Best Off-Road Truck Wheels

Updated on Sep 14, 2023

Off-roading is one of the most rigorous and stressful motorsports you can put a vehicle through, and as a result, the parts you choose for your build need to take the abuse in stride, living on to fight another day, on another trail. So, which wheels are best for your off-road rig?

When selecting the right wheels for your ride, it’s best to consider what you plan to use your vehicle for, seeing as most driving styles and terrain types benefit from a specific wheel style and construction. For example, a dedicated off-roader will best benefit from a different wheel than a tow rig, which would likely benefit from a different wheel than a daily driver.

In this guide, we’re analyzing exactly what characteristics make a good off-road wheel, including durability, sizing, weight, and more! Then, we’re outlining our expert’s top off-road wheels that best exemplify the previously outlined characteristics. Now, without further adieu, let’s get rolling!

What Makes for a Good Off-Road Wheel?

There are several qualities an off-road wheel should have that differentiate them from wheels used for other motorsports and driving styles; before we get into our top five list, let’s take a closer look at exactly what these traits are.

Dependability

First, and most importantly, is dependability. Off-roading takes you to some remote places, far removed from tire shops and tow trucks. If you have an issue on the trail, like breaking or bending a wheel beyond repair, you better hope you have a spare tire! As a result, it’s imperative to select a dependable wheel; something you can count on that isn’t likely to crack, bend, or break under the pressures of off-roading.

Common Constructions

When it comes to dependability, it’s best to pick a wheel that’s manufactured from premium alloys. The three most common constructions include cast aluminum, forged aluminum, and steel, and while we don’t prefer any one material for off-roading, they each feature unique benefits.

Steel wheels, for example, are highly durable; however, they trade this strength for heft. Steel wheels are undoubtedly the heaviest on the market, and all that unsprung weight can impact off-road performance, especially at higher speeds.

On the other hand, cast aluminum wheels are far lighter than comparable steel wheels; however, the loose grain structure of cast aluminum means that the alloy is less durable and more susceptible to cracks under extreme impacts.

Forged aluminum wheels are the best of both worlds, offering exceptional strength and low overall weight. You may be wondering what the downside is; well, check the price tag. Forged aluminum wheels are far more expensive than cast aluminum or steel, making every nick, rock rash, or bend hurt that much more.

Variable Sizing

Next on the list is variable sizing; after all, what good is a strong, lightweight, and budget-minded wheel if you can’t bolt it up to your ride? When shopping for off-road wheels, it’s best to find an option with several sizes and offsets in the lower-diameter range, allowing you to choose the wheel that best suits your setup.

Note: When selecting a size, be sure to factor in clearances on your bumpers, sliders, fenders, and suspension components.

Low Weight

As we touched on briefly before, lightweight wheels are typically preferred for off-roading, as heavier wheels add unnecessary unsprung weight that can seriously hamper off-road performance. While weight is less of a concern on low-speed wheelers like crawlers, the effects of heavy wheels will become increasingly more evident at higher speeds.

Pricing

For the most part, we’re all working off realistic budgets. Now, that figure may look different to everyone; however, as a rule of thumb, we’d recommend outfitting your off-road rig with wheels that aren’t outlandishly pricey. Price doesn’t always reflect quality; sometimes, all it reflects is how much more it’ll hurt to bend your $1,000 forged wheel than an $80 steelie!

Top Off-Road Truck Wheels

And now, onto the meat of this guide! Our experts have compiled a list of the top five off-road wheels of 2023, including various constructions, finishes, and styles. While one style may suit your ride better than another, each wheel on this list is plenty durable to withstand most abuse on the trail.

Pro Comp Matte Black 69 Vintage Wheels

Up first on our list is a classic cast aluminum, bullet-hole style wheel: the Pro Comp Matte Black 69 Vintage. This premium wheel is lightweight and durable, ideal for off-road applications where unsprung weight is a concern. While the wheel doesn't feature any bead-grip or bead-lock technologies, mild airing down is perfectly acceptable to gain traction off-road. This wheel features a sleek, black finish that’s not only aggressive but also corrosion-resistant! After all, who has time to polish the wheels on their off-road rig?

