Choosing the right tires for your Toyota Tacoma is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make. The correct set can dramatically improve your truck’s capability, safety, and comfort, whether you’re navigating daily commutes, highway miles, or rugged backcountry trails. With so many options on the market, from hardcore all-terrains to refined all-seasons, finding the perfect match for your driving needs is essential.
This guide simplifies your search by presenting a curated list of ten highly-regarded tire options for the Tacoma. We’ve analyzed key features, construction, and real-world performance to help you make an informed decision. Read on to find the ideal tires that will get the most out of your pickup.
Our Top Tire Picks for the Toyota Tacoma
- Toyo Open Country A/T III All Terrain LT255/70R17
- General Grabber X3 All-Terrain Radial Tire – LT265/70R17
- Hankook Dynapro AT2 RF11 all Terrain Radial Tire-265/70R16
- Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 422 Plus RFT All-Season Radial Tire
- BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Car Tire
- MICHELIN Defender LTX M/S All Season Radial Car Tire
- Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT All-Season Radial Tire
- Nitto Ridge Grappler All-Terrain Radial Tire – LT285/55R20
- Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 3 All-Terrain Truck & SUV Tire
- Falken Wildpeak A/T3W All-Terrain Radial Tire
Toyo Open Country A/T III All Terrain LT255/70R17
The Toyo Open Country A/T III is a modern all-terrain tire built to confidently handle a wide range of conditions. It carries the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, meaning it is tested and proven for use in severe winter weather, providing reliable traction when you need it most. This makes it an excellent choice for Tacoma owners who face snowy roads or unpredictable seasonal changes.
Durability is a key focus, with features like stone ejectors designed to force rocks and debris out of the tread grooves to help prevent drilling and damage. Furthermore, the 3D multi-wave sipes enhance grip on wet and snowy pavement while also contributing to more even tread wear over the life of the tire. This combination of winter capability, debris resistance, and long-wearing design offers strong value.
General Grabber X3 All-Terrain Radial Tire
For Tacoma drivers seeking a tire with an aggressive, rugged appearance, the General Grabber X3 stands out. Its bold tread pattern is designed not just for looks but for serious off-road traction in challenging environments like mud and loose soil. Despite its aggressive nature, it is engineered to maintain a surprisingly quiet and comfortable ride on paved roads.
A significant benefit is the confidence offered by its 45-day trial period. This allows you to test the tires in your real-world conditions to ensure they meet your expectations for performance and noise levels. The combination of extreme off-road styling, capable traction, and a focus on reduced road noise makes the Grabber X3 a compelling option for weekend adventurers.
Hankook Dynapro AT2 RF11 all Terrain Radial Tire
The Hankook Dynapro AT2 RF11 is a robust all-terrain option that balances on-road manners with off-road readiness. It is constructed to be a reliable fit for specific vehicles, ensuring proper clearance and performance. With a substantial load capacity, it is well-suited for a loaded Tacoma, whether carrying gear or towing.
An important feature for off-road use is its design to help prevent bead separation at lower air pressures. This is crucial when airing down for better traction on sand or rocky trails, as it helps keep the tire securely seated on the wheel rim. For Tacoma owners who value a dependable, no-nonsense all-terrain tire with good load-bearing characteristics, the Dynapro AT2 is a solid contender.
Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 422 Plus RFT All-Season Radial Tire
If your Tacoma is primarily a road-going vehicle, the Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 422 Plus focuses on efficiency and comfort. It is specifically engineered to be fuel-efficient, which can help save money over many miles of driving. As a run-flat tire (RFT), it also provides the security of being able to drive for a limited distance after a puncture to reach safety.
This tire prioritizes a quiet and comfortable ride, making long highway trips less fatiguing. Its all-season compound provides reliable performance in wet and dry conditions throughout the year. For Tacoma owners who use their truck for daily driving and value fuel economy, a smooth ride, and the added safety of run-flat technology, this Bridgestone model is a practical choice.
BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Car Tire
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is a legendary name in off-road tires, known for its exceptional toughness and durability. It is built with a robust sidewall and tread compound to resist cuts and abrasions from rocks and rough terrain. This tire is designed to deliver confident control both on the pavement and in challenging off-road environments like mud, sand, and dirt.
A major advantage is its year-round versatility, including severe snow service rating. The Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol means it meets specific performance criteria in winter conditions, offering reliable snow traction. This combination of legendary off-road durability, on-road comfort, and certified winter performance makes the KO2 a top-tier, do-it-all choice for many Tacoma owners.
MICHELIN Defender LTX M/S All Season Radial Car Tire
The MICHELIN Defender LTX M/S is a premium highway all-season tire focused on longevity, comfort, and safety. Its standout feature is the MICHELIN EverTread Compound, which is engineered to provide impressive tread life, offering up to 10% more mileage in severe conditions compared to its predecessor. This makes it a cost-effective option over the long term.
Safety in adverse weather is a strong point, with a tread design that helps reduce the risk of hydroplaning and provides shorter braking distances on wet roads. It also delivers reliable traction in light snow. For Tacoma drivers who prioritize a smooth, quiet ride, exceptional wet-weather braking, and maximum tread life for mostly on-road use, the Defender LTX M/S is an outstanding selection.
Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT All-Season Radial Tire
The Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT is built with strength in mind, incorporating DuPont Kevlar in its construction. This material helps protect the tread area from damage caused by sharp objects and rough terrain, providing extra confidence when driving off-road. It is designed to be a durable option for drivers who frequently encounter challenging conditions.
Its aggressive tread pattern isn’t just for mud; it is also effective in winter weather. The pattern creates numerous biting edges for enhanced grip and control in snowy conditions. This tire is for the Tacoma owner who wants a rugged, damage-resistant tire that performs well in both off-road and winter scenarios without sacrificing its all-season designation.
Nitto Ridge Grappler All-Terrain Radial Tire
The Nitto Ridge Grappler is a popular “hybrid” all-terrain tire, designed to blend the aggressive look and off-road traction of a mud-terrain with the quieter on-road manners of a traditional all-terrain. It offers a bold, aggressive appearance that appeals to Tacoma owners looking to enhance their truck’s stance and style.
As a product from a trusted brand in the off-road community, it carries a reputation for quality and performance. The specific tread pattern may vary slightly by size, but the overall design focuses on providing capable off-road traction while managing noise levels better than a dedicated mud-terrain tire. It’s a strong choice for those who want a rugged look without excessive road noise.
Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 3 All-Terrain Truck & SUV Tire
The Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 3 is the latest generation of a well-regarded all-terrain line, engineered for drivers with active lifestyles. It shows clear improvements over its predecessor, with better off-road handling for more control on loose surfaces. This makes it more capable when you leave the pavement for trails or job sites.
Significant upgrades have also been made in wet and winter weather performance. The tread compound and design work to provide improved traction on rainy roads and in snowy conditions compared to the previous model. For Tacoma owners seeking a modern, balanced all-terrain tire that performs well in a variety of conditions, from highway to trail, the Dueler A/T Revo 3 is a compelling option.
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W All-Terrain Radial Tire
The Falken Wildpeak A/T3W has earned a strong reputation as a value-packed, severe snow service rated all-terrain tire. It is designed to be a true three-peak mountain snowflake certified tire, providing reliable and confident traction in harsh winter conditions, which is a must-have for many drivers in snowy regions.
Beyond its winter prowess, it offers a balanced performance profile with an aggressive tread pattern for off-road traction, reinforced sidewalls for durability, and features to help resist stone retention. It manages to deliver this capability while maintaining reasonable road manners. The Wildpeak A/T3W is often praised for offering premium features at a competitive point, making it a favorite among Tacoma owners looking for a capable, year-round all-terrain tire.
