Thinking about upsizing your Tacoma’s tires for a tougher look or better off-road grip? Good idea—but there’s a limit to what you can fit without issues.
In this guide, you’ll learn the biggest tire size you can safely put on your Toyota Tacoma, both with and without modifications. We’ll also go over what changes are worth making and what risks to avoid.
What Is the Biggest Tire Size You Can Fit on a Stock Toyota Tacoma?
The largest tire size you can fit on a stock Toyota Tacoma without rubbing or trimming is 265/70R17.
This size offers a nice boost over factory tires, giving your truck a more aggressive stance without needing lift kits or major changes.
Why 265/70R17 Works Well
- Only slightly taller and wider than factory tires
- No rubbing on fenders or control arms
- Improves traction and off-road capability
If your Tacoma has factory 16″ or 17″ wheels, you can usually go up one tire size without issues. Beyond that, you may need trimming or lifting.
Biggest Tire Size With a 2-Inch Lift
With a 2″ suspension lift, you can typically fit 275/70R17 or 285/70R17 tires.
This size increases ground clearance and improves off-road performance, but it may require some fender trimming or mud flap removal.
Common Modifications Needed
- Trimming plastic fender liners
- Removing or cutting mud flaps
- Cab mount chop (CMC) if running aggressive tires
While these changes sound intense, many Tacoma owners make them easily with basic tools or help from a shop.
Max Tire Size With a 3-Inch Lift
A 3″ lift can support tires up to 285/75R16 or 33×12.5 tires.
This is a popular size for serious off-road builds. It provides excellent clearance and an aggressive look, but requires trimming and potentially a cab mount chop.
Largest Tire Size Possible With Heavy Mods
The absolute biggest tires you can fit on a Tacoma with major mods are 35-inch tires (like 35×12.5R17).
This requires a high-clearance front bumper, cab mount chop, suspension upgrades, and possible re-gearing to maintain drivability.
Risks of Going Too Big
- Rubbing: Oversized tires can rub at full lock or when flexing.
- Poor MPG: Bigger tires are heavier and reduce fuel economy.
- Transmission strain: More rotational mass can wear out drivetrain parts faster.
- Speedometer error: Your truck may read slower than actual speed.
Tire Size Comparison Chart for Tacoma
| Tire Size | Lift Required | Mods Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 265/70R17 | None | None |
| 275/70R17 | 2″ | Minor trimming |
| 285/70R17 | 2-3″ | Trimming, possible CMC |
| 285/75R16 | 3″ | Trimming, mud flap removal |
| 35×12.5R17 | 3+” | CMC, trimming, re-gearing |
How Tire Size Affects Performance
Bigger tires change more than just looks. Here’s what to expect:
Pros
- More ground clearance
- Better off-road traction
- Rugged, aggressive appearance
Cons
- Slower acceleration
- Lower fuel economy
- May need speedometer recalibration
- Added stress on suspension and drivetrain
Tips for Choosing the Right Tire Size
Before you buy bigger tires, think about your driving style and how far you’re willing to go with modifications.
- Daily driver? Stick to 265/70R17 or 275/70R17 for comfort and reliability.
- Weekend off-roader? 285s with a mild lift offer solid trail performance.
- Rock crawler or mud runner? Go big with 33” or 35” tires—but be ready to mod.
Want to Save Even More on Tacoma Upgrades?
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Conclusion
The biggest tire size you can run on your Toyota Tacoma depends on how far you’re willing to go with