XD wheels deliver outstanding quality and performance for serious off-road enthusiasts. XD Wheels stands as one of the most respected names in custom wheels, building a rock-solid reputation since 2003 for durability, style, and innovation. The brand has earned its place among top-tier wheel manufacturers through consistent quality and performance.
XD Series wheels come from KMC Wheels, established in 1982 as a premier manufacturer specializing in SUV and luxury truck wheels. The company built its foundation on off-road racing heritage and motorsports excellence, creating wheels that perform under the toughest conditions. Today, XD ranks among the most recognized wheel brands globally, known for bold designs and cutting-edge engineering.
Truck and SUV owners find exceptional value in XD's combination of aggressive styling and proven durability. The XD775 Rockstar represents just one standout design from their extensive catalog featuring nearly 200 different wheel styles in the XD-Series lineup. This vast selection ensures perfect fitment and style options for every vehicle and driving preference, from daily drivers to extreme off-road rigs.
At Performance Plus Tire, we understand the importance of choosing wheels that deliver both performance and style. XD Series wheels provide the perfect balance for drivers who demand the best from their vehicles, whether you're conquering challenging terrain or enhancing your vehicle's appearance.
Image Source: Wheel Pros
Understanding the manufacturing behind XD wheels reveals why these products deliver consistent quality and performance. The company's manufacturing history shows a commitment to American production and rigorous quality control.
KMC Wheels started in 1982 with a simple mission—creating "just a simple, well made wheel". The company built its reputation by focusing on quality products that perform on and off the road. KMC designed wheels "for the barrier breaking, game-changing individuals who defy conventional thinking in motorsports". This approach to quality and innovation became the foundation for the XD Series, which emerged as their flagship off-road wheel line.
Wheel Pros acquired KMC Wheels in 2005 to expand their off-road market presence. This strategic move transformed both companies significantly. Wheel Pros, founded by Randy White and Jody Groce in 1994, had established distribution centers in Denver and Dallas by 1996.
Following the KMC acquisition, Wheel Pros continued expanding through strategic partnerships. Clearlake Capital Group invested in the company in 2018, accelerating growth through acquisitions of established brands including American Racing, Asanti, and American Force. This expansion created one of the most extensive wheel portfolios in the industry.
Wheel Pros operates two major manufacturing facilities in the United States—York, South Carolina and Auburn, Alabama. The York facility covers 220,000 square feet and employs over 150 full-time workers, with plans to reach over 250 positions.
The Auburn facility projects over 300 full-time jobs. Combined, these facilities target approximately 1.5 million wheels annually. This domestic manufacturing approach allows Wheel Pros to maintain strict quality control throughout the entire production process.
At Performance Plus Tire, we recognize the importance of American-made quality. These manufacturing standards ensure consistent performance and reliability in every XD wheel we carry.
XD Series wheel designs tell a story of continuous innovation and industry leadership. From their early days as simple off-road solutions to today's highly customizable statement pieces, these wheels have consistently pushed the boundaries of both style and performance.
KMC introduced the first Rockstar wheel in 2006, and it immediately changed everything about off-road wheel design. The original XD775 established a design language that competitors still try to copy today. Its distinctive five-spoke face and star-shaped center made it the go-to choice for serious off-roaders, from heavy-duty lifted diesels to lowered half-tons.
The Rockstar delivered where it counted most—sizes ranging from 17x8 to 20x8.5 with load ratings of 2,500 pounds proved that aggressive styling didn't mean sacrificing strength. Priced between $284 and $425 depending on size, these wheels offered serious value for enthusiasts who demanded both performance and head-turning looks.
KMC wasn't content to rest on the original's success. The Rockstar II (XD811) took customization to new heights with more than nine interchangeable colors for the face, spokes, and cap. But the real innovation came with the XD827 Rockstar III, which introduced user-replaceable components that let owners completely personalize their wheels.
"You dream it, you build it, you finish it your way" became KMC's motto for the Rockstar III. This wasn't just marketing talk—the Rockstar III transformed the simple five-spoke design into an ornate split-spoke masterpiece with removable inserts available in multiple colors and styles. For the first time, wheel owners could change their look without buying new wheels.
XD didn't stop with the Rockstar series. The XD820 Grenade brought aggressive styling to a new level with its eight V-spoke design and cut-out centers that give vehicles a truly unique appearance. Built from lightweight cast aluminum, Grenade wheels handle load ratings between 2,200 and 3,200 pounds without compromising their bold looks.
The XD838 Mammoth takes a different approach, balancing refined styling with strong visual impact through its impressive design and simulated hardware accents. Available in sizes up to 24x14 with various offsets, the Mammoth has become the choice for owners who want elegance with an edge. These modern classics prove that XD continues to innovate while staying true to their off-road roots.
XD's material selection directly impacts wheel performance under demanding conditions. Understanding why they choose specific alloys reveals the engineering behind their reputation.
XD manufactures wheels primarily from aluminum alloys to achieve optimal strength-to-weight ratios for off-road use. Steel wheels offer nearly unbreakable durability and resist cracking under tremendous force, but aluminum alloys provide critical advantages for serious off-roaders. These wheels dissipate heat dissipation more effectively, reduce unsprung weight for better handling, and allow complex design variations. XD's manufacturing starts with casting for most models, while premium options use flow-forming or forging techniques that create stronger wheels with less material.
