Lucas Bell 
Even before the new 2021 Ford Bronco was revealed to the world last summer, there was no hiding the SUV’s intentions. This thing is destined to be a capable off-road machine, aimed squarely at taking on the long-standing Jeep Wrangler lineup. This is particularly true of the Sasquatch Package-equipped models, which include upgraded hardware like Dana front and rear locking axles, a beefed up suspension system with Bilstein shocks, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, and 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires. For Jeep Wrangler Rubicon buyers, those up-sized tires have been a much desired factory option for quite some time now. According to a report from MoparInsiders, the Jeep faithful may not have to wish for such a package much longer. That’s because it appears that the automaker is currently testing a new wheel and tire combo for the 2022 Jeep Wrangler specifically centered around 35-inch BFGoodrich K02 tires.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Getting Sasquatch Sized Tires
The news comes by way of some spy photos captured by the publication, which highlight a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon testing in Metro Detroit. The SUV is clearly seen rocking what appears to be a set of Mopar beadlock-capable wheels, shod in the larger 35-inch tires. From the factory, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon models wear the smaller 33-inch version of the same tire. These new wheels are not to be mistaken for the ones found that come as standard on the 470 horsepower Wrangler 392, however. As one might expect, it is believed that this new wheel and tire combo will be exclusive to the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Not quite as available as the Ford Bronco Sasquatch package, which adds 35-inch tires to every trim level that it’s not standard on, but it’s likely this availability will open up down the road.
Whether or not Jeep will extend this package to include Rubicon models like the 392 and the 4xe is still up in the air at this point. It is also worth noting that this particular test mule also appears to be wearing a new rear spare tire mount, which can accommodate the larger and heavier rubber. Interestingly enough, this mount doesn’t look to be the Jeep Performance Part on offer from Mopar, and instead is a new factory component.
The Off-Road Battle Is Just Heating Up
The Ford Bronco is the most obvious shot another automaker has taken at the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. The Blue Oval hasn’t been shy about this in their marketing material, and has even been told that they need to tone their messaging down a bit. Of course Jeep isn’t a company that will just take this sort of threat lightly, so it’s no surprise to see the larger rubber coming to the lineup. That said, we know that the upcoming Ford Bronco Raptor will pack 37-inch tires from the factory, which could present a whole new list of problems for Stellantis. Either way, the battle for off-road supremacy is heating up, and we can’t wait to see what 2022 brings to the table.
