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AT Staff
/ Aug 23 2023
Choosing the perfect tires for your Jeep Wrangler is more than about getting from A to B but getting the most out of every mile you drive, whether that's through downtown streets or rugged mountain trails. As you’ll find out, there’s more to it than meets the eye, so look past the air-filled rubber ring for a bit. This comprehensive guide will help you understand Jeep Wrangler tire sizing, select suitable upgrades, and confidently navigate your tire purchase.
Ever wondered what the cryptic numbers on your tires actually mean? Let’s decode the tire size format, such as "255/75R17": 255 – Tire's width in millimeters, sidewall to sidewall. 75 – Aspect ratio, which is the sidewall height expressed as a percentage of the tire width. R – Radial construction, which is not only the most common tire type today, but probably the only construction you’ll find for your Jeep. 17 – Wheel diameter in inches, which should match your wheel size.
Now, while you can look at the sidewall of the tire to find the exact size, there’s an easier way to find what comes from the factory. Open the driver’s door and find the door placard – the white and yellow sticker. It has the factory-equipped tire size on it. Learn about some of the common tire sizes for each Jeep Wrangler generation below. And yes, we include Rubicons and other fancy trim levels.
The Jeep Wrangler JL is the current generation, so the newest Jeeps that you'll see on the road. The standard factory Jeep JL tires that come with each trim are sized accordingly:
Depending on how you bought your Jeep, the sizes may vary. It's also a good idea to check the sidewall before you confirm your purchase, just in case.
The Jeep Wrangler JK is one of the most popular Jeeps in existence, and you'll find thousands of aftermarket parts available for it. If you just want basic Jeep JK tire replacements, however, the sizes are listed below.
We know it's a massive list, but that's because there are a lot of these Jeeps and a wide variety of trim levels on the road. Still, make sure you double check the factory size because if you have a used Wrangler, the sizes may not be stock.
Known as the first of the modern Wranglers, the TJ is a good-looking Jeep, but one thing you'll notice is that it's lacking in big tires. Some of the OEM Jeep TJ tire sizes include:
Always check your vehicle’s trim before purchasing tires, and don't forget to read the sidewall and check the door placard just to be sure.
The first iteration of the modern Jeep Wrangler is the YJ. While it still maintains the classic style, it has some modern additions to the design, along with a ton of different tire sizes. While base models come with 205/75R15 or 215/75R15, different trim levels have different tire sizes. After all, this is when Jeep really started to experiment with the tire sizes. The other Jeep YJ tire sizes include:
When it comes to choosing tires for your Wrangler, you need to distinguish between Passenger (P) and Light Truck (LT) tires. Passenger tires are tailored for comfort and quiet highway driving, making them ideal if your Wrangler is primarily your daily commuter. These tires deliver smooth handling, lower rolling resistance (meaning better fuel economy), and reduced road noise. On many entry-level trims, they’re the OEM tire you’re getting too. On the flip side, Light Truck tires are the rugged adventurers of the tire world. Built with stronger, reinforced sidewalls and deeper, more aggressive tread patterns, they're your go-to choice if your Wrangler regularly tackles rough terrains or hauls heavy loads. LT tires offer much better puncture resistance and they stand up better to harsh conditions, which you’ll want for off-road excursions and heavy-duty applications.
Your driving style and terrain preference will significantly impact your tire choice. For Jeep owners spending most time on highways and city roads, look for tires that are rated for comfort, minimize noise, provide excellent wet and dry traction, and promote better fuel efficiency. However, if off-road trails are your playground, look for tires that show off aggressive tread patterns for mud and snow, tougher sidewalls to withstand rough terrains, superior puncture resistance, and excellent grip on rocky surfaces. If your Wrangler splits its time between city roads and weekend off-roading, all-terrain tires strike an ideal balance. These tires blend road-friendly handling with trail-capable ruggedness, making them perfect for versatile use without sacrificing daily drivability.
Upgrading tire size is a popular choice among Wrangler enthusiasts not just for how they perform off the road, but for how it looks on the vehicle too. The most common upsized tires include 33-inch, 35-inch, and 37-inch options. 33-inch tires offer a noticeable upgrade over stock tires without needing significant modifications. They improve ground clearance, enhance off-road capability, and give your Wrangler a tougher stance with minimal additional costs or adjustments. 35-inch tires represent the sweet spot between size, performance, and visual appeal. These require moderate modifications, including lift kits, wheel offset adjustments, and possible drivetrain re-gearing to maintain optimal performance. 37-inch tires are the go-to for serious off-road enthusiasts looking for ultimate capability. Fitting these larger tires will demand extensive upgrades, such as significant suspension lifts, reinforced axles, steering enhancements, and drivetrain adjustments to handle the added size and weight. Beware that any tire upsize will change your speedometer and odometer, so you’ll need to get that recalibrated too.
When upsizing your Wrangler's tires, plan for supporting modifications that are probably more in-depth than changing the tires themselves. While 33-inch tires might only require minor tweaks, larger tires typically need more extensive changes:
While this is a simple explanation of what you can expect, you can always learn more in our lift kit guide.
Did you know that the gear ratio you’re running can change how your Jeep performs with different types of tires on it? While you may not notice it for slightly different gear ratios, once you start drastically changing things, you'll notice. The biggest thing you'll notice with gear ratio is with fuel economy and towing performance. This is because bigger wheels and tires may alter performance and fuel efficiency by changing the RPMs you’re working with at different speeds. The example we’ll use is trying to maintain 2600 RPMs or less on the highway, which is best for fuel economy, and not having to deal with that annoying low RPM droning. While you have some more leeway with tires between 27 and 35 inches, because many stock Wranglers have 3.07 to 4.10 gear ratios, you'll notice some big changes in performance after that. This is because you'll need a higher gear ratio to maintain fuel economy and performance on the highway, and while driving around town. In fact, for 40-inch tires, you'll need 4.88 gears or even 5.13 or 5.38 to maintain 2600 RPMs on the highway. That said, you also need to consider towing and driving around town. If you have bigger tire plans or unique goals, consider checking out our Jeep Wrangler gear ratio chart.
Choosing the right tires can significantly elevate your Wrangler experience. Here are five premium options available here.
Widely respected for its exceptional balance of off-road capability and on-road comfort. The BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 offers outstanding durability, impressive all-weather traction, and superior tread life, perfect for those who blend city driving with weekend trail adventures.
Engineered specifically for off-road enthusiasts, the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T excels in mud, rocks, and rough terrain. Aggressive tread design, reinforced sidewalls, and superior puncture resistance ensure it withstands the toughest off-road challenges without sacrificing too much on-road ride quality.
The Hercules Tires Terra Trac T/G Max All Season Tire is a hybrid tire that effortlessly transitions from daily driving to rugged trails. Its innovative tread design delivers excellent traction in mud, snow, and rocky terrain, combined with a surprisingly quiet and comfortable highway ride.
Built for off-road durability and impressive on-road comfort, the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T boasts an aggressive yet refined tread pattern. Enhanced strength and puncture resistance make it ideal for Jeep owners who demand performance across diverse conditions and terrains.
Renowned for its versatility and capability in all weather conditions, the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W provides exceptional grip, durability, and stability on both paved and unpaved roads. Its rugged build is balanced by quiet highway manners, making it perfect for the Wrangler driver seeking a tire capable of handling everything from daily commutes to serious weekend trails. Now fully equipped with this comprehensive knowledge, you're ready to confidently choose the perfect set of tires for your Wrangler. Explore these top-tier options and more at ExtremeTerrain, and start your next Jeep adventure with the right tires under you.