The off-road and overlanding scene is not just a recreational hobby—it’s a full-blown lifestyle for many devoted enthusiasts. This fact is very much cemented in that, for many, the primary daily driver is a fully built off-road vehicle. Capable of tackling rugged terrains and exploring remote destinations, these rigs are decked out for everything from weekend trail rides to full-time, off-grid living. Of all the equipment and upgrades these off-road and overlanding vehicles are enhanced with, there is none more important than wheels and tires.
As the essential link between the vehicle and the ground, wheels and tires provide traction and durability. Without a quality set, you won’t get too far off-road (or on-road, for that matter). If you’re in the market for some new kicks, or you’re just curious about what’s hot in 2024, keep reading. We present the latest trends shaping the wheel and tire industry, with a focus on off-road and overlanding applications.
2024 Trends in Wheels
When it comes to off-road wheels, several notable trends have emerged, reshaping what’s hot in design, size, color, and material. In this enthusiasts-driven landscape, recreational off-roaders are hip to what professional off-roaders are doing and using, which is influencing the market and driving options.
Size Does Matter
The demand for 17-inch off-road wheels has always been strong, but now 18-inch wheels are making a significant comeback. Bigger brakes, both in OEM and aftermarket performance sectors, has driven the trend toward larger wheel sizes, extending even to 20-inch wheels for purpose-built products intended for off-road applications.
These larger wheels not only enhance off-road performance but also excel in on-road driving and towing, offering a versatile solution for many drivers. Recognizing this shift, wheel manufacturers are expanding their offerings, providing a wide selection of high-quality options to meet this growing demand.
Meanwhile, the popularity of oversized truck wheels, such as the 22-inch, 24-inch, and 26-inch “SEMA show truck” varieties, is waning. Once the go-to for those seeking flashy aesthetics, these larger wheels were never intended for true off-road use and are now losing favor as practicality and functionality become primary concerns for consumers.
How It’s Made
Wheels might all be round in shape but they vary widely in cost. Ultimately, you get what you pay for, and cheap wheels mean they are cheaply made in regards to material and manufacturing methods. A low-cost cast wheel is not recommended as the platform of choice for a rock crawler or desert racer. It might be sufficient for the occasional dirt road, but if you are the weekend warrior hitting trails on the regular, it’s time to gear up.
The high-end forged wheels are where it’s at for the big dogs sporting dedicated off-road machines. Anyone launching their rig into the air or at speed through the desert has already gone down the road of exploding wheels. The answer for them is forged wheels but that is not necessary for the majority of consumers.
So, what are the viable off-road alternatives to cheap cast wheels and expensive forged wheels?
Flow Formed Wheels Are the Fix
Wheel manufacturing technology has advanced significantly, and flow-formed wheels are a testament to these innovations. These wheels offer a mid-priced option with high-end strength and durability.
The rotary flow-forming process enhances the metal alloy properties, increasing load-bearing potential while using less material, resulting in a lighter wheel compared to traditional cast wheels. This technology isn’t new and has been popular in on-road sports cars for some time, as enthusiasts in this group are particularly drawn to the weight savings that flow-forming provides.
While not quite as common among truck and off-road enthusiasts, flow-formed wheels can still be found from some of the biggest names in the industry, including KMC, Black Rhino, Konig, and METHOD. These brands are known for their high style and quality, so they don't sell low-priced, cheap wheels.
What Wheels Are Hip?
When it comes to wheels, achieving the perfect look and style is paramount. Wheel manufacturers understand this and are getting creative to diversify their product offerings. By leveraging advanced machining techniques, a single SKU can be transformed into multiple unique options. Coupled with a variety of hues and finishing choices, this approach significantly expands the range of available wheel options through optimized production efficiency.
Vibrant colors are less common, while muted shades of gray, bronze, and gold have become tastefully popular. Semi-gloss black remains a perennial favorite among off-road enthusiasts but classic chrome is king and never goes out of style.
The sheer diversity of available SKUs poses a challenge for manufacturers and distributors, complicating inventory management. Despite this, brands have distinguished themselves by closely aligning with their target audience's preferences and needs.
Method Race Wheels, in particular, has made significant inroads by offering exactly what savvy customers are looking for. Their brand awareness and customer loyalty have been cultivated through strong support for desert racing enthusiasts, attention to the overlanding community, and a focus on vehicle-specific tailored products.
2024 Trends in Tires
New off-road tire trends are where significant developments are occurring, driven by advancements in sizing, compounds, and technology. Some factory vehicles are now equipped with larger tires as standard equipment. Sizes, like 35-inch and above, have become increasingly popular among off-road enthusiasts. In fact, what was once considered a large tire size, such as 37-inch, is now commonplace, with demand surging for even larger options like 40-inch tires.
The phrases “35s are the new 33s” and “40s are the new 37s” are being heard on the regular. If you are running a built Tacoma or Colorado, 35-inch tires are the aftermarket ticket with minor upgrades. For Raptors and Bronco Raptors, those vehicles are sporting 37s from the factory. For highly-modified rigs, the goal is to accommodate 40 and 42-inch tires.
Big meats are not just about looks. It is the functional point achieved with large tires that makes the difference off-road.When a vehicle is properly set up to perform with these oversized rubbers, it makes them way more off-road capable. They also look mean – which is a byproduct bonus. There is just a lot of appeal in looking at wild big tires on a rad truck.
Mickey Thompson's recent unveiling of the Baja Boss M/T in 40-inch and 42-inch tires on a 17-inch wheel size underscores this trend towards larger sizes, offering unparalleled off-road performance. However, the emphasis isn't solely on size; sidewall construction and compound formulation play crucial roles in delivering both off-road capability and on-road comfort.
To answer those concerns, Mickey Thompson’s proprietary Powerply XD 3-Ply construction with a heavier denier cord brings better puncture resistance, quicker steering response, and greater stability. Above all, the T4 silica-reinforced compound provides outstanding wet handling, premium braking performance, and an impressive tread life.
Mickey Thompson Tires, although legendary in the off-road space, is not the only game in town. Consumer demand for versatile tires suitable for diverse conditions is widespread.
Brands like Toyo Tire, Yokohama, and MAXXIS are at the forefront of tire innovation, offering a range of options tailored to different off-road applications, from mud-terrain (M/T) to all-terrain (A/T) and rugged terrain (R/T) hybrids. Additionally, tire makers are investing heavily in diverse compound technologies, with many focusing on 3-peak snowflake ratings and extended tread warranties.
Rolling Ahead
As the off-road and overlanding communities continue to grow, the wheel and tire industry evolves in tandem, driven by a quest for innovation, performance, and style. From the solid market with appropriate-sized wheels suitable for off-road applications to the innovation of cutting-edge tire compounds, enthusiasts in 2024 are spoiled for choice when it comes to outfitting their vehicles for adv