Welcome, tire-hunting enthusiast! Today, let’s unravel the mystery of selecting the finest tires for your trusty Toyota Tacoma. This stunner is one of the top-selling mid-size trucks with a muscular and sporty look that catches the eye. But a vehicle isn’t just about aesthetics. Performance, comfort, and safety are critical, and your Tacoma deserves top-notch tires to match its high-caliber abilities.
From its first generation as a compact pickup to the third generation, the Tacoma has evolved remarkably. Whether you’re driving on city streets, paved highways, or off-road trails, your Tacoma is ready. But are its tires also ready? That’s where our guide comes in, whether you’re looking for highway all-season, all-terrain, off-road, or winter tires.
Maybe you’re focused on durable tires, or perhaps you’re working within a budget. Don’t worry – we’ve got your back. We’ll dissect the best tire options and even touch on value-for-money picks. Together, we’ll make sure your Tacoma is fitted with the best tires.
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Which Is Better for Toyota Tacoma: All-Terrain Tires or Highway Tires?
The choice between all-terrain tires and highway tires for the Toyota Tacoma largely depends on the vehicle’s primary usage. If you use your Toyota Tacoma for off-road adventures or frequently traverse rough terrain, all-terrain tires are a better fit due to their robust construction and improved off-road traction. Conversely, if you drive on highways and city streets, highway tires or all-season tires offer a smoother ride, better fuel efficiency, and longer tread life.
Details of the 14 Best Tires for Toyota Tacoma
Our list consists of the top tires suitable for various conditions for your Toyota Tacoma. In our expert list, you will find your dream tire for your desired road and weather conditions.
1. Hankook Ventus ST RH06 (Best for All-Season + Handling and Control)
Are you ready to boost your Tacoma’s performance with an affordable all-season tire that won’t empty your wallet? Meet the Hankook Ventus ST RH06. This tire shines in handling and control, whether you’re cruising in warm, dry conditions or navigating wet weather.
And yes, it even provides some light snow traction. But the feature that is special to me is its V-shape directional tread design. This feature is the secret sauce that amps up handling and traction on both dry and wet roads, while also lowering the noise.
While the Hankook Ventus ST RH06 is a reliable option for your Toyota Tacoma, it’s worth noting some users have raised concerns about its tread life. Although designed to last up to 50,000 miles, some folks have reported it falling short, clocking in around 35,000 to 45,000 miles.
Despite this drawback, I will give high marks to this tire for its handling and cornering abilities, not only on dry surfaces but also on wet roads. Plus, the tire’s performance doesn’t falter even in light snow, meaning you can trust the Ventus ST RH06 to keep your Tacoma steady and responsive across diverse conditions.
Hankook provides a warranty of 6 years or 50,000 miles on this tire. While the warranty may not be as hefty as some competitors, the Ventus ST RH06 delivers a powerful punch when it comes to performance.
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2. Bridgestone Alenza 001 (Best Summer Tire for Toyota Tacoma)
The Bridgestone Alenza 001 is designed for light and pick-up trucks and is a superior summer tire choice for your Tacoma. It excels in providing excellent dry and wet traction and superb hydroplaning resistance, thanks to four unique circumferential grooves.
A noteworthy feature that I noted is its large rim diameter. This attribute contributes to enhanced stability and control, providing a firm grip on the road and improved handling. However, you should remember that this tire is a summer specialist – it’s not suitable for winter.
User feedback on the Bridgestone Alenza 001 has been quite favorable, particularly regarding its longevity. Many consumers report the tire impressively surpasses the 30,000-mile mark, especially when strictly driven in summer conditions. This makes it a great investment for those who want to get the most mileage out of their summer tires.
In addition to its lifespan, I love the Bridgestone Alenza 001 for its quiet ride. The tire’s low noise levels contribute to a smoother and more enjoyable driving experience.
