What Size Rims Are Considered Large?
3 Answers
Small vehicle rims generally range between 14-20 inches, with 17, 18, and 19 inches all considered large. How to check rim size: If you're unsure about your vehicle's rim size, you can look at the numbers on the tire. The numbers marked on the tire will be in three groups, similar to: 22560R17, where the unit is millimeters. 225 refers to the width of the tire in contact with the ground; 60 is the tire's aspect ratio; R17 corresponds to the rim size, meaning 17-inch rims. Advantages of large rims: Larger rims can provide better handling. The larger the rim, the lower the aspect ratio, meaning the tire is thinner, offering clearer feedback and control over road conditions.
With over 20 years of driving experience, I have a deep understanding of wheel sizes. Generally speaking, wheels above 18 inches are considered large, especially for mainstream family cars. 15-inch wheels are on the smaller side and suitable for daily driving. Starting from 18 inches, wheels begin to look more imposing and visually appealing, but comfort tends to suffer. With thinner tires, they are more prone to bulging when driving over rough patches, and the suspension doesn't perform as well as with smaller wheels. Enthusiasts who modify their cars often prefer wheels above 20 inches for a more striking appearance, but the costs are higher—tires are significantly more expensive, fuel consumption increases slightly, and there's a greater risk of scraping. Choosing the right wheel size depends on the car model and personal needs; blindly opting for larger sizes can be counterproductive. 18 inches is a practical threshold—any larger, and maintenance becomes troublesome; any smaller, and the wheels lack character. All things considered, 18 inches is a good starting point.
After playing around with car modifications for a while, I've realized that wheel size is quite particular. What counts as big? In the modification scene, 17 inches is the standard starting point, 18 inches can be considered medium, and 19 or 20 inches are truly large. Paired with low-profile tires, the larger the wheels, the more eye-catching they are, especially popular on SUVs or sports cars. But don't just focus on looks—larger sizes mean less comfort, with road bumps directly transmitted into the car; tire lifespan is shorter, and replacements can be costly. They also need to match the vehicle's height, otherwise handling suffers. I've tried 20-inch wheels—they look cool but are unstable in turns; 17 to 18 inches is the sweet spot, balancing aesthetics and practicality. Don't exceed 20 inches, or you'll face more risks.
