Best Tire Options for 1.5L Larger Than Stock Sizes

[Discount Tire]

@Its her Bronco,

The Michelin brand is what she has, so I would recommend the all new Michelin Defender 2. Thats a solid choice for your wife. High mileage 80K, and very quite. Still has a good A/S rating.

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[Desert Bronco.]

I haven't seen a thread that specifically addresses the tire needs of the BS that are powered by the 1.5L Dragon. We all know that the practical sizes absent some lift and trimming the largest sizes are the 29.5" diameter tires (245/65/17; 245/60/18). Also, the 235mm widths are also an improvement over stock. Specifically, I am interested in AT style tires . As I will have 17" wheels, I am looking at the 235/65/17 or the 245/65/17 (but if you have 18", please discuss your situation).

I personally feel that the KO2s at 245/65/17 are too heavy for the 1.5L engine as they are 44 lbs a tire. Even If I dropped weight by switching to lighter wheels, I couldn't come close to offsetting the increased weight (stock Continentals are 26 lbs). I think that keeping the weight down is important. I love me some KO2 (rocking them on my 3.5L Ecoboost F150), but at 44 lbs that is a formula for sluggish performance. Same would rule out the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss at 245/65/17 (38 lbs); Nitto Ridge Grappler (37lbs); Falken Wildpeak AT3W at 245/65/17 (39 lbs).

Thus, if I want to stick at 245/65/17, here are the choices I was considering:

Nitto Nomad Grappler (34 lbs). Looks pretty killer and has the classic Nitto double sided sidewall so you can pick your pattern. It is 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake and the early reviews are very good. Cons: don't know anyone who has actually run these yet, they are a new product.

Toyo Open Country ATIII (34 lbs): True AT tire and excellent all around.

Mickey Thompson Baja Boss (38 lbs): Maybe the most aggressive looking of the bunch. They are floating pretty close to being too heavy.

Nitto Ridge Grappler (37 lbs): I was honestly shocked when I saw these weighed this much. That said, the RG is a classic truck tire and probably a bit much for the Sport.

Falken Wildpeak AT Trail (37 lbs): These are very highly rated and appear to be the direct competitor of the Nitto Nomad Grappler. More of a CUV tire (like the Nomad), so maybe not as aggressive as a "big" AT. I think the weight seems high compared to the Nomad.

I would not consider the Falken Wildpeak AT3W at 245/65/17 as it is about 40 lbs. I would consider the 235/65/17 OEM version for the 1.5L as it is only 32 lbs (but it lacks the size).

Thoughts? Alternatives?

Stay with a 235 size if you want to still keep the higher mpg that the 3 cylinder provides over the four cylinder. A 245/65 tire size would knock 3-5mpg off the vehicle and that little engine would work harder. The Falken wildpeak a/t trail in a 235 would be a good bet. I’ll report back on the BFG trail terrains once they are installed. the only issue I read is they lack some of the wet weather and braking then the Falkens. The BFG seem to excel in snow and ice over the Falken. I did get the OEM Pirelli Scorpions to Hydroplane during our torrential downpour in Southern California a few weeks back. The slippery mode on the BS really helps a bunch. So using the Pirelli Scorpions as a benchmark I’m not sure how much the Trail Terrains suffer from water contact and expelling the water from the treads? From what I gather they are a lite street version of the BFG KO2 with some off road DNA. The AT trail terrain style tires have been produced for about 20 years, just not under the current name. So they’ve been reworked and reengineered for the Subaru Crosstrek world of CUVs and lighter SUV, unibody style construction. the Falkens have a more aggressive tread design so that lessens the mpg and increases the rolling resistance. So better on road dry braking and traction and poorer mpg.

