Kenda Klever MT2 Review: The Unsung Hero of Extreme Terrain?

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The Kenda Klever MT2 is an all-terrain tire designed to provide exceptional off-road performance while maintaining a comfortable on-road driving experience. This versatile tire is engineered for pickup trucks, SUVs, and off-road enthusiasts who demand a balance between rugged capability and daily drivability.

Kenda’s Klever MT2 boasts an aggressive tread pattern with large, interlocking tread blocks and deep siping, ensuring superior traction on various terrains, including mud, rocks, and loose surfaces. The reinforced sidewalls and robust construction enable the tire to withstand the rigors of off-road adventures while offering resistance against punctures and cuts.

Despite its off-road prowess, the Klever MT2 is engineered with a computer-optimized tread design that reduces road noise and enhances on-road comfort. This dual-purpose nature makes it an excellent choice for those who seek a tire that can handle both urban commutes and weekend adventures without compromising performance or ride quality.

Key features of the Kenda Klever MT2 include a durable all-terrain compound, stone ejectors for improved self-cleaning, and a reinforced internal structure for enhanced stability and handling. With its balanced design and versatile capabilities, the Klever MT2 aims to provide drivers with a reliable and capable tire for conquering both paved roads and rugged off-road trails.

Tire Construction and Compound

The Kenda Klever MT2 is designed with a focus on durability and off-road performance. The tire features a two-ply polyester casing with a three-ply sidewall construction, providing exceptional resistance against punctures and impacts from rocks and debris. The reinforced sidewalls also enhance the tire’s overall strength and stability, allowing it to withstand the rigors of off-road adventures.

Kenda’s proprietary rubber compound used in the Klever MT2 is specifically formulated to deliver exceptional traction and grip on various terrains. The compound features a unique blend of natural and synthetic rubbers, along with advanced silica compounds, which enhance the tire’s wear resistance and cut resistance. This advanced compound ensures that the tire maintains its tread integrity and performance even under the most demanding conditions.

One of the unique aspects of the Klever MT2’s construction is the incorporation of a high-tensile steel belt layer. This additional reinforcement layer provides enhanced stability and resistance against punctures, while also improving the tire’s overall structural integrity. The steel belt layer also contributes to the tire’s on-road handling and responsiveness, ensuring a smooth and controlled driving experience even on paved surfaces.

Tread Pattern and Design

The Kenda Klever MT2 features an aggressive tread pattern designed for optimal off-road traction and performance. The tread blocks are large and widely spaced, with deep grooves and sipes that provide excellent grip on loose surfaces like mud, dirt, and gravel.

One of the standout features of the MT2’s tread design is the alternating shoulder lugs. These lugs are staggered and angled, which helps to improve traction and stability during cornering and side-hill situations. The shoulder lugs also feature a unique scooping shape that enhances their ability to dig into soft terrain and provide additional bite.

The center tread blocks are designed with a combination of wide and narrow elements, which helps to balance on-road handling and off-road traction. The wide blocks provide a stable footprint for highway driving, while the narrow blocks and sipes enhance grip on loose surfaces.

Another noteworthy aspect of the MT2’s tread pattern is the stone ejectors and mud release features. The tread design incorporates strategically placed stone ejectors to help prevent stones and debris from becoming trapped in the grooves, which can cause damage and premature wear. Additionally, the tread pattern is optimized for efficient mud release, allowing the tire to clear itself of thick, sticky mud more effectively.

Overall, the Kenda Klever MT2’s tread pattern and design prioritize off-road capability while still maintaining reasonable on-road performance. The combination of aggressive tread blocks, angled shoulder lugs, and specialized features like stone ejectors and mud release make this tire a versatile choice for off-road enthusiasts and those who frequently encounter challenging terrain.

On-Road Performance

The Kenda Klever MT2 is designed as an all-terrain tire, but it still needs to deliver reliable on-road performance for daily driving. In dry conditions, the tire provides good traction and handling, thanks to its aggressive tread pattern and high-silica compound. The center tread blocks and shoulder lugs work together to provide stable cornering and responsive steering inputs.

Wet weather performance is decent, with the tire’s deep grooves and siping helping to evacuate water and maintain grip on slick surfaces. However, the aggressive tread design can struggle to disperse standing water effectively, leading to some hydroplaning resistance at higher speeds.

On the highway, the Kenda Klever MT2 delivers a comfortable and composed ride. The tire’s reinforced internal construction helps it maintain stability and resist irregular wear. Road noise is noticeable but not overly intrusive, especially when compared to other aggressive all-terrain tires. Overall, the MT2 strikes a good balance between on-road manners and off-road capability.

Off-Road Capability

The Kenda Klever MT2 is designed to be a capable off-road tire, delivering impressive performance in a variety of challenging terrain conditions. Its aggressive tread pattern and specialized rubber compound work together to provide excellent traction and grip on surfaces like mud, rocks, sand, and trails.

In muddy conditions, the MT2’s deep, widely spaced lugs effectively dig into the soft terrain, allowing for confident forward motion and impressive self-cleaning abilities. The tire’s shoulder lugs also help to prevent slippage and provide added bite when navigating through thick, gooey mud.

When tackling rocky terrain, the MT2’s reinforced construction and sturdy tread blocks offer excellent puncture resistance and durability. The tire’s thick, rigid lugs can effectively grip onto rocky surfaces, providing reliable traction and stability, even on loose or shifting rocks.

Sand driving is another area where the Kenda Klever MT2 shines. Its aggressive tread pattern and specialized rubber compound work together to prevent excessive sinking and spinning, allowing the tire to maintain forward momentum and steering control on loose, shifting sand.

On trails, the MT2’s versatile design delivers a well-balanced performance. Its tread pattern and construction provide excellent off-road traction and grip, while still offering a reasonably comfortable and stable ride on hardpacked surfaces. Whether navigating over loose dirt, gravel, or rocky paths, the MT2 inspires confidence and capability.

Overall, the Kenda Klever MT2 is a highly capable off-road tire, designed to tackle a wide range of challenging terrain with impressive traction, durability, and performance. Its specialized design and construction make it an excellent choice for off-road enthusiasts seeking a reliable and capable tire for their adventures.

Noise and Comfort

The Kenda Klever MT2 tires offer a surprisingly comfortable and quiet ride for an all-terrain tire. On paved roads, the tread pattern and rubber compound work together to minimize road noise, resulting in a pleasantly hushed cabin experience. Even at highway speeds, the sound levels remain modest, allowing for easy conversations or enjoyment of music without excessive exterior noise intrusion.

In terms of ride quality, the MT2 strikes a nice balance between off-road capability and on-road comfort. The tire’s construction and tread design provide a compliant ride, effectively absorbing minor road imperfections and delivering a smooth, controlled feel. Larger bumps and potholes are handled with composure, preventing harsh impacts from transferring into the cabin.

Vibration levels are also well-managed, thanks to the tire’s uniform construction and balanced design. The MT2 exhibits minimal tremors or vibrations, even at higher speeds, contributing to a sense of stability and confidence behind the wheel. This trait becomes particularly valuable when driving on uneven surfaces or navigating rough terrain, where excessive vibrations can be fatiguing and uncomfortable.

Overall, the Kenda Klever MT2 tires offer a surprisingly refined and comfortable driving experience, defying the expectations often associated with aggressive all-terrain tires. Whether on long highway stretches or tackling light off-road adventures, these tires provide a quiet and composed ride, ensuring a pleasant journey for both driver and passengers.

Treadwear and Durability

The Kenda Klever MT2 is designed to deliver impressive treadwear and durability, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a long-lasting off-road tire. With its robust construction and high-quality rubber compound, this tire is built to withstand the toughest terrains and harsh conditions.

One of the standout features of the Klever MT2 is its extended treadlife. The tire’s tread depth and advanced siping design ensure a prolonged tread life, allowing you to tackle mile after mile without premature wear. Many owners have reported exceptional treadwear, with some even surpassing the manufacturer’s treadlife estimates.

In addition to its impressive treadwear, the Klever MT2 boasts excellent puncture resistance. The tire’s reinforced casing and robust sidewalls provide superior protection against sharp rocks, thorns, and other hazards encountered during off-road adventures. This added durability gives you peace of mind and reduces the risk of unexpected flats or tire failures.

Real-world experiences from Klever MT2 owners further solidify the tire’s reputation for durability. Many have shared stories of taking these tires through grueling off-road trails, rocky terrain, and challenging conditions without any significant issues. The tire’s ability to withstand abuse and maintain its integrity has earned it praise from off-road enthusiasts and overlanders alike.

Whether you’re embarking on a rugged off-road adventure or simply seeking a reliable tire for your daily commute, the Kenda Klever MT2 offers exceptional treadwear and durability. Its long-lasting tread life and puncture-resistant construction ensure that you can rely on these tires to keep you moving forward, no matter the challenges that lie ahead.

Sizing Options and Fitments

The Kenda Klever MT2 is available in a wide range of sizes to fit various light trucks, SUVs, and off-road vehicles. From compact crossovers to full-size pickups, Kenda offers the MT2 in diameters ranging from 15 inches to 20 inches, with multiple width and sidewall options within each diameter.

Some of the popular sizes for the Kenda Klever MT2 include:

• 265/70R17
• 285/70R17
• 305/55R20
• 33X12.50R17
• 35X12.50R20

These sizes cater to vehicles like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner, and many other popular off-road and overlanding rigs.

When selecting the right size for your vehicle, it’s essential to consider factors such as load rating, speed rating, and overall diameter. Kenda recommends consulting with a professional tire installer or referring to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended tire size and specifications.

Additionally, the Kenda Klever MT2 is available in various plus sizes, which offer a wider stance and improved traction for off-road adventures. These plus-sized options are particularly popular among enthusiasts who want a more aggressive and capable look for their vehicles.

Value and Pricing

The Kenda Klever MT2 tires offer exceptional value for the money, especially when you consider their impressive all-terrain capabilities and durability. Compared to many of the premium all-terrain tire options on the market, the Klever MT2 is priced very competitively, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious off-road enthusiasts.

Typically, you can expect to pay between $150 and $300 per tire, depending on the size and retailer. This price range is significantly lower than many of the top-tier all-terrain tires from brands like BFGoodrich, Goodyear, and Michelin, which can easily cost $300 to $500 or more per tire.

Despite the lower cost, the Kenda Klever MT2 doesn’t compromise on performance or quality. Its advanced tread compound and aggressive tread pattern provide excellent traction and grip on various terrains, from mud and rocks to sand and snow. Additionally, the tire’s rugged construction and reinforced sidewalls contribute to its impressive durability, ensuring you get your money’s worth in terms of treadwear and overall longevity.

When you factor in the Klever MT2’s impressive off-road capabilities, smooth on-road manners, and long-lasting tread life, the value proposition becomes even more compelling. You’re getting a tire that can handle the toughest trails while still providing a comfortable and reliable ride on the pavement, all at a price point that won’t break the bank.

Overall, the Kenda Klever MT2 tires offer an outstanding price-to-performance ratio, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a capable and durable all-terrain tire without the premium price tag of some of the more established brands.

Owner Reviews and Experiences

The Kenda Klever MT2 has received a wide range of feedback from real-world owners, with both positive and negative experiences reported. Many owners praise the tire’s impressive off-road traction and ability to handle challenging terrain, including mud, rocks, and loose surfaces. The aggressive tread pattern and durable construction are frequently cited as strengths.

On the other hand, some owners have expressed concerns about on-road performance, particularly in wet conditions, where the MT2 may struggle with hydroplaning and reduced grip. Noise levels on paved surfaces are also a common complaint, with the aggressive tread design contributing to increased cabin noise.

Treadwear is another point of contention, with some owners reporting premature wear and tear, while others have found the MT2 to be surprisingly durable, especially when rotated regularly and properly maintained.

Overall, owners who prioritize off-road capability and rugged performance tend to be more satisfied with the Kenda Klever MT2, while those seeking a balanced on-road/off-road tire or a quieter ride may find the MT2 lacking in certain areas. Proper tire pressure and load ratings are also emphasized by many owners to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Compared to Competitors

The Kenda Klever MT2 holds its own against other popular mud-terrain tire options on the market. When pitted against the likes of the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 or the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac, the Klever MT2 delivers comparable off-road performance and durability.

One area where the Klever MT2 shines is its aggressive tread pattern, which provides excellent traction in mud and loose terrain. The tread design features deep, angled lugs and sipes that effectively bite into soft surfaces and shed mud, dirt, and debris. This tread pattern is on par with or even outperforms some of the more expensive mud-terrain options.

On the other hand, some competitors may have a slight edge in terms of on-road comfort and noise levels. While the Klever MT2 is reasonably quiet for a mud-terrain tire, it may not be as smooth or refined as some of the premium options when driving on paved surfaces.

In terms of durability and treadwear, the Klever MT2 holds its ground against the competition. Kenda’s proprietary rubber compound and reinforced construction help ensure that the tire can withstand the rigors of off-road use without sacrificing longevity.

When it comes to pricing, the Klever MT2 is often more affordable than many of its competitors, making it an attractive option for those seeking a capable mud-terrain tire without breaking the bank. However, it’s important to note that the lower price point may also reflect some compromises in terms of overall performance or refinement compared to the top-tier options.

Overall, the Kenda Klever MT2 is a solid choice for those seeking a capable and affordable mud-terrain tire. While it may not outperform the very best options in every aspect, it offers a well-rounded package that delivers impressive off-road capability, durability, and value for the money.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The Kenda Klever MT2 is a well-rounded and versatile all-terrain tire that delivers capable off-road performance without sacrificing too much on-road comfort and manners. Its aggressive tread pattern and reinforced construction provide excellent traction in mud, dirt, and rocky terrain, while the optimized siping and tread block design help maintain respectable grip on wet and dry pavement.

For those seeking a true mud-terrain tire with maximum off-road prowess, there are more extreme options available. However, the Klever MT2 strikes a nice balance, making it an excellent choice for truck and SUV owners who split their driving between daily commuting and weekend adventures on unpaved trails or work sites.

The tire’s relatively long treadwear warranties and competitive pricing also contribute to its value proposition. While not the cheapest option, the Klever MT2 offers a compelling mix of off-road capability, on-road manners, and longevity for the money.

Ultimately, the Kenda Klever MT2 is an attractive all-terrain tire suited for a wide range of drivers seeking a versatile blend of performance across different terrains and conditions. Its well-rounded nature makes it an excellent fit for everything from daily drivers and family haulers to overlanding rigs and work trucks that need to handle both pavement and trails with confidence.