XD wheels earn their performance credentials through brutal real-world testing in off-road racing. The brand proves itself at two of the world's most punishing races: the SCORE Baja 1000 and King of the Hammers. As the official wheel sponsor of King of the Hammers, XD supports drivers who tackle "the toughest one-day off-road race on the planet". This extreme testing environment validates wheel design under conditions far beyond typical off-road use.
XD wheels perform exceptionally well for drivers who need versatility between weekend adventures and daily commutes. Check out the XD Series lineup at Performance Plus Tire to see how owners consistently report excellent build quality across varied driving environments. The optimized construction delivers enhanced traction and handling whether you're negotiating rough terrain or city streets.
We believe choosing the right wheel material makes all the difference in performance and longevity. XD's commitment to aluminum alloy construction ensures you get wheels that handle extreme conditions while maintaining the lighter weight needed for optimal vehicle dynamics.
Image Source: XD Wheels
Selecting the right XD wheels requires understanding fitment specifications and style preferences for your specific vehicle and driving needs.
XD wheels accommodate virtually every truck and SUV configuration with diameters from 17 to 24 inches and widths spanning 6 to 12 inches. The engineered offset options range from conservative stock-like fitments to aggressive negative offsets specifically designed for lifted applications. Each design includes proper clearances for brake calipers, suspension struts, and fender wells at full compression and steering lock—essential considerations for modified vehicles.
Bolt pattern coverage includes all major truck configurations: 5×127, 5×139.7, 6×135, 6×139.7, 8×165.1, 8×170, and 8×180. This extensive fitment range ensures compatibility whether you're running a stock height daily driver or an extensively modified off-road build.
XD offers over 200 distinct wheel designs to match any aesthetic preference. Finish options include black, blue, bronze, chrome, gray, polished, and red. Many designs feature deep lips and concave faces that create dramatic visual impact while maintaining structural strength. The Rockstar series exemplifies this approach, combining aggressive styling with load ratings up to 2,500 pounds per wheel.
When choosing wheel styles, consider both your vehicle's current appearance and intended use. Darker finishes like matte black or bronze work well for rugged off-road builds, while polished and chrome options suit trucks focused on street appeal.
Serious off-road applications benefit from specialized XD options like the XD222 Enduro Beadlock wheels. These true beadlocks mechanically clamp the tire bead to prevent slippage during extreme low-pressure off-road use. Select XD Forged models offer maximum strength-to-weight ratios for demanding applications.
You can explore these performance-focused options at Performance Plus Tire, where robust spoke designs and high load ratings serve trucks, Jeeps, and UTV/ATV applications. Our experienced team can help determine the best XD wheel configuration for your specific vehicle and driving requirements.
XD Series wheels represent proven American manufacturing excellence that delivers both aggressive styling and reliable performance. From their origins at KMC Wheels to their current status under Wheel Pros, XD has built a solid reputation by focusing on what matters most to truck and SUV owners - wheels that perform under pressure and look great doing it.
The brand's racing heritage in events like the Baja 1000 and King of the Hammers provides real-world validation that few manufacturers can match. This testing background translates directly into wheels that handle both weekend adventures and daily driving with equal confidence.
What makes XD wheels particularly appealing is their practical approach to engineering. The aluminum alloy construction provides the right balance of strength, weight, and heat dissipation for serious off-road use. Their extensive fitment options mean virtually any truck or SUV owner can find the perfect match for their vehicle and driving style.
Whether you're planning a dedicated off-road build or simply want to enhance your daily driver's appearance and capability, XD offers reliable solutions. At Performance Plus Tire, we carry the complete selection of XD Series wheels (https://www.performanceplustire.com/XD_Series_Wheels), where you can explore the full range of sizes, finishes, and designs available.
The question "Who makes XD wheels?" reveals a 20-year commitment to pushing boundaries in wheel design while maintaining focus on real-world performance. XD continues to deliver on both their racing heritage and their promise to provide wheels that perform when it matters most.
After 15 years of off-road testing, here's what you need to know about XD Series wheels and their manufacturing excellence:
• XD wheels are manufactured by Wheel Pros (acquired KMC Wheels in 2005) at two major US facilities in York, SC and Auburn, AL with 1.5M annual production capacity.
• Aluminum alloy construction over steel provides superior heat dissipation, lighter weight, and design flexibility while maintaining durability for serious off-road use.
• Battle-tested performance credentials come from rigorous testing at Baja 1000 and King of the Hammers races, proving reliability in extreme conditions.
• Over 200 wheel designs available with extensive fitment options (17-24" diameters, multiple bolt patterns) covering virtually all trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps.
• XD775 Rockstar revolutionized the industry in 2006, evolving into highly customizable Rockstar II and III models with interchangeable components and colors.
XD Series represents American manufacturing excellence, combining aggressive styling with practical engineering that performs equally well on trails and daily commutes.
XD Series wheels are manufactured by Wheel Pros, which acquired KMC Wheels in 2005. They are produced in two major US facilities located in York, South Carolina and Auburn, Alabama.
Yes, XD Series wheels are known for their high quality. They have earned a solid reputation in the automotive industry for combining striking esthetics with remarkable durability, especially for off-road use.
XD Series wheels are primarily made from aluminum alloys. This choice of material provides better heat dissipation, lighter weight for improved handling, and allows for a wide variety of design options while maintaining strength.
XD Series offers over 200 distinct wheel styles. These designs come in various sizes, finishes, and configurations to fit a wide range of trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps.
XD Series wheels are rigorously tested in extreme off-road conditions, including races like the Baja 1000 and King of the Hammers. This testing, combined with their aluminum alloy construction and specialized designs like beadlock options, makes them highly suitable for off-road use.
