Are You Confused Between 35 Vs 37 Tires? Let’s Break It Down
When you’re ready to upgrade your truck or SUV with larger tires, the choice between 35-inch and 37-inch tires can feel overwhelming. Both sizes have their supporters, and both come with real tradeoffs. At Castle Toyota, we see this question all the time from drivers who want better off-road capability without sacrificing everyday usability. Here’s what you need to know. Understanding Tire Size Basics Before we compare these two popular sizes, let’s clear up what these numbers mean. When someone talks about 35-inch or 37-inch tires, they’re referring to the tire’s overall diameter. This measurement affects everything from ground clearance to how your vehicle handles. Most factory trucks and SUVs come with tires in the 32 to 34-inch range. Moving up to 35s represents a noticeable upgrade. Jumping to 37s takes things further, but at what cost? Ground Clearance and Off-Road Performance The most obvious difference between 35 vs 37 tires is ground clearance. A 37-inch tire gives you roughly one more inch of clearance at the differential compared to a 35-inch tire. That might not sound like much, but on the trail, it matters. Drivers who’ve tested both sizes report that 37-inch tires handle rocky terrain better. The larger diameter helps roll over obstacles that would catch a 35-inch tire. If you’re navigating rock gardens or deep ruts, that extra clearance becomes obvious. But here’s the thing: 35-inch tires are already a big upgrade from stock. For most weekend off-roaders, they provide plenty of capability. You can tackle moderate trails, mud, and sand without needing the extreme clearance that 37s offer. Daily Driving: Where 35s Win If your vehicle serves as your daily driver, 35-inch tires make more sense than 37s for most people. The difference in highway comfort is real. With 35s, your truck maintains reasonable acceleration and braking performance. The steering feels responsive, and highway speeds don’t strain the engine. Many drivers at Castle Toyota find this balance perfect for their needs: capable off-road on weekends, comfortable on the commute during the week. Move up to 37-inch tires, and you’ll notice the change immediately. The steering feels heavier. Acceleration becomes noticeably slower. Highway cruising at 70 to 90 mph (common in many areas) becomes less enjoyable. The vehicle feels like it’s working harder, because it is. One driver with extensive experience switching between sizes put it this way: with 35s on a properly set up truck, you get maybe 85% of the off-road capability of 37s, but you retain 95% of your daily driving comfort. With 37s, you gain that extra 15% off-road, but lose 30 to 40% of your on-road manners. Fuel Economy Impact Here’s a topic nobody loves discussing, but everyone needs to consider: fuel consumption. Switching from stock tires to 35-inch tires typically drops fuel economy by 2 to 3 miles per gallon. That’s noticeable but manageable for most drivers. The larger contact patch and increased rolling resistance cause your engine to work harder. Jumping to 37-inch tires adds another 1.5 to 2 MPG loss on top of that. You’re looking at a combined 3.5 to 5 MPG reduction from stock. For a truck getting 18 MPG stock, that means dropping to 13 to 14.5 MPG with 37s. Over time, those extra fuel costs add up. The weight difference between tire sizes plays a role here too. Most 37-inch tires weigh 5 to 7 pounds more per tire than comparable 35-inch models. That’s 20 to 28 pounds of additional rotating mass your drivetrain needs to move. Every time you accelerate, brake, or turn, that extra weight demands more energy. Modifications Required This is where the cost difference becomes clear. With 35-inch tires on many modern trucks and SUVs, you can often get by with minimal modifications: Some vehicles, particularly Jeep Rubicons, can fit 35s with almost no lift at all if you choose the right wheel offset. For 37-inch tires, the requirements grow: Regearing deserves special attention. Most factory gear ratios work acceptably with 35s. With 37s and factory gearing, your transmission struggles to find the right gear, especially on highways. You’ll rarely see top gear, killing both performance and fuel economy. A proper regear (typically moving from factory 3.73 or 4.10 gears up to 4.88 or 5.13) can restore much of your lost performance. But this modification costs $1,500 to $2,500 or more depending on your vehicle. At Castle Toyota, we often tell customers to budget an extra $3,000 to $5,000 beyond the tire cost when planning a 37-inch upgrade done right. Wear on Vehicle Components Larger tires stress your vehicle’s components differently. Both 35s and 37s increase wear compared to stock, but 37s take it further. The steering system works harder with 37-inch tires. Ball joints, tie rods, and drag links all experience increased stress. Power steering pumps work overtime, especially during low-speed maneuvering. Brakes face a tougher job too. The increased rotational mass means your brake system needs to work harder to stop the vehicle. While most modern trucks handle this reasonably well, brake pad and rotor life may decrease. Suspension components also wear faster. Control arm bushings, shock absorbers, and springs all deal with the added weight and altered geometry. Properly upgraded suspension helps, but it’s another cost to consider. Read More : Honda CRV vs Toyota Fortuner The Cost Breakdown Let’s talk numbers. A set of quality 35-inch all-terrain tires typically runs $1,200 to $1,800. Add wheels, and you’re looking at $2,500 to $3,500 total. Include a basic lift kit and installation, and you might spend $4,000 to $5,000 for the complete upgrade. For 37-inch tires, the tire cost alone jumps to $1,600 to $2,400. The supporting modifications push total costs to $7,000 to $10,000 or more when done properly with regearing, lift, and necessary reinforcements. When 37-Inch Tires Make Sense Despite the challenges, 37-inch tires are the right choice for some drivers. They make sense if: One experienced off-roader at Castle Toyota runs 37s on his trail-dedicated Jeep. He swaps to a second set of wheels with