If you own or are shopping for a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, chances are you have already thought about upgrading the wheels and tires.
The Rubicon is designed for off-road performance right from the factory, but the right Jeep Wrangler wheel and tire upgrade can make your Jeep look more aggressive while improving traction, ground clearance and off-road capability.
At CarHub, we know that upgrading a Jeep isn’t simply about installing the biggest tire that will fit. Your wheel size, tire size, wheel width, offset, backspacing, suspension, gearing and fender clearance all need to work together.
So, what is the right setup for your Jeep Wrangler Rubicon?
Let’s break it down.
What Tires Come on the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon?
The current Canadian-spec 2026 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is equipped with 17-inch aluminum wheels and LT285/70R17C all-terrain tires in the standard Rubicon configuration. That tire size is commonly referred to as approximately a 33-inch tire.
That means the Rubicon already has a strong factory starting point for both everyday driving and off-road adventures.
For many Jeep owners, there is no need to immediately go bigger.
However, if you want a more aggressive appearance, additional ground clearance or greater off-road capability, moving to a larger tire can make sense.
What Does 285/70R17 Mean?
Before upgrading your Jeep Wrangler tires, it helps to understand the numbers.
A 285/70R17 tire means:
- 285 – Tire width in millimetres
- 70 – Sidewall height as a percentage of the tire width
- R – Radial construction
- 17 – Designed for a 17-inch wheel
The important thing to remember is that wheel diameter and tire diameter are two different things.
A 17-inch wheel does not mean you have a 17-inch overall tire.
The tire’s sidewall makes up the rest of the overall diameter.
This is why Jeep Wrangler owners often prefer 17-inch wheels with larger tires when off-road performance is a priority.
Why Upgrade Your Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Wheels and Tires?
There are several reasons Jeep owners choose to upgrade.
1. Better Off-Road Clearance
A larger-diameter tire can increase the distance between the ground and components such as the axles and differentials.
That can help when driving over:
- Rocks
- Roots
- Ruts
- Uneven trails
- Mud
- Other off-road obstacles
2. More Aggressive Appearance
One of the biggest reasons for upgrading is simply the look.
A larger tire combined with an aftermarket wheel can give your Wrangler a wider, tougher and more customized appearance.
3. Improved Traction
The right all-terrain or mud-terrain tire can provide improved traction in environments such as:
- Dirt
- Gravel
- Mud
- Sand
- Snow
- Rocky trails
However, tire design is just as important as tire size. A bigger tire isn’t automatically a better tire.
33-Inch vs. 35-Inch Tires for a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
This is one of the most common questions we hear from Jeep owners.
Should you stay with approximately 33-inch tires, or move up to 35-inch tires?
33-Inch Tires: The Balanced Choice
The standard Rubicon’s 285/70R17 setup is already approximately 33 inches.
For someone who uses their Wrangler as a daily driver and occasionally goes off-road, this can be an excellent setup.
Pros of 33-Inch Tires
- Excellent everyday drivability
- Good ride comfort
- Strong off-road capability
- Less impact on fuel economy
- Less additional weight
- Easier fitment
- Lower upgrade cost
- More factory-like steering and handling
Cons
- Less ground clearance than a 35-inch setup
- Less aggressive appearance
- Less tire volume for extreme off-road use
For many Wrangler owners, 33-inch tires are the sweet spot between daily driving and weekend adventures.
35-Inch Tires: The Popular Upgrade
The next major step for many Jeep Wrangler builds is a 35-inch tire.
A 35-inch tire gives the Wrangler a more aggressive stance and can provide additional ground clearance.
Jeep also offers factory configurations designed around larger tires, demonstrating that a properly engineered Wrangler can be built to accommodate them.
Pros of 35-Inch Tires
- Increased ground clearance
- More aggressive appearance
- Better ability to clear larger obstacles
- Greater tire volume
- Excellent potential for off-road builds
- More substantial overall stance
Cons of 35-Inch Tires
The larger tire comes with compromises.
You may experience:
- Reduced fuel economy
- Slower acceleration
- Heavier steering feel
- Increased rotational mass
- More expensive tires
- More expensive wheels
- Greater load on some components
- Additional fitment considerations
A 35-inch tire isn’t simply a cosmetic upgrade.
