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Many Jeep owners love to upgrade the size of their rims and tires. But the latest generation of the Jeep Grand Cherokee (2021-present) does not have room for larger diameter tires in its wheel wells. Resourceful Jeep owners have found they can install wheel spacers to change their rim placement and make room for larger tires.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee: all-new for 2022

Jeep rolled out the long-wheelbase version of the fifth generation of its Grand Cherokee for the 2021 model year. Then it began building the regular wheelbase version for 2022. You can still order this luxury midsize SUV with a V6 or 5.7-liter HEMI V8. But now you can also choose the 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Red Jeep grand cherokee with stock sized tires parked in the desert, a rock outcropping visible behind it.
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve | Stellantis

Jeep advertises the new Grand Cherokee’s MSRP as $38,720. The luxury SUV’s top off-road-ready trim is the Trailhawk. The Trailhawk starts at $54,630.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk comes with features a disconnecting sway bar for better front wheel articulation while off-road. It has an electronic limited-slip rear differential, air suspension, and full-time 4WD. Check out the difference between AWD vs full-time 4WD.

But one feature even the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk does not have is clearance for larger aftermarket rims and tires.

How big of tires can I fit on my Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Entry-level 2022 Grand Cherokees come from the factory with P245/70R17 tires, the Limited trim has P265/60R18, and the Summit and Overland ride on P265/50R20s. While you could change the rim/tire ratio, a new Grand Cherokee cannot fit a larger diameter tire.

Closeup of the 20 inch rims and low-profile sized tires of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve.
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4xe | Stellantis

The Grand Cherokee’s front tires tuck in below a suspension linkage. If you increase the size of these tires, you risk your wheels “scrubbing” or rubbing every time you make a sharp turn. Scrubbing can damage suspension components or even cause a blowout.

In lieu of larger tires, Jeep might suggest you upgrade your Jeep Grand Cherokee with its Quadra-Drive II package. This full-time 4WD system include adjustable air suspension at all four corners. An air-suspension-equipped Grand Cherokee can increase its ride height and even ford 24 inches of water.

But for many more traditional Jeep fans, this technology-oriented solution is not enough. Grand Cherokee owners have found that they can install wheel spacers and swap to larger tires while still clearing all the suspension linkages.

Are wheel spacers safe?

Wheel spacers are divisive: Some claim they are unsafe, putting too much strain on your vehicle’s suspension system. Other off-roaders swear by them. The truth is there are two very different types of wheel spacers and knowing the difference is the key to making the safest choice possible.

The stripped chassis of a new Grand Cherokee shows its tight tolerances for tire size.
Jeep Grand Cherokee chassis | Stellantis

Slip-on wheel spacers are like a huge washer that fits over your factory studs. They force your rim further away from your axle, by keeping you from screwing your lug nuts on completely. Therefore, even spacer companies such as Bonoss argue they are unsafe.

Bolt-on spacers attach to your axle’s factory studs in place of your rim. Then, they feature another set of studs to attach your rim to. They are the preferred solution by enthusiasts such as the experts at MotorTrend. Some Jeep Grand Cherokee owners have been able to use bolt-on spacers to install larger tires. Jeep has also said it is looking into solutions to upgrade to larger aftermarket tires, for future model years of its new Grand Cherokee.

Next, see some common tire upgrade options or see the front wheel clearance of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee for yourself in the video below:

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Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.