If you own a Jeep Wrangler, it’s probably safe to assume that you plan on adding some chunky, meaty off-road tires. And of course, those will also have to be paired to tough wheels to perform (and look) as well as possible, right?
Still, finding the best wheels for your Jeep Wrangler isn’t as straightforward as one could imagine. There are tons of different materials and designs, each intended for a specific purpose. For instance, if you want an off-road capable wheel and tire combo to take your Jeep on grueling outdoor adventures, you’ll need to look for build quality and durability. Meanwhile, if all you want is your Jeep to look good, well good-looking wheels is what you need.
Ultimately, your budget will also have a significant impact on the wheels you’ll end up choosing. After all, quality comes at a cost and there’s no need to pay for professional racing wheels if you mostly use your Jeep to go to work. On the other hand, if you frequently drive off-road and go rock-climbing every weekend, cheaping out might not be your best bet either.
To help you make an informed choice, we have hand-picked and reviewed some of the best wheels for Jeep Wrangler we could find and created a quick buying guide to keep in mind when shopping around. We made sure to select a little something for everyone so no matter whether you are on a tight budget or need only the best wheels on the market, we’ve got something for you.
Enjoy!
Bolt Patterns for Jeep Wrangler
“Bolt Pattern” sounds more complicated than it is. Essentially, it is the placement of the lugs on the wheels and how far away they are from each other. This is, in fact, the most important factor determining whether a set of wheels will fit your truck or not.
Although Wranglers run similar tire sizes across the years, the bolt pattern may differ depending on the body type. For instance, the later Wrangler models from 2018 onward (JL Series) and 2007-2018 (JK series) have a 5 × 5 bolt pattern, while earlier TJ (199-2006) and YJ (1987-995) use a 5 × 4.5 pattern.
Please note that these bolt patterns are specific to Wranglers only, and other Jeep models, such as the Compass and Grand Cherokee, may employ a different pattern altogether.
The bolt pattern is measured by using the distance between the lugs and how they are arranged. Wranglers have five lugs per wheel, and the odd number may make the measuring process tricky.
First, imagine the lug pattern as a round shape. Then take a ruler and place it on the outside of one lug, skip one lug, and measure to the middle of the next lughole. The measurement you get is called the bolt diameter. It is the diameter of the circle created by the nuts and will determine the bolt pattern. Older Wrangler models (TJ and YJ) measure 4.5″, and that is where the 5″ × 4.5″ bolt pattern comes from. Newer JL and JK models have a 5″ bolt diameter.
| Model | JL Wrangler | JK Wrangler | TJ Wrangler | YJ Wrangler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model Years | 2018-present | 2007-2017 | 1997-2006 | 1987-1995 |
| Bolt Pattern | 5×5 | 5×5 | 5 x 4.5 in. | 5 x 4.5 in. |
| Hub Center Core | 71.5mm | 71.5mm | 71.5mm | 71.5mm |
| Factory Wheel Size | 17-18″ | 17-18″ | 15-16″ | 15″-16″ |
| Lug Nut Size | 1/2 x 20 | 1/2 x 20 | 1/2 x 20 | 1/2 x 20 |
Best Rims for Jeep Wrangler YJ and TJ (5×4.5 bolt pattern)
1. Pro Comp 51 Series Xtreme Rock Crawler Steel Wheels
Pro Comp’ 51 Series Rock Crawler wheels are 15″ powder-coated steel rims engineered to endure proper outdoor use and may even do well with some rock climbing. Notably, they can take several dings without cracking or losing shape, essential if it is you against the elements. Furthermore, the scratch-resistant finish is long-lasting, even when off-roading on rock and gravel.
These rims are a universal fit but work exceptionally well with the Wrangler’s YJ and TJ models. The bolt pattern is 5″ x 4.5″ with a 3.75″ backspacing and 8″ width, allowing them to be installed on a wide range of axles. All you have to do is ensure that your fender has enough clearance but that has more to do with the tires you pair them with than the wheels themselves.
The Xtreme Rock Crawler wheels are rated for a maximum load of 1,600 pounds, pretty good for a wheel with this bolt pattern. Moreover, the manufacturer offers a 2-year limited warranty, meaning it’s confident in its workmanship and material. However, they don’t come with a center cap or lug nuts — those are sold separately.
Highlighted features
- Fit Jeep Wrangler YJ and TJ
- 5″ x 4.5″ bolt pattern
- Dimensions: 15″ x 8″
- Backspacing: 3.75″
- Maximum load: 1,600 lbs
- Weight: 32 lbs
- Strong alloy steel construction
- Powder-coated
- 2-year limited warranty
Pros
- Decent load capacity
- Long-lasting paint
- Works with 35” tires
- Pleasant glossy finish
Cons
- Does not come with a center cap or lug nuts
2. Mickey Thompson Classic III Wheels
The Mickey Thompson Classic III is a series of slightly fancier-looking rims designed to fit a 5″ x 4.5″ bolt pattern, making it an excellent option for Jeep Wranglers produced between 1987 and 2006. They are made from aluminum and have been rigorously tested in various conditions. Still, we would suggest equipping your Jeep with a steel spare wheel, just in case — aluminum is lighter and easier on your suspension but kinks more easily than steel.
Nonetheless, the 1,900 lbs load capacity brings them into the higher end of the wheel class, making them an excellent choice for campers, weekend explorers, and overlanding enthusiasts. Hence, you can comfortably carry your gear and look good while doing it.
Indeed, the Mickey Thompson Classic III packs an appealing black finish with a redesigned outer lip that looks incredible on a black or brightly colored Jeep (so pretty much all of them). It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty against any structural defects, while the finishing on the rims carries a 1-year warranty. Finally, you get a non-corrosive center cap embossed with the M/T logo with every purchase, which is a plus.
Highlighted features
- Fit Jeep Wrangler YJ and TJ
- 5″ x 4.5″ bolt pattern
- Dimensions: 15″ x 10″
- Backspacing: 3.73″
- Maximum load: 1,900 lbs
- Weight: 19.62 lbs
- Aluminum construction
- Limited lifetime warranty (Structural)
Pros
- Non-corrosive screw cap included
- Great load rating and strength capacity
- Aluminum construction makes for lightweight wheels
Cons
- Aluminum is definitely not as strong as steel
- You’ll need to buy lug nuts separately
3. Raceline Rockcrusher 887 Polished Wheels
Raceline Rockcrusher 887 series are polished 15″ rim made of heavy-duty A356 aluminum tested to meet all Department of Transportation’s requirements for safety and quality. They are designed to be lighter than most wheels available in the market (although slightly heavier than the previous model) and the outer lips aid in load shedding. Each weighs about 25 pounds — pretty light for an off-road rated wheel. And if 15-inchers are a bit small for your taste, you’ll be happy to hear that Raceline Wheels also offers them in 16″ and 17″.
Raceline’s Rockcrusher wheels fit a wide range of SUVs, including the Wrangler TJ and YJ’s 5″ x 4.5″ bolt pattern. The load capacity is rated at 2,500 pounds, meaning you can bring pretty much whatever you want without worrying about load fatigue.
Furthermore, push-through wheel caps are included with the purchase, although the lug nuts are not. Also worth mentioning, Raceline offers a lifetime warranty for structural concerns, but it’s very unlikely you’ll ever need to claim it — Raceline Wheels’ reputation has been more than well-established for years now.
Highlighted features
- Fit Jeep Wrangler YJ and TJ
- 5″ x 4.5″ bolt pattern
- Dimensions: 15″ X 10″
- Backspacing: 3.65″
- Maximum load: 2,500 lbs
- Weight: 22 lbs
- Heavy-duty A356 aluminum construction
- DOT-approved
- Limited lifetime warranty (Structural)
Pros
- Gleaming polished finish
- Lightweight
- Great load capacity
- Official wheel of Score International Off-Road Racing (As of Jan 2022)
Cons
- Lug nuts are not included
- Finishing is prone to scratches
Best Rims for Jeep Wrangler JK and JL (5 x 5 bolt pattern)
4. PRO COMP Series 69 Wheels
The PRO COMP Series 69 Vintage Matte Black wheels are high-strength alloy steel rims manufactured using state-of-the-art technology to make them suitable for extreme conditions. Indeed, Pro Comp’s Low-Pressure-Casting Technology allows creating a strong steel wheel almost as light as aluminum while maintaining a decent load capacity of 2,200 pounds — the best of both worlds right there!
This set of rims fits various modern SUVs, including the Jeep Wrangler JK and JL. They are ideal for outdoor rough-housing, and thanks to the steel construction, you can even perform some repairs in the field with basic tools (read here that they can be straightened using a hammer when dinged — something that you can’t do with aluminum wheels).
Also worth mentioning, the high offset allows for better brake clearance, an essential feature with modern-day SUVs. However, you might have to install fender extenders if you intend to go for trail tires
Pro Comp offers a 2-year warranty on the wheels covering manufacturing defects under normal use. However, it only mentions on-road as part of the “normal use.” So, if you plan on attacking some trails, the warranty won’t apply (but it’s also usually the same with most manufacturers — it’s really that this one highlights it lol).
Highlighted features
- Fit Jeep Wrangler JK and JL
- 5″ x 4.5″ bolt pattern
- Dimensions: 17″ x 9″
- Backspacing: 4.75″
- Maximum load: 2,200 lbs
- Weight: 24 lbs
- High-strength alloy steel construction
- 2-year warranty
Pros
- Attractive matte finishing
- Strong steel alloy
- Decent load capacity rating
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Warranty doesn’t cover off-roading
- OEM TPMS sensors might not work
5. American Racing AR172 Baja Wheels
The American Racing AR172 Baja series are old-school-looking, lightweight aftermarket wheels that fit Jeep Wrangler JK and JL models from 2007 onward. They are made from durable Aero-grade aluminum, making them featherlight at only 26.3 pounds apiece. Although light, the material is also very tough and rated for both on-road and off-road use, with the manufacturer testing it under SAE and VIA standards.
The rims come in a polished finish that instantly gives your Jeep a lift in appearance—assuming you like the chrome retro look (if you don’t American Racing also offers them in satin black as well as 15″, 16″, and 17″). And since they are much wider than the stock wheels, they’ll make your Jeep look much more aggressive, especially when coupled with the right off-road tires.
American Racing AR172 Baja wheels’ load capacity rating sits at a pretty decent 2,500 pounds, ideal if you regularly place your vehicle under load during your daily commutes or off-road trips.
Also worth mentioning, American Racing’s warranty covers peeling and bubbling of the chrome finish for at least 1 year — unfortunately, peeling generally takes a little longer than a year to occur. Still, the wheels are covered by a lifetime limited warranty on the structure and build quality, as long as they are fitted according to WTC aftermarket guidelines.
Highlighted features
- Fit Jeep Wrangler JK and JL
- 5″ x 4.5″ bolt pattern
- Dimensions: 17″ x 9″
- Backspacing: 4.53″
- Maximum load: 2,500 lbs
- Weight: 26.3 lbs
- Aero-grade aluminum construction
- Lifetime limited warranty
Pros
- SAE and VIA-tested
- Clean retro look
- Available in various sizes
- Universal fit design
- Durable and lightweight construction
- Great load capacity rating
- Suitable for off-roading
Cons
- Chrome finish might not be everyone’s cup of tea
6. Mickey Thompson Sidebiter II Wheels
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Mickey Thompson’s Sidebiter II series is a set of high-quality, low-pressure-cast aluminum wheels (similar to PRO COMP’s wheels above), which eliminates air bubbles in the metal and other imperfections that could cause cracks under hard use. Such a process significantly improves durability and reduces the risk of being left stranded on a pile of rocks, miles away from civilization—what’s not to like?
The 7-spoke wheels match and work in tandem with the manufacturer’s now-famous tires, increasing the strength and durability of both. Furthermore, Mickey Thompson’s Sidebiter II have an impressive load capacity rating of 2,600 pounds, suitable for serious off-roading and handling the weight of pretty much any aftermarket accessories you might be thinking about.
The wheels come with non-corrosive screw-on plastic center caps and the M/T logo, both on the rim’s cap and outer lips. And of course, Mickey Thompson offers a lifetime warranty against any structural defects and a 1-year warranty on the finish.
Highlighted features
- Fit Jeep Wrangler JK and JL
- 5″ x 4.5″ bolt pattern
- Dimensions: 17″ x 9″
- Backspacing: 4.5″
- Maximum load: 2,600 lbs
- Weight: 20.25 lbs
- Low-pressure-cast aluminum construction
- Lifetime warranty (defects) and 1-year warranty (finish)
Pros
- High strength lightweight design
- Ruggedly good looking
- Center cap included with purchase
- Great load capacity rating
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Lug nuts not included with purchase
7. Fuel Off-Road Beast Wheels
There’s no denying it; the Fuel Off-Road Beast are some of the best looking off-road capable wheels for the Jeep Wrangler JK and JL. The 17″ x 9″ design gives any Wrangler a much more muscular appearance and allows to install wider tires for better grip in serious trails.
The 2,500 lbs load capacity means they will be able to handle most of your off-roading demands, including carrying heavy equipment or hauling a trailer up a mountain. And of course, the classy black machined finish combined with the aggressive branding on the side will make sure you do it in style.
