The 11 Best Tires for a Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma is the best-selling mid-size truck in America. Its tough-as-nails durability, amazing resale value, and the cult of Toyota ownership helped the Japanese carmaker sell 238,000 of these last year, more than the next three vehicles on the list combined.  

Another thing that goes in its favor is looks. The Tacoma is more muscular and sporty looking than many of its rivals, but without making its exterior look forced. This truck is simple yet capable, a combo that convinces many off-road enthusiasts and truck lovers to buy it.

But if you want your Tacoma to perform at its best, you cannot ignore the importance of a good and reliable set of tires. The best tires for Toyota Tacoma will reinforce this truck’s strong traits, while also making sure that its unrefined ride quality gets a little more bearable.

Even If you have a low budget, don’t lose hope. This review also includes the best cheap tires for Toyota Tacoma. These tires will deliver (almost) the same performance as their premium counterparts. All the while making sure that you don’t have to blow your budget to afford them.

Read on to find the best tires or Toyota Tacoma.

#1. BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO – Best Overall

The BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 is one of the best tires for Toyota Tacoma. It is available in all sizes from 15 to 24 inches in diameter and could fit every model of this truck. However, it isn’t only its extensive size range that goes in this tire’s favor.

A combination of double-thick tread compound and Tri-Gard sidewall design does wonders for this tire’s durability.  The former strengthens the tire to help it withstand massive abuse. The latter, meanwhile, minimizes the risks of cuts, chips and punctures.

Puncture-resistance is one area where this tire shines. A sidewall rubber compound, which is twice as thick as that used in previous versions of this tire, is the reason why. Twin steel belts inside the tire’s casing also go a long way in making sure that it stays rolling for long.

BFGoodrich is extremely bullish about what this tire can do. The US tire manufacturer wants you to believe that the TA KO2 has 10% more mud traction and 19% more snow traction than its predecessors. Normally, we would have taken these claims with a pinch of salt. But not this time.

Side biter lugs are the reason why. These are protruding rubber blocks on the sidewall that enhance the tire’s traction on mud and snow. The side biter lugs also enhance the tire’s rock climbing traction (when aired down). Mud buster bars (or raised bars) help them in this.

Pros

• Tough and durable tread
• Brilliant off-road performance
• Impressive treadlife

Cons

• Could get noisy at high speeds on gravel

#2. Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 3 – Runner Up

Hard as nails exterior. Rugged yet eye catching looks. Long-lasting warranty. These three factors explain why the off-roader and truck-loving crowd is infatuated with Toyota Tacoma. And guess what, the Bridgestone Dueler H/T Revo 3 has these attributes too.

Start with the durability. Bridgestone has equipped this tire with a chip and tear resistant material that could conquer most terrains without getting punctured. A well-balanced tread pattern ensures a uniform road contact at all times, resulting in an even wear pattern.

Handling is equally excellent, regardless of whether you’re driving straight on the highway or zigzagging through mountainous terrains. So too is traction, with the groove stepping used in this tire’s design reducing braking distances on loose surfaces.

Next comes looks. This tire offers two sidewall versions: white lettered and all black. Personally, we like the white lettered version because it can be seen from a distance. Of course, the pattern that would look good on your Tacoma depends on the color of your truck.

A 60,000-mile treadlife warranty is offered on specific sizes. A uniformity warranty (first 2/32” of wear) and 5-year workmanship & materials warranty further sweeten the pot. Goodyear also offers a manufacturer special 90 day buy & try guarantee on this tire.

Pros

• 60,000 miles treadlife warranty
• Bold sidewall lettering makes for eye-catching looks
• Hard as nails toughness

Cons

• Doesn’t work very well in mud or over large rocks

#3. Michelin LTX A/T2 – Best for Light Off-Roading

The Michelin LTX A/T2 is an outstanding road and gravel tire. It offers responsive steering and above-average handling on the road, almost as if you were driving an all-season tire. Braking distances on dry surfaces are short too, while the handling and braking in rain is excellent.

An advanced truck rubber compound helps this tire work in warmer and colder climates. The tread compound’s rubber is molded into an independent tread block design. One that features biting edges for added traction in dirt, wet grass, mud, gravel, and snow.

Similar to most Michelin tires, the LTX A/T2 has been equipped with the Advanced MaxTouch Construction, helping it offer long-lasting performance. Aside from that, the Comfort Control Technology and computer-optimized design dissipates road vibrations and ride.

