The Ford Bronco Sport continues to impress adventure enthusiasts with its capable design, rugged performance, and versatile configuration options. At the foundation of this compact SUV’s performance capabilities are its wheels and tires—components that significantly influence everything from handling and comfort to off-road capability and overall aesthetic appeal. Understanding the wheel and tire specifications across the Bronco Sport lineup is essential for owners looking to maximize performance or customize their vehicle for specific driving conditions. 

Standard Wheel Specifications Across Trim Levels

The Ford Bronco Sport lineup features distinct wheel designs and specifications tailored to each trim level’s intended use case and positioning within the range.

Big Bend Trim Wheels

The Big Bend trim, which serves as the entry point to the Bronco Sport lineup, comes with:

• 17-inch Carbonized Gray-painted high gloss aluminum wheels
• 5-spoke design emphasizing durability and all-around versatility
• 43.5 mm offset (approximate)
• 114.3 mm bolt pattern (5×114.3)

These wheels provide a solid foundation for everyday driving while maintaining sufficient capability for occasional off-road adventures. The 17-inch diameter allows for tires with taller sidewalls, which can better absorb impacts from rough terrain.

Heritage Edition Wheels

The Heritage Edition pays homage to classic Bronco styling with:

• 17-inch Oxford White-painted aluminum wheels
• Distinctive retro-inspired design with classic proportions
• Heritage-specific center caps with vintage Bronco logo
• Same core specifications as the Big Bend wheels (offset and bolt pattern)

These wheels create a distinctive appearance that helps the Heritage Edition stand out from other Bronco Sport models while maintaining the same functional capabilities as other 17-inch options.

Free Wheeling Trim Wheels

The Free Wheeling trim offers a sportier appearance with:

• 17-inch Ebony with Race Red accents painted aluminum wheels
• Unique design with contrasting colour elements
• Same core specifications as other 17-inch wheels in the lineup

These wheels provide a more vibrant aesthetic option while maintaining the functional benefits of the 17-inch wheel size.

Outer Banks Trim Wheels

The Bronco Sport Outer Banks wheels represent a significant step up in terms of both style and on-road performance:

• 18-inch machined-face aluminum wheels with Ebony Black-painted pockets
• More sophisticated two-tone appearance
• Five-spoke design with modern styling
• Reduced unsprung weight compared to steel wheel alternatives
• 43.5 mm offset
• 114.3 mm bolt pattern (5×114.3)

The Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks wheels offer enhanced on-road handling characteristics due to their larger diameter and reduced sidewall height. These wheels project a more premium appearance consistent with the Outer Banks trim’s positioning as a more sophisticated option in the lineup.

Badlands Trim Wheels

The off-road-focused Badlands trim features:

• 17-inch Carbonized Gray-painted aluminum wheels are standard
• Reinforced construction for enhanced durability
• Design optimized for off-road performance
• Compatible with all-terrain tires

The Badlands wheels prioritize off-road functionality, reverting to a 17-inch diameter that provides better impact absorption from rough terrain compared to larger wheel options.

Tire Specifications and Performance

Tire specifications vary across the Bronco Sport lineup, with each configuration tailored to the intended use case of the specific trim level.

Standard Tire Sizes

The Ford Bronco Sport offers several tire size options depending on trim level:

• Big Bend, Heritage, and Free Wheeling: 225/65R17 all-season tires

• Overall diameter: approximately 723 mm
• Section width: 225 mm
• Aspect ratio: 65% (sidewall height is 65% of section width)
• Construction: Radial
• Wheel diameter: 17 inches (431.8 mm)

• Outer Banks: 225/60R18 all-season tires

• Overall diameter: approximately 728 mm
• Section width: 225 mm
• Aspect ratio: 60% (sidewall height is 60% of section width)
• Construction: Radial
• Wheel diameter: 18 inches (457.2 mm)

• Badlands: 235/65R17 all-terrain tires

• Overall diameter: approximately 740 mm
• Section width: 235 mm
• Aspect ratio: 65% (sidewall height is 65% of section width)
• Construction: Radial
• Wheel diameter: 17 inches (431.8 mm)

The Bronco Sport Outer Banks tire size (225/60R18) represents a balance between on-road refinement and reasonable off-road capability. With slightly lower profile sidewalls than the 17-inch options, these tires provide enhanced on-road handling characteristics while still offering adequate performance for light off-road use.

