When it comes to taking the road less traveled, having the best off-road wheels — along with a solid set of tires — is a basic necessity. Off-road wheels are designed to tackle the roughest terrain and boost your vehicle’s overall performance when far from the homestead. And, of course, they can improve the appearance of your truck or SUV if you’re going for that rugged off-road aesthetic. Adding a sleek center cap is also a subtle way to elevate your trail rig’s look.
While steel wheels like the ICON Alloys Rebound Pro are sturdy and typically the most budget-friendly option, aluminum — such as in the EVOCorse DakarZero — is the best material if you can afford it, thanks to its strength-to-weight ratio. Cast, forged, or flow-formed — it’s all good when working with aluminum. Moreover, wheel design isn’t only about the cosmetic appeal, but also how it influences the qualities that maximize strength, durability, and functionality.
To learn more about off-road wheels and a more in-depth analysis of how they can vary, check out the Buyer’s Guide or jump to the Price & Value summary. Still weighing your options? Consult our Comparison Chart.
Editor’s Note: We updated our Off-Road Wheels buyer’s guide on October 28, 2024, to include pros, cons, How We Tested, and Price & Value sections.
The Best Off-Road Wheels of 2024
- Best Overall Off-Road Wheels: ICON Alloys Rebound Pro
- Best Budget Off-Road Wheels: Pro Comp Rock Crawler Xtreme Series 51
- Best Premium Off-Road Wheels: EVOCorse DakarZero
- Size: 17” x 8.5”
- Bolt pattern: 5-lug, 6-lug
- Load rating: 3,200 lbs.
- Colors: Bronze, Satin Black, Titanium
Pros
- DOT-approved
- 4,000-pound load rating, optimized for heavy-duty pickup trucks
Cons
- Can’t use your stock lug nuts with the compression wheels
Pro Comp Rock Crawler Xtreme Series 51
- Size: 15-, 16-, and 17-inch diameters
- Bolt pattern: 5-lug, 6-lug, 8-lug
- Load rating: 1,600-2,200 lbs.
- Colors: Flat Black or Gloss Black powder coat
Pros
- Economic
- Plenty of diameters and lug bolt patterns to choose from
Cons
- Need to purchase lugs separately
EVOCorse DakarZero
- Size: 14-, 15-, 16-, 17-, and 18-in. diameters
- Bolt pattern: Unavailable
- Load rating: Unavailable
- Colors: White, Matte Black, Silver, Gold, Anthracite, Matte Bronze, Gloss Bronze, Gloss Black
Pros
- Clean aesthetic
- Extremely durable
Cons
- Higher price
KMC KM535 “Grenade” Off-Road Wheels
- Size: 16-, 17-, 18-, and 20-inch diameters
- Bolt pattern: 5-lug, 6-lug, and 8-lug
- Load rating: 2,500-3,640 lbs.
- Colors: Matte Black, Matte Bronze w/Black Lip, Matte Gray w/Black Lip
Pros
- Center cap tops off a polished look
- 16- to 20-inch diameters
Cons
- Lugs not included
- Size: 17- and 20-inch diameters
- Bolt pattern: 5-lug, 6-lug
- Load rating: 2,200 lbs. (1,000 kg)
- Colors: ORE, Tarmac, plus 17 custom colors to choose from
Pros
- 3-year finish warranty
- Top quality control
Cons
- Lower end of the load ratings
- Sizes: 17- and 18-inch diameters
- Bolt pattern: Unavailable
- Load rating: 2,650-3,640 lbs.
- Colors: Bronze, Matte Black
Pros
- Lifetime structural warranty
- Patented Bead Grip technology (that's street legal)
Cons
- Only offered in 17- and 18-inch diameters
- Size: 15-, 16-, and 17-inch diameters
- Bolt pattern: Unavailable
- Load rating: 2,000-3,640 lbs.
- Colors: Polished, Satin Black
Pros
- Choice between polished aluminum or painted black
- Easy cleanup
Cons
- Not heavy-duty
- Size: 15-, 16-, and 17-inch diameters
- Bolt pattern: 5-lug, 6-lug
- Load rating: 2,500-3,650 lbs. (17-inch), depending upon the offset and backspacing
- Colors: Salt White, Utility Gray, Satin Black
Pros
- Lifetime structural warranty
- Higher load rating
Cons
- Vintage might not be everyone's first style choice
- Size: 20-, 22-, and 24-inch diameters
- Bolt pattern: Unavailable
- Load rating: 2,500 lbs.