Tread Wear Indicators (TWI’s) are also on offer. These are narrow rubber bars on the tread area. The TWI’s become flush with the tread surface when it hits the 2/32-inch mark. That is the minimal legal traction for safe winter traction. So you should replace the tires much sooner.

Unfortunately, that’s where the praise stops. This model’s road-focused tread pattern might have made it more attractive to the everyday driving crowd. But it won’t take long to show its limitations when attacking deep mud or rock-crawling. So, this is not the tire for serious off-roading.

Pros

• Excellent handling and braking in rain
• Reduced vibrations and road noise
• Comes with Tread Wear Indicators

Cons

• Not for serious off-roading

#4. Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner

The Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner is another excellent option for your Toyota Tacoma. It is a good alternative for the M+S rated BFGoodrich, especially if you’re on a budget. This tire should be on your list if you are not into severe off-roading.

Just like Michelin’s LTX A/T2 we saw above, this tire has good road manners. An all-season, all-terrain tread compound works together with the computer-optimized tread pattern to reduce outside noise. Vibrations are also kept to a minimum with this tire.

Wet performance is also decent. The TrailRunner features multi-angled sipes and saw-tooth block edges that enable it to better grip the road in slippery conditions. The duo also helps the tire offer enhanced traction in light mud, light snow, dirt, gravel, and grass.

Snow performance is average, unless you’re specifically talking about light snow, on which this tire’s performance is brilliant. We believe that this tire’s performance in mild wintry conditions is as good as that of the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90, which is to say it is very good.

The only area where this tire gasps for power is deep mud. The absence of mud-busters and side biter lugs is keenly felt here. However, that is something we already said above – this tire will perform best if used on the highway or for light off-roading. It isn’t the one for attacking deep mud.

Pros

• Excellent choice for light off-roading
• Performs admirably on the road
• Backed with a generous tread warranty

Cons

• Not the best performer in deep mud and heavy snow

#5. Pirelli Scorpion AT Plus

The Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus belongs to the category of tires that are capable of handling extreme off road conditions. This tire deserves to be your choice if you’re into rock crawling, attacking deep mud and navigating the toughest of terrains.

A New Generation Compound shows that this tire’s tread means business. The compound features added protection against cuts, chips, and punctures. This is a crucial feature once you consider the type of terrains – rocky, hardpacked – the tire claims to conquer.

The Scorpion AT Plus’s high-void and symmetric tread pattern might look ordinary. But its cut- and chip-resistance, which indicates a tire’s resistance to punctures, is exceptional. Indented tread blocks are supported by deep grooves to evacuate small rocks from the tread area.

A three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) emblem means that this tire can hold its own in heavy snow. Block edges and varied in-block sipes leave no stone unturned for exceptional performance in snow. And a relatively large footprint ensures even treadwear for long-lasting durability.

Tread-wear indicators to let you check the health of the tread are also on offer. A 50,000 miles warranty on all sizes isn’t the best you can get from all-terrain tires. But compare it with tires that can do rock crawling, and you’ll realize that the warranty is by no means small.

Pros

• Cut- and chip-resistant tread compound
• Comes with the 3PMSF symbol
• Excellent hydroplaning resistance

Cons

• Ride quality could have been better

#6. Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 – Best Winter

The Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 is designed for crossovers, SUVs and trucks – the kind of vehicles that can tow heavy loads in the most demanding of conditions. This makes it a perfect fit for your Toyota Tacoma, especially if you live in an area that receives more than its fair share of snow.

A special rubber compound enables this tire to withstand the unique demands cold weather places on a tire. The compound stays flexible when the temperature nosedives, helping the DM V2 safely carry your Tacoma from point A to point B.

To say that only the tread compound helps this tire perform well in harsh wintry conditions would be doing disservice to other features. Especially the biting edges, that help the tire plough through snow and grip solid ground underneath, giving the tire something to hold on to.

Aside from that, a close inspection of the tread area will reveal a multi-cell structure. One that eliminates the thin layer of water between the tire and the gravel underneath. The result is the snow in the tread area coming into contact with the snow on the road, ensuring added traction.

Unfortunately, only the first 55% of the DM-V2’s tread depth feature a multi-cell structure. The remainder is standard winter tire compounds. That means that once the first 55% of the tread depth is gone, the performance will dip. At this time, you may have no choice but to order a replacement.

