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17" vs 18" - What are the Pros and Cons?

UrbanDweller

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I am ordering a Lariat with the 4K tow package, but thinking about getting it with the optional 17" machined face wheels with the all terrain tires (options 64V/T7F).

How much difference, if any, is there in the circumference of the stock 18" wheel/tire package vs this option? If there is a difference, does it matter?

What are the pros/cons of switching to the 17'' combination vs the stock 18" configuration?
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17" will theoretically ride smoother because the tire should have more sidewall, but you wouldn't be able to tell for such a small difference. ATs are really only useful if you'll be "off-road" often. Otherwise, no reason to get them.
 
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UrbanDweller

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The primary reason I'm considering the change is because I like the look of those 17s a lot better than the stock Lariat wheels. I'm just curious what the tradeoffs would be.
 

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So the circumference outside is same (sidewall is taller to make difference/no change in speedo,etc) it’s just a matter of choice for cost, preference of looks, and/or need of more aggressive tread. I have the falken’s and they were quiet and handled nicely - I wouldn’t think you would have any negative effect going with them over the lariat 18’s
 

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The regular 17" and 18" wheel/tire combos are pretty similarly sized with the slight benefit of extra sidewall on the former as mentioned. With the optional 17" wheels with the aggressive AT tires as you're considering those are overall larger (~29" diameter vs ~28.6") so an extra 1/4" of ground clearance and sidewall.

Otherwise it mostly comes down to usual AT vs highway all-season tradeoffs. The Falkens may be a little louder than the 18" Michelin's and potentially lose a little in fuel economy due to extra weight, rolling resistance, and friction (due to more surface area). Likely pretty minor, though.
 

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Good to know. That was one of my primary concerns.
The overall sizes are different so there is a change in speedometer. Only ~1.4% though so <1 mph up to 70 mph.
 

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I am ordering a Lariat with the 4K tow package, but thinking about getting it with the optional 17" machined face wheels with the all terrain tires (options 64V/T7F).

How much difference, if any, is there in the circumference of the stock 18" wheel/tire package vs this option? If there is a difference, does it matter?

What are the pros/cons of switching to the 17'' combination vs the stock 18" configuration?
I thought 17 inch wheels were the stock ones? Smaller wheel gives you better acceleration,better gas mileage,and less cost when replacing tires.
 

23MAVLariatAWD

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RECEIVED '23 Hybrid Lariat Mav Oxford White BAP
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Here's a pic of a '23 Lariat Lux Pkg &
Ford Maverick 17" vs 18" - What are the Pros and Cons? IMG_20230120_072123215
BAP w 18" wheel Michelins ... Pretty smooth (excellent) ride.
 
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tom_tucker

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Tires are part of my suspension system. I prefer the bigger TIRE to provide more suspension, so I like the 17" vs. 18". I've always had 15"-16" wheels with larger tires. Especially on a towing application, I'd think you'd want the small 17" wheel and bigger tire. That's just me though. Not a huge difference, but I don't like 18"-20+" wheels no matter how well they corner.
 

tom_tucker

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I thought 17 inch wheels were the stock ones? Smaller wheel gives you better acceleration,better gas mileage,and less cost when replacing tires.
I think this may be flipped. Smaller TIRES provide those benefits. They also provide less suspension, which is why I prefer smaller wheels and larger tires.
 

MakinDoForNow

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I am ordering a Lariat with the 4K tow package, but thinking about getting it with the optional 17" machined face wheels with the all terrain tires (options 64V/T7F).

How much difference, if any, is there in the circumference of the stock 18" wheel/tire package vs this option? If there is a difference, does it matter?

What are the pros/cons of switching to the 17'' combination vs the stock 18" configuration?
The 17" has much wider selection of tires to choose from. The Michelin primacy on the 18" only have 8/32" tread are 100H, and will require rotation at 4-6k miles.
 

Tim d

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I think this may be flipped. Smaller TIRES provide those benefits. They also provide less suspension, which is why I prefer smaller wheels and larger tires.
If aspect ratio remains the same,my statement about a smaller wheel remains true.but I agree a taller,or shorter tire will change acceleration,fuel economy and ride characteristics.
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