- Colors: Gloss Black w/Milled Red Accents, Matte Black, Bronze, Platinum
Pros
- One-piece aluminum cast
- Moderate load rating
Cons
- Slightly pricier option
- Size: 17″ x 8.5″
- Bolt pattern: Unavailable
- Load rating: 2,400 lbs.
- Colors: Satin Black, OnyxS
Pros
- Precisely made for Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, Toyota Tacoma, Chevy Colorado
- Lifetime structural warranty
Cons
- The model years stop at 2022
Off-Road Wheels Comparison Chart
Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Size, Loading rating, Colors.
| Off-Road Wheels | Price | Size | Loading rating | Colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICON Alloys Rebound Pro | $315 | 17” x 8.5” | 3,200 lbs. | Bronze, Satin Black, Titanium |
| Pro Comp Rock Crawler Xtreme Series 51 | $102 | 15-, 16-, and 17-inch diameters | 1,600-2,200 lbs. | Flat Black or Gloss Black powder coat |
| EVOCorse DakarZero | $500 | 14-, 15-, 16-, 17-, and 18-in. diameters | Unavailable | White, Matte Black, Silver, Gold, Anthracite, Matte Bronze, Gloss Bronze, Gloss Black |
| KMC KM535 “Grenade” Off-Road Wheels | $297 | 16-, 17-, 18-, and 20-inch diameters | 2,500-3,640 lbs. | Matte Black, Matte Bronze w/Black Lip, Matte Gray w/Black Lip |
| HRE FT1 | $400 | 17- and 20-inch diameters | 2,200 lbs. (1,000 kg) | ORE, Tarmac, plus 17 custom colors to choose from |
| Method Race Wheels 706 | $250 | 17- and 18-inch diameters | 2,650-3,640 lbs. | Bronze, Matte Black |
| American Racing AR172 Baja Wheels | $206 | 15-, 16-, and 17-inch diameters | 2,000-3,640 lbs. | Polished, Satin Black |
| Nomad Convoy Off-Road Wheel | $177 | 15-, 16-, and 17-inch diameters | 2,500-3,650 lbs. (17-inch), depending upon the offset and backspacing | Salt White, Utility Gray, Satin Black |
| Fuel Flame Off-Road Wheel | $475 | 20-, 22-, and 24-inch diameters | 2,500 lbs. | Gloss Black w/Milled Red Accents, Matte Black, Bronze, Platinum |
| AEV Salta XR | $299 | 17″ x 8.5″ | 2,400 lbs. | Satin Black, OnyxS |
How We Tested the Best Off-Road Wheels
We get that people want the best value on gear before spending their hard-earned money. Our expert team carefully selects the products we cover and vigorously researches (and tests) our top choices.
Our Expert Testers
Bryon Dorr is the Motors Editor of GearJunkie. He has been writing about overland travel, off-road vehicles, general automotive, whitewater kayaks, and outdoor and travel gear for 12+ years.
Our automotive specialist and tester for this buyer’s guide, Derek Mau, co-curated the collection. A regular work day for Mau involves testing almost anything on four wheels, obsessively researching and shopping for the best deal, and writing detailed and informative reviews of all things automotive for GearJunkie.
Our Testing Grounds
Dorr is based in Portland, Oregon. He travels all over the country and world testing automotive gear. Mau is based in Boise, Idaho.
Our Testing Process
Bottom line: The GearJunkie staff is dedicated to exhaustive analysis and helping our readers make informed choices.
And to finish outfitting your truck or SUV for all your off-roading adventures, add the best mud-terrain tires or all-terrain tires to get out exploring with confidence.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing Off-Road Wheels
It’s crucial to consider the following when searching for the best off-road wheels to pick the best match for your tires, vehicle, and use case.
Wheel Size
When it comes to getting the appropriate size of off-road wheels for your truck or SUV, paying attention to the diameter and width of the rim is essential.
With diameter, it comes down to both preferences and the best fit for your vehicle. If you decide to go with a larger diameter rim, you may need to lift your truck or SUV to accommodate the larger wheel size.
It is also crucial to ensure that you don’t purchase wheels too small in diameter, as they probably won’t fit over your brake calipers. We recommend sticking with your OE wheel dimensions or size up as your current modifications or clearance will allow.
