Popular Jeep Wheels and Rims – Our Recommendations

A Jeep Wrangler is a near-perfect vehicle for owners who love off-roading on the weekend and consider races like the San Felipe 250 or the Baja 1000 to be the greatest events in motorsports. Since they cannot live in the desert though, they also need a vehicle that looks good and performs just as well on city streets. Fortunately, our popular 4×4 still has them covered.

Finding the best Jeep Wrangler wheels is puts the kicks on a vehicle that can carry you everywhere from that weekend in Baja to Mardi Gras in New Orleans to a black-tie event anywhere. Depending on your need, there are options that run from a tough, very reasonable set of steel wheels to a more expensive set of aluminum wheels so beautiful, they look like they need their own protective detail.

These seven wheels are among the top available on today’s market in terms of sizes, product finish, and value. Following are the most popular jeep wheels on the market:

In a hurry? This is our Winner!

Our Top Pick
9.4/10 Our Score

Helo HE878 Wheel with Satin Black Finish

  • Available in multiple diameters and widths
  • One-year warranty on the finish coatings
  • Lifetime structural warranty

Top Models Compared

Image Product Technical Spec Price
OUR TOP PICK

Helo HE878 Wheel with Satin Black Finish

Helo HE878 Wheel with Satin Black Finish
  • Size: 17 inches X 9 inches
  • Exterior: BLACK
  • Brand: Helo
  • Wheel Size: 17 Inches
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EDITOR’S CHOICE

Pro Comp Alloys PXA7005

Pro Comp Alloys PXA7005
  • Exterior: Painted
  • Brand: Pro Comp Alloys
  • Wheel Size: 17 Inches
  • Material: Graphite
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BEST VALUE

Mickey Thompson Sidebiter II Wheel

Mickey Thompson Sidebiter II Wheel
  • Size: 17×9 inches
  • Exterior: SATIN BLACK
  • Brand: Mickey Thompson
  • Wheel Size: 17 Inches
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RUNNER UP

Helo HE791 Maxx Gloss Black Wheel

Helo HE791 Maxx Gloss Black Wheel
  • Size: 17×9
  • Exterior: BLACK
  • Brand: Helo
  • Wheel Size: 17 Inches
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RUNNER UP

XD Series by KMC Wheels XD798 Addict Matte Black Wheel

XD Series by KMC Wheels XD798 Addict Matte Black Wheel
  • Size: 17″ x 9″
  • Exterior: Painted
  • Brand: XD Series by KMC Wheels
  • Wheel Size: 17 Inches
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RUNNER UP

Mayhem Warrior 8015 Wheel

Mayhem Warrior 8015 Wheel
  • Size: 18 inches X 9 inches
  • Exterior: Matte Black Finish
  • Brand: Mayhem
  • Wheel Size: 18 Inches
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RUNNER UP

Rugged Ridge 15500.02 D Window Wheel

Rugged Ridge 15500.02 D Window Wheel
  • Size: 15 Inch x 10 Inch
  • Exterior: Painted
  • Brand: Rugged Ridge
  • Wheel Size: 15 Inches
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7 Highly Rated Wheel Options – Aftermarket Specials

1. OUR TOP PICK: Helo HE878 Wheel With Satin Finish (17×9″/5×5″)

Helo HE878 Wheel With Satin Finish

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Summary

The HE878 is available in 20”, 18”, 17” and 16″ diameters with a wide range of widths and offsets. Each wheel comes with a matching, painted center cap. Lug nuts are not included with the wheel purchase however.

Warranties include a structural, lifetime agreement and a one-year warranty on the finish against the paint lifting or peeling.

The lug configuration is 5×5. Please note that link provided shows the style of the HE878 and may not accurately reflect this. The wheel shown is 17”x9”, which may not be the exact size you need,

so make certain to get the correct manufacturer requirements from Jeep for your exact requirements. In addition to the Satin Black, the HE878 also comes in gloss black, chrome, and a machined finish. This is one of the best Jeep Wrangler wheels selections you can find available at the moment

Helo wheels are not only a great value, but also provide a clean, stylish look for every owner whether they are helping to show off a new lift kit or rolling up to a nice restaurant or the monthly PTA Meeting.

