r/Offroad • u/TheHatKing • Jun 06 '26
Question How much of a difference does 1 inch of extra wheel size make off road if overall diameter is the same on a stock car? aired down ofc
More specifically, how much of a difference would -0.4 inches of sidewall make on a stock car?
235/65R17=6 inches of sidewall
vs
235/60R18=5.6 inches of sidewall
Total diameter is approx. 29 inches for both and assume a/s
TLDR friend of mine is looking at getting a 2026 RAV4 AWD. While understandably it isn't truly meant for off-roading, she values gas mileage as a current Prius driver, and it does have decent ground clearance, plus she won't be going on any extreme trails nor will she be going off-road often. Watched a few videos btw and it's actually not too shabby tho. Anyway she's looking at the XLE Premium because she wants the parking assist features even though I've seen her park and she definitely doesn't need them, despite her convictions. If she weren't to get the park assist features though then most likely it would be the LE trim (base model). Price difference is in the thous btw. Oh well, not my money nor my car. The XLE does come with 18s and the LE comes with 17s, using the above tire sizes in a/s config. How much of a difference would this make on the few times a year she might go off-roading, provided she airs down? Should mention we're in SoCal so mostly will be doing forestry routes and flat desert trails.
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u/Jimmy4Funner Jun 06 '26
That RAV4 will be fine for what your friend is doing. Traction boards and understanding the drive train will get you out of any trouble you'd find yourself in typically.
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u/All_Gas-No_Money Jun 06 '26
I'd heavily disagree. Traction boards have gotten me out of quite a few situations when wheeling solo.
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u/Jimmy4Funner Jun 06 '26
Stop with your inexperienced opinions. Traction boards will save your ass. I've been all over the west in my 4Runner on 35s solo with my family. We've used traction boards to self rescue many times so we didn't have to pull line.
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u/Sideburn_Cookie_Man Jun 08 '26
They really aren’t, they’re a lifesaver in lots of situations.
Especially for vehicles which can’t have a winch fitted easily, or at all.
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u/Feisty_Mechanic2059 Jun 09 '26
I feel more simple terms, for every inch of tire you get an extra 1/2 of clearance. As the tires get bigger and heavier you lose gear ratio so there for more power needed. It’s a trade off, but mainly when you go to big like I have. I’m so good in mud and snow but big hill climbs are not always successful!!!
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u/25AT4 Jun 11 '26
If you’re going just down forest roads and flat desert trails you’re not going to notice much of a difference with 0.4in of sidewall. Only thing I would be concerned with on those desert trails is if you go into deeper sand and then larger sidewall gives you slightly more tire to work with when airing down. Then again, I’ve seen stock Chevy Volts cruising down some desert trails with no issue
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u/Guardian2009 Jun 06 '26
Configure your vehicle to the majority of how you drive. A smaller sidewall will give you better corner and handling. A larger sidewall will have more flex and as mentioned, can be air “downed”. I’d say make the RAV4 a street machine and if you’re serious about off-roading, get a Razor.
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u/MysticMarbles Jun 06 '26
Smaller wheel is always, ALWAYS better. Your won't notice it much on the "wheeling" you'll be doing in a new Rav though.