What's the Deal with Large Wheels? (sedans, CUV, SUV, fuel)

[asubram3]

I am looking to buy a new mid-size SUV in the next few months. Looking at different models, they all seem to have large wheel sizes standard especially on upper trims. I am seeing 19-20" on most models. What's the deal with this? I thought larger wheel sizes led to poor rides and more chances of rim damage? Why don't companies offer smaller smoother riding wheels on upper trims? Also, doesn't tire replacement become more expensive with larger wheels? Is there any real advantage to large wheel sizes over smaller 17-18" ones?

[Mr78609]

Its called "donkin" Very stylish and favored by many ethnic groups.

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by Mr78609

Its called "donkin" Very stylish and favored by many ethnic groups.

20” is not enough for donks anymore, you need at least 24s.


I’ll never forget back around 2008 when my grandparents bought a new Tahoe LTZ, and when my grandmother was showing it to me she said “it has 20’s”.

[eaton53]

Big Wheel Authority Shaq says no larger than 24" on a full sized SUV. Bigger than 24" screws up the ride.
20" is big on a sedan, but not big on an SUV.

Originally Posted by southernnaturelover

I’ll never forget back around 2008 when my grandparents bought a new Tahoe LTZ, and when my grandmother was showing it to me she said “it has 20’s”.

I had 20's with summer tires (on newer OEM GMC wheels) on my '99 Tahoe with foot wide tires.
They improved the handling tremendously with little effect on ride quality of fuel economy. I highly recommend doing this.
I put winter tires on the stock wheels.

[somebodyfromnc]

My truck has 20-inch wheels on it. Rides fine to me.

[rstevens62]

I had 20" wheels/tires on my 2004 Dodge ram, I had almost constant problems with the Goodyear tires though, every one of them would develop bulges in the tire, which would cause major vibration while driving, no one could find anything wrong with the trucks suspension either, I was replacing tires bi-weekly at one point!


I didnt care one way or the other about the large wheel size, it was a BIG truck to begin with, so 20" wheels didnt look that big on it.

[kwong7]

I'm not a fan of wheels so large that the tire profile is less than a 45. When the tires get too thin, the price goes up, the ride quality suffers, and the chance of a blown tire/wheel damage goes up. It use to be that aftermarket folks were oversizing their wheels, but now the OEMs have gone that route. As long as the suspension and brakes will accommodate smaller wheels, you can also grab a smaller set off craigslist or a model specific car forum.

[Hemlock140]

It’s the same reason the cars in the 1930s started to have whitewall tires, 1950s had wide whitewalls, which then got thinner in the late 60s-early 70s, and disappeared in the late 1970s. Style, and fads. My wife’s CUV has 17”, my truck has 18”, and I wouldn’t want anything bigger.

[HappyRider]

No way 20" is enough for whatever they are called. They are grotesque, especially when mounted on sedans. Look at this monstrosity.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=...65062353464972

[rstevens62]

Originally Posted by HappyRider

No way 20" is enough for whatever they are called. They are grotesque, especially when mounted on sedans. Look at this monstrosity.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=...65062353464972

Oh yes, they are running like 60" or larger on those 'donks'!!


I assume the tires are SUPER expensive and probably not many brands that make those sizes. Ive never understood how they lift the sedans in order to run such tall wheels, its not like they make suspension lift kits for 1980s and 90s LTDs and hoopties!! LOL