 

[RodNSA]

I haven't seen a thread that specifically addresses the tire needs of the BS that are powered by the 1.5L Dragon. We all know that the practical sizes absent some lift and trimming the largest sizes are the 29.5" diameter tires (245/65/17; 245/60/18). Also, the 235mm widths are also an improvement over stock. Specifically, I am interested in AT style tires . As I will have 17" wheels, I am looking at the 235/65/17 or the 245/65/17 (but if you have 18", please discuss your situation).

I personally feel that the KO2s at 245/65/17 are too heavy for the 1.5L engine as they are 44 lbs a tire. Even If I dropped weight by switching to lighter wheels, I couldn't come close to offsetting the increased weight (stock Continentals are 26 lbs). I think that keeping the weight down is important. I love me some KO2 (rocking them on my 3.5L Ecoboost F150), but at 44 lbs that is a formula for sluggish performance. Same would rule out the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss at 245/65/17 (38 lbs); Nitto Ridge Grappler (37lbs); Falken Wildpeak AT3W at 245/65/17 (39 lbs).

Thus, if I want to stick at 245/65/17, here are the choices I was considering:

Nitto Nomad Grappler (34 lbs). Looks pretty killer and has the classic Nitto double sided sidewall so you can pick your pattern. It is 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake and the early reviews are very good. Cons: don't know anyone who has actually run these yet, they are a new product.

Toyo Open Country ATIII (34 lbs): True AT tire and excellent all around.

Mickey Thompson Baja Boss (38 lbs): Maybe the most aggressive looking of the bunch. They are floating pretty close to being too heavy.

Nitto Ridge Grappler (37 lbs): I was honestly shocked when I saw these weighed this much. That said, the RG is a classic truck tire and probably a bit much for the Sport.

Falken Wildpeak AT Trail (37 lbs): These are very highly rated and appear to be the direct competitor of the Nitto Nomad Grappler. More of a CUV tire (like the Nomad), so maybe not as aggressive as a "big" AT. I think the weight seems high compared to the Nomad.

I would not consider the Falken Wildpeak AT3W at 245/65/17 as it is about 40 lbs. I would consider the 235/65/17 OEM version for the 1.5L as it is only 32 lbs (but it lacks the size).

Thoughts? Alternatives?

I agree with your assessment 100%. I did KO2s on my Wrangler but for the BS running 245s they are too heavy. I chose the Toyo's you mentioned and I'm 100% satisfied!

I haven't seen a thread that specifically addresses the tire needs of the BS that are powered by the 1.5L Dragon. We all know that the practical sizes absent some lift and trimming the largest sizes are the 29.5" diameter tires (245/65/17; 245/60/18). Also, the 235mm widths are also an improvement over stock. Specifically, I am interested in AT style tires . As I will have 17" wheels, I am looking at the 235/65/17 or the 245/65/17 (but if you have 18", please discuss your situation).

I personally feel that the KO2s at 245/65/17 are too heavy for the 1.5L engine as they are 44 lbs a tire. Even If I dropped weight by switching to lighter wheels, I couldn't come close to offsetting the increased weight (stock Continentals are 26 lbs). I think that keeping the weight down is important. I love me some KO2 (rocking them on my 3.5L Ecoboost F150), but at 44 lbs that is a formula for sluggish performance. Same would rule out the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss at 245/65/17 (38 lbs); Nitto Ridge Grappler (37lbs); Falken Wildpeak AT3W at 245/65/17 (39 lbs).

Thus, if I want to stick at 245/65/17, here are the choices I was considering:

Nitto Nomad Grappler (34 lbs). Looks pretty killer and has the classic Nitto double sided sidewall so you can pick your pattern. It is 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake and the early reviews are very good. Cons: don't know anyone who has actually run these yet, they are a new product.

Toyo Open Country ATIII (34 lbs): True AT tire and excellent all around.

Mickey Thompson Baja Boss (38 lbs): Maybe the most aggressive looking of the bunch. They are floating pretty close to being too heavy.

Nitto Ridge Grappler (37 lbs): I was honestly shocked when I saw these weighed this much. That said, the RG is a classic truck tire and probably a bit much for the Sport.

