The Ford Bronco Sport combines rugged capability with urban practicality, establishing itself as a versatile compact SUV for adventure enthusiasts. Since its introduction in 2021, this capable off-roader has featured thoughtfully designed wheel and tire combinations that significantly impact both its performance capabilities and distinctive appearance.

The Bronco Sport Off-Road Legacy

The Ford Bronco Sport arrived on the scene in 2021 as part of the revived Bronco family, bringing legendary off-road DNA to the compact SUV segment. Built on the Ford C2 platform shared with the Escape, the Bronco Sport distinguishes itself with more rugged styling, enhanced off-road capability, and a distinctive stance partially defined by its wheel and tire specifications.

Unlike its larger Bronco sibling, the Sport features a unibody construction but maintains impressive off-road credentials through its G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes and thoughtfully engineered wheel and tire combinations that vary by trim level.

Wheel and Tire Specifications by Model Year

2021-2022 Bronco Sport Wheel and Tire Options

When Ford introduced the Bronco Sport for the 2021 model year, it offered several wheel and tire combinations tailored to each trim level’s intended use:

Base Trim:

• 17-inch Sparkle Silver-Painted Aluminum wheels
• Wheel dimensions: 17 x 7.0 inches with 37.5 mm offset
• Bolt pattern: 5 x 108 mm
• Standard tire size: 225/65R17 (716 mm overall diameter)
• Weight: Approximately 11.7 kg per tire

Big Bend Trim:

• 17-inch Carbonized Gray-Painted High-Gloss Aluminum wheels
• Wheel dimensions: 17 x 7.0 inches with 37.5 mm offset
• Bolt pattern: 5 x 108 mm
• Standard tire size: 225/65R17 (716 mm overall diameter)

Outer Banks Trim:

• 18-inch Machined-Face Aluminum wheels with Ebony Black-Painted Pockets
• Wheel dimensions: 18 x 7.5 inches with 42.5 mm offset
• Bolt pattern: 5 x 108 mm
• Standard tire size: 225/60R18 (718 mm overall diameter)
• Weight: Approximately 11.7 kg per tire

Badlands Trim:

• 17-inch Carbonized Gray-Painted Aluminum wheels
• Wheel dimensions: 17 x 7.5 inches with 37.5 mm offset (wider than other 17-inch options)
• Bolt pattern: 5 x 108 mm
• Standard tire size: 235/65R17 all-terrain tires (735 mm overall diameter)
• Weight: Approximately 12.5 kg per tire

First Edition (2021 only, limited to 2,000 units):

• Based on Badlands trim wheel and tire specifications
• 17-inch Carbonized Gray-Painted Aluminum wheels
• All-terrain 235/65R17 tires

2023-2024 Bronco Sport Wheel and Tire Refinements

For the 2023 model year, Ford maintained the core wheel and tire specifications while introducing specialized editions:

Heritage Edition (2023 only, limited to 1,966 units):

• 17-inch White-Painted Aluminum wheels with Heritage Design
• Wheel dimensions: 17 x 7.0 inches with 37.5 mm offset
• Bolt pattern: 5 x 108 mm
• Standard tire size: 225/65R17 (716 mm overall diameter)

Heritage Limited Edition (2023 only, limited to 1,966 units):

• Based on Badlands trim with exclusive heritage styling
• 17-inch wheel design with all-terrain 235/65R17 tires

2025 Bronco Sport Wheel and Tire Options

The 2025 Bronco Sport continues the established wheel and tire configurations with minor refinements:

Base and Big Bend Trims:

• Retained 17-inch wheels with 225/65R17 tires (716 mm diameter)
• 7.0-inch width with 37.5 mm offset

Outer Banks Trim:

• Standard 18-inch wheels with 225/60R18 tires (718 mm diameter)
• Optional 19-inch Machined-Face Aluminum wheels with Dark Carbonized Gray-Painted Pockets
• 19-inch wheel dimensions: 19 x 8.0 inches with 42.5 mm offset
• 19-inch tire size: 235/55R19 (732 mm overall diameter)

Badlands Trim:

• Retained wider 17 x 7.5-inch wheels with 37.5 mm offset
• All-terrain 235/65R17 tires (735 mm diameter)

Free Wheeling Special Edition:

• 17-inch Ebony Race Red Aluminum wheels
• Wheel dimensions: 17 x 7.0 inches with 37.5 mm offset
• Standard tire size: 225/65R17 (716 mm overall diameter)

Performance Impact of Different Wheel and Tire Combinations

Off-Road Capability with 17-inch Wheels

The 17-inch wheel options found on the Base, Big Bend, and especially the Badlands trims offer significant advantages for off-road enthusiasts:

• Enhanced Impact Absorption: The taller sidewalls of the 17-inch combinations act as additional suspension, helping absorb impacts from rocks, roots, and uneven terrain. This reduces the likelihood of damage when navigating challenging off-road conditions.
• Superior Air-Down Performance: For serious off-roading, the taller sidewalls enable more effective pressure reduction without risking tire bead separation from the rim, resulting in a larger contact patch for improved traction.
• Weight Reduction Benefits: The smaller 17-inch rims weigh less than larger options, reducing unsprung weight for improved acceleration, better fuel economy, and more responsive handling on rough terrain.
• Badlands-Specific Advantages: The Badlands trim features a slightly wider (7.5-inch vs 7.0-inch) 17-inch wheel paired with more aggressive 235/65R17 all-terrain tires, offering enhanced capability for technical off-road driving.

Urban Performance with 18 and 19-inch Options

The larger wheel options available on the Outer Banks trim cater to drivers who prioritize on-road performance and style:

• Maximum Cornering Precision: The 18-inch and optional 19-inch wheels feature shorter sidewalls, minimizing flex during aggressive cornering and providing more precise handling characteristics on paved surfaces.
• Responsive Braking: The stiffer tire sidewalls translate to improved initial brake response and potentially shorter stopping distances on smooth roads.
• Enhanced High-Speed Stability: The wider footprint of the 235 mm tires, combined with stiffer sidewalls, improves stability during highway driving, providing confident handling at speed.

Practical Considerations for Wheel and Tire Selection

Cost and Maintenance Factors

• Replacement Costs: Tires for 17-inch rims typically cost less than those for 18 or 19-inch wheels, representing a long-term ownership benefit for those who choose the Base, Big Bend, or Badlands trims.
• Tire Selection Range: The 17-inch size offers the widest range of replacement tire options, including specialized all-terrain and winter tires, which are crucial for adventure-oriented Bronco Sport owners.
• Weight Considerations: The lighter 17-inch wheel and tire combinations can improve fuel efficiency compared to heavier 18 or 19-inch options, potentially saving money at the pump over time.

Style and Aesthetic Impact

• Premium Appearance: The 18 and 19-inch options create a more imposing stance that emphasizes the vehicle’s width and athletic proportions, appealing to style-conscious urban drivers.
• Upscale Visual Impact: The machined faces with contrasting dark pockets on the larger wheels create a sophisticated, technical appearance that elevates the overall presence of the vehicle.
• Trim-Specific Identity: Each wheel design is tailored to its trim’s character, from the rugged functionality of the Badlands’ wheels to the upscale refinement of the Outer Banks’ options.

Five Bronco Sport Wheel and Tire Facts

1. The Bronco Sport Badlands all-terrain tires are 19 mm larger in overall diameter than the Base model’s tires, providing additional ground clearance without requiring suspension modifications.
2. The 2023 Heritage Edition’s white-painted aluminum wheels are a direct homage to the original 1966 Bronco steel wheels, blending retro styling with modern engineering.
3. All Bronco Sport wheels feature a 5 x 108 mm bolt pattern, which is shared with several European Ford models but differs from the 6-lug pattern used on the larger Bronco.
4. The Badlands trim’s wheels are 0.5 inches wider than other 17-inch options in the lineup, providing a more stable platform for the aggressive all-terrain tires.
5. The Free Wheeling Special Edition’s distinctive red-accented wheels pay tribute to the popular 1970s Ford truck and Bronco appearance package of the same name.

Questions and Answers About the Bronco Sport 

What wheel size comes standard on the 2022 Bronco Sport Base model?

• The base model comes standard with 17-inch Sparkle Silver-Painted Aluminum wheels paired with 225/65R17 all-season tires, offering a balance of on-road comfort and light off-road capability.

Can I install larger tires on my Bronco Sport without lifting the suspension?

• You can install slightly larger tires without a lift, but the maximum size depends on your trim level. The Badlands model has the most clearance from the factory, allowing for minimal upsizing, while other trims may experience rubbing issues with tires larger than stock.

What is the bolt pattern for all Bronco Sport wheels?

• All models from 2021 through 2025 use a 5 x 108 mm bolt pattern, with a center bore diameter that accommodates aftermarket wheels designed for this specification.

Do all Bronco Sport trims come with all-terrain tires?

• No, only the Badlands and First Edition trims come standard with all-terrain tires (235/65R17). The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims come with all-season tires designed for a mix of on-road comfort and light off-road capability.

What are the benefits of the 17-inch wheels versus the 18 or 19-inch options?

• The 17-inch wheels offer better off-road performance with more sidewall flex for traction, greater impact absorption, lighter weight for improved fuel economy, and typically lower replacement costs. The 18 and 19-inch wheels provide sharper on-road handling, more responsive steering, and a more premium aesthetic appearance.

*Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.*