And to make sure they perform as well as they look, the Beast wheels are produced with superior, denser aluminum able to handle hard impacts when jumping over a bump, climbing over rocks, or hitting potholes while going to work. Still, this specific process also makes them heavier than other aluminum models for Jeep Wranglers, each weighing 34 pounds.
Unsurprisingly, Fuel Off-Road offers a lifetime warranty for any structural defects, while the finish comes with a 1-year warranty (that seems like a standard in the industry).
Highlighted features
- Fit Jeep Wrangler JK and JL
- 5″ x 4.5″ bolt pattern
- Dimensions: 17″ x 9″
- Backspacing: 4.5″
- Maximum load: 2,500 lbs
- Weight: 34 lbs
- Aluminum construction
- Lifetime warranty (defects), 1-year warranty (finish)
Pros
- High-end styling
- Impact-resistant high-quality build
- Great load capacity rating
- Solid construction with excellent workmanship
- Recognizable branding
Cons
- Heavier than most
8. Method Race Wheels MR105 Beadlock
The Method MR105 Beadlock 17×9 gold wheels are a stunning addition to any JK and JL Wrangler. The gold finish obviously stands out, especially when installed on black or dark grey colored Jeeps.
These are heavy wheels designed to fit the needs of severe off-road cognoscente, each weighing 33.7 pounds. They are made from high-quality A356 aluminum with T6 treatment, an excellent combination when it comes to resisting hard impacts. Furthermore, the beadlock system ensures you can drive with underinflated tires without worrying about the bead coming out.
As expected from such high-performance, off-road-oriented wheels, the load capacity rating is on the higher side at 3,600 pounds — 1,000 pounds more than most options available on the market. The inner lip is also reinforced for additional support, and the beadlock is made from 6061 aluminum for the utmost in strength and durability.
However, it’s important to mention that the Method MR105 is for serious off-roading only and not for street use. As a result, the manufacturer doesn’t offer any warranty, which is not really surprising but definitely something to keep in mind.
Highlighted features
- Fit Jeep Wrangler JK and JL
- 5″ x 4.5″ bolt pattern
- Dimensions: 17″ x 9″
- Backspacing: 3.5″
- Maximum load: 3,600 lbs
- Weight: 37 lbs
- Body: aluminum alloy A356 T6 body
- Beadlock: 6061 aluminum
Pros
- Stunning contrast coloring
- Sturdy construction
- Reinforced inner lip
- Excellent load capacity rating
- Beadlock hardware kit included
Cons
- No warranty
- Not street legal
9. Rock Monster DOT Beadlock Wheels
The Rock Monster DOT Beadlock wheels are designed to improve your Jeep’s soft-terrain ability, thanks to the robust bead lock design allowing to run underinflated tires. Indeed, a lower tire pressure lets the tread sit better on the pavement, significantly improving traction. Such a design works exceptionally well on sand and snow, making your Jeep fun to drive on beaches and safer in the wintertime.
The high-quality aluminum wheels are designed to fit a 5″ x 5″ bolt pattern and can be installed on a wide variety of off-road-capable vehicles, including the JK and JL series Wranglers. Besides, at 2,300 pounds, the load capacity rating is pretty good but definitely lower than the previous model
Also worth mentioning is the quality of the bead lock set-up. Namely, the Rock Monster DOT Beadlock Wheels feature the same technology used on US military vehicles, for the best combination of on- and off-road traction.
Hardcore off-roaders will appreciate the option to either use the standard air valves or a central tire inflation system—that’s something you won’t find on any other model in this list.
If you are looking for the absolute best off-road wheels for your Jeep, look no further — these are what you need!
Highlighted features
- Fit Jeep Wrangler JK and JL
- 5″ x 4.5″ bolt pattern
- Dimensions: 17″ x 8.5″
- Backspacing: 4.63″
- Maximum load: 2,300 lbs
- Two-piece aluminum construction
- DOT-approved
Pros
- Street-legal
- Strong aluminum build
- Decent load capacity rating
- Famous Hutchingson DOT Beadlock design
- Alluring black finish
- Compatible with CTIS system
Cons
- Load capacity rating is not as high as others in the same class
- On the expensive side
How to Choose the Right Rims for your Jeep Wrangler
Finding the best wheels for your Jeep Wrangler depends mainly on what you intend to do with it. For instance, if your Jeep is a daily driver, you will need a good balance between weight and load capacity. Meanwhile, avid off-roaders should look for stronger, heavier wheels that take hits better.
To help you narrow it down, here are some factors to consider when choosing the best rims for your Jeep Wrangler.