Falken Wildpeak AT Trail (37 lbs): These are very highly rated and appear to be the direct competitor of the Nitto Nomad Grappler. More of a CUV tire (like the Nomad), so maybe not as aggressive as a "big" AT. I think the weight seems high compared to the Nomad.

I would not consider the Falken Wildpeak AT3W at 245/65/17 as it is about 40 lbs. I would consider the 235/65/17 OEM version for the 1.5L as it is only 32 lbs (but it lacks the size).

Thoughts? Alternatives?

I agree 100%! I chose the Toyo's you mentioned and I am very satisfied.

 

[RodNSA]

I've been also looking at tires, as I will probably need to replace the crappy Conti's in the spring (I've got 15k on them; they are fine in dry weather but absolute no-go in slick and snow, IMHO). I wanted something with a bit more traction but won't totally roast my highway gas mileage.

Top of my list right now are these:
WILDPEAK A/T TRAIL - SIZE: 245/65R17 @37lbs (these seem to be universally well reviewed)

However, I am mildly curious about these but haven't fully researched:
MILESTAR PATAGONIA H/T P 245 /65 R17 105T SL OWL (although I prefer blackwall) @ 34lbs (highway tire, but a little more off-roadish look)
vs.
MILESTAR PATAGONIA AT 245/65R17 @ 34.33lbs (there are some variants on this I need to look at closer, but definitely more off-road than the H/T)

I have friends who run Milestars on their Jeep or 4 Runner and like them. But I haven't seen anyone on here running them.

I'd also check out the Toyo Open Country ATIII ... excellent!!!

 

[hwildey]

I’m going with the BF Goodrich Trail Terrain 235/65/r17 108T. It clicked off the boxes and I’m not using the vehicle other than light off road and as a daily driver. Low Noise and MPG plus good snow and rain traction. The 245s starts getting heavier and I wanted to maintain the gas mileage.

Let us know how you like them. They are my number 1 choice but haven't bought them yet. Seem lighter that Falken wildpeaks with better off road performance. There are some good reviews out there that show they are best off road and not great in water or dry pavement, however. The falkens are not in this review, but others have them better in wet conditions.

Light Terrains review

 

[wessermgm]

Stay with a 235 size if you want to still keep the higher mpg that the 3 cylinder provides over the four cylinder. A 245/65 tire size would knock 3-5mpg off the vehicle and that little engine would work harder. The Falken wildpeak a/t trail in a 235 would be a good bet. I’ll report back on the BFG trail terrains once they are installed. the only issue I read is they lack some of the wet weather and braking then the Falkens. The BFG seem to excel in snow and ice over the Falken. I did get the OEM Pirelli Scorpions to Hydroplane during our torrential downpour in Southern California a few weeks back. The slippery mode on the BS really helps a bunch. So using the Pirelli Scorpions as a benchmark I’m not sure how much the Trail Terrains suffer from water contact and expelling the water from the treads? From what I gather they are a lite street version of the BFG KO2 with some off road DNA. The AT trail terrain style tires have been produced for about 20 years, just not under the current name. So they’ve been reworked and reengineered for the Subaru Crosstrek world of CUVs and lighter SUV, unibody style construction. the Falkens have a more aggressive tread design so that lessens the mpg and increases the rolling resistance. So better on road dry braking and traction and poorer mpg.

Generally, I would agree with your assessment about 235 vs 245, but the factor that reduces the performance and fuel economy is weight. Basically the point of this thread is to locate the 245/65 sized tires that are relatively light so that impact would not be as you suggest. For instance, the Nitto Nomad Grapper is 33.58 lbs at a 235/65 vs. 34.26 at 245/65 - less than a pound. Toyo OC ATIII are 33 lbs at 235/65 vs. 34 lbs at 245/65. In these cases, the juice is definitely worth the squeeze.

