Do Tacomas have rear leaf springs?
The quick answer: not in every generation. Older Toyota Tacomas used rear leaf springs, while the current generation uses a coil-sprung rear suspension. The design has evolved across generations to balance ride comfort, payload, and off-road capability.
To understand why this matters, it helps to trace how the rear suspension of the Tacoma has changed over time and what those changes mean for how the truck rides, carries weight, and performs off-road.
Generational overview
How the rear suspension was configured by generation:
- First generation (1995–2004): Rear solid axle with leaf springs.
- Second generation (2005–2015): Continued use of a rear leaf-sprung solid axle, with updates to geometry and damping.
- Third generation (2016–present): Rear suspension switches to coil springs with a multi-link/ five-link configuration on a solid rear axle.
The evolution reflects aims to improve ride comfort while preserving load-carrying capability and off-road ability.
Implications for ride, load, and off-road performance
Important trade-offs come with each rear suspension type. The switch to coil springs in the latest Tacomas generally yields a smoother ride and better control on varied terrains, while leaf springs historically provided robust payload support and enduring durability under heavy loads.
- Ride comfort: Coil-sprung rear tends to absorb bumps more smoothly than leaf springs, reducing chassis shudder on rough roads.
- Payload and towing: Leaf springs historically offer straightforward payload capacity; coil setups balance ride with available payload and may vary by trim and aftermarket modifications.
- Articulation and off-road behavior: The five-link coil setup can improve wheel articulation and stability on rough terrain, though hardware like shocks and springs plays a big role.
- Maintenance and durability: Leaf springs are simple and durable; coil systems involve more components and potential wear points (bearings, control arms, joints).
In practice, buyers choosing a Tacoma should consider intended use, payload needs, and desired ride feel across model years.
Bottom line by generation
The majority of Tacomas built before 2016 used rear leaf-sprung suspension. Since 2016, the Tacoma’s rear end has been coil-sprung with a five-link live axle, aligning with modern pickup suspension trends while keeping strong off-road performance.
Summary: A quick reference shows that suspension design in Tacomas shifted from leaf springs to coil springs with a five-link rear setup in the current generation, affecting ride quality and payload handling.
Summary
Across its generations, the Toyota Tacoma has transitioned from rear leaf springs in the older generations to a coil-sprung, five-link rear suspension in the current generation. This evolution reflects a move toward improved ride quality and handling while maintaining capability and off-road potential. When shopping, verify the specific model year and trim, as some special editions or aftermarket modifications can alter the suspension configuration.
Does the 2025 Tacoma have rear leaf springs?
The TRD PreRunner comes with an independent double-wishbone front suspension and leaf spring rear suspension, plus you get 17-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires for great traction in rough conditions.
Do tacomas have leaf springs?
Yes, many Tacomas have leaf springs, especially in the rear suspension of certain models and generations. However, some newer, higher-spec models, like the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, have switched to a coil spring rear suspension system for better ride quality and articulation.
Which Tacomas have leaf springs?
- Older generations: Most Tacomas from previous generations, especially 4x4 and Prerunner models, have leaf springs.
- Newer models: The base SR and SR5 XtraCab trims in the 2024 model year still use leaf springs.
- Trims with coil springs: Higher-end trims like the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, Trailhunter, and TRD Pro have coil springs in the rear.
What are the benefits of leaf springs?
- Durability and towing: Leaf springs are known for their ability to handle heavy loads and are often more durable for work-related tasks.
- Lower cost: They are generally less expensive to manufacture and maintain.
What are the benefits of coil springs?
- Ride quality: Coil springs can provide a more comfortable and smoother ride, especially when the truck is not loaded.
- Articulation: They can offer better rear suspension articulation, which is beneficial for off-roading.
Do tacomas have rear shocks?
Their 2.5 rear shocks for the Tacoma are built to excel across a wide range of driving conditions—from daily commutes to demanding off-road terrain—with options tailored to different lift heights and performance needs.
What year of Tacoma to stay away from?
Final Thoughts. The Toyota Tacoma is one of the most respected midsize trucks on the market, but not all model years are equally reliable. The worst years for Toyota Tacoma include 2000–2004, 2005–2010, 2009–2011, and 2016–2017. Always check for frame rust, especially on older models.