Interestingly, some sources indicate that the Outer Banks trim may also offer an alternative 235/65R17 tire option, providing buyers with a choice between the more road-oriented 18-inch setup and a more off-road-capable 17-inch configuration.

Tire Performance Characteristics

Each tire size and specification offers distinct performance characteristics:

All-Season Tires (225/65R17 and 225/60R18)

The standard all-season tires fitted to most Bronco Sport trims, including the Outer Banks Bronco Sport, offer:

• Balanced performance characteristics suitable for various driving conditions
• Moderate tread depth providing reasonable traction in light off-road conditions
• M+S (Mud and Snow) rating for basic winter capability
• Quieter on-road operation than dedicated off-road tires
• Longer tread life compared to more aggressive tire designs

These tires provide versatile performance for the majority of Bronco Sport owners who primarily drive on paved roads with occasional light off-road excursions.

All-Terrain Tires (235/65R17)

The Badlands trim comes standard with all-terrain tires that feature:

• More aggressive tread pattern with larger blocks and wider channels
• Reinforced sidewalls for improved durability against cuts and impacts
• Enhanced traction in mud, sand, and loose surfaces
• Three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) rating indicating superior snow traction
• Slightly reduced on-road comfort and increased road noise

These tires significantly enhance the vehicle’s off-road capability, providing improved traction across various challenging surface conditions. The wider width (235 mm vs. 225 mm) also contributes to enhanced grip off-road.

Wheel and Tire Packages

The Bronco Sport offers several specialized packages that affect wheel and tire configurations:

Black Appearance Package

Available on the Big Bend trim, this package includes:

• 17-inch Matte Black-painted aluminum wheels
• Same tire specification as standard (225/65R17)
• Coordinated black exterior accents

Sasquatch Package

The Sasquatch Package is available on both Outer Banks and Badlands trims, offering:

• 17-inch Ebony Black-painted aluminum wheels
• Enhanced all-terrain tires
• Additional off-road-focused equipment

This package offers an attractive option for Bronco Sport Outer Banks owners seeking to enhance the vehicle’s off-road capabilities while preserving the premium features that make this trim appealing.

Outer Banks Wheels and Tires in Detail

The Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks wheels and tires deserve special attention as they represent a popular configuration in the lineup.

Wheel Design Elements

The 18-inch machined-face aluminum wheels found on the Bronco Sport Outer Banks feature several distinctive design elements:

• Two-tone finish with machined bright faces and black-painted pockets
• Five-spoke design that projects visual sophistication
• Ford and Bronco Sport-specific center caps
• Structural reinforcement for light off-road duty
• Aerodynamic considerations incorporated into the design

These wheels provide a more upscale appearance compared to the more utilitarian wheels found on other trim levels, consistent with the Outer Banks’ positioning as the more premium option in the lineup.

Tire Performance Considerations

The 225/60R18 all-season tires fitted to the Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks offer:

• Balanced performance characteristics suitable for various driving conditions
• Moderate sidewall height provides reasonable comfort and impact absorption
• All-weather traction designed primarily for paved surfaces with occasional light off-road use
• Reduced rolling resistance compared to more aggressive all-terrain options
• Quieter on-road operation than dedicated off-road tires

These tires complement the Outer Banks trim’s focus on providing a more refined on-road experience while maintaining sufficient capability for light off-road adventures.

Off-Road Performance and Wheel/Tire Impact

The wheel and tire combination significantly affects the Bronco Sport off-road capabilities:

Ground Clearance

The different wheel and tire combinations affect the vehicle’s ground clearance:

• Badlands with 235/65R17: approximately 223 mm ground clearance
• Outer Banks with 225/60R18: approximately 198 mm ground clearance
• Other trims with 225/65R17: approximately 208 mm ground clearance

This variation in ground clearance affects the vehicle’s ability to navigate obstacles without contacting the undercarriage.