 

[Desert Bronco.]

Let us know how you like them. They are my number 1 choice but haven't bought them yet. Seem lighter that Falken wildpeaks with better off road performance. There are some good reviews out there that show they are best off road and not great in water or dry pavement, however. The falkens are not in this review, but others have them better in wet conditions.

Light Terrains review

Possibly true. I have Scorpions on there now and they are good in the water during the rain, drive comfortably and brake well. That’s all I can say, otherwise I don’t like them. They get holes in them a don’t hood up. Lots of the testing is subjective. In the rain I turn on “slippery” so that helps keeping a positive road traction. You don’t know what these average reviewers were driving, where they were driving and their skill level. Too many variables. They are like yelp reviews, can’t trust them.

 

[Desert Bronco.]

Generally, I would agree with your assessment about 235 vs 245, but the factor that reduces the performance and fuel economy is weight. Basically the point of this thread is to locate the 245/65 sized tires that are relatively light so that impact would not be as you suggest. For instance, the Nitto Nomad Grapper is 33.58 lbs at a 235/65 vs. 34.26 at 245/65 - less than a pound. Toyo OC ATIII are 33 lbs at 235/65 vs. 34 lbs at 245/65. In these cases, the juice is definitely worth the squeeze.

I think the three cylinder is anemic compote the four cylinder. I don’t think there’s much of an appearance difference between 225 and 235. Going to a 245 is a bigger tire and will kick on the turbo which will make the mpg suffer. I have the badlands so I could go with the 245 but I’m sticking with a 235 for now too preserve the mpg.

 

[wessermgm]

I think the three cylinder is anemic compote the four cylinder. I don’t think there’s much of an appearance difference between 225 and 235. Going to a 245 is a bigger tire and will kick on the turbo which will make the mpg suffer. I have the badlands so I could go with the 245 but I’m sticking with a 235 for now too preserve the mpg.

Again, the mere fact the tire is larger is not the issue of what makes the engine work harder or engages the turbo more often. It is the added weight that is the issue. It is true that the larger the diameter of the tire is then typically the tire will weigh more, which is why your general premise is usually true. However, a KO2 in 225/65/17 weights 38.9 lbs. That is well over what a Toyo Open Country ATIII weighs at a 245/65/17 (33 lbs). The bigger Toyo will give you better fuel economy and provide less stress to the engine than the smaller KO2 because it weighs less. The fact that the KO2 is stock size is irrelevant.

That is kinda the point of this whole thread, to determine the relatively few tires that are AT type, yet balance the considerations of weight, while getting a larger size so you can run them on a 1.5L. If your point is simply you drive a 1.5L so you should just stick to stock, then well OK. I on the other hand think that Ford sold everyone short putting the 225/65/17 size as stock on the Sport. Considering the gear ratio of 3.80 and the 181 HP produced by the 1.5L, it can easily handle the 235/65/17 sizes and some 245/65/17 sizes - especially if you get aftermarket wheels that weigh less than the stock ones.

As far is it being anemic compared to a Badlands, I guess that is always a matter of opinion. Some may think that the 1.5L is pretty well engineered to produce a 181 HP out of a 3 cyl engine. I recall my Mom bought a 1997 Thunderbird with a 4.6L V-8 that produced 215 HP. Things have come a long way.

In short, I believe that the relative weight you place on each corner is the issue not the diameter. If you can increase the diameter while keeping your pre-determined weight limit, then by all means go for it. There are some tires that allow you do that, we are here to discuss those.

 

[Desert Bronco.]

Let us know how you like them. They are my number 1 choice but haven't bought them yet. Seem lighter that Falken wildpeaks with better off road performance. There are some good reviews out there that show they are best off road and not great in water or dry pavement, however. The falkens are not in this review, but others have them better in wet conditions.

