In an era where automotive manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing fuel efficiency, cargo space, and cost reduction, the traditional full-size spare tire has become something of a rarity.
Many modern vehicles now come equipped with run-flat tires, tire repair kits, or compact “donut” spares that are only meant for temporary use.
While these alternatives can save weight and free up valuable trunk space, they often leave drivers feeling vulnerable, especially when traveling in remote areas or facing severe tire damage that a simple repair kit cannot fix.
However, not all hope is lost for drivers who value the peace of mind that comes with having a genuine spare tire. Several automakers continue to recognize the importance of providing their customers with reliable backup options, particularly in vehicle segments designed for adventure, utility, and long-distance travel.
This comprehensive guide explores twelve vehicles available in 2025 that buck the trend and provide drivers with authentic spare tires, ensuring you’re never left helpless on the side of the road with a deflated tire and limited options.
1. Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler remains an icon in the automotive world, and one of its most recognizable features is the full-size spare tire mounted prominently on the tailgate.
This isn’t just for show the Wrangler’s spare tire is a fully functional, matching wheel that can replace any of the four corners without compromise. For a vehicle built with off-road capability at its core, having a real spare tire isn’t just a convenience; it’s a necessity.
The Wrangler’s design philosophy centers around adventure and self-sufficiency. Whether you’re crawling over rocky terrain in Moab, going through the dunes in the desert, or simply tackling a muddy trail after a rainstorm, the risk of tire damage increases significantly.
Run-flat tires or inflator kits would be woefully inadequate for the Wrangler’s intended use. The externally mounted spare also provides easy access without having to unload cargo or lift a heavy tire from beneath the vehicle a significant advantage when you’re already dealing with challenging conditions.
Beyond practicality, the spare tire on the back of the Wrangler has become part of its cultural identity. Jeep owners often customize their spare tire covers with personalized designs, making it both a functional component and a canvas for self-expression.
The 2025 Wrangler continues to offer multiple trim levels, from the Sport to the Rubicon 392, and all variants include this essential feature.
The tire is typically the same size as the ones on the vehicle, meaning you can rotate all five tires to extend their lifespan a cost-saving benefit that many modern vehicles cannot offer.
For drivers who demand capability, reliability, and the confidence to venture far from civilization, the Jeep Wrangler’s full-size spare tire represents everything that makes this vehicle a legend.
2. Ford Bronco
Ford’s resurrection of the Bronco nameplate has been met with tremendous enthusiasm, and the vehicle delivers on its promise of authentic off-road capability.
Like its main competitor, the Jeep Wrangler, the 2025 Ford Bronco comes standard with a full-size spare tire mounted on the rear swing gate. This design choice reflects Ford’s understanding that serious off-roaders need serious backup plans when it comes to tire failures.
The Bronco’s spare tire mounting system is thoughtfully engineered for both accessibility and security. The tire sits on a reinforced carrier that’s designed to handle the weight of larger aftermarket wheels and tires, which many Bronco owners inevitably install.
The system uses a secure locking mechanism to prevent theft a crucial feature given that spare tires can be valuable targets, especially when they’re externally mounted and visible.
What sets the Bronco apart is its modular design philosophy. The rear-mounted spare tire works seamlessly with the vehicle’s removable doors and roof panels, maintaining the Bronco’s open-air spirit while ensuring you’re always prepared for tire trouble.
Ford offers the Bronco in multiple configurations, from the two-door base model to the four-door variants, and across all the different trim levels, including the Badlands, Wildtrak, and hardcore Raptor version.
Regardless of which configuration you choose, that reassuring full-size spare comes standard. The positioning of the spare tire also serves a practical purpose in protecting the rear of the vehicle during off-road adventures.
It can act as a buffer when going through the tight trails or reversing up steep inclines. Additionally, having a matching spare means you can implement a five-tire rotation strategy, distributing wear evenly across all tires and maximizing their useful life.
For adventurers who plan to explore remote locations where roadside assistance might be hours or even days away, the Ford Bronco’s commitment to including a genuine spare tire demonstrates that this isn’t just a lifestyle vehicle, it’s a genuine tool for exploration.
3. Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner has long been celebrated for its traditional body-on-frame construction and no-nonsense approach to SUV design, and the 2025 model continues this philosophy by including a full-size spare tire mounted beneath the rear of the vehicle.
This placement keeps the spare protected from the elements while maintaining clean exterior lines, and it doesn’t compromise the 4Runner’s already generous cargo capacity. Toyota’s decision to include a full-size spare reflects the brand’s reputation for reliability and preparedness.
The 4Runner attracts buyers who value durability and capability people who might tow boats to remote lakes, explore unpaved forest roads, or simply want the peace of mind that comes with proper equipment.
The spare tire is accessed through a lowering mechanism operated from inside the rear cargo area, keeping it secure but readily available when needed.
One of the significant advantages of the 4Runner’s spare tire placement is that it keeps weight low and centered, contributing to the vehicle’s stability both on and off-road.
Unlike externally mounted spares that can affect aerodynamics and add wind resistance, the 4Runner’s underslung position has minimal impact on fuel efficiency.
The tire itself matches the other four on the vehicle, allowing for proper tire rotation and ensuring that you’re not driving on a mismatched tire if you need to use the spare.
The 4Runner’s available terrain management systems and advanced four-wheel-drive capabilities make it a formidable off-road performer, and having a proper spare tire is essential for this type of vehicle. Whether you choose the SR5, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, or Limited trim, you’ll benefit from this full-size spare.
Toyota understands that their customers often venture into areas where a tire repair kit or compact spare would leave them stranded, and the 4Runner’s spare tire is just one example of how this vehicle prioritizes substance over style, capability over compromise.
4. Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator combines the legendary off-road prowess of the Wrangler with the practical utility of a midsize pickup truck, and it naturally includes a full-size spare tire mounted on the tailgate.
This positioning is ideal for a pickup truck, as it keeps the bed completely free for cargo while ensuring the spare is easily accessible without crawling under the vehicle or digging through gear.
The Gladiator’s spare tire setup is nearly identical to the Wrangler’s, featuring the same mounting system and security provisions. However, the Gladiator’s longer wheelbase and pickup configuration make this spare tire even more valuable.
Pickup owners often load heavy equipment, building materials, or recreational toys in the bed, and having to access an under-bed spare tire while loaded would be extremely inconvenient. The tailgate-mounted spare eliminates this concern.
For work and recreation alike, the Gladiator appeals to people who need both capability and versatility. Construction workers might use it to reach remote job sites on rough roads, while outdoor enthusiasts appreciate its ability to haul kayaks, bikes, and camping gear to trailheads.
In both scenarios, tire damage is a real possibility, and having a full-size matching spare means you can continue your journey without limitation. The spare tire is the same size as the wheels on the truck, so there’s no need to drive slowly or limit your distance as you would with a compact spare.
The 2025 Gladiator is available in multiple configurations, including Sport, Rubicon, and Mojave trims, each targeting slightly different use cases but all including the essential full-size spare.
Jeep even offers factory options for larger tire sizes, and the spare tire mount can accommodate these upgrades. This attention to detail shows that Jeep understands its customers and the environments they operate in.
Whether you’re rock crawling in the desert, hauling equipment to a remote worksite, or overlanding across the country, the Gladiator’s spare tire provides confidence that you won’t be left stranded by a puncture or blowout.
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5. Chevrolet Tahoe
The full-size SUV segment has traditionally been a stronghold for vehicles that include proper spare tires, and the 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe maintains this tradition.
Mounted underneath the rear of the vehicle, the Tahoe’s full-size spare tire provides peace of mind for families and professionals who rely on this large SUV for everything from daily commuting to cross-country road trips and towing heavy trailers.
General Motors designed the Tahoe with practicality in mind, understanding that buyers in this segment often have significant needs beyond basic transportation.
The vehicle might serve as a family hauler carrying seven or eight passengers, a tow vehicle pulling a travel trailer or boat, or a work vehicle for contractors and real estate professionals. In any of these roles, being stranded with a flat tire and inadequate backup would be unacceptable.
The full-size spare ensures that you can replace a damaged tire and continue driving normally without reducing speed or limiting distance.
The Tahoe’s spare tire lowering system is operated from inside the rear cargo area using a provided tool, and it’s designed to work even when the vehicle is fully loaded with gear.
This is particularly important for family road trips when the cargo area might be packed with luggage, sports equipment, or camping supplies.
You don’t need to unload everything just to access the spare tire, making roadside tire changes less stressful and time-consuming. Across the Tahoe’s range of trims from the base LS to the luxurious High Country the full-size spare remains standard equipment.
This is noteworthy because many luxury SUVs have abandoned spare tires entirely in favor of run-flat tires or inflator kits. Chevrolet recognizes that even buyers spending $60,000 or more on a High Country model still value the security and practicality of a real spare tire.
The Tahoe’s combination of spacious three-row seating, powerful engine options, advanced safety technology, and yes, a genuine full-size spare tire, makes it a compelling choice for buyers who need maximum utility without compromise.
6. GMC Yukon
Sharing its platform with the Chevrolet Tahoe, the 2025 GMC Yukon likewise includes a full-size spare tire mounted underneath the vehicle.
While the Yukon and Tahoe are mechanical cousins, the GMC version positions itself as a slightly more upscale option with additional luxury features and premium trim levels, yet it doesn’t sacrifice the practical benefit of a proper spare tire.
The Yukon appeals to buyers who want the capability and spaciousness of a full-size SUV but with more refined styling and interior appointments. These are often professionals, executives, or families who use their vehicle for both business and pleasure.
Despite the premium positioning, GMC understands that these customers still need practical solutions for real-world problems like flat tires. The full-size spare provides exactly that a no-compromise backup plan that doesn’t limit your driving after a tire failure.
GMC offers the Yukon in standard and extended-length Yukon XL configurations, and both versions include the full-size spare tire. The longer Yukon XL provides additional cargo space behind the third row, making it ideal for large families or those who regularly transport significant amounts of gear.
Even with this extended length and the additional interior volume, GMC still prioritizes including a proper spare tire rather than sacrificing it for marginal gains in fuel economy or reduced cost.
The Yukon’s available Denali trim represents the pinnacle of GMC’s luxury offerings, featuring premium leather, advanced technology, and powerful engine options, including a 6.2-liter V8.
Even at this luxury level, the full-size spare tire remains standard a testament to GMC’s understanding that true luxury includes being prepared for any situation.
Whether you’re driving to a business meeting, towing your boat to the lake, or embarking on a family vacation, the Yukon’s full-size spare tire ensures that a simple flat won’t derail your plans.
This combination of luxury, capability, and practicality makes the Yukon an excellent choice for discerning buyers who refuse to compromise.
7. Ford Expedition
Ford’s largest SUV, the Expedition, continues to include a full-size spare tire in the 2025 model year, recognizing that buyers of full-size SUVs expect and deserve complete equipment.
Positioned underneath the rear of the vehicle, the Expedition’s spare tire is protected from the elements while remaining reasonably accessible through a lowering mechanism operated from inside the cargo area.
The Expedition competes directly with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, and like those vehicles, it serves families and professionals who need maximum interior space, strong towing capability, and the confidence to travel anywhere.
Ford has positioned the Expedition as a technology-forward option in the segment, with features like available massage seats, a large central touchscreen, and advanced driver assistance systems. Yet despite this focus on modern amenities, Ford hasn’t forgotten the basics like including a proper spare tire.
One practical advantage of the Expedition’s full-size spare is that it matches the vehicle’s wheel and tire combination, allowing for five-tire rotation. This can extend the life of all five tires by distributing wear evenly, saving money over the life of ownership.
Given that full-size SUV tires can be expensive, this benefit shouldn’t be overlooked. Additionally, if you do need to use the spare, you can drive normally without the speed or distance restrictions that come with compact temporary spares.
The Expedition is available in standard and extended-length MAX versions, with the MAX providing even more cargo space behind the third row.
For families planning long road trips, professionals who tow regularly, or anyone who simply values being prepared, the Ford Expedition’s inclusion of a full-size spare tire represents smart, customer-focused engineering.
8. Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada continues its tradition of offering a full-size spare tire in the 2025 model year, maintaining its appeal to buyers who prioritize capability and preparedness.
Built on a truck-based platform shared with the Nissan Titan pickup, the Armada is designed for serious work and play, and its full-size spare tire reflects this utilitarian approach.
Mounted underneath the rear of the vehicle, the Armada’s spare tire is accessed through a lowering mechanism similar to other full-size SUVs in this segment.
What sets the Armada apart is its standard equipment level Nissan includes features that competitors charge extra for, and the full-size spare is just one example of this generous approach.
While some luxury brands have moved toward tire inflator kits to reduce weight and cost, Nissan maintains that buyers in the full-size SUV segment deserve proper equipment.
The Armada’s powerful V8 engine and body-on-frame construction make it an excellent choice for towing, and it’s not uncommon to see these vehicles pulling large travel trailers, boat trailers, or equipment haulers.
When you’re towing in remote areas or traveling long distances, the security of having a matching full-size spare tire becomes even more critical. A compact spare or tire repair kit simply wouldn’t provide adequate assurance in these scenarios, and Nissan recognizes this reality.
Inside, the Armada offers three rows of seating with room for up to eight passengers, making it a practical choice for large families. The available Platinum trim adds luxury features like quilted leather seats, wood trim, and advanced safety technology, creating an upscale environment that rivals luxury brands.
For buyers who want the space of a large SUV, the refinement of a luxury vehicle, and the capability to venture off the beaten path, the Armada’s full-size spare tire is an essential component.
9. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has evolved into a sophisticated midsize SUV that offers both on-road comfort and legitimate off-road capability, and the 2025 model continues to include a full-size spare tire on certain configurations.
While some trim levels have moved to tire inflator kits to save weight and improve fuel economy, Jeep still offers the traditional full-size spare as standard on off-road-oriented models like the Trailhawk.
The Grand Cherokee’s spare tire is mounted underneath the rear cargo floor, keeping it out of sight while preserving clean exterior styling.
This location protects the spare from weather and road debris while maintaining easy access through a lowering mechanism. For buyers who choose off-road-capable trim levels, the full-size spare isn’t negotiable it’s an essential piece of equipment that might mean the difference between completing an adventure and being stranded.
What makes the Grand Cherokee particularly appealing is its balance of refinement and capability. The interior features high-quality materials, advanced technology, and comfortable seating for five passengers, making it suitable for daily commuting and long highway drives.
Yet underneath this civilized exterior lies genuine off-road hardware, including available Quadra-Drive II four-wheel drive with electronic limited-slip differentials, adjustable air suspension, and underbody skid plates.
This dual nature means the Grand Cherokee might spend Monday through Friday in city traffic and then tackle mountain trails on the weekend.
Across these options, the availability of a full-size spare tire particularly on off-road trims ensures that capability isn’t just measured in horsepower and ground clearance, but also in preparedness for real-world challenges.
10. Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma has been America’s best-selling midsize pickup truck for years, and part of its enduring appeal is the inclusion of practical features like a full-size spare tire.
The 2025 Tacoma continues this tradition, mounting the spare underneath the rear of the truck bed where it’s protected but accessible when needed.
Midsize pickup buyers typically use their trucks for genuine work and recreation rather than as lifestyle statements, and the Tacoma’s equipment reflects this practical approach.
Whether you’re a contractor heading to job sites, a weekend warrior hauling mountain bikes and camping gear, or someone who simply appreciates having a versatile vehicle, the Tacoma’s full-size spare tire provides security and peace of mind.
Unlike car-based crossovers that might include compact spares or no spare at all, the Tacoma recognizes that its owners venture into environments where proper preparation is essential.
The spare tire lowering mechanism is accessed from behind the rear bumper, and it’s designed to operate even when the truck bed is loaded with cargo.
This is particularly important because Tacoma owners actually use their truck beds regularly these aren’t vehicles that remain pristine and empty.
The full-size spare matches the other four tires on the truck, which means you can rotate all five tires regularly to extend their lifespan and get maximum value from your tire investment.
Toyota offers the 2025 Tacoma in multiple configurations including two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, various cab styles, and trim levels ranging from the work-focused SR to the off-road-oriented TRD Pro.
Across this diverse lineup, the full-size spare tire remains a consistent feature, reflecting Toyota’s understanding of what truck buyers need.
The Tacoma’s reputation for reliability and longevity is legendary, with many examples surpassing 200,000 miles with minimal issues. Having a full-size spare tire fits perfectly with this ethos of dependability these are vehicles built to go the distance, and they include the equipment necessary to handle challenges along the way.
11. Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline takes a unique approach to the pickup truck segment with its unibody construction and innovative features, but despite its unconventional nature, the 2025 model includes a full-size spare tire mounted underneath the bed.
This demonstrates that even Honda’s car-like pickup recognizes the importance of proper backup equipment. What makes the Ridgeline’s spare tire noteworthy is how it fits into the vehicle’s design philosophy.
The truck features an in-bed trunk a lockable storage compartment underneath the bed floor that’s perfect for tools, camping supplies, or anything you want to keep secure and dry.
Despite including this innovative feature, Honda still found room for a proper full-size spare tire, showing that the company didn’t sacrifice practicality for novelty.
The Ridgeline appeals to buyers who want truck versatility without the rough ride and poor fuel economy typically associated with body-on-frame trucks.
It drives more like a large sedan or SUV than a traditional pickup, making it comfortable for daily commuting and family duty. Yet it still offers a five-foot bed, towing capacity up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, and yes, a genuine full-size spare tire.
This combination makes it perfect for suburban homeowners who need occasional truck capability without the compromises of a hardcore work truck.
Honda’s reputation for reliability and engineering excellence extends to the Ridgeline, and the inclusion of a full-size spare tire fits this philosophy.
For buyers seeking a civilized, efficient pickup that doesn’t sacrifice essential features, the Ridgeline’s full-size spare tire is just one example of Honda’s thoughtful approach to truck design.
12. Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra
The full-size pickup truck segment remains a stronghold for vehicles equipped with genuine spare tires, and the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra twins continue this tradition across their extensive lineup of configurations.
These trucks are America’s best-selling vehicles, and their popularity stems partly from their no-nonsense approach to including the features and equipment that truck buyers actually need like full-size spare tires.
Both the Silverado and Sierra mount their spare tires underneath the rear of the truck bed, using a robust lowering mechanism that can handle the weight of increasingly large wheel and tire combinations.
These trucks are available with a dizzying array of options: multiple cab configurations, bed lengths, trim levels, engine choices, and capability packages.
Whether you choose a basic work truck or a luxurious High Country or Denali model, the full-size spare tire remains standard equipment.
This consistency across the lineup reflects General Motors’ understanding of the truck market. These vehicles might be used for construction work, farming, towing large trailers, or recreational purposes, and in all these scenarios, proper equipment matters.
A contractor working at a remote job site cannot afford to be sidelined by a flat tire and an inadequate spare. Similarly, someone towing a travel trailer across the country needs the confidence that comes with having a matching full-size spare tire.
The Silverado and Sierra offer multiple powertrains, including V8 engines, efficient turbocharged six-cylinder options, and even a diesel variant for maximum towing capacity.
The full-size spare tire represents the essence of what makes these trucks successful they’re built for real work and real life, and they include the essential equipment to handle whatever challenges their owners encounter.
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