Approach, Breakover, and Departure Angles

The tire diameter also affects these critical off-road angles:

• Larger diameter tires (like the Badlands’ 235/65R17) provide slightly better approach and departure angles
• The difference between the Bronco Sport outer banks tire size and the Badlands tire size results in approximately 2-3 degrees of variation in these angles

Traction in Various Conditions

The tread pattern and composition of the tires play a crucial role in determining traction:

• The all-terrain tires on the Badlands provide superior traction in mud, sand, and loose surfaces
• The all-season tires on the Outer Banks offer better on-road handling and wet pavement performance
• These tire choices significantly influence the difference between Badlands vs Outer Banks Bronco Sport off-road capabilities

Maintenance Considerations

Proper maintenance of wheels and tires is essential for maximizing performance and longevity:

Tire Pressure Recommendations

The recommended tire pressures for the Bronco Sport vary slightly by tire size:

• 225/65R17: 241 kPa (35 psi) front and rear
• 225/60R18: 241 kPa (35 psi) front and rear
• 235/65R17: 241 kPa (35 psi) front and rear

Maintaining proper tire pressure is essential for achieving optimal fuel efficiency, improved handling, and extended tire longevity. The Bronco Sport features a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that alerts drivers when tire pressure deviates significantly from the recommended levels.

Rotation Patterns

Regular tire rotation helps ensure even wear and maximum tire life:

• Recommended rotation interval: every
  8,000 kilometers
• Forward cross pattern recommended for most Bronco Sport models
• Modified pattern may be necessary if directional tires are installed

Winter Tire Considerations

For regions with severe winter conditions, dedicated winter tires may be advisable:

• Recommended winter tire size for Outer Banks: 225/60R18 or 225/65R17
• Recommended winter tire size for other trims: matching their standard tire size
• Winter tires should carry the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol

2025 Ford Bronco: Character and Capability

The Ford Bronco Sport offers a thoughtfully designed range of wheel and tire combinations across its lineup, with each configuration tailored to the specific character and intended use case of each trim level. From the more road-oriented 18-inch wheels and tires of the Bronco Sport Outer Banks to the off-road optimized 17-inch setup of the Badlands, these components play a crucial role in defining each variant’s capabilities and characteristics.

Understanding these specifications and their implications can help owners make informed decisions about potential modifications or replacements while ensuring their Bronco Sport performs optimally for their specific driving needs. Whether prioritizing on-road comfort, off-road capability, or a balance between the two, the wheel and tire options provide versatility for a wide range of adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install the Badlands all-terrain tires on my Bronco Sport Outer Banks?

• Yes, the 235/65R17 all-terrain tires from the Badlands model can fit on this trim, but would require switching to 17-inch wheels. This conversion would enhance off-road capability at the expense of some on-road refinement and handling precision.

What is the difference in overall diameter between the Outer Banks standard 225/60R18 tires and the Badlands 235/65R17 tires?

• The Badlands’ 235/65R17 tires have an overall diameter of approximately 740 mm, while the Outer Banks’ 225/60R18 tires have an overall diameter of approximately 728 mm. This difference of about 12 mm results in a ground clearance increase of roughly 6 mm when comparing the two setups.

Does the Bronco Sport Outer Banks have the same wheel offset as other trims?

• Yes, all new trims share the same wheel offset specification of approximately 43.5 mm, ensuring consistent handling characteristics and compatibility across the lineup.

How do the different wheel sizes affect fuel efficiency?

• The 18-inch wheels on the Outer Banks typically result in slightly lower rolling resistance compared to the 17-inch wheels with taller sidewalls, potentially offering marginally better fuel efficiency in on-road driving. However, the difference is minimal, and other factors, such as driving style, have a much greater impact.

What is the load rating for the standard tires on the Bronco Sport Outer Banks?

• The standard 225/60R18 tires typically have a load index of 100, which corresponds to a maximum load capacity of approximately 800 kg per tire. This provides ample capacity for the vehicle’s weight, cargo, and passengers.

*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.*