Why the switch to big rims?

[Ken Bike]

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.

 

[Baja_Bob]

Factory GM 12" wheels, option # 22455

 

[BlaineBug]

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.

Upgraded springs do nothing for unsprung weight.

 

[Sparksalot]

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

Never skip leg day.

 

[valdasr]

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.

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.

 

[GreenTahoe2004]

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.

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

 

[Jocko PDX]

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..

 

[fozzi58]

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.

 

[Marky Dissod]

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.

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.

 

[Geotrash]

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

 

[Jocko PDX]

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

Its all a matter of opinion. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I would bet more folks like than dislike larger wheels.

 

[RoadTrip]

Its all a matter of opinion. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I would bet more folks like than dislike larger wheels.

I think it depends on which generation you ask. Smaller rims/larger sidewalls were the norm until recently. Then Chip Foose went crazy.

Many of the trucks with large rims and “rim protector” tires just make me laugh.
Heavier wheel weight, little shock protection from potholes, and rough ride and higher tire replacement cost after fewer miles. None of that appeals to me whatsoever.

 

[Geotrash]

Its all a matter of opinion. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I would bet more folks like than dislike larger wheels.

Of course. Just expressing mine. I love the look of larger wheels, but have stayed with 20's because I like the ride and practicality - especially because I tow a lot. We're fortunate to live in a time where we have such wonderful options.

 

[jforb]

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.

My tahoe only has 18s, but they're still lower profile tires than I have on my Corvette! (it's a 1962 with 15" wheels)

 

[Novasmithjohn]

I think the low profiles are ugly on a truck ,car or suv especially if they are 4 spoke and 22’s that’s just my
opinion.

 

[EvergreenZ71]

I think it depends on which generation you ask. Smaller rims/larger sidewalls were the norm until recently. Then Chip Foose went crazy.

Many of the trucks with large rims and “rim protector” tires just make me laugh.
Heavier wheel weight, little shock protection from potholes, and rough ride and higher tire replacement cost after fewer miles. None of that appeals to me whatsoever.

I’m happy in pothole-prone Washington with 17” rims on both my 09 Tahoe 6.2L and my 10 Suburban 2500. I would like better brakes, but between potholes and having one daughter on the other side of Snoqualmie Pass keeps me in chain-ready rims.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Well...............................................

I trust that we've answered @bryan8252 's original question quite completely.

NOTE: MANY members have expressed their opinions on this topic, with many opinions directly opposed to each other. BUT, everyone acted maturely, and did not diss and/or snipe at and/or insult each other, when expressing their opinions. This is rare these days!

This is what separates this Forum AND its Members from other forums in the Internet world, and why this Forum ROCKS!!

 

[Jocko PDX]

Well...............................................

I trust that we've answered @bryan8252 's original question quite completely.

NOTE: MANY members have expressed their opinions on this topic, with many opinions directly opposed to each other. BUT, everyone acted maturely, and did not diss and/or snipe at and/or insult each other, when expressing their opinions. This is rare these days!

This is what separates this Forum AND its Members from other forums in the Internet world, and why this Forum ROCKS!!

I agree I am on a NW fishing forum and it frequently get ugly..

 

[tagexpcom]

Couple of non-technical possibilities come to mind for me....
1) You have to distinguish new vehicles (bigger price) somehow, regardless of the facts. Maybe larger wheels play into this?
2) I've worked at many companies that have internal groups that WAR over trivial things. Maybe there are 18" vs 20" vs 22" 'groups' at GMC and right now, the 22"'ers are winning

 

[NELLY1947]

Mainly for looks is my guess. We have 18s on our suburban and they look a little small compared to the rest of the vehicle. I do like the 18s though for more sidewall since we live on a gravel road and the country roads are pretty bad in our area.

If buying from a dealer you could see if they would swap out the 20s or 22s for 18s if they have another vehicle on the lot with on. Or some dealers by me have factory take offs for sale that might be able to be worked into your deal for little or no cost.

On a new unit they can't swap the wheels or tires if its not sold for safety reasons and the way it was built.
The reason they put 20 & 22s is for looks and side roll. Your truck will hold the road better with less side wall.
But on a straight hiway 20s are better than 22s for softness. And 18s even more. But if you get rid if the bridgestones and put Michelins you can't beat them. Also if you swap out the Beidgestones and put Michelins you will get a 50k warranty cause you paid something for them. Even if they only charge you 100$ per tire. Cause They were not supplied by the manufacturer. I know cause I've used the Michelin warranty.
I had a2016, 2019 and now a 2023 Denali xl and at 300 miles I swapped them out.