Pros

• Superb braking power
• Great hydroplaning resistance
• Excellent traction on deep snow and ice

Cons

• Multi-cell structure features only the first 55% of the tread depth

Best Cheap Tires for Toyota Tacoma

Here are the best Toyota Tacoma tires for budget-minded users:

#7. Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S

The Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S is proof you don’t always need to blow your budget to get a set of high-quality, all-terrain tires. This tire costs less than half of some of the AT tires we saw above. Yet you cannot guess its asking price by experiencing its performance.

A silica tread compound and symmetrical tread design equip this tire with multiple highly sought-after attributes. The former provides the tire with dependable off-road capabilities and higher-performance in all-season conditions. The tread design, meanwhile, ensures a long treadlife.

Center blocks are staggered around the tread to increase the tire’s dry traction and handling. Large shoulder blocks and rounded edge intermediate blocks give it added stability at higher speeds. That is something you won’t see being associated with AT tires too often.

Hydroplaning resistance is also kept to a minimum, thanks to the four circumferential grooves that evacuate water from the tread area. Traction on wet surfaces is also exemplary, with the dual interlocking sipes doing an exemplary job of gripping the road surface.

Off-road performance is also commendable. Sidewall protectors do what their name implies, and in doing so they provide added biting power on loose surfaces. They also enhance the tire’s life. Aside from that, multi-stepped tread grooves improve traction on gravel, dirt, and mud.

Pros

• Some models are backed with a 50,000-mile tread guarantee
• Ride comfort is beyond impressive for a cheap tire
• Exceptional steering response for a tire in this category

Cons

• High speed cornering could have been better

#8.Sumitomo Encounter AT

Sumitomo is one of the most popular budget tire brands. The Encounter AT gives us plenty of reasons why. Here is a tire that hasn’t used its low price as an excuse to compromise on features. If anything, this tire has three features you normally see associated with premium AT tires.

The first of them is the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, which makes it a reliable option for off-roading and other extreme applications. Only those tires which have met the rater’s specific guidelines get this emblem, a testament to the Encounter AT’s ruggedness.

Then come the zigzag sipes. These are biting edges that you normally see dotting the entire tread area on premium tires. Their function, whether on premium or on cheap tires like the Encounter AT is the same: they help any tire bearing them plough through snow and ice for added traction.

Self-cleaning ability is also on offer. Its sidewall tread is low enough to give stones and rocks an easy way out of the tread. Aside from that, you get a 60,000 miles treadwear warranty and a lifetime material defect and quality replacement guarantee on this tire.

All in all, no corners have been cut to keep this tire’s price low. Still, some users have genuine complaints about road noise. Like other AT tires, this one too gets loud at highway speeds. So this is another similarity (albeit an unwanted one) that the Encounter AT shares with its premium rivals.

Pros

• Self-cleaning ability
• 60,000 miles treadwear warranty
• Comes with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol

Cons

• Road noise is noticeable

#9. General Grabber A/TX

The General Grabber A/TX is another excellent budget tire for your Toyota Tacoma. It carries the 3PMSF emblem, an indication that this tire meets the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association’s criteria for performance in severe wintry conditions.

StabiliTread Technology has provided this tire with an added footprint. This, in turn, has expanded the tire’s contact area with the road. A feature that helps this tire provide added grip. However, that is far from the only thing the technology has done.

Yet another thing that the StabiliTread Technology does is improve the A/TX’s durability. It is supported in this by another of General’s exclusive technologies, the DuraGen Technology, which cuts in this tire’s tread to make it more stable on off-road conditions.

Highway performance isn’t ignored either. The Comfort Balance Technology wraps this tire’s tread inside a cushioned layer, while also inserting angled-away grooves into the tread area. The result is reduced vibrations on the highway and a more comfy riding experience.

The absence of any maintenance indicators, something that you take a given with AT tires, sticks out like a sore thumb, leaving you with no option but to rely on the penny test to check the tire’s health. Still, if that gives you any solace, not many budget tires come with maintenance indicators.

Pros

• Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol
• Noise-free and comfortable on the highway
• Exceptional off-road grip and traction

Cons

• Doesn’t come with maintenance indicators

#10. Falken Wildpeak H/T

The Falken Wildpeak H/T offers multiple features in a budget price point. This tire is primarily designed to offer decent all-season performance, which is to say that you can count on it to perform reliably on dry and wet surfaces. Yet, it can hold its own in light snow as well. 

An all-season tread compound enhances this tire’s traction on dry and wet surfaces. Handling and cornering at highway speeds is great too, thanks to the variable pitch shoulder design, which also makes a point of reducing this tire’s roar at high speeds.