If a big brake kit was installed, check with the manufacturer to determine if the design will accommodate larger calipers.
The width of your rim will determine what size tire you can safely run. Most tires should have a recommended rim width range, measured in inches, that identifies the narrowest to the widest rim widths on which you can safely mount the tire.
To determine the correct fitment, check the specifications of your tires of choice. If you cannot find the information, contact the tire manufacturer. Alternatively, you can purchase your new off-road rims first and then find a set of tires to fit them.
Bolt Pattern
When shopping for the best off-road wheels for your ride, pay attention to the bolt pattern specified in the product description. The bolt pattern needs to match your vehicle.
This spec is the number of lugs on the vehicle’s wheel, along with the diameter of a virtual circle formed at the center of the lugs themselves. Before purchasing off-road wheels, know the pattern and size of your vehicle’s bolts.
Wheel Offset
The offset is the distance from a rim’s hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. The measurement is in millimeters and classified as negative, positive, or zero offset.
A negative offset means the mounting surface is closer to the inboard side of the wheel. A positive offset means the mounting surface is nearer to the outboard or street side of the wheel. If an offset is zero, the mounting surface is located exactly at the wheel’s centerline.
Offset is essential because it determines whether a wheel will fit your vehicle, clear your brakes, and accommodate any suspension or other modifications you have made to your adventure rig. If you plan to upgrade to a larger rim and wider tire, you will need to make sure you purchase a wheel with the proper offset.
If you are sticking with a stock rim and tire size, purchasing a similar offset to what your vehicle is currently running is fine. If you have a modified ride or are planning to run a larger rim, speak to a trusted tire and wheel shop to determine what offset will work best for your vehicle before making your purchase.
Another great resource is this simple video on how to measure your wheel offset from Driftworks.
Load Rating
It’s best to know your vehicle’s maximum load capacity to match or exceed the correct load rating before purchasing a set of aftermarket off-road wheels. Generally, steel rims will have a higher load rating than aluminum, although aluminum wheels should be more than sturdy enough to handle the weight of most standard trucks and SUVs.
Finish
The finish of your off-road wheels mostly depends on preference. The most common finishes include painted matte or shiny black, chrome, bronze, and silver. Pick the color that will best complement your adventure rig.
For painted or matte finishes, note that they may show wear or scratches more obviously than polished chrome. Look for a corrosion-resistant finish to help prevent premature wear.
Material
Aluminum is the most common material used for off-road wheels. The properties of aluminum are ideal for creating a robust, lightweight, and highly durable rim. Aluminum is overall non-corrosive and hearty enough to withstand rugged off-roading conditions.
Steel is another relatively common material for off-road wheels. It is generally more budget-friendly and still of excellent quality. Most steel wheels will have some kind of paint to prevent rust, but it is important to note that since steel is not corrosion-resistant, you will need to maintain this protective coating in the case of any nicks, chips, or scratches to prevent the wheel from rusting.
Price & Value
Most of our favorite off-road wheels range from $100 to $500.
Budget
On the low end, the Pro Comp Rock Crawler Xtreme Series 51 ($102) have a lower load rating among the selection and are made out of steel, which is less durable than aluminum. You’ll also notice fewer configuration options at the lower price shelf.
Mid-Tier
The majority of our top picks fall in this arena — AEV Salta XR ($299), KMC KM535 “Grenade” Off-Road Wheels ($297), and ICON Alloys Rebound Pro ($315). These designs all have a little extra garnish. You’ll also notice a hike in the load ratings: 2,400 to 3,640 pounds. The KMC offers the greatest range of compatibility with four diameters. But the ICON does offer four color options in addition to a patented non-deadlock system that’s extremely strong without frequent maintenance and hardware. And the AEV is a more customized design for four specific vehicle models.
Premium
Top shelf off-road wheels are made out of aluminum, which is has the best strength-to-weight ratio like in the EVOCorse DakarZero ($500). These are the ultimate tool for racing-level adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Off-road wheels are generally more durable than other wheels in order for them to maintain strength even on the roughest terrain. You won’t find one specific wheel type for off-roading, but there are numerous options, styles, and sizes to fit the specific needs of each vehicle and off-road use case.
Off-road wheels are either made of aluminum or steel. The more aggressive and robust off-road wheels will have beadlock technology.
In terms of off-road wheels, there are three common lug or bolt patterns — a five-lug wheel, a six-lug wheel, or an eight-lug wheel. The bolt pattern must match your vehicle’s bolt pattern for the wheel to fit. With that, it is necessary to know the lug (or bolt) pattern.
A wheel’s bolt pattern consists of two numbers. For instance, a potential bolt pattern could be 6×135. The “6” accounts for the number of lugs. But you still need to figure out the second number. The second number is the circle’s virtual diameter formed by the wheel’s lugs measured in either millimeters or inches.
For a five-lug wheel, measure from the middle point of one hole to the center of the hole across from it. In the case of a six-lug wheel, measure from the middle point of two holes that are across from one another. And for an eight-lug wheel, you can do the same thing.
It’s also meaningful to remember that some wheels may seem to fit more than one pattern. Keep in mind that accuracy matters. That means you’ll want to find the correct pattern whenever possible.
The most common rim size is around 17 inches. Nonetheless, larger-diameter wheels have become increasingly popular, especially for trucks. There is no clear-cut answer for the best rim size. Instead, it depends on your preferences in terms of performance and aesthetics.
The smallest wheel that will fit your vehicle properly and the tallest tire combo will offer the largest sidewall possible and usually result in the best off-road performance.
There are benefits to both aluminum wheels and steel wheels.
Overall, aluminum wheels are the most popular. Their properties result in a strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant rim. The lightweight nature of aluminum helps with performance and gas mileage and looks fantastic.
Steel wheels are generally heavier and cheaper. Fundamentally, steel wheels outperform aluminum in colder temperatures. While they’re not as aesthetically pleasing as aluminum wheels, they are often a more budget-friendly option. They are also much easier to field repair if a failure does happen.
A beadlock is a mechanical device that clamps the tire to the wheel. It does this using a deadlock ring that bolts around the outside of the wheel.
This arrangement provides extra protection from the tire detaching from the wheel, especially if you are running a very low tire pressure for added traction. That is why they’re used in extreme off-roading conditions.
With that said, beadlocks can pose a few safety hazards. Improper maintenance can result in a loose bolt that falls off and can cause damage to surrounding cars or the road. Check your current state rules and regulations to determine if beadlocks are street-legal for your area, as many beadlock wheels are allowed only off-road.
Beadlock wheels have an extra ring that fits along the perimeter of the wheel face. When installing, you slip the tire lip between the bead and the beadlock ring and tighten it with a series of heavy-duty bolts. The additional locking force allows you to safely run lower tire pressures, which isn’t possible with a conventional wheel.
On a standard rim, your tire would fit on the inner lip lines of the wheel, known as the beads. Then, the air pressure of a properly inflated tire secures it in place alongside the beads. The physics are straightforward and relatively safe because:
- No bolts can break or come loose
- Properly inflated tires will safely stay on the rims with an extremely low chance of failure
Off-roaders use the practice of deflating tires to lower air pressure levels, which allows the tire to conform better to irregular obstacles. It also gives the tire more surface area for more traction.
However, you also risk a tire’s bead losing its grip if not inflated to the recommended pressure. An underinflated tire is always bad news, but it’s dreadful if you’re miles from civilization where there’s no emergency road service.
Beadlock wheels, typically used for off-roading, allow you to run safely at ultra-low tire pressures than a conventional wheel that uses a bead grip system. A beadlock wheel uses an elaborate bolt and ring system where upward of 30 individual high-strength bolts are torqued to a specific tension to ensure that the ring applies equal pressure on the tire bead, keeping it clamped in place.
Most beadlock wheels are not DOT-approved for street use, and their cost is higher. Plus, they require special tools and routine re-tensioning of the bolts. The beadlock hardware accounts for additional unsprung and rolling weight, which negatively impacts acceleration, puts more load on the brakes, and affects ride quality.
An off-road rim engineered with new bead grip technology has additional design elements for low psi scenarios that keep the tire pressed to the inner lip lines of a wheel known as the bead.
For example, Icon Alloys uses a series of sealed pins placed radially along the rim to hold the tire in place under extreme lateral loads. Method Race Wheels have extra grooves and humps on both the inner and outer bead sets, providing a stronger hold under severe side load.
When inflated, the air pressure keeps the tire in place alongside the beads. The industry standard bead grip system is fantastic for most practices. There are no moving parts, it involves minimal maintenance, and properly inflated tires will stay on the rims with no problems.
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