Why the switch to big rims?

One issue with 22' and 24" wheels is combined tire and rim weight gets heavy and really effects fuel mileage, and acceleration.
Also the heavy set up requires larger springs and shocks to control the extra weight.
Check out the difference in 1/4 mile times and road course times of a Ford GT 500 with carbon fiber vs aluminum wheels and see how much slower the heavier set up.
For the Tahoe 20" wheels are the largest that make sense given all factors.

Factory GM 12" wheels, option # 22455

Ken Bike said:

One issue with 22' and 24" wheels is combined tire and rim weight gets heavy and really effects fuel mileage, and acceleration.
Also the heavy set up requires larger springs and shocks to control the extra weight.
Check out the difference in 1/4 mile times and road course times of a Ford GT 500 with carbon fiber vs aluminum wheels and see how much slower the heavier set up.
For the Tahoe 20" wheels are the largest that make sense given all factors.

Click to expand...

Upgraded springs do nothing for unsprung weight.

Baja_Bob said:

Factory GM 12" wheels, option # 22455View attachment 421350

Click to expand...

Never skip leg day.

Ken Bike said:

One issue with 22' and 24" wheels is combined tire and rim weight gets heavy and really effects fuel mileage, and acceleration.
Also the heavy set up requires larger springs and shocks to control the extra weight.
Check out the difference in 1/4 mile times and road course times of a Ford GT 500 with carbon fiber vs aluminum wheels and see how much slower the heavier set up.
For the Tahoe 20" wheels are the largest that make sense given all factors.

Click to expand...

Long time reader, first time poster. I can second that, I switched from 18s with some weird Firestones or something like that, to 22s Denali OEMs with new Bridgestone - ALENZA AS ULTRA from Costco, on 2019 XL about a month ago.... truck looks great in my opinion, but extra noise (very minor), increased tire cost, mileage loss (I would say I've probably lost about 3-4 mpg) may not be worth to someone.

bryan8252 said:

Does anyone have any insight into why there seems to be a push by automakers to have their big SUVS rolling on 20" and 22" rims? I don't have them, never drove on them, nor do I want them. A few people I've talked to aren't happy with the ride quality of them.

I am looking to replace my current Lexus GX 460 with a larger SUV and the Yukon is one I am looking at, but it seems the lowest rim size is 20". I don't really want to spend $75k and then another $3k for rims/tires.

Click to expand...

One thing to keep in mind with the 2021-2024 Yukon/Tahoe is that chains cannot be used with 275/60R20 and 275/50R22 tires (according to the 2024 manual at or around page 361).
……. For Tahoes/Yukons with smaller tires/wheels, apparently the chains are supposed to be mounted on the rear wheels

I don't understand why GM doesn't offer smaller wheels with a larger side walled tire as an option. I think the low profile tires look ridiculous on an SUV. As soon as I bought my Denali, I put a larger side walled tire on(see pic on right below), but was not able to increase it by much. When it comes time to replace my tires, I will certainly consider getting a small GM rim if it is feasible. My 03 Z71 suburban has 17" wheels (see pic on left below) and I think it looks great with the 275 70 17 tires on it.. plus they will go anywhere.. I have had just one flat in 21 years.. This whole subject really has me not 100% happy with the Denali, and I really debated on getting the AT4 instead, but the interior was just not great in comparison, so I went with the Denali..

The 18's that came with my truck were 66lbs. The 24's on it now are 94lbs. The weight disadvantage sucks but then again I am not going to spend $12k for lightweight wheels. Also upgraded to Wilwood BBK and they require a minimum of 20" wheels to clear the caliper.

However, my truck is purpose built now. I do autocross with it so I need a low sidewall for the cornering aspects. I also prefer to have the "corvette-esq" handling characteristics for daily driving.

Jocko PDX said:

I don't understand why GM doesn't offer smaller wheels with a larger side walled tire as an option.
I think the low profile tires look ridiculous on an SUV.

Click to expand...

I think low profile tires look ridiculous on any vehicle, if the brakes are not in proportion.
Undersized brakes inside of oversized wheels ... sad.

On the other hand, I'd be VERY uncomfortable downgrading the brakes just to get down to 17" or 18" wheels.

I may be in the minority here but I think 20's are optimal on these rigs.