Why do Saharas have 18" wheels?

[maus92]

I've always wondered why Saharas are equipped with 18" wheels. Tire sizes are limited, and Jeep owners tend to change out to 17" (or lately 20") wheels. I asked the dealer, and did a quick Google search, but haven't found a definitive answer.

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[WranglerMan]

18” wheels are a fair comprise, there are lots of 18” for tires that are suited for on and off road that are not priced badly

 

[old8tora]

I've always wondered why Saharas are equipped with 18" wheels.

Saharas have oversized wheels because they are overpriced .

 

[Tacoman03]

Switched mine to 17" Rubi wheels/tires from a 2017 Rubi as soon as I could.....more options for tires and did not like my JL Sahara OEM Wheels!

 

[old8tora]

Switched mine to 17" Rubi wheels/tires from a 2017 Rubi as soon as I could.....more options for tires and did not like my JL Sahara OEM Wheels!

Nice !

 

[Jeeptimus Prime]

Sahara model gets 18" wheels because it is the luxury version of the Wrangler and 'luxury' usually equates to larger wheels. But the Wrangler is a serious off-road vehicle first so will not get 20" wheels which are usually for pavement pounders.

Not sure what tire choices you are looking for OP but sounds like you want to opt to 20" or looking for wider stance which would require new wheels.

 

[old8tora]

'luxury' usually equates to larger wheels.

16" steel wheels for faster going around ability ; the larger the wheel diameter , the further they need to go around . Ya ever seen the stupid wheels on the Monster Trucks ? The only time those Monster Truck wheels were ever useful was during hurricanes in New Orleans and Houston , when they rescued people who only owned a wuss tesla or prius . The tesla owners were shocked . Then the Monster Trucks became heros .

 

[PavementWarrior]

Saharas have oversized wheels because they are overpriced .

mall rated

 

[Jeepsterfreak]

16" steel wheels for faster going around ability ; the larger the wheel diameter , the further they need to go around . Ya ever seen the stupid wheels on the Monster Trucks ? The only time those Monster Truck wheels were ever useful was during hurricanes in New Orleans and Houston , when they rescued people who only owned a wuss tesla or prius . The tesla owners were shocked . Then the Monster Trucks became heros .

Even though the sahara has 18” wheels the tire diameter is about the same as the 17” tires, just uses lower profile sidewall tires. Not sure 16” wheels will clear the larger brakes of the Sahara/Rubi but I could be wrong.

But yes, luxury sport vehicles tend to have larger diameter wheels with lower profile tires. Not ideal for off roading and usually heavier.

 

[maus92]

Sahara model gets 18" wheels because it is the luxury version of the Wrangler and 'luxury' usually equates to larger wheels. But the Wrangler is a serious off-road vehicle first so will not get 20" wheels which are usually for pavement pounders.

Not sure what tire choices you are looking for OP but sounds like you want to opt to 20" or looking for wider stance which would require new wheels.

No, I don't want 20" wheels. I want to know why Jeep continues to shoe Saharas with 18" wheels when most get removed and replaced. Also, tire selection in 18s isn't as broad as 17s, so what's the point of 18s in the first place? Is it simply looks? Maybe they ride slightly better?

 

[Jeepsterfreak]

No, I don't want 20" wheels. I want to know why Jeep continues to shoe Saharas with 18" wheels when most get removed and replaced. Also, tire selection in 18s isn't as broad as 17s, so what's the point of 18s in the first place? Is it simply looks? Maybe they ride slightly better?

Just for looks and to distinguish it as more of an upscale luxury product. Usually lower profile tires handle better but ride harsher, at least for sport cars. Not sure Jeep drivers care about handling. It’s still a Jeep.

Look at all the newer SUVs now equipped with 19” and 20” wheels. These low profile tires ride harsher, are more susceptible to road damage and more expensive to replace. Usually heavier which reduces fuel mpg.

 

[BWWJL]

No, I don't want 20" wheels. I want to know why Jeep continues to shoe Saharas with 18" wheels when most get removed and replaced. ... Is it simply looks? Maybe they ride slightly better?

Don’t over analyze it: Because FCA marketing believes Sahara sells better with 18” wheels ... it’s that simple.

 

[Bubba33]

I had a Z71 that came with 18in Bridgestone. It's not as common as the 17 for sure. I did just change mine out to the Rubicon wheels and tires.

 

[Sean L]

I want to know why Jeep continues to shoe Saharas with 18" wheels when most get removed and replaced.

Why does Jeep even put wheels on at the factory?

 

[old8tora]

I had a Z71 that came with 18in Bridgestone. It's not as common as the 17 for sure. I did just change mine out to the Rubicon wheels and tires.

Nice !

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