Material
The most essential factor is by far the wheel’s material — and for a good reason. Not only will it determine how sturdy your wheels are, but it also has a significant impact on the weight and cost. Heavier steel wheels will increase your Jeep’s unsprung mass, taking a bigger toll on the various suspension components, and will also reduce fuel efficiency. On the other hand, lighter aluminum wheels provide a smoother ride, and better fuel economy but will usually be a bit flimsier and may crack sooner.
In most cases, off-road capable rims are mostly made from steel or aluminum. Most trail aficionados favor steel wheels because they can take a beating and can carry heavier SUVs. Steel is also more likely to bend when dinged off-road (which can sometimes be fixed with the help of a hammer and a bit of elbow grease), where aluminum would crack on impact (that can also be fixed but will cost a lot more to repair, sometimes even more than the initial cost of the wheel).
Meanwhile, aluminum rims are usually more stylish, and they make valuable additions to daily drivers with occasional off-roading. However, they tend to be more expensive, which is not to be neglected.
Offset
While the terms offset and backspacing sound highly technical, they are much more straightforward than they may seem at first. Put simply, offset is the distance from the center of the wheel and the hub’s mounting surface.
There are three types of offset:
Zero Offset: This is when the hub’s mounting surface is in line with the center of the rim
Negative offset: here, the hub is behind the centerline of the wheel
Positive Offset: it is common in most front and rear-wheel drive vehicles and happens when the hub mounting surface is in front of the centerline.
A higher or “positive” offset will move the wheel inwards, while a lower or “negative” offset will move the wheel outwards. As a general rule, a negative offset will usually result in a wider track, improving traction and maneuverability. However, with a really high offset, you might need fender extensions to fully cover the wheels.
Backspacing
Backspacing is even simpler and is basically the distance between the wheel’s mounting surface and the inner lip—this value really dictates whether the brake, steering, and suspension components will be sitting inside or outside the wheel. This one is a bit trickier to measure but this is what determines the clearance required for your new wheels to fit on your Jeep without rubbing against any mechanical component.
Beadlocks
A Beadlock is a device designed to attach the tire’s bead to the wheel and make sure both rotate as a single unit. This is a highly valuable feature when going off-road since it lets you run tires at a lower pressure than usual, increasing traction when rock crawling or driving on sand and snow. However, as excellent as this feature is, most bead lock tires are not approved for road use by the DOT. The Rock Monster DOT Beadlock Wheels are the exception confirming the rule here.
Most serious off-road enthusiasts use a second set of Beadlock-equipped wheels, specifically for off-roading. They often go for denser models with a high load capacity rating with a proven off-roading pedigree. The Method Race Wheels MR105 Beadlock wheels are a good example.
What Are the Best Beadlock Wheels for Jeep?
The Rock Monster DOT Beadlock Wheels might not be the most attractive, but they are DOT-approved for street use, unlike most of its rivals. Moreover, these are one of the sturdiest bead lock wheels for Jeep out there, using the same technology as US military vehicles, and even support a central tire inflation system. Still, the load capacity isn’t very impressive for a bead lock wheel.
Made from a combination of solid A356 aluminum with T6 heat treatment for the rim and forged 6061-T6 aluminum for the bead lock ring, the Method Race Wheels MR105 17×9 Beadlock offers a much higher load capacity, but it’s not street legal. Still, thanks to its outstandingly tough construction, it’s the best option for off-road freaks that go rock crawling. Besides, the attractive design, available in matte black, machined, and gold, also fits the Jeep Wrangler JK and JL exceptionally well.
Verdict
Don’t think twice about it; get your Jeep some new wheels!
Stock rims can only go so far and limit your ability to install bigger and wider tires. If you are running an older model Wrangler, options are somewhat limited due to the obsolete bolt pattern.
Still, if you are serious about off-roading, the best option is the Pro Comp 51 Series Xtreme Rock Crawler steel wheels. They are inexpensive to replace and well-made, and although the load capacity isn’t that high, they can take plenty of abuse. Meanwhile, if you want a combination of functionality and looks, your best bet is the Mickey Thompson Classic III.
However, if your Jeep is a later JK or JL series, you have a lot more options to choose from, with several serious contenders competing for the best Jeep Wrangler wheels. An excellent option for those on a tight budget is the American Racing AR172 Baja wheels. They are well made, on the cheaper side, and will do the job just fine. Still, if you are looking for nothing but the best, look for the Method Race Wheels MR105 Beadlock. You may have to get a different set of rims for your daily commute, but the compromise is more than worth it!
Download your Jeep Wrangler owners manual here!