Wet traction is also above-average. The credit for this goes to the barrage of lateral sipes you can see on the tread area. The sipes are also to thank for this tire’s M+S rating, which means that this tire will have better mud and snow traction than a rival summer tire.

Four perimeter track grooves and various multi-wave lateral grooves perform a fine job of evacuating water. The result is increased friction with the road and a reduced risk of hydroplaning.

The only area where this tire leaves room for improvement is on icy surfaces, where its traction makes you feel as if you’d be better off with premium winter tires.

Pros

• Excellent traction in snow and slush
• Noise-free ride on the highway
• High performance in wet surface

Cons

• Long braking distances on icy surfaces

#11. Cooper Adventurer H/T

The Cooper Adventurer H/T is another highway terrain tire in a crowded market. While it is nowhere near expensive as its premium counterparts, this tire is also not dirt-cheap. For US and Canadian drivers, though, its asking price makes the Adventurer H/T a mid-range option.

Cooper opted for a silica-infused rubber compound and non-directional tread pattern with this tire. The result is added traction and handling on dry surfaces, plus improved tread wear and durability. The tread compound’s flexibility also helps this tire navigate light snow.

Steering response is also on the higher side, thanks to Cooper’s unique R-Tech sidewall construction and this tire’s continuous center rib. The siping on offer improves this tire’s wet traction. It also helps increase this tire’s traction in light snow as well as slush.

An Anti-Stone Retention technology prevents stone drilling and retention, an excellent feature if you intend to drive this tire on gravel roads. Moreover, Cooper insists that the tire has a low-rolling resistance, which, if true, would mean improved fuel economy.

Pros

• Anti-stone retention technology
• Low rolling resistance for improved fuel economy
• Maintains its shape during hard braking or cornering

Cons

• Average braking on deep snow and in icy conditions

Best Tires for Toyota Tacoma

All-Terrain

All-terrain tires are the best choice for trucks like Toyota Tacoma. These tires offer added traction on challenging terrains, such as mud, gravel, snow, slush, and even rocks. Some AT tires also come with the 3PMSF symbol, indicating their utility in deep snow. 

If you’re looking for all-terrain tires with decent road manners, opt for all-season all-terrain tires. These tires strike the perfect balance between off-road traction and on-road stability. As a result, you won’t have to replace them after returning from a weeklong trip to the woods.

Highway Traction (H/T)

Highway traction tires offer much better ride quality on the road than their AT counterparts. That too while keeping road noise to a bare minimum. And despite being more refined, these tires also offer light off-road capabilities with improved road comfort.

Bear in mind, though, that H/T tires are up to no good against deep mud or when rock crawling. They lack the biting edges you see on AT tires and are therefore powerless against thick snow. All in all, you cannot rely on their off-road performance to be as good as that of an AT tire.

Winter Tires

Dedicated winter tires are made of special rubber compounds that help them retain their grip when the temperature nosedives. They also carry the 3PMSF emblem. This logo is only carried by tires that meet the rater’s strict criteria for severe snow performance.

While you can also get studdable winter tires, we wouldn’t recommend that. Public authorities in various areas have banned the use of studdable tires because they damaged the road surface. For this reason, play safe and opt for studless winter tires, like the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 discussed above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tires come on TRD Sport Tacoma?

Standard tire size on TRD Sport Tacoma is P 265/65R17.

How long do Toyota Tacoma tires last?

While some Toyota Tacoma tires might last as many as 60,000 miles, others may leave you with no option but to consider a replacement as early as 10,000 miles. Various factors play a crucial role in determining your tire’s life.  

What is the best Toyota Tacoma tire pressure?

Open the driver’s side door and check inside for a white and yellow label. It will show you the best Toyota Tacoma tire pressure for your model. Bear in mind that the tire pressure recommendation isn’t absolute, it can change based on the load your vehicle is carrying.

How often should I rotate my Tacoma tires?

According to a rule of thumb, it is a good idea to rotate Tacoma tires once every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Given the fact that the Tacoma is available in rear-wheel or 4WD versions, the rear tires will take less long to wear down. So they might need rotation sooner.

Conclusion

Toyota Tacoma is one of the best-selling light trucks for a reason. This vehicle has got all the attributes to be a perfect driving companion for serious off-roading. All you need is a set of tires that can complement the Tacoma’s sturdiness, and even the most challenging of terrains can be conquered.