Like most summer tires, the Alenza 001 doesn’t offer a treadwear warranty, but it does provide a 30-day Buy & Try Guarantee. While this might seem odd, it’s because summer tires generally have a shorter lifespan due to their specific rubber compounds designed to maximize grip in hot conditions, leading to faster wear.
For comparison, brands like Michelin typically only offer up to a 20,000-mile warranty on their summer tires. So, while its life may be shorter, the Alenza 001’s superior summer performance makes it a worthy contender for your Tacoma.
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3. Firestone Destination LE3 (Best Budget Highway All-Season Tire for Toyota Tacoma)
If you’re searching for a highway all-season tire for your Toyota Tacoma that won’t break the bank, consider the Firestone Destination LE3. This budget-friendly tire excels in dry handling and cornering, ensuring a smooth and confident ride. It doesn’t falter in wet and rainy conditions either, thanks to its impressive hydroplaning resistance. As a highway tire, it is not suitable for deep snow and ice.
To me, the secret behind its performance is four deep and wide circumferential grooves that enhance grip on wet roads. Besides its solid performance, the Destination LE3 is a highway specialist known for its quiet ride, making your journeys more comfortable. It’s an excellent budget choice for year-round driving.
Firestone’s Destination LE3 scores high with users when it comes to tread life and ride comfort. This tire isn’t just comfortable to drive; it also offers a durable tread that’s backed by a solid 5-year or 70,000-mile warranty. Plus, there’s a 90-day Buy & Try Guarantee, which adds to the tire’s exceptional value-for-money proposition.
However, keep in mind that Destination LE3 lacks the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) rating, an indicator of optimal performance in severe snow conditions. While it handles light snow conditions effectively, I found its deep snow performance to be just average.
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4. Michelin XPS Rib (Best Heavy Duty Summer Tire for Toyota Tacoma)
The Michelin XPS Rib is an excellent choice for Tacoma drivers seeking a heavy-duty summer tire. It stands out for its hefty load capacity and even wear, all while maintaining low noise levels. This tire provides reliable traction on both dry and wet roads, making it ideal for summer use. The durability of the XPS Rib is noteworthy, thanks to substantial layers of rubber in its tread. However, it’s important to remember this tire isn’t designed for winter conditions.
Users of the Michelin XPS Rib have been vocal about its standout features. They applaud its toughness and exceptional load-bearing capacity, ideal for the demanding requirements of a heavy-duty tire. The smooth drive it provides is another highlight, coupled with the low noise levels that contribute to a comfortable driving experience.
But to me, the feature that truly shines is the tire’s impressive tread life. Many users report that the XPS Rib surpasses the usual expectations, delivering a stellar performance for more than 100,000 miles. This makes it a worthy investment for any Tacoma drivers seeking long-lasting, high-quality tires.
The XPS Rib comes with a solid 6-year or 60,000-mile warranty and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, offering both performance and peace of mind.
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5. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 (Best All-Terrain Tire For Toyota Tacoma)
For Tacoma owners seeking a tire that can balance Off-road challenges and On-road traction, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is an excellent choice. Renowned for its durability and off-road traction, I can vow for its long-lasting tread life. The tire’s unique tread compound is resistant to cuts, chips, and tears. It features interlocking tread blocks for solid grip on various off-road terrains. Designed to handle heavy-duty tasks, it boasts high load-carrying capacity and increased inflation pressure limits.
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is not without its limitations. Some users have reported that the performance on wet tracks is just average, hinting at room for improvement in handling wet conditions. Despite this, the tire shines in winter scenarios as it carries a severe snow certification and a 3PMSF rating, ensuring its adeptness in managing snowy terrains.
BFGoodrich supports the KO2 with a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.
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6. Falken WildPeak A/T3W (Best Affordable All-Terrain Tire For Toyota Tacoma)
The Falken WildPeak A/T3W tire stands out as an affordable yet capable option for your Toyota Tacoma. It offers equal performance on various off-road surfaces. Although off-road tires don’t have much impressive wet traction, I observed that this tire’s grip and hydroplaning resistance on wet roads are better than many all-terrain tires. What’s more, it carries the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol, meaning it meets severe snow service requirements.
