Best Wheel Size for the New Tundra: 17 vs 18 vs 20 — What’s Your Pick?

[TrailJustin]

Hey everyone — I’m in the middle of dialing in wheel size for my 2022+ Tundra build and wanted to see what y’all think. Wheel size seems simple, but there are trade-offs (fitment, ride quality, sidewall, appearance) that add up quick.

Wheel size is completely up to the person and what look you are going for. Personally I am a large side wall, offroad, rugged look person. But some people like their 20s and a large wheel. The more power to you but lets break it down.

Here are the main sizes people run: 17″, 18″, and 20″. Here’s how I see them:

• 17″: Big sidewall, great for bigger tires (like 35s), off-road/adventure builds. Ride quality stays nicer, more cushion.
• 18″: Middle ground. More common, decent selection of tires, appearance is a bit sportier.
• 20″: Big, bold look. Great for pavement, show trucks, but less ideal for aggressive off-road or tall sidewall tires. Ride may suffer with lower profile tires.

What matters:
Sidewall height - The bigger the side wall the more cushion you have on and off the road. This is the first line of your trucks "suspension" so it eats up a lot of the small imperfections.
Clearance (especially for bigger tires or bigger lips) - bigger wheels means more metal is exposed and more chances to damage a wheel.
Tire selection - The smaller tires sizes are becoming harder to find. 18in is going to have a large selection and 20s also. But larger the wheel the more costly the tires.
Appearance and your build’s purpose (adventure vs street vs show) - All depends on your vision for the truck.

My build is hunting/haul/adventure + daily driver so I’m leaning toward 17″ for the flexibility and better ride. I just landed Modco M72 17x8.5 +0 + 35” Hankook Dynapros, and I’m stoked with how it feels so far.

Chime in?