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You finally find a wheel design you like, then realize you have to choose between 17-inch and 20-inch sizes. Suddenly, you have one more decision to make: which setup is actually the better fit for your vehicle?
Should you choose 20-inch rims for a sportier look and a quicker steering response, or go with 17-inch rims for a smoother ride and a more practical setup? Tire costs are also worth considering, since wheel size can affect more than just appearance. Bigger wheels aren’t always the better choice. The best option is the one that matches your vehicle, how you drive, and your budget.
Discounted Wheel Warehouse offers a wide variety of 17-inch and 20-inch wheels to fit your vehicle. Take advantage of two-day shipping, our price match guarantee, and hassle-free returns. Call us at (800) 901-6003, and our experts will help you find the perfect set tailored to your specifications.
“Choosing the right wheel size is about matching the setup to your driving needs. Seventeen-inch wheels offer a comfortable, capable setup with a subtle appearance, while properly matched 20-inch wheels provide a more aggressive look and a sportier road feel.”
Shane N.
(Director of Sales)
In this guide, we’ll compare 17 vs. 20-inch wheels so you can choose the setup that works best for how you drive.
What Is the Difference Between 17-Inch and 20-Inch Wheels?
The biggest difference between 17-inch and 20-inch rims is their diameter. The 17-inch or 20-inch measurement refers only to the wheel diameter, not the complete tire-and-wheel assembly.
If you move up to 20-inch rims, you’ll usually need lower-profile tires to keep the overall tire size close to stock (when correct fitment is selected). This is called plus sizing. It helps keep your speedometer accurate, maintains proper clearance, and lets the vehicle drive the way it was designed to.
17 vs. 20-Inch Wheels: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | 17-inch Wheels | 20-inch Wheels |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Sidewall | Taller sidewall for more cushioning | Shorter sidewall for a sportier feel |
| Visual Appeal | Rugged, subtle look | Larger, more aggressive appearance |
| Ride Comfort | Smoother ride with taller tire sidewalls | Firmer ride due to shorter tire sidewalls |
| Fuel Economy | May improve efficiency with a lighter wheel and tire package. Also depends on tire width and tread design | May slightly reduce efficiency when paired with heavier wheels, wider tires, or increased rolling resistance |
| Steering Response | Provides a softer steering feel with more sidewall flex | Offers quicker steering response and more direct road feedback |
| Off-Road Capability | Generally better suited for trails, rocks, and rough terrain | Limited due to lower-profile tires |
| Pothole Protection | Better impact protection from taller tire profiles | More risk of wheel and tire damage |
| Towing & Hauling | Often preferred for heavy-duty use because they offer more tire cushioning and a wider selection of load-rated tires | Can handle towing when properly equipped but may feel harsher under heavy loads |
| Tire Cost | Lower replacement cost | Higher tire cost due to larger sizes |
| Best For | Truck owners, off-road drivers, towing, daily driving, and maximum comfort | Street trucks, custom builds, and aggressive looks |
17-Inch vs. 20-Inch Wheels: What You Need to Know
Tire Sidewall Height
A major difference between 17-inch and 20-inch rims comes down to tire sidewall height. Moving to a larger wheel usually requires a lower-profile tire to maintain a similar overall diameter.
For example, a vehicle running 265/70R17 tires may switch to 275/55R20 tires. Both sizes have a similar overall diameter, but the 17-inch setup provides more tire cushioning, while the 20-inch setup offers sharper steering response and a sportier presence.
Visual Appeal
Wheel size can make a big difference in how your vehicle looks. With 17-inch rims, there’s more tire showing, which gives many trucks and SUVs a classic, rugged appearance.
20-inch rims give your ride a bolder, sportier style and are a popular choice for drivers who want their wheels to stand out.
Ride Comfort
17-inch rims usually have more tire sidewall, which helps smooth out potholes, rough roads, and everyday bumps.
With 20-inch rims, you’ll usually have lower-profile tires that improve responsiveness but make bumps and rough pavement more noticeable. That said, comfort is influenced by the tires, suspension, vehicle weight, and even tire pressure.
Off-Road Capability
If you’re shopping for off-road wheels, 17-inch sizes are often the preferred choice. They leave room for taller tires, which do a better job of absorbing bumps, rocks, and rough terrain while helping protect the wheels from damage.
Twenty-inch rims can still handle gravel roads and easy trails, but with less tire sidewall, there’s less cushioning when the terrain gets rough.
Handling and Performance
20-inch wheel setups typically provide quicker steering response because lower-profile tires have less flex during cornering.
Because 17-inch wheels typically use taller tires, steering may feel less sharp during spirited driving. Wheel size matters, but the overall weight of your wheel-and-tire setup can have just as much impact on performance.
Towing & Hauling
If your truck spends a lot of time towing or hauling, 17-inch rims are usually the more practical option. They typically offer more impact protection and a huge selection of load-rated tires.
20-inch rims can still tow when properly matched to the truck. However, their shorter tire sidewalls provide less cushioning under heavy loads. No matter which size you choose, the tire’s load rating and the wheel’s strength are what really matter.
Fuel Economy
Moving from 17-inch to 20-inch rims can have a small effect on fuel economy. A 17-inch setup may get slightly better mileage if the wheels and tires are lighter, since less weight requires less energy to accelerate.
A 20-inch setup can sometimes lower MPG if the wheels are heavier or the tires are wider. The tires you pick, the weight of the wheels, manufacturing method, tread design, and how you drive all make a difference.
Cost and Long-Term Value
The price difference between 17-inch and 20-inch rims doesn’t stop after the wheels are installed. 17-inch rims are generally more affordable, with lower tire costs and better impact protection thanks to their taller tire profiles.
Twenty-inch rims typically cost more when it comes time for new tires. Since there’s less tire to cushion impacts, 20-inch setups can take more damage from potholes and rough roads.
Final Takeaways
There is no universal winner between 20-inch vs. 17-inch wheels. The best choice comes down to how you drive and the look you want. If comfort, off-road capability, and towing are what you’re after, 17-inch rims are usually the better fit. If you’re looking for a bolder visual impact and a sportier feel on the road, 20-inch rims may be the way to go.
Ready to upgrade your ride? Build a custom wheel and tire packages today and save up to $400. You’ll get guaranteed fitment, free mounting and balancing, and fast shipping from our California warehouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
20-inch wheels are heavier than 17-inch wheels. However, the exact weight can be found by knowing the wheel material. Lighter 20-inch wheels are more fuel-efficient.
Discounted Wheel Warehouse is the best place to offer 17" and 20" rims at the best prices. You will get fast shipping and financing options for your convenience.
A 20-inch tire cannot fit a 17-inch rim. It’s essential to ensure that the rim diameter and the tire size match to ensure stable performance and stable driving. A 20-inch tire requires a rim of 20 inches in diameter, whereas a 17-inch wheel requires a tire of 20 inches in diameter.
For off-road use with large tires, 17-inch wheels are the better choice. They offer taller sidewalls that improve traction, absorb shocks, and handle rough terrain more easily. These wheels provide better durability and control in off-road conditions compared to larger wheel sizes like 20-inch rims.