The heat-diffusing technology in the lower sidewall is a bonus feature that helps keep the tire cooler in high temperatures, further enhancing its overall performance.
Many buyers have reported that the Falken WildPeak A/T3W tire offers a comfortable ride, a commendable feature not common among all-terrain tires.
Some users have noticed quick and uneven tread wear. However, the tire generally provides long service, offers good control and handling, and performs well in dry conditions.
Falken backs this tire with a 5-year or 55,000-mile warranty, plus a 30-day or 1,000-mile trial ride.
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7. General Grabber X3 (Best Toyota Tacoma Tire for Mud and Rocks)
The General Grabber X3 is a top choice for thrill-seeking Jeep and Tacoma drivers. It offers excellent performance on rough, muddy, and rocky terrains without breaking the bank. It has a high void, a symmetric tread pattern for grip on loose surfaces, and evacuation channels for clearing mud and debris. Its strong and tall sidewall with lugs is great for preventing punctures. While I found it shines on off-road terrains like mud and rocks, its performance is average on wet roads and packed snow or ice.
Users of the General Grabber X3 commend its exceptional performance on muddy and rocky terrains and give it good marks for light snow traction. Some folks note that the wet road performance is satisfactory when the tire is new, but issues arise after 10,000 to 15,000 miles.
Tread life has received mixed reviews, largely due to differing usage patterns. For drivers who spend most of their time off-roading, the tire typically lasts for about 40,000 miles. However, for those who balance their driving between on-road and off-road conditions, the tire has been reported to last up to 60,000 miles.
General doesn’t offer a treadwear warranty for the Grabber X3 but provides a 45-day satisfaction trial. Mud tires generally don’t come with treadwear warranties due to the tough conditions they are subjected to, which can cause rapid wear.
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8. Yokohama Geolander M/T G003 (Best Toyota Tacoma Tire for Mud and Rock Terrains)
Another off-road beast is here! The Yokohama Geolander M/T G003 is a strong contender as a budget tire for tackling mud and rocky terrains with your Toyota Tacoma. It can stand up to the challenges posed by rough terrain. This tire is cut and chip-resistant, with sidewall lugs to prevent punctures. If you rotate the tire regularly after every 3,000-5,000 miles, it will offer long life and even wear.
I found that its wet traction is surprisingly good and better than it’s dry traction. On dry roads, the tire’s longitudinal traction is average, and the stopping distance is longer but reliable. Wet traction and stopping distance on damp roads are better than many other competitor tires. Though you have to drive cautiously.
The Yokohama Geolander M/T G003 has earned a reputation among users for its excellent performance in mud and varying snow conditions, both light and deep. While some customers have raised concerns about tire noise during highway driving, most find their journeys quiet and comfortable. The tire’s wet traction has been particularly noted for outperforming that of the General Grabber X3.
However, I will not recommend them for packed snow and ice as these tires are not designed to handle these conditions.
The tire comes with a 30-day test drive, though like other mud-terrain tires, it doesn’t have a treadwear warranty.
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9. Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac (Best for Sand and Gravel)
The Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac stands out as a versatile tire for Toyota Tacoma, specifically on sand and gravel. This all-terrain tire has seen remarkable sales thanks to its unique features.
An aggressive tread pattern and large shoulder protect against road damage while a special center tread block ensures excellent traction, both wet and dry. It also performs brilliantly in light, deep, and packed snow, backed by the 3PMSF rating. The self-cleaning system ensures stones and debris are continuously removed.
There is a consensus among consumers on the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac’s impressive durability, with many praising its exceptional performance on sand, gravel, mud, and light to deep snow. However, a common issue noted by many users is noise, especially with increasing mileage, but this is somewhat expected from all-terrain tires.
Another critique is regarding wet traction, despite Goodyear’s claims of excellence in this aspect. I noted that after approximately 20,000 miles, the tire’s performance on wet surfaces tends to diminish. Regardless, the tire’s other strengths make it a worthy consideration.
Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac comes with a 6-year or 50,000-mile warranty and a 30-day test drive.
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10. Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx (Best Low-Cost Toyota Tacoma Tire for Sand and Gravel)
The Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx stands out as an affordable tire for Toyota Tacoma drivers frequently navigating sandy and gravel roads. Despite being designed for various off-road terrains, it particularly excels on sand and gravel, delivering reliable performance. Please note that there’s no treadwear warranty offered on this tire, emphasizing its usage in tough off-road conditions. However, a 45-day Road Test is available.
Reviews for the Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx display a range of responses regarding tread life, but overall, wear seems to be satisfactory. Road noise is a common issue for off-road tires and is therefore expected. I am quite satisfied with the tire’s performance on different terrains, especially gravel, sand, and light snow.
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11. General Grabber Arctic LT (Best Studdable Winter Tire for Toyota Tacoma)
The General Grabber Arctic LT is a top-notch and cost-effective studdable winter tire for pick-up trucks, including the Toyota Tacoma. Excelling on dry and wet surfaces as well as light to deep snow, it’s specifically engineered for winter conditions. A special compound ensures it remains soft and flexible in freezing temperatures, providing excellent grip and traction.
Branded with the 3PMSF symbol, it meets severe snow service requirements. To fully enjoy its benefits, I recommend using it in sets of four. Like most winter tires, it lacks a treadwear warranty and may produce noise. It also shouldn’t be used in summer.
The General Grabber Arctic LT has garnered positive feedback from users, particularly for its commendable performance in various snowy and icy conditions. It has shown consistent proficiency when dealing with light flurries, heavy snowfall, and even icy roads. Though a minor group of users has reported noise, the majority seem to overlook this aspect, indicating that the tire’s benefits far outweigh this minor inconvenience.
In summary, the tire’s high performance in winter conditions generally leads to user satisfaction.
The manufacturer offers a 45-day satisfaction trial on this tire. Winter tires lack a warranty as they’re designed for harsh conditions, which can cause excessive and unpredictable wear.
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12. Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 (Best Studless Ice and Snow Tire for Toyota Tacoma)
The Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 is a superior choice for Toyota Tacoma owners seeking a studless ice and snow tire. It excels in tackling ice, slush, and packed snow, with a unique hydrophilic coating and microscopic bite particles for enhanced grip. Designed for light and pick-up trucks, its Multicell compound remains flexible in freezing conditions, offering excellent water removal from icy surfaces and better braking on glare ice.
I have noted that the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 offers exceptional longevity and performance when used in summer only and used on the vehicles it’s designed for i.e. light trucks and SUVs.
Users who adhered to these guidelines reported excellent traction on icy, snowy, and slushy conditions, as well as dry and wet roads during winter, often achieving over 50,000 miles.
Conversely, those who used them on heavier vehicles faced issues with cornering, stability, and accelerated wear, indicating the importance of proper use.
No treadwear warranty is provided, as is common with winter tires.
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13. Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season Run Flat (Best All-Season Run-Flat Tire for Toyota Tacoma
The Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season Run Flat tire is a top-tier all-season run-flat tire option for light and pick-up trucks like the Toyota Tacoma. Designed to deliver sustained mobility in hazardous conditions such as heavy rain, these tires are recommended exclusively for vehicles initially equipped with self-supporting run-flat tires and a tire pressure monitoring system.
However, run-flat tires are not designed for off-road use or extreme snow and ice conditions. For optimum performance and safety, they should be installed in sets of four, which ensures even wear and maintains balanced handling.
Consumers of the Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season Run Flat tire appreciate its impressive dry traction, stable cornering, solid grip, smooth ride, and low noise output, contributing to a comfortable and secure driving experience. Many have commended the tire’s durability and effective performance in light snow conditions.
However, a handful of customers have reported a decline in the tire’s wet traction after several thousand miles of use, implying that the tire’s wet performance may vary somewhat over its lifespan.
