Here’s the Xtreme Recon package on a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392. (Image/Stellantis)

When Jeep introduced the new Wrangler JL a few years ago, many off-roaders noticed it had some big, healthy wheel wells. And when the Rubicon trim hit the scene with 33 inch tires, it didn’t take long for folks to test whether 35s would fit without any additional suspension lift.

And, spoiler alert, they did.

So perhaps it was only a matter of time before a 35 inch tire would be available as a factory Wrangler option, because that’s exactly what just rolled out of Toledo, Ohio with Jeep’s new Xtreme Recon package.

In case you’re wondering what all the hubbub is about, 35 inch tires were dang-near monster truck territory just a few decades ago.

For starters, it appears (for now, at least) that the Xtreme Recon trim is a package-on-a-package, because it’s currently only available on four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon models. (And it’s absolutely worth mentioning that it’s also available on the brutal Wrangler Rubicon 392.)

The tires are LT315/70R17C BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrains and they’re wrapped around new 17 inch wheels, which Jeep describes as “beadlock ready.” Jeep also says some key off-roading specs have improved with the larger tires too:

  • Approach angle: 47.4 degrees
  • Breakover angle: 26.7 degrees
  • Departure angle: 40.4 degrees
  • Ground clearance: 12.9 inches
  • Water fording: 33.6 inches

But the wheel/tire combo is only part of the magic here.

Perhaps the bigger news is that, to complement that larger rubber, the Wrangler Xtreme Recon trim tweaks the Jeep’s axle ratio to 4.56:1. Better yet, Jeep says a new 4.88:1 axle ratio will be available soon which, when paired with the optional six-speed manual transmission, means you can get a true 100:1 crawl ratio.

The Xtreme Recon trim also adds another 1.5 inches of suspension lift to the Wrangler.

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The phrase “Best-in-Class” is tossed around a lot in Jeep’s official Xtreme Recon press release, no doubt due to the Bronco already hitting dealer lots—it’s clear that Jeep is taking Ford’s new off-roader seriously.

And if 35 inch tires are the first volley in this burgeoning rivalry, we’re excited to see how the competition heats up over the next few years.

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