It changes how the Jeep behaves.
Do You Need a Lift Kit for 35-Inch Tires?
It depends.
This is one of the most important things to understand before upgrading.
There is no universal answer that says every Wrangler with 35-inch tires must have the same lift.
Actual fitment depends on:
- Wrangler model and configuration
- Tire’s actual dimensions
- Wheel width
- Wheel offset
- Backspacing
- Fender configuration
- Suspension travel
- Steering clearance
- Bump stops
- Intended off-road use
A Jeep that looks fine sitting in a parking lot may still experience tire rubbing when the suspension is fully compressed or the steering is at full lock.
That’s why proper fitment matters more than simply choosing a tire size.
Why Wheel Offset and Backspacing Matter
When selecting aftermarket wheels for a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, don’t look only at the wheel diameter.
Two 17-inch wheels can have completely different fitment characteristics.
The important measurements include:
Wheel Diameter
For example:
17 inches
Wheel Width
For example:
8.5 inches
Offset
This determines how far the wheel sits inward or outward relative to its mounting surface.
Backspacing
This is another important measurement that determines the position of the wheel relative to the suspension and steering components.
The wrong combination can cause:
- Tire rubbing
- Fender contact
- Suspension interference
- Steering clearance problems
- Changes in steering feel
That’s why CarHub recommends checking the complete wheel-and-tire combination before installation.
Should You Go With 17-Inch or 18-Inch Wheels?
If you’re upgrading your Jeep Wrangler primarily for off-road performance, 17-inch wheels are a popular choice.
Why?
Because a smaller wheel diameter allows for a taller tire sidewall when maintaining a similar overall tire diameter.
More sidewall can provide:
- Better tire flex
- More cushioning over rough terrain
- Better ability to absorb impacts
- More protection between the wheel and trail obstacles
For mostly street-driven Wranglers, larger wheels can provide a different appearance and road-focused setup.
But if your priority is serious off-road driving, don’t assume bigger wheels automatically mean better performance.
All-Terrain vs. Mud-Terrain Tires
Choosing the right tire is just as important as choosing the right size.
All-Terrain Tires
All-terrain tires are a great choice for Jeep owners who split their driving between the road and off-road trails.
They generally offer a good balance of:
- Highway comfort
- Road noise
- Wet-weather performance
- Snow capability
- Off-road traction
- Tread life
Mud-Terrain Tires
Mud-terrain tires are designed with more aggressive tread patterns for demanding off-road conditions.
They can be particularly useful for:
- Mud
- Rocks
- Deep trails
- Loose terrain
However, the trade-offs can include:
- More road noise
- Different highway manners
- Potentially faster wear depending on use
- Higher rolling resistance
For a Wrangler that is driven to work every day and taken off-road on weekends, an all-terrain tire may be the better overall choice.
Don’t Forget the Spare Tire
When you upgrade the four tires, remember that the spare needs attention too.
A larger tire is usually heavier, and the Wrangler carries the spare on the rear of the vehicle.
When moving to a larger or significantly heavier tire, you should consider whether the factory spare-tire mounting setup is appropriate for your new combination.
Depending on the build, additional components may be required to properly support the larger spare.
Your wheel-and-tire upgrade should always include a plan for the fifth tire.
Will Bigger Tires Affect Fuel Economy?
Yes, they can.
A larger tire can increase:
- Rotational mass
- Rolling resistance
- Overall weight
- Aerodynamic resistance
The actual fuel-economy difference depends on the specific tire, wheel, tire pressure, vehicle configuration and driving conditions.
If fuel economy and everyday comfort are your priorities, a moderate tire upgrade may make more sense than jumping directly to the largest possible setup.
Will Bigger Tires Affect Performance?
They can.
Larger tires can provide greater clearance and off-road capability, but they also increase the amount of mass the engine and drivetrain have to move.
You may notice differences in:
Acceleration:
The Jeep may feel less responsive with heavier tires.
Braking:
Additional rotating mass can affect braking feel.
