I've seen some hate for the base 17" wheels in other threads, but really they're not that bad! Besides, they're more unique in a way since the majority of WK2s I see aren't running them.
I have them, no problems with the looks. And I prefer the extra sidewall, they ride better and seem to handle the winter snow better than any lower profile tire Ive driven
The 18s are more bland than the 17s. With that said, I'm not a fan of any of the painted rims. The 20s don't look right on a Jeep. What I'm saying is that of the factory options, when I was looking around in the lot, I thought the polished 18s looked best. But, they were not worlds better than the 17s, and I liked the painted 17s better than the painted 18s. Those plastic coated 17s look WAY better then the plastic coated 18s I've seen.
Obviously, the best wheel size is subjective. Personally I think I like the 17". I just bought a new summit and already downgraded to the 18" polished wheel. I am currently looking for a set of 17" wheels that I will have powdercoated semi-gloss black to replace the already downgraded 18' polished wheels.
I have the 17" on mine and I'm very happy. Plus I don't have to worry about less of a choice in tires. The 18's aren't bad, I don't like the 20's though.
I've noticed the counterbalance weight mounted on the outside, arent those
usually inside the rim, so not visible to the eye from outside? ... edit ...
Yeah I have those weights on my 17s. Weren't there when I bought the Jeep, but the dealer installed them when I went in for a re-balance a year later.
If you want balanced tires/rims, those weights will appear at some point. No way around them. Yeah there are stick on weights, but they always fall off.
I will admit that the 17's are lighter and they don't affect handling compared to the 18's.
if anyone wants to stick with 17's you can always upgrade the tire to a higher speed rating.
The 17's look way better than the 18's. The 18's are nothing more than some flat spokes.... I would actually like to have the pockets of my 18's color matched and the faces machiced..... that would pay homage to some older jeep styling.