Why does my base 2022MY come with tiny 16" wheels when base sport gets 17"?

I originally wanted a base ...so spent time researching 16” vs 17” wheels and tires.

The 16” wheels have availability of much larger, better for off-road tires. You can get better 35’s for 16” rims.

Easier, buy take-offs from those upgrading higher level trims.

Well, remember the entire point of the base is to be the "base platform" to build on to make the rig yours. The 16" wheels that come with the Base are small, but the whole point is that if that isn't your style, then you find a set of wheels and tires that you do like. if you prefer a a Ford curated set of different tires and wheels (in addition to other incremental features), you could upgrade to one of the other trims. However, if all you want is different tires and wheels, then you can get something that more suited what you wanted and save money vs a higher trim.

The smaller the wheel, the larger the sidewall. It's better for off road than a taller wheel. Larger wheels provide less sidewall flex, given the same diameter tire, which is good for cornering at speed, not off road. If 16" wheels fit, use 'em, and for all the people that think you have small wheels, you have more rubber and have better traction on the trail. Tall wheels provide better performance for "street" performance. I will say, taller wheels also provide better performance in mall parking lots when you've gotta turn in quick before someone else gets your spot, so if you lose a spot...well, you'll catch them on the trail.

They are to just get you to a tire shop to buy big wheels

off road 16s are better.. More rubber helps better tire flex

The 16” wheels are fine, but it would have been better paired with the next size up tire to get a 32” overall size

Actually, your wheels should never be greater than 50% of your tire height.

I just made that up, but I'm hoping in 10 years everyone is saying the same thing, thinking it is some great off road maxim attributed to Mickey Thompson, Walker Evans or Ivan Stewart.

AcesandEights

Actually, your wheels should never be greater than 50% of your tire height.

I just made that up, but I'm hoping in 10 years everyone is saying the same thing, thinking it is some great off road maxim attributed to Mickey Thompson, Walker Evans or Ivan Stewart.

16” wheels would only be 50% of a 32” tire

Yeah, I know, so you would never want smaller than a 32" tire on a 16" wheel. If you wanted to go smaller than 32" you'd need a smaller wheel. You would always have at least as much, or more sidewall than you have wheel. It's off road genius. Feel free to pass it on.

Because you didn’t order a model with bigger ones :ROFLMAO:

285/75/R16 are as big as you can go with stock base 16"steel rims. This will lift you 1.5" and give 32.8" tires. Perfect all around tires and great off road performance.

I think some fat tires on those 16” wheels may look really good!

Dealer says he can put different tires. Wow!What a nice guy,what he failed to say was $1000 t0 $3000 more.Thats almost 10 of my MSRP. I agree can put 285 R75 but no tire company will sell to fit on Bronco,s. Those lawyers wouldnt allow them!