasting for this mileage. This indicates a promising level of durability.
How is the fuel efficiency of the Kelly Safari TSR tire?
The Kelly Safari TSR tire, compared to the standard Safari tire, is more fuel efficient due to its lower rolling resistance. Customers report an average improvement of 1-3 extra mpg with the TSR tires installed.
Do the Kelly Safari TSR tires come with a warranty?
Yes, Kelly Safari TSR tires come with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers defects in workmanship and materials for the life of the tread.
What are the pros and cons of the Kelly Safari TSR tire?
The Kelly Safari TSR tire offers excellent off-road capability, durability, improved fuel efficiency, and competitive pricing. However, it can produce more road noise, offers less high-speed stability, and its fuel economy is slightly inferior to that of touring tires.
Who makes Kelly Safari TSR tires?
Kelly Safari TSR tires are made by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
Where are Kelly Safari TSR tires made?
Kelly Safari TSR tires could be made in Akron, Ohio, Chile, or Mexico.
Is the Kelly Safari TSR a good tire?
Yes, the Kelly Safari TSR is a good tire. While they come in at a lower price point than many competitors’ tires, the Safari TSR offers the same materials, workmanship and advanced performance features.
Does the Kelly Safari TSR have a tread life warranty?
No, the Kelly Safari TSR does not have a treadwear warranty but is covered by a 12 month limited protection policy.
Kelly Safari TSR Review
The Kelly Safari TSR is an all-terrain tire designed for SUVs, crossovers, and light trucks. This tire provides a balanced combination of on-road comfort and off-road capability.
Product Brand: Kelly / Goodyear
4.7