What to Look For in the Best Tires For Toyota Tacoma
Choosing the right set of tires is the single most effective upgrade you can make to your Tacoma. It changes everything—how it handles on the highway, what trails you can tackle, and even your fuel mileage. With so many options, picking the perfect tire can feel overwhelming. I’m here to break down the key factors you need to consider to find your ideal match. Your decision should start with one simple question: what do I actually use my truck for?
First, identify your tire type. All-Terrain (A/T) tires are the go-to for most Tacoma owners. They offer a great balance, with a aggressive enough tread for dirt roads and light off-roading, but they remain civil and quiet for daily driving. If your adventures are mostly on pavement with the occasional gravel road, a solid Highway Terrain (H/T) tire will give you the longest tread life and best fuel economy. For serious rock crawling or deep mud, a dedicated Mud-Terrain (M/T) is necessary, but be prepared for more road noise and faster wear.
Next, think about size. Are you sticking with your stock tire size, or are you considering an upgrade? Larger tires can improve ground clearance and look fantastic, but they may require a lift kit, can affect your speedometer accuracy, and might hurt your gas mileage. Always check fitment guides or forums specific to your Tacoma’s year and trim level before buying.
Finally, pay attention to the three big performance areas: traction, treadwear, and on-road manners. A tire with deep, chunky lugs will grip rocks and mud better but might feel squirmy on pavement. Look at the treadwear rating (a higher number suggests longer life) and, if possible, read reviews from other Tacoma drivers about road noise and wet-weather performance. Your perfect tire is the one that best fits your real-world driving habits, not just the most extreme-looking option. This buyer’s guide for the 10 Best Tires For Toyota Tacoma is built on finding that balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best all-around tire for a Toyota Tacoma?
For most people, a high-quality All-Terrain (A/T) tire is the best all-around choice. It perfectly suits the Tacoma’s dual-purpose nature. Modern A/T tires are incredibly capable off-road, handling everything from forest service roads to rocky trails, while still providing a comfortable, relatively quiet, and safe ride on the highway. They are a true “do-it-all” compromise that works for daily commuting, weekend projects, and getting to remote campsites.
Can I put larger tires on my Tacoma without a lift kit?
You can often go slightly larger than your stock tire size without a lift, but there are strict limits. A common upgrade for many generations is moving from a 265/70R16 to a 265/75R16, which adds about an inch in diameter. However, you must watch for rubbing against the upper control arm or the fender liner when turning or going over bumps. It’s critical to research what specific sizes have worked on Tacomas with your exact trim and year. When in doubt, a small leveling kit is an inexpensive way to create more room.
How do All-Terrain (A/T) and Mud-Terrain (M/T) tires differ in daily use?
The daily driving difference is significant. A/T tires are designed with on-road comfort in mind. They have smaller tread blocks and more siping (small grooves) for better wet pavement grip and reduced road noise. M/T tires have large, chunky tread blocks with deep grooves for ejecting mud. This design makes them louder on the highway, can cause a slight vibration or “hum,” and they typically wear faster on pavement. For a daily-driven truck, an A/T is almost always the more practical choice.
Do I need to replace all four tires on my Tacoma at the same time?
On a 4WD vehicle like the Tacoma, it is highly recommended. Having tires with significantly different tread depths can cause strain on the drivetrain, specifically the center differential, because the front and rear axles will be rotating at different speeds. If you must replace only one or two tires, they should be shaved down to match the tread depth of the existing tires, which is a service some tire shops offer. For optimal performance and to avoid potential damage, a full set of four is best.
What tire pressure should I run in my Tacoma?
Always start with the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, which you’ll find on a sticker inside your driver’s side door jamb. This is typically around 30-35 PSI for most stock setups. This pressure is set for optimal on-road handling, comfort, and tire wear. If you are heading off-road or have significantly heavier tires, you may air down to increase the tire’s contact patch for better traction. For example, dropping to 15-20 PSI on sand or rock can be very helpful, but you must re-inflate to proper highway pressures before driving at speed.