Toyota Tacoma Tire Size Guide

Selecting the proper tire size for your Toyota Tacoma can take time and effort. With various trim levels and drive configurations calling for different sizes—not to mention aftermarket suspension setups and differing wheel specs—narrowing down your options to one selection can be time-consuming, labor-intensive, and downright confusing.

Fortunately, the experts at RealTruck have done the hard work for you. In this guide, we're comparing factory Tacoma tire sizes by year, trim level, and drive configuration. For added utility, we'll also discuss our recommended tire sizing for various aftermarket suspension setups.

Tire size plays a significant role in how your Tacoma performs both on- and off-road. Changes in overall diameter and width directly affect acceleration, braking, and handling. While larger tires can improve traction and off-road capabilities, they also add rotating mass, which can reduce responsiveness and increase stopping distances. 

Fuel economy and speedometer accuracy are also influenced by tire size. Installing tires larger than stock effectively changes your Tacoma's final drive ratio (how many times the engine turns for one rotation of the wheels). This variance can cause the engine to work harder and the speedometer to read slower than your actual speed, unless you reprogram the instrument cluster for the correct tire size. While small sizes may have negligible effects, significant size changes can noticeably affect MPG and drivetrain performance. 

Ride comfort, towing capacity, and clearance are additional considerations. Taller sidewalls can improve ride quality by better absorbing bumps and impacts on the trail, while wider tires can increase stability while towing. However, oversized tires can reduce suspension and fender clearance if not paired with the proper wheel offset or suspension modifications—making tire size selection especially crucial for Tacomas with aftermarket suspension setups.

Understanding how to read tire size markings makes choosing the right tires for your Tacoma far easier. A typical tire size looks something like "265/70R17," where each number and letter has a different meaning. In relation to the example above, "265" refers to the tire's width in millimeters, "70" refers to the tire's aspect ratio (height as a percentage of the tire's width), and "17" denotes the diameter of the wheel that fits the tire. 

In the above example, a 265/70R17 tire measures 265mm wide, with a sidewall that is 70 percent of that width, and is designed to mount on a 17-in. wheel—simple, right? Understanding these measurements is crucial when comparing tire sizes, allowing you to increase or decrease to a size that's appropriate for your truck and the parts installed on it. 

Though the previously mentioned "metric" tire size measurements are the most common, LT or "Flotation" sizes are also sometimes used. These tires use SAE measurements and are listed as "33x12.50R17." In this example, the "33" refers to the tire's total height in inches, the "12.50" to the tire's total width in inches, and the "17" denotes the wheel size the tire fits.

When shopping for tires for your Tacoma, sizing is only part of the equation. Tread design should match how you drive and the terrain you frequent. For example, highway-terrain tires offer a quiet ride and fuel economy, while mud-terrain tires prioritize traction in extreme off-road conditions. All-terrain tires land somewhere in the middle, offering solid on- and off-road performance. 

You'll also want to consider factors like load rating and tire construction. While trucks used for heavy off-road use or towing may require higher load ratings and reinforced sidewalls, those used for daily driving may prioritize lightweight designs and compounds engineered for long treadwear. 

Finally, you'll need to factor in wheel size and dimensions. Wheels impact fitment and clearance just as much as tires, with lower offset and wider wheels leading to more scrubbing and rubbing during heavy articulation on the trail, while narrower, lower-offset wheels may cause tires to contact suspension components while turning sharply. The right wheel lands in the middle, ensuring enough clearance in the fender wells and between the chassis and tire.

Now, let's get into the good stuff—tire sizes. The following charts are arranged by model year and trim/body configuration. Read on to learn your truck's stock tire size and recommended wheel/tire sizing for alternative suspension setups.

The best tires for a Toyota Tacoma depend on how you drive and the type of terrain you typically drive on. Daily-driven Tacomas benefit from tires that balance ride comfort, tread life, and fuel efficiency, while trucks that see frequent trail use may prioritize traction and durability over road noise. 

When selecting tires, consider your Tacoma’s factory tire size, load rating, and tread design. Choosing an LT tire can also provide added strength for towing, hauling, and off-road use. For a list of recommended tire models, check out our guide to the best Toyota Tacoma tires.

All-terrain tires are the most popular choice for Toyota Tacoma owners thanks to their versatility. These tires are designed to perform well on pavement while still providing dependable traction on dirt, gravel, snow, and light mud.

For most Tacomas, all-terrain tires offer the best balance of road manners, tread life, and off-road capability—making them an excellent option for daily driving, weekend trails, and overland builds. Some of the top all-terrain tires include: 

• Toyo Open Country A/T III Tires

• Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T Tires

• Nitto Terra Grappler G3 Tires

For aggressive trail use, mud, rocks, or deep sand, off-road tires are the way to go. Mud-terrain and hybrid-terrain tires feature larger tread blocks, deeper voids, and reinforced sidewalls to improve grip and resist punctures in harsh conditions.

While off-road tires excel in extreme terrain, they typically produce more road noise and may wear faster on pavement. These tradeoffs are worth considering if your Tacoma sees more trail time than highway miles. Some of the top off-road tires include: 

• Nitto Ridge Grappler Tires

• Toyo Open Country M/T Tires

• Toyo Open Country R/T Trail Tires

There’s no single “best” tire size for every Toyota Tacoma. The ideal size depends on your truck’s year, trim level, suspension setup, and intended use.

Stock Tacomas generally perform best with factory-sized tires, while leveled or lifted trucks can safely run larger sizes for increased ground clearance and a more aggressive look. Always verify clearance and fitment before upsizing.

Q: Do I Need a Lift Kit for Bigger Tires on My Toyota Tacoma?

A: Not always. Slightly larger tires can often fit on a stock Tacoma, depending on wheel offset and tire width. However, larger-diameter or wider tires may require a leveling kit or a lift to avoid rubbing.

Q: What Is the Biggest Tire I Can Fit on a Stock Tacoma?

A: Most stock Tacomas can fit tires up to approximately 265/70R17 without modifications. Larger sizes may require trimming, wheel offset changes, or suspension upgrades.

Q: Do I Need to Recalibrate My Speedometer With Bigger Tires?

A: Installing larger-diameter tires can cause your speedometer to read slower than your actual speed. Minor size changes may have little effect, but larger increases often benefit from speedometer recalibration or a tuning solution.

Q: Will Larger Tires Void My Warranty?

A: Larger tires do not automatically void your warranty. However, damage caused by improper fitment or related modifications may not be covered. It’s best to consult your dealer if warranty coverage is a concern.

Q: How Much Do Tacoma Tires Cost?

A: Toyota Tacoma tire prices vary by size, type, and brand. On average, expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars for budget tires to over a thousand dollars for a complete set of a premium off-road option.