Steering:
Larger tires can make steering feel heavier.
Fuel Economy:
Larger and heavier combinations can reduce fuel efficiency.
Ride:
The final ride quality depends on tire construction, pressure, wheel weight and suspension setup.
The Right Way to Upsize Your Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
A proper Jeep Wrangler wheel and tire upgrade should be approached as a complete system.
Think about it in this order:
1. Decide how you use your Jeep
Daily driver?
Weekend off-roader?
Serious trail build?
2. Choose your tire size
33-inch?
35-inch?
Something larger for a specialized build?
3. Select the right tire type
All-terrain?
Mud-terrain?
Highway-focused?
4. Choose the wheel
Consider:
- Diameter
- Width
- Offset
- Backspacing
- Load rating
5. Check clearance
Check:
- Fender clearance
- Steering clearance
- Suspension clearance
- Full-lock steering
- Full suspension compression
6. Determine whether suspension changes are required
Depending on the tire and wheel combination, you may need a lift or other supporting components.
7. Check the spare
Make sure the fifth tire is properly supported.
8. Complete the installation correctly
After changing wheel and tire dimensions, proper installation, torque specifications and alignment should be considered.
What Is the Best Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Setup?
There is no single answer.
Best for Daily Driving
17-inch wheels + approximately 33-inch all-terrain tires
A great balance of:
- Comfort
- Appearance
- Fuel economy
- Off-road ability
- Everyday drivability
Best for a More Aggressive Build
17-inch wheels + 35-inch all-terrain or mud-terrain tires
A popular choice for owners looking for:
- More clearance
- More aggressive appearance
- Improved trail capability
But the complete setup should be properly engineered for the Jeep.
Best for Serious Off-Road Builds
For dedicated off-road Jeeps, the build can go much further with:
- Larger tires
- Appropriate lift
- Correct wheel offset
- Suspension upgrades
- Proper gearing
- Heavy-duty supporting components
At this stage, it is no longer just a tire upgrade. It becomes a complete vehicle build.
Let CarHub Help You Build Your Jeep
At CarHub, we understand that Jeep customization is about more than just making your Wrangler look good.
It’s about making sure the wheels, tires, suspension and overall setup work together properly.
Whether you’re looking for a replacement set of Rubicon wheels, upgrading to larger tires, considering a 35-inch setup or planning a more complete off-road build, our team can help you determine what makes sense for your Jeep and how you use it.
Already have a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon?
Bring it to CarHub and let’s look at the setup together.
Thinking about buying a Wrangler?
Explore the Jeep Wrangler inventory at CarHub.ca and talk to our team about the right wheel and tire setup for your next Jeep.
Your Jeep. Your Style. Your Adventure.
Visit CarHub today and let us help you get your Wrangler ready for the road — or the trail.
Jeep Wrangler Wheel & Tire Upgrade FAQ
Can I put 35-inch tires on a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon?
A 35-inch tire can be used on properly configured Wrangler builds, but exact fitment depends on the tire dimensions, wheel specifications, suspension, fenders and clearance. Factory configurations demonstrate that larger tire setups can be engineered into the Wrangler.
Are 35-inch tires better than 33-inch tires?
Not necessarily. A 35-inch tire can provide more ground clearance and a more aggressive appearance, but it can also increase weight, rolling resistance and steering effort. A 33-inch tire can be the better choice for a daily-driven Wrangler.
Do 35-inch tires require a lift?
Not in every configuration. The need for a lift depends on the complete wheel-and-tire combination and the amount of suspension and steering clearance required.
Are 17-inch wheels good for off-roading?
Yes. A 17-inch wheel allows more tire sidewall when paired with a larger overall tire, which can be advantageous for off-road driving.
What is the best tire size for a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon?
For many owners, the factory-style approximately 33-inch setup is an excellent all-around choice. A 35-inch setup can be ideal for owners prioritizing additional clearance and a more aggressive off-road build.
Can CarHub help with Jeep wheel and tire upgrades?
Yes. CarHub can help customers determine an appropriate wheel-and-tire setup based on their Jeep, intended use and desired appearance, and help coordinate the appropriate upgrades and fitment.
