What is the best tire for tacoma?
In short, there isn’t a single “best” tire for every Tacoma. The ideal choice depends on your climate, terrain, and how you drive — daily commuting, weekend off-roading, or a mix of both.
With a wide range of models and sizes, this guide highlights top picks across common Tacoma setups, weighing factors such as grip, durability, noise, and price. It also covers sizing essentials and how to match tires to your trim and wheel configuration for optimal performance.
All-Terrain tires for Tacoma: versatility on road and trail
Why all-terrain tires suit many Tacoma owners
All-terrain tires balance on-road comfort with off-road grip, making them a popular choice for Tacomas used in mixed conditions. The following picks represent strong performers across noise, durability, and traction.
- Falken WildPeak A/T3W
- Toyo Open Country A/T III
- Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar
- BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
- Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S
All-terrain tires are the go-to option for most Tacoma owners who split time between daily driving and light to moderate off-road exploration, offering a balanced mix of traction, wear life, and street manners.
Mud-terrain tires for hardcore off-road adventures
When to consider mud-terrain tires
Mud-terrain tires deliver the highest traction in sand, mud, rock, and steep slopes, but they sacrifice some on-road comfort and fuel economy.
- BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3
- Toyo Open Country M/T
- Nitto Trail Grappler M/T
- Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ P3
- Goodyear Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar
Mud-terrain tires excel in extreme off-road conditions and are a solid choice for dedicated off-road builds or frequent desert/trail use; expect louder highway noise and stiffer ride compared with all-terrain tires.
Highway and all-season tires for Tacoma daily driving
All-season and highway tires for everyday reliability
For daily driving with emphasis on comfort, predictable wet/dry performance, and long tread life, all-season and highway tires are the practical default choice.
- Michelin Defender LTX M/S
- Continental TerrainContact A/T
- Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus
- Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II
- Goodyear Eagle Touring or Goodyear Assurance Companion (depends on size availability)
All-season tires provide year-round versatility with solid traction in light snow; however, in heavy snow or icy conditions, dedicated winter tires will perform better.
Winter tires for snow and ice
Winter performance for cold climates
In regions with significant winter conditions, dedicated winter tires improve grip, steering response, and braking on snow and ice compared with all-season tires.
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
- Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2
- Michelin X-Ice Snow
- Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
Switching to winter tires when temperatures routinely drop below freezing can substantially enhance safety and performance for Tacoma drivers in snowy or icy environments.
How to choose the right size and setup for your Tacoma
Tire sizing and compatibility notes
Use the factory specifications as a baseline, but be aware that upgrading to a broader tire or different diameter can affect speedometer accuracy, gearing, and clearance. Common Tacoma sizes include 265/70R16, 265/65R17, and 245/75R16, among others, depending on trim and wheel choice. Always verify load index and speed rating to match or exceed OEM requirements, ensure proper fit with your rims, and consult a tire professional if you plan to alter wheel size or switch to significantly different tread patterns.
Summary
There is no single universal best tire for the Toyota Tacoma; the right choice hinges on climate, terrain, and how you use the truck. For mixed use, all-terrain tires like Falken WildPeak A/T3W or Toyo Open Country A/T III offer solid balance. For off-road emphasis, mud-terrain tires such as BFGoodrich KM3 or Nitto Trail Grappler M/T deliver superior traction. For daily driving, all-season options like Michelin Defender LTX M/S or Continental TerrainContact A/T provide comfort and longevity. In snowy regions, dedicated winter tires such as Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 or Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 improve safety. Always confirm size, load rating, and clearance for your specific Tacoma configuration and regional conditions.
What tires come standard on a Toyota Tacoma?
2021 Toyota Tacoma Tire Sizes
| Configuration | Factory Tire Size(s) |
|---|---|
| Limited | 265/60r18 |
| SR | 245/75r16 |
| SR5 | 245/75r16 |
| TRD Off-Road | 265/70r16 |
What tire brand does Toyota recommend?
Toyota does not have a single recommended tire brand; instead, they partner with various manufacturers to equip different models. Some of the brands that have supplied original equipment (OE) tires for Toyotas include Bridgestone, Michelin, Dunlop, Toyo, and Goodyear, with the specific brand depending on the vehicle's model, year, trim level, and wheel size.
- Multiple brands: Toyota works with several tire makers, and the brand that comes on a new car will vary.
- Examples of partnerships:
- Bridgestone, Michelin, and Continental are listed as brands that have equipped Toyotas, notes Black Circles.
- Goodyear is another brand that supplies tires for certain Toyota models, as seen on www.goodyear.eu and Tire Rack.
- Toyo and Hankook are also mentioned as suppliers by Tire Rack.
- Variable tires: The specific tire brand can change even within the same model. For example, a base model Tacoma might come with different tires than a TRD Pro trim.
- Recommendation for replacement: When it's time for a replacement, the best approach is to check your vehicle's owner's manual or consult with a Toyota dealership to find the specific tire recommendations for your exact car.
What is the highest rated truck tire?
The best truck tire depends on your needs, but top choices include the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 for all-season highway performance and longevity, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 for rugged off-road and all-terrain versatility, and the Nitto Ridge Grappler as a hybrid option balancing all-terrain and mud-terrain capabilities. For heavy-duty work, the Michelin LTX AT2 and Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT are highly rated. The Falken Wildpeak AT4W and Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrack are excellent for winter conditions.
For all-season highway driving
- Michelin Defender LTX M/S2: Known for long life, comfortable ride, and reliable performance in various conditions, including some light snow.
- Bridgestone Dueler LX: A strong all-season option with excellent traction and steering response.
- Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT: A reliable all-season tire that provides good traction and a comfortable ride.
For all-terrain and off-road versatility
- BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2: A rugged choice with exceptional sidewall strength, excellent off-road traction, and a three-peak mountain snowflake rating for winter use.
- Nitto Ridge Grappler: A popular hybrid tire that blends all-terrain and mud-terrain features for strong off-road grip with surprisingly quiet on-road manners.
- Toyo Open Country R/T: Offers a great balance of rugged off-road capability and on-road comfort for those who split their time between trails and pavement.
For heavy-duty hauling
- Michelin LTX AT2: Built for heavy loads, it features a durable tread compound, strong traction, and a 60,000-mile tread warranty.
- Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT: Designed for heavy-duty use with reinforced sidewalls and a quiet, stable ride thanks to its Whisper Grooves technology.
For winter conditions
- Falken Wildpeak A/T4W: Offers outstanding winter performance with exceptional snow and ice traction, making it a top choice for cold climates.
- Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrack: An excellent all-around winter tire with great traction in deep mud and snow and good off-road capability.
What's the best tire for a Toyota Tacoma?
The best tires for a Tacoma depend on your driving needs, with the Michelin Defender LTX M/S being a top choice for highway driving, and the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 or Falken Wildpeak A/T3W being excellent for off-road performance. For a balance of both, the Nitto Ridge Grappler is a highly-regarded all-terrain option that performs well on and off-road.
For highway and everyday driving
- Michelin Defender LTX M/S: A great all-season tire known for a comfortable ride, long tread life, and good performance on paved roads.
- Yokohama Geolandar H/T G056: An affordable all-season option that provides a comfortable and quiet ride.
For off-road and mixed-terrain driving
- BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2: A very popular all-terrain tire with a durable and aggressive tread for tackling dirt, rocks, and mud.
- Falken Wildpeak A/T3W: A well-regarded all-terrain tire that offers a balance of off-road capability and on-road performance.
- Nitto Ridge Grappler: A hybrid tire that performs very well on pavement while still providing impressive off-road traction.
- Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T: Praised for exceptional traction and durability, with a long tread life warranty.
Other strong options
- General Grabber ATX: A good all-terrain choice that offers a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency.
- Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 3: A strong contender for all-terrain performance with an emphasis on tread life.
- Nexen Roadian ATX: A durable all-terrain tire known for its longevity and traction.
Before you buy
- Check your owner's manual: Make sure the tires you choose are the correct size and load rating for your specific Tacoma model.
- Consider your priorities: If you drive mainly on highways, prioritize a comfortable and quiet all-season tire. If you frequently venture off-road, an all-terrain tire is a better investment.
