Finding the Best Tire Size for Your Toyota Tacoma: The Ultimate Guide

Upgrading your Toyota Tacoma’s tires is one of the easiest and most impactful modifications you can make. The right tire size improves off-road capability, enhances your truck’s stance, and even changes ride quality. But with so many options available, finding the best tire size for your Tacoma can be tricky—especially if you want a balance between daily drivability and off-road performance.

At TacomaLifestyle.com, we offer a wide range of tires, wheels, and accessories to help you get the perfect fit for your build. Here’s everything you need to know before you swap out your factory rubber.

Stock Toyota Tacoma Tire Sizes

From the factory, the 2nd and 3rd Gen Tacoma typically comes with 265/65R17 or 265/70R16 tires, depending on the trim. These stock sizes are a great all-around choice for daily drivers and light trail use. They keep speedometer accuracy, maintain fuel economy, and don’t require modifications.

Popular Tacoma Tire Upgrades

When upgrading, many Tacoma owners opt for a larger, more aggressive tire to improve off-road traction and enhance the truck’s appearance. Here are the most popular sizes:

1. 265/70R17 – The largest size you can typically run without modifications. Perfect for those wanting a subtle upgrade from stock while keeping road manners intact.

2. 275/70R17 – Offers a slightly wider footprint for improved stability. May require minor trimming depending on your wheel offset and suspension setup.

3. 285/70R17 – One of the most popular “big tire” upgrades for the Tacoma. Provides excellent ground clearance and an aggressive stance. Usually requires a 2–3” lift and minor trimming or cab mount chop (CMC) for full clearance.

4. 255/85R16 – A tall, skinny option loved by overlanders for its clearance benefits and reduced rolling resistance. Works well with proper suspension lift.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Tire Size

• Lift & Suspension: Larger tires require additional clearance. If you plan to run 33s (like 285/70R17), a lift kit and trimming are often necessary. Check out our selection of Tacoma Lift Kits to prepare your truck.

• Wheel Offset: The wrong offset can cause rubbing issues. Pairing your new tires with the right Tacoma Wheels is key.

• Driving Needs: If you do a lot of highway driving, going too big can hurt fuel economy and acceleration. Off-road enthusiasts may prefer larger tires for extra grip and clearance.

• Gearing: Oversized tires can affect performance. Re-gearing your Tacoma may be necessary for optimal power delivery.

Our Recommendation

For most Tacoma owners, 275/70R17 or 285/70R17 tires strike the perfect balance between looks, capability, and drivability. Pair them with a mild lift, quality wheels, and the right accessories for a complete upgrade.

At TacomaLifestyle.com, we carry everything you need for your tire upgrade—wheels, lift kits, and off-road accessories to make sure your Tacoma performs and looks its best.

Upgrade your tires, upgrade your adventure.