Pro Comp backs the Matte Black 69 Vintage Wheels with a two-year finish and lifetime structural warranty against defects; if you break one during “normal” use, contact Pro Comp for a warranty replacement!

Features:

Flat black finish
Bullet hole design
Concave style
"Stepped" wheel lip
"Pro Comp" center cap
2-year finish warranty
Lifetime structural warranty

Icon Titanium Rebound Wheels

Icon is a well-known name in off-road motorsports, specializing in lift kits, performance dampers, and even off-road wheels! The Icon Rebound in a titanium finish is a striking and stylish cast aluminum wheel featuring a titanium multi-spoke face and black simulated beadlock ring for contrast. Not only is this simulated ring stylish, but it also offers a layer of protection for your tire’s bead, preventing de-beading from wedged rocks and hard hits.

Icon backs its Titanium Rebound Wheels with a one-year finish warranty and limited lifetime structural warranty; if the wheels incur structural damage under normal use, Icon has you covered!

Features:

Titanium finish
Black bead ring
Simulated beadlock style
Concave face design
Brand name engraved in one spoke
Eight spoked wheel
"Icon" center cap
1-year finish warranty
Limited lifetime structural warranty

Pro Comp Matte Black 252 Street Lock Wheels

When it comes to low-speed crawling and backwoods brawling, nothing beats the inexpensive and durable nature of a classic steel wheel, like the Pro Comp 252 Street Lock in matte black! These durable wheels are constructed entirely from carbon steel, ensuring maximum strength. While heavier than similar cast aluminum offerings, steel wheels are far less likely to crack on the trail; and if they suffer from a leaky bent lip, just bash them with a hammer until the bead seals! (Just kidding…sort of).

These wheels feature an iconic D-Window design with a simulated beadlock ring and zinc-plated hardware for maximum corrosion resistance. Pro Comp backs the Matte Black 252 Street Lock Wheels with a 2-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects; just don’t try to exchange wheels with hammer marks–you've been warned.

Features:

Flat black finish
Deep lipped style
Concave face
Ten solid spokes
Simulated beadlock style
Does NOT include lug nuts
Does NOT include a center cap
2-year limited warranty

Method Matte Black 105 Beadlock Wheels

Moving onto the higher end of the spectrum, let’s take a look at our genuine beadlock entry on the list: the Method 105 Beadlock in a stealthy matte black finish. These rugged wheels are non-DOT approved, engineered exclusively for off-road use. They’re constructed from high-strength A356 aluminum alloy, comparable in strength and corrosion resistance to 6061 T-6 aircraft aluminum.

Unlike the other wheels on this list, the Method 105 is a genuine beadlock wheel featuring a removable outer ring that clamps the tire’s bead between the ring and the wheel, preventing de-beading regardless of how low the tire gets on air. This design allows you to air down on the trail for maximum off-road performance; just don’t forget a pump to air back up once you’re through the obstacle!

Features:

Matte black finish
Hub-centric center bore
Durable A356 aluminum construction
Lightweight and TPMS compatible
Decorative center cap
Matte black forged beadlock ring
Grade 8 zinc-plated mounting hardware
Machined logo
For offroad use only/not DOT-approved

Method Matte Black 703 Wheels

If full beadlocks are a bit extreme for your build, or if you plan to drive on the street, consider the Method Matte Black 703 wheels as the perfect middle ground. These wheels feature a rugged cast aluminum construction and sleek, 12-spoke face for a stylish aesthetic; however, they pack a unique trait, unlike most other cast aluminum truck wheels.

Along the wheel’s bead seat lie several ridges engineered to grip the tire’s bead, preventing it from sliding off while aired down. As a result, you can air your tires down further than with conventional wheels without investing in a set of full beadlocks!

Method backs the Matte Black 703 Wheels with a one-year finish and limited lifetime structural warranty. If a wheel incurs damage due to manufacturing defects under normal use, Method has you covered!

Features: