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Understanding Aftermarket Aero OptionsBest Aftermarket Wheels to Spruce Up Your Ride
Adding a new set of wheels to your vehicle can improve its looks, it’s value, and maybe even its performance so here are ten great options.
Wheels That Impact on Your Ride
If you’re an automotive enthusiast like me, you understand the impact that the right set of wheels can have on your ride. It’s not just about functionality; it’s about making a statement, expressing your style, and enhancing the overall aesthetics and maybe even the performance of your vehicle. In this exploration of the automotive world, we’ll delve into the realm of aftermarket wheels, uncovering the best options to elevate your ride to a whole new level of visual appeal and performance
Voxx Nice
Just as the name might imply, the Nice from Voxx is an excellent choice for those who want to add a bit more sporty design language to their ride. Available in multiple sizes and bolt patterns, the Nice is inexpensive too. Its mesh-style multi-spoke design fits nicely (get it?) on multiple vehicle segments including hatchbacks, sedans, and even some crossovers. It’s not the lightest option out there as it tips the scales at around 37 pounds per wheel but it’s a looker and it’s easy on the wallet.
OZ Racing Ultraleggera
The OZ Racing Ultraleggera might be the best of the bunch for those who want a lightweight performance-enhancing wheel that improves a car’s looks at the same time. Available in four different sizes with a number of different finishes, this wheel weighs just 22 pounds which decreases unsprung weight and improves handling for vehicles that would have heavier wheels otherwise. It also means that they’ll likely fit around your upgraded aftermarket brake kit. We love the classic 12-spoke design and the high-end construction that’s available for low-end sub $300-per-wheel prices.
Steel Wheels
Let’s talk a little bit about the tried and true steel wheel because it’s more versatile than some might realize. Steel wheels are great for anyone on a budget or those who specifically want a wheel that they can abuse without too much worry. They’re awesome for winter cars and they even look pretty dang good on SUVs. In fact, many new vehicles like the Land Rover Defender and Ford Bronco are available with painted steel wheels as an option from the factory.
Fuel Off-Road Unit
On the other end of the spectrum is the Fuel Off-Road Unit. This big and chunky wheel is perfectly suited for SUVs and trucks that could do with more rugged features. The Unit is most notable for its simulated beadlock design. Unlike real beadlock wheels which aren’t legal for public road use, the Unit simply has faux bolts on the outer edge of the wheel. The tire mounts onto it just like any other. While the Unit doesn’t provide any sort of performance enhancement, it does look cool and comes in at under $300 a wheel.
Work Emotion CR
If budget is no concern and you’re working with a street-only vehicle, the Emotion CR is a fabulous choice. As the only three-piece wheel on this list, it’s by far the most customizable and the most expensive. Multi-piece wheels like the Emotion CR allow the buyer to switch up styling by changing the color or finish of the various parts including the lip, the spokes, and the barrel. Keep in mind that there are big downsides to multi-piece wheels though including additional upkeep, potential vibration on the road, and a much higher price. These will set you back nearly $4,000.
BBS SX
The BBS SX bucks the sort of trend set by wheels like the Emotion CR by offering classic styling, a great price point, and high quality from one of the top names in aftermarket wheels. The SX is a cast wheel but maintains the standards set by forged wheels and looks great too. A full set should cost somewhere around $1,200 and it’s available in multiple sizes and offsets too.
Enkei Raijin
Enkei is another classic JDM-centric brand that designs wheels appropriate for just about any car. The Raijin is a rotary forged wheel that weighs between 20.1 and 28 pounds depending on the size. It comes in multiple sizes, colorways, and bolt patterns too. We really like the 14-spoke design and the way that it tapers toward the barrel of the wheel. Some sets sell for under $1,000 which makes it an absolute bargain.
Black Rhino Barricade
Going back to the off-roading scene for a moment, the Black Rhino Barricade offers something that we don’t often see, a rock guard ring. Unlike a beadlock ring, the rock guard ring does the job of keeping the wheel edge safe and scratch-free when one goes off-road or gets a little too close to the curb at the mall. It just so happens to also look great in the process. Available in OD Green and Gun Black in 17,18, and 20-inch sizes, this wheel also comes in five or six-lug bolt patterns.
American Racing Torq Thrust
While the Torq Thrust isn’t available in as many sizes or colors as most of the options on this list it might be the most classic-looking of the bunch. Its flared five-spoke design directly calls back to the muscle cars of the 1960s and 70s. It also happens to be one of the cheapest and lightest wheels here with prices regularly under $1,500 for a full set and a weight under 20 pounds per wheel in most cases.
Warn Jackhammer
SUV and truck owners will love the Warn Jackhammer as it fits a variety of different vehicles without any modification, provides a nice blend of new and old-school design features, and even has a nod to old locking hubs in the center cap. It’s also compatible with factory lug nuts and TPMS sensors for added versatility. Pricing is right around $300 depending on the specifications for the wheel in question.