Light Terrains review

I’ll do an initial review. Most tires have a softer compound for the first 3/32” or 10k mikes so you’re happier with the performance and comfort of the tire. I’m te reviews all use brand new tires. Once the tread wear down the tire acts differently and you forget the first few months of ownership.

 

[Desert Bronco.]

Again, the mere fact the tire is larger is not the issue of what makes the engine work harder or engages the turbo more often. It is the added weight that is the issue. It is true that the larger the diameter of the tire is then typically the tire will weigh more, which is why your general premise is usually true. However, a KO2 in 225/65/17 weights 38.9 lbs. That is well over what a Toyo Open Country ATIII weighs at a 245/65/17 (33 lbs). The bigger Toyo will give you better fuel economy and provide less stress to the engine than the smaller KO2 because it weighs less. The fact that the KO2 is stock size is irrelevant.

That is kinda the point of this whole thread, to determine the relatively few tires that are AT type, yet balance the considerations of weight, while getting a larger size so you can run them on a 1.5L. If your point is simply you drive a 1.5L so you should just stick to stock, then well OK. I on the other hand think that Ford sold everyone short putting the 225/65/17 size as stock on the Sport. Considering the gear ratio of 3.83 and the 181 HP produced by the 1.5L, it can easily handle the 235/65/17 sizes and some 245/65/17 sizes - especially if you get aftermarket wheels that weigh less than the stock ones.

As far is it being anemic compared to a Badlands, I guess that is always a matter of opinion. Some may think that the 1.5L is pretty well engineered to produce a 181 HP out of a 3 cyl engine. I recall my Mom bought a 1997 Thunderbird with a 4.6L V-8 that produced 215 HP. Things have come a long way.

In short, I believe that the relative weight you place on each corner is the issue not the diameter. If you can increase the diameter while keeping your pre-determined weight limit, then by all means go for it. There are some tires that allow you do that, we are here to discuss those.

I went out with a girl who was a vegan. She didn’t eat meat, poultry, fish, eggs etc. going to dinner with her was terrible. There were a handful of restaurants which I souls choose from. My understanding is the 3 cylinder is what you own. Ok. I got the 4 cylinder so I could drive the vehicle for 20 years or 300k. The smaller engine barely gets out of its own way? I don’t think the dragon engine will make it past 200k miles??? When I test drove the three cylinder I was not impressed less so once I opened the hood and listened to the engine idle.
Anything larger than 225 will impact the gas mileage. I would stick to the lightest tire ad you have considered so a 103H load rating. The 108T I’m getting adds 5 lbs but it’s a stronger built tire and will hold up better and more reliable. I’m planning on towing a 14 foot cargo trailer so having hood tires was important so that’s the critical reason for getting the 4 banger. Going from 103H to a 108T adds 5 lbs to each tire. The current Pirelli tires are 25lb each so I will take a hit.
incidenrallt tge trwad pattern and rolling resistance plays a large factor then the weight of the tire give or take. Bith the Toyo and Falkens will reduce your mpg.

 

[RSH]

There is a trade off between all season tires and all terrain tires. All seasons work better in a variety of weather/road conditions, all terrains work better in more harsh terrain and low traction situations.
All terrain tires typically have a rugged look and tread pattern compared to all season tires.

Most people pick all terrains mainly for looks, and the capability of the tire just in case they find themselves in a situation that warrants such a tire. I've seen plenty of suv's, cuv's, jeeps and trucks with all terrain tires that have never seen dirt, not that there is anything wrong with that.

Tire size choices for stock height Bronco Sports with the 18" rims are limited. 225/60R 18, 235/60R 18, 245/60R 18, or something a little taller that will likely rub 235/65R 18.

Tire size for stock height Bronco Sports with the 17" rims are also limited. 225/65R 17, 235/65R 17, 245/65R 17 and something a little taller that will also more likely rub 235/70R 17 and 245/70R 17.