PROS

  • Available in multiple diameters and widths
  • One-year warranty on the finish coatings
  • Lifetime structural warranty

CONS

  • Lug nuts not included with purchase

2. EDITOR’S CHOICE: Pro Comp Alloys Series 05 Wheel with Flat Black Finish

Pro Comp Alloys Series 05 Wheel with Flat Black Finish

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Summary

The Pro Comp USA Series 05 is a stylish, aluminum alloy model wheel. It comes with Beadlock styling, to provide a more secure seal for off-roading and still look amazing when driving around town.

The Series 05 also comes with a modern, Split 8 Spoke Design and a lifetime structural warranty. While this model has a Flat Black finish, each wheel comes with a matching center cap regardless of what you might choose.

All Pro Comp USA Aluminum Alloy wheels are created using Low-Pressure-Casting Technology.

It provides incredible wheel strength while still maintaining a great look and excellent value. Pro Comp USA Wheels combine head-turning style, lightweight, durable finish in black, graphite, milled, chrome, polished, and dual-tone finishes. The state-of-the-art process also gives Pro Comp USA Aluminum Alloy Wheels more brake clearance for Jeeps and other high-performance SUVs and trucks.

Pro Comp USA was founded in 1992 by off-road enthusiasts to meet the demands of their community. Since 2001, they have designed and cast some of the strongest wheels available on the market today.

PROS

  • Center cap included
  • Lifetime structural warranty
  • Large area of brake clearance

CONS

  • No warranty on the finish

3. BEST VALUE: Mickey Thompson Sidebiter II Wheel with Satin Black Finish

Mickey Thompson Sidebiter II Wheel

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Summary

The Sidebiter II has high-range load ratings and comes with a tough, Satin Black finish that can take a beating and still look good that night at a club or restaurant.

The Mickey Thompson logo is embossed over a new style of pop-top center cap that provides quick access to the locking hubs. Each Sidebiter II also comes with a one-year warranty on the finish and a limited lifetime guarantee against any structural defects.

Mickey Thompson is one of the top Performance Tire companies in North America.

It has designed tires and wheels for off-road and racing since Mickey and Gene McMannis founded the business in 1963. Both men drew on their experiences on the Bonneville Salt Flats, Daytona, and the Pan American Road Race to stay as a leader in the industry for 50 years, holding multiple patents on their designs. Cooper Tires purchased the company in 2003 and now the Sidebiter II and other tires are available worldwide at thousands of dealerships.

PROS

  • One-year warranty on all finishes
  • High-range load ratings for large cargo capacity
  • New ‘pop-top’ center cap provides easy access to locking hubs

CONS

  • Only a Limited Lifetime Guarantee against structural defects

4. RUNNER UP: Helo HE791 Maxx Gloss Black Wheel With Milled Accents

Helo HE791 Maxx Gloss Black Wheel

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Summary

The HE791 Maxx Jeep Wrangler wheels are available in diameters of 20”, 18”, 17”, 16”, and 15”. It also comes in a variety with widths and offsets, which makes it an ideal choice for vehicle owners who want to lift their SUV.

The Gloss Black finish also comes with milled accents and a matching center cap. Lug nuts, however, are not included as part of the purchase.

Each HE791 comes with Helo’s standard one-year finish warranty, regardless if you purchase the Gloss Black, Matte Black, or Chrome option. Every wheel is also backed-up by Helo’s Lifetime Structural Warranty as well.

The HE791 is an excellent value for SUVs, passenger cars, and light trucks. The clean styling of every wheel in their line of products provides a unique look on stock, raised, or lowered SUVs, trucks, and cars.

Helo Tires is a leading designer and distributor of aftermarket wheels in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Founded in 1995, the company is proud to be recognized for its off-road capabilities as well as its stylish rims worldwide.

PROS

  • Available in multiple diameters, widths, and offsets
  • Center cap included to match the custom finish
  • Lifetime structural warranty

CONS

  • Lug nuts not included with purchase

5. RUNNER UP: XD Series by KMC, XD798 Addict Matte Black Wheel

XD Series by KMC Wheels XD798 Addict Matte Black

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Summary

You’ll struggle to find wheels that can compete with the XD798 at toughness. These are the wheels of choice in off-road races like the Baja 1000. KMC is so confident about the quality of these wheels that they offer Life Time Structural Warranties on them.