As with most run-flat tires, a treadwear warranty is not provided. This is due to their unique design to sustain damage and continue functioning, which inherently makes them irreparable after being flat.
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14. Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow Run Flat (Best Winter Run-Flat Tire for Toyota Tacoma)
The Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow Run Flat is a top-tier, winter-specific tire, perfect for light and pickup trucks. Designed for optimal traction on icy and snowy roads, it performs well in winter conditions due to a flexible rubber compound. It’s crucial to only use them during winter and maintain average speeds for durability.
They’re marked with the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, indicating reliable snow performance. Remember to install in sets of four and use only on vehicles with original run-flat tires and a tire pressure monitoring system.
The Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow Run Flat tire has earned commendable responses for its remarkable grip and traction on all snow and icy terrains. Yet, some customers have expressed dissatisfaction over its swift wear. Upon further investigation, I found that the wear rate is due to the aggressive driving style that most drivers have reported. By driving more cautiously, you can enhance the longevity of these tires.
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How Do We Select the Best Tires?
We don’t just pick the tires randomly. There is a lot of work behind suggesting the lists of the best possible tires for readers and buyers. We adopt a multi-dimensional approach rather than just a ‘single person experience’. Our lists and reviews are a collective wisdom of many users rather than a single user.
To determine the best tires, we undertake extensive market research, meticulously examine the specifications of each tire, and carry out a very thorough analysis of user reviews from top retailers. Finally, our keen tire experts apply their experience and expertise and provide a well-rounded assessment to create the final list of the best possible tires. Read our detailed review process.
How to Choose Tires for Your Toyota Tacoma
Driving Conditions
Think about the climate and weather patterns where you typically drive. Are you mostly navigating city streets and highways, or do you frequently find yourself driving in wet, snowy, or icy conditions? If your area experiences heavy rain, go for tires that excel in wet traction.
Terrain Types
Your tire choice should be influenced by the terrains you frequently traverse. For off-road adventures, I recommend all-terrain or mud-terrain tires. If most of your driving is on paved roads, highways or all-season tires would be ideal.
Seasonal Tires
If you experience pronounced seasonal changes, consider having separate sets of summer and winter tires. Summer tires offer excellent performance in warm conditions, while winter tires provide superior grip and traction in cold, icy, or snowy conditions.
Traditional vs. Run-Flat Tires
Your personal preference also matters. Traditional tires are generally cheaper and offer better ride comfort, while run-flat tires provide the convenience of continuing to drive for a short distance even after a puncture.
What Are Some of the Original Equipment Tires for Toyota Tacoma
Here are some of the Original Equipment (OE) Tires for Toyota Tacoma along with their sizes and associated models:
- Toyo Open Country A30: This is one of the two options Toyota provides for Tacoma models with 17-inch wheels.
- Firestone Destination LE 2: This is the second option for Tacoma models equipped with 17-inch wheels.
- Michelin LTX M/S2: Toyota equips Tacoma models with 18-inch wheels with this tire.
- Hankook Dynapro HT RH12: This is the third tire option offered for the Tacoma SR models.
- Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar: This is the OE tire for the Tacoma TRD Pro models, that feature 16-inch wheels.
- Toyo Open Country A31: This tire is one of the three options Toyota offers for the Tacoma SR models, that come with 16-inch wheels.
- Firestone Destination LE 2: This is another tire option for the Tacoma SR models.
Is It Fine To Buy the Same Tires That Come As An Original Equipment?
While it’s certainly fine to repurchase Original Equipment (OE) tires for your vehicle, it’s not always the optimal choice. Auto manufacturers often choose OE tires based on factors such as large-scale purchasing economics and target price points, rather than tailoring to the specific driving needs of individual users.
As an individual consumer, your tire needs may be influenced by specific driving conditions, climate, road quality, or your particular driving style. Therefore, you have the opportunity to choose tires that best meet these personal criteria, instead of being confined to the choices made by the auto manufacturer.