Tire rubbing with the BS is most likely to occur when the front wheels are fully turned to either side and the suspension is compressed/articulated, this condition is not as likely in normal driving situations but can still happen, it is much more likely in off road situations.

You can make changes with wheel offsets, wheel spacers, lift kits and body trimming to help with tire clearance issues if wanting to use tires that are 30" diameter and larger.

P series tires are lighter than LT series tires.
Hankook Dynapro AT2 tires are surprisingly light weight.

 

[wessermgm]

I went out with a girl who was a vegan. She didn’t eat meat, poultry, fish, eggs etc. going to dinner with her was terrible. There were a handful of restaurants which I souls choose from. My understanding is the 3 cylinder is what you own. Ok. I got the 4 cylinder so I could drive the vehicle for 20 years or 300k. The smaller engine barely gets out of its own way? I don’t think the dragon engine will make it past 200k miles??? When I test drove the three cylinder I was not impressed less so once I opened the hood and listened to the engine idle.
Anything larger than 225 will impact the gas mileage. I would stick to the lightest tire ad you have considered so a 103H load rating. The 108T I’m getting adds 5 lbs but it’s a stronger built tire and will hold up better and more reliable. I’m planning on towing a 14 foot cargo trailer so having hood tires was important so that’s the critical reason for getting the 4 banger. Going from 103H to a 108T adds 5 lbs to each tire. The current Pirelli tires are 25lb each so I will take a hit.
incidenrallt tge trwad pattern and rolling resistance plays a large factor then the weight of the tire give or take. Bith the Toyo and Falkens will reduce your mpg.

Will any of these selections reduce MPG? Yes. I suspect they would cause a 1-2 mpg drop. I've never had a car that was capable of getting 30+ mpg, so going down to 28 mpg isn't a real downer for me. I am more worried about feeling like there are lead golashes on the wheels, which is the primary concern about weight. As far as rolling resistance, the difference in diameter between the 225/65/17 and the 245/65/17 is exactly one inch, from a 28.5" to a 29.5", The width difference is .8". The resistance increase is present, but not huge - this isn't going from stock 32" to 37"s like on trucks or jeeps. I do appreciate your perspective though.

Everything is a trade off. I think the stock 225 Contis are terrible. I think that the 235 Falkens are a step up, but don't look like real Falken Wildpeaks (but better than the other OEMs). I do think that the Toyos and Nitto Nomad Grapplers look like they are well matched to the BS, and particularly to the 1.5L to upgrade in size and looks.

As far as the longevity of the Dragon, I guess we will have to wait and see.

 

[Desert Bronco.]

I just got a BFG Teail Terrain mounted on a wheel. It’s quite a bit heavier by about 10lbs, but the tire feels much more substantial than the poor quality OEM Pirelli Scorpions. I bought the Badlands as a DD and to pull a trailer. So I needed to get the larger 4 cylinder with that in mind. Plus the ability to have a heavier tire, with a greater load rating was also important.

incidentally, dropping to 27mpg from 30mpg is a 10% loss in fuel MPG. If I loose 1 mpg the difference in mpg between the the three cylinder and four cylinder becomes trivial.

 

[Tigger]

What would be good a good choice to replace 18" 225/60R18 A/S Michelins on my wife's 2021 Bronco Sport Outer Banks. Nothing that's going to give her road noise and this bronco sport will NEVER be off the road.
Also replacement tires for my 2021 Ford Escape with 225/55R19 all-season (A/S) BSW tires. I am not a fan of the Bridgestone tires it came with.

I know I’m a broken record but I replaced those Michelins with the Toyo AT III 235/60/18 I think were a very good tire that did great in snow and light terrain (that’s all I did) while not having noise or other negatives. They were much, much better than the Michelins. In short, I described to Tire Discount what I wanted (similar to yours), they recommended those Toyo tires, I was happy.
If your wife is not happy with them, I’ll PM you my address and you can both punch me in the arm real hard. (but I'm a wimp and betting I’ll be ok)

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