Will Jeep Rubicon Wheels Fit A Grand Cherokee? Expert Guide

If you own a Jeep Grand Cherokee and are eyeing those rugged Rubicon wheels, you might wonder if they’ll fit your SUV. Many Jeep fans love customizing their rides, and wheels are one of the most common upgrades.

But swapping wheels isn’t as simple as it looks.

There are hidden details you must check before you buy or install Rubicon wheels on a Grand Cherokee. This guide will help you understand what’s involved, how to check compatibility, and what pitfalls to avoid.

Wheel Size And Fitment Basics

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon typically comes with wheels sized 17×7.5 inches and a bolt pattern of 5x127mm (5×5″). The Grand Cherokee, especially models from 2011 onward (WK2), usually uses a 17×8 inch or 18×8 inch wheel, with the same 5x127mm bolt pattern. At first glance, this means Rubicon wheels should bolt right onto a Grand Cherokee.

But size isn’t everything. There are other factors you must check:

• Offset: Rubicon wheels have an offset of about +44mm, while Grand Cherokee wheels often have an offset around +56mm. Offset affects how far the wheel sticks out from the hub.
• Center Bore: Both models have a center bore of about 71.5mm, so no issue here.
• Tire Clearance: Tire width and height can affect whether the wheels rub against the fender or suspension.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Compatibility Details

Bolt Pattern And Center Bore

The bolt pattern is the most important factor for wheel fitment. Both Rubicon and Grand Cherokee use 5x127mm, so the wheels will mount directly. The center bore matches as well, meaning the wheel will sit properly on the hub.

Offset Differences

Offset controls how far the wheel sits inside or outside the fender. Rubicon wheels (lower offset) stick out more than Grand Cherokee wheels. This can:

• Make the wheels look more aggressive.
• Increase the risk of tires rubbing against the fender, especially with wider tires.
• Affect handling slightly, especially at high speed.

A lower offset is often preferred for off-road looks, but you must check for clearance issues.

Tire Size Considerations

Rubicon wheels are usually paired with 33-inch tires (285/70R17), which are much larger than standard Grand Cherokee tires (usually 265/60R18 or 265/70R17). If you use Rubicon wheels with Rubicon tires on a Grand Cherokee, you may face:

• Rubbing on the fender during turns or over bumps.
• Speedometer error due to bigger tires.
• Loss of fuel efficiency from heavier tires.

You can mount the Rubicon wheels with Grand Cherokee-sized tires to avoid most problems.

Here’s a tire size comparison:

Practical Installation Tips

If you want to install Rubicon wheels on your Grand Cherokee, follow these steps:

• Check Wheel Specs: Confirm your Grand Cherokee’s wheel size, offset, and tire clearance.
• Test Fit One Wheel First: Mount a Rubicon wheel without the tire and check for clearance around the brakes and suspension.
• Select Tires Carefully: Use tires that fit your Grand Cherokee’s original size unless you have a lift kit.
• Inspect for Rubbing: After installation, turn the steering wheel fully left and right to check for rubbing. Drive over speed bumps slowly.
• Consider Wheel Spacers: If you want a more aggressive stance, spacers can help, but they must be high-quality and safe.

Many owners skip offset checks, which can lead to costly mistakes. Always measure before installing all four wheels.

Common Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

Here are mistakes people make when swapping Rubicon wheels onto a Grand Cherokee:

• Ignoring offset: Even though the bolt pattern matches, the offset can cause fitment or handling problems.
• Using oversized tires: Rubicon tires are often too big for stock Grand Cherokees.
• Not checking brake clearance: Some Rubicon wheels may not clear bigger brake calipers on certain Grand Cherokees.
• Skipping test fitting: Always test fit and check for rubbing, especially on lifted or modified vehicles.

Even experienced Jeep owners sometimes forget to check tire diameter. This can cause speedometer errors and affect ABS sensors.

Pros And Cons Of Using Rubicon Wheels

Rubicon wheels offer some benefits:

• Stronger design for off-road use.
• Unique style compared to stock Grand Cherokee wheels.
• Easy bolt-on thanks to matching bolt pattern.

But there are drawbacks:

• Offset difference may cause rubbing or handling changes.
• Heavier wheels can reduce fuel efficiency.
• Possible speedometer error with bigger tires.

Here’s a summary:

Real-world Example

Many Jeep owners have shared their experiences on forums. One user installed Rubicon wheels on a 2015 Grand Cherokee and used 265/70R17 tires.

The wheels fit, but the offset made the tires stick out slightly. There was no rubbing, but the owner noticed a small change in steering feel.

Another owner tried 285/70R17 tires and reported rubbing unless a 2-inch lift was installed.

It’s always best to check your specific vehicle and test before committing.

Frequently Asked Questions