The XD798 is available to buy in 16″ 17” 18” and 20” diameters with various widths and off-sets. Like all KMC tires, it comes with a Lifetime Structural Warranty and a One-Year Warranty on all finishes – this covers lifting and peeling.

KMC sponsors teams in both TORC and Baja (both the 500 and 1000) races. In these races, we have seen their wheels perform incredibly time and time again. KMC is a 38-year-old company that has dominated the market with its high-quality tires for decades. They have proven themselves to be a reliable brand, and I have no qualms about recommending their products.

Their wheels have a modern, yet aggressive look that has become extremely fashionable in the last few years.

Pros

  • The XD798 comes with a lifetime structural warranty
  • It has a 1-year warranty on all finishes
  • Multiple sizes and finish choices

Cons

  • You must source your own lug nuts

6. RUNNER UP: Mayhem Warrior 8015 Wheel with Matte Black Finish

Mayhem Warrior 8015 Wheel

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Summary

The Mayhem Warrior 8015 is our mid-range priced wheel with a much higher value and set of features. It is the industry leader for load ratings, able to carry 3640 pounds on its 40” tire, and one of the best wheels for Jeep Wranglers.

The 8015 also comes in a wide range of backspaces and offsets to create the perfect fit for most SUVs and trucks.

Every high-quality, aluminum alloy wheel comes with Mayhem’s lifetime structural warranty and is compatible with the Jeep Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

In addition to the Black Matte finish, the Warrior 8015 also comes in a Machined, Chrome, or Milled finish in 17”, 20”, and 22” models.

Mayhem Wheels set out to create a brand that combined styling, precision machining, and quality materials for a wheel that can take a beating in the harshest environments and then look like it just rolled out of the dealership with only a bucket of water and sponge. Each of their wheels gives the vehicle a unique look not available anywhere else.

PROS

  • Lifetime structural warranty
  • Compatible with the Jeep TPMS
  • Wide range of backspaces and offsets perfect for lift kits

CONS

  • Only available in four models, does not come in 15”, 16”, or 19”

7. RUNNER UP: Rugged Ridge 15500.02 D-Window Black Wheel

Rugged Ridge 15500.02 D-Window Black Wheel

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Summary

Finally, there is the most economical wheel on our list. The Rugged Ridge 15500.02 is a great options for individuals looking for Jeep Wrangler wheels who do the majority of their driving on highways and local roads, and only get onto the dirt for the occasional camping trip.

It is the perfect choice for families or a driver who needs a solid wheel that will probably outlast the vehicle.

This Rugged Ridge model comes in 15” and 17” and has a Backspacing of 3.75”, providing a wealth of space in the wheel well.

It has the classic look, a 5×4.5 Bolt Pattern, and exceeds the required SAE J2530 standards for strength, durability, and performance. For one of the smaller wheels on our list, this heavy duty steel model is also one of the toughest.

Each 15500.02 is powdered coated with a tough, black powder costing and a polished center cap to finish off its stylish look. All Rugged Ridge Wheels come with a limited, five-year warranty.

PROS

  • Center cap included
  • Exceeds SAE J2530 standards
  • Available in multiple diameters and widths

CONS

  • Limited five-year warranty
  • Only available in 15” and 17”

A Note About Size, Beadlocks, & More….

Everyone wants their vehicle to look good, which is why so many people buy a Jeep Wrangler in the first place. Even the basic models are some of the best looking automobiles on the road today for anyone who needs the benefits of a family car with storage, styling, and refuses to even consider buying a mini-van.

But where do you start? Since we have already made several points on steel versus aluminum wheels, here are a few other factors to remember before making a purchase:

Bolt Patterns

Every wheel has a specific bolt pattern that helps mount it to the wheel hub. As mentioned earlier, most wheels are either 5×4.5 or 5×5. That means 5 lugs are spaced out every 4.5 or 5 inches apart in a circle.   This means they are 5 lug wheels, where the lugs are spaced out evenly on a circle that is 4.5- or 5-inches. The only exception are the CJ models which have a 5×5.5 bolt pattern. The company, Quadratec, has a thorough owner’s guide to help you determine your wheel’s bolt pattern if you are not certain.

