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Kenda Wintergen 2 KR501 Test Results

Tested 2018 to 2025 3 publications

Tested 8 times by independent publications, the Kenda Wintergen 2 KR501 averages a finish of 35th.

  • 8Independent tests
  • 0Test wins
  • 0Podium finishes
  • 35thAverage finish
  • 17%Field beaten on average
  • 3Publications
Kenda Wintergen 2 KR501

8 tests, 2018 to 2025

0%50%100%201820192022202320242025Average 17%2018 51 Winter Tire Shootout (2018): P35 of 52, Beat 33% of the field2018 ACE All Season and Winter Tire Test (2018): P12 of 12, Beat 0% of the field2019 Winter Tire Test Market Overview (2019): P38 of 53, Beat 20% of the field2022 Winter Tire Market Overview (2022): P51 of 56, Beat 9% of the field2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test (2023): P47 of 54, Beat 13% of the field2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test (2024): P46 of 55, Beat 17% of the field2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test (2024): P15 of 16, Beat 7% of the field2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! (2025): P32 of 51, Beat 38% of the field
Share of the field beaten in each test, oldest to newest. Hover or tap a point for the test.
  • Test win
  • Second
  • Third
  • Average 17%

Record by discipline

Where the Kenda Wintergen 2 KR501 finished in each measured discipline, across every test that measured it against at least two other tires. Field beaten is the share of the other tires it outranked in that measurement.

Discipline Tests Avg finish Field beaten Firsts
Dry
Dry Braking 1 P14 of 16 13% -
Wet
Wet Braking 6 P38 of 46.3 18% -
Wet Braking - Concrete 1 P14 of 16 13% -
Straight Aqua 1 P12 of 16 27% -
Curved Aquaplaning 1 P12 of 16 27% -
Snow
Snow Braking 1 P1 of 16 100% 1
Snow Traction 1 P2 of 16 93% -
Ice
Ice Braking 1 P15 of 16 7% -
Value
Wear 1 P1 of 16 100% 1
Abrasion 1 P5 of 16 73% -

Head-to-head record

Overall finishing position against the tires that have most often shared a test with the Kenda Wintergen 2 KR501. Only tires tested alongside it at least three times are listed.

Rival Shared tests Ahead Behind Level Finished ahead
Kleber Krisalp HP3 6 shared: 0 ahead, 6 behind 6 0 6 - 0%
Fulda Kristall Control HP2 6 shared: 0 ahead, 6 behind 6 0 6 - 0%
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 6 shared: 0 ahead, 6 behind 6 0 6 - 0%
Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 5 shared: 1 ahead, 4 behind 5 1 4 - 20%
Yokohama BluEarth Winter V906 5 shared: 0 ahead, 5 behind 5 0 5 - 0%
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 5 shared: 0 ahead, 5 behind 5 0 5 - 0%
Debica Frigo HP2 5 shared: 0 ahead, 5 behind 5 0 5 - 0%
BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2 5 shared: 0 ahead, 5 behind 5 0 5 - 0%
Semperit Speed Grip 5 5 shared: 0 ahead, 5 behind 5 0 5 - 0%
Kumho Winter Craft WP52 5 shared: 0 ahead, 5 behind 5 0 5 - 0%
Firestone Winterhawk 4 5 shared: 0 ahead, 5 behind 5 0 5 - 0%
Westlake SW 608 4 shared: 1 ahead, 3 behind 4 1 3 - 25%
Viking Wintech 4 shared: 1 ahead, 3 behind 4 1 3 - 25%
Sava Eskimo HP2 4 shared: 0 ahead, 4 behind 4 0 4 - 0%
Giti GitiWinterW2 4 shared: 0 ahead, 4 behind 4 0 4 - 0%
Barum Polaris 5 4 shared: 0 ahead, 4 behind 4 0 4 - 0%
Lassa Snoways 4 4 shared: 0 ahead, 4 behind 4 0 4 - 0%
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 4 shared: 0 ahead, 4 behind 4 0 4 - 0%
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P 4 shared: 0 ahead, 4 behind 4 0 4 - 0%
Uniroyal WinterExpert 4 shared: 0 ahead, 4 behind 4 0 4 - 0%

Performance Analysis

Drawn from 8 tests. Updated October 15, 2025.

Across eight winter-focused tests, the Kenda Wintergen 2 KR501 shows a polarized profile: outstanding snow capability and projected longevity contrasted by consistently weak wet braking and below-average overall rankings. It repeatedly finishes near the back of large Autobild wet-braking screenings, which heavily depresses its average position (34.5). However, ADAC 2024 highlights class-leading snow braking and best-in-test projected mileage, indicating strong value and winter-surface traction when conditions are snowy.

Overall, this tire suits drivers prioritizing snow performance and durability over wet-road stopping distances. Persistent wet braking deficits across years and sizes are the defining weakness, while snow braking/traction and wear are clear bright spots.

Performance Strengths

  • Snow Performance Strong
    Details
    • 1st place snow braking in 2024 ADAC 17" test (9.3 m)
    • 2nd place snow traction in 2024 ADAC (+1.7% from best)
  • Tread Life / Value Strong
    Details
    • Best projected mileage 65,100 km in 2024 ADAC (1/16)
    • Abrasion 5/16 in 2024 ADAC (+7.3% from best)
  • Snow braking Strong in 1 of 1 tests
    Details
  • Snow handling Strong in 1 of 1 tests
    Details
  • Snow traction Strong in 1 of 1 tests
    Details

Performance Weaknesses

  • Wet Braking Strong
    Details
    • 33/52 in 2025 Autobild wet braking (+26.8%)
    • 46/55 in 2024 Autobild wet braking (+26.3%)
    • 47/54 in 2023 Autobild wet braking (+30.3%)
    • 52/57 in 2022 Autobild wet braking (+33.4%)
    • 36/44 in 2019 Autobild wet braking (+20.9%)
  • Overall Wet Performance / Aquaplaning Moderate
    Details
    • 12/16 straight aquaplaning in 2024 ADAC (+8.6% from best)
    • 12/16 curved aquaplaning in 2024 ADAC (+29.4% from best)
  • Ice Braking Moderate
    Details
    • 15/16 ice braking in 2024 ADAC (+25.5% from best)
  • Overall Ranking Consistency Strong
    Details
    • Average overall position 34.5 across 8 tests
    • Bottom-tier finishes: 46/55 (2024 Autobild), 47/54 (2023 Autobild), 51/57 (2022 Autobild), 12/12 (2018 ACE)
  • Dry handling Strong in 1 of 1 tests
    Details
    • barely adequate feedback and precision on dry surfaces, requiring frequent steering corrections and exhibiting a tendency to oversteer - 2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test (2024)

Every test, newest first 8

Strong = top two of the field in that measurement. Weak = bottom two.

2025 1 test
2024 2 tests
P15 of 16 Beat 7% of the field

2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test

ADAC 215/55 R17

The Kenda Wintergen 2 KR501 receives a satisfactory rating for driving safety, but with weaknesses on dry roads impacting its overall score. It offers barely adequate feedback and precision on dry surfaces, requiring frequent steering corrections and exhibiting a tendency to oversteer. While it performs satisfactorily on wet roads, its handling is less precise with a low grip level. However, it excels on snow with good braking and traction, and very good handling. Its environmental performance is poor due to its high weight, despite a long lifespan and low abrasion. Concerns about sustainability due to its production in China and manufacturing residues on new tires further detract from its environmental rating.

StrongSnow BrakingSnow TractionWear WeakIce Braking WinnerGoodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

2023 1 test
2022 1 test
2019 1 test
2018 2 tests

Back to the Kenda Wintergen 2 KR501 overview

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