Wheel Size

This may seem simple, but since many new models now have the Jeep Tire Pressure Monitoring System, understanding wheel dimensions is more important than ever. Each wheel size matches a particular tire or set of tires. For example, a 17” wheel on the 2019 Wrangler Sport rolls off the production line with only a 245/75-17 tire. Any tire you purchase to replace a flat or to upgrade your look must be match for it. When in doubt, always follow the tire manufacturer’s guidelines.

Beadlocks

If your ideal weekend involves rocks, sand and the smell of gas and oil, beadlocks can be very important. They are designed to prevent the tire from rolling off the wheel rim by using a ring clamped onto the outer bead of the tire, a spacer that fits between the beads, or an inflatable tube that fits inside the tire.

These are not recommended for on-road driving, even though many types of beadlocks are DOT approved. The reason is that beadlocks are very heavy and make a tire harder to balance than just the standard wheel and tire combo. They can also come loose at higher speeds, which means a flat tire from immediate deflation and possibly even worse damage.

Offset/Backspacing

Two more items to keep in mind when off-roading. Both of these factors are important if you decide to use a front end lift kit, body lift, or some other type of kit to raise your vehicle.

The Offset is the measurement from the wheel centerline to the mounting pad. The lower the offset number, the further outward it mounts. The farther outward it goes is better for Wranglers and lifting other Jeeps.

Backspacing is the distance from the inner edge of the wheel to the mounting pad. Like offset, the lower the backspacing number, the better. Here, it means that the wheel does not protrude as far into the wheel well, reducing the risk of the tire rubbing against it.

ALUMINUM VS. STEEL – WHICH AFTERMARKET WHEEL IS BEST?

Buying aftermarket wheels is a given. The OEM rims are perfectly useful, but their appearance does not exactly compliment the lines or style of the product line. So, the choice for replacements is between steel and aluminum, and how you plan to use them.

ALUMINUM VS. STEEL – WHICH AFTERMARKET WHEEL IS BEST?

Both have benefits, but there are also drawbacks. Steel is not quite as strong as aluminum, but it bends instead of cracking. After a rough landing, you can literally beat a steel wheel back into place, put the tire back on, re-inflate it, and drive away. Once an aluminum wheel cracks, even a tiny one, it is only a matter of time and distance before it comes apart completely.

Aluminum wheels are much lighter than steel though. For city and highway driving, they provide better mileage without sacrificing drivability and safety.

If your definition of the top wheels for your Sahara or Moab are the best-looking, then a set of aluminum rims with a high, gloss finish is your bet. Most brands are tough enough to handle a little mud and dirt, but on a city street or rolling down the highway, they draw all the right kinds of attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Lug-Centric safe?

Answer: Some manufacturers use this design so they can turn out a larger hub diameter for a wider range of vehicles. That means on some models, there is space between the hub and the axle, instead being flush with it, which can affect driving. You can purchase wheel spacers to improve contact or purchase Hub-Centric wheels for an exact fit.

What kind of warranty can I expect?

Answer: That depends strictly on the manufacturer. Warranties can run from a year to five years, with replacement depending on any number of factors to include mileage, type of tire, and if you raise the vehicle with a lift kit.

Can I easily switch the older style rims between models if they are more than 10 years apart?

Answer: It depends. For example, 2004 models have a 5×4.5 lug pattern while the 2016 and more current models have a 5×5 lug pattern. There are some aftermarket adapters available to make it all work, but you’re better off buying a new model that looks like the old style.

Conclusion

The most suited Jeep Wrangler wheels for your vehicle depend on what you want out of them. The choice between steel and aluminum needs to be the first choice after you drive out of the dealership. Make it a good one so you can enjoy everything from hitting the dirt to rolling up to the best restaurant in town, in style.

Our Top Pick
9.4/10 Our Score

Helo HE878 Wheel with Satin Black Finish

  • Available in multiple diameters and widths
  • One-year warranty on the finish coatings
  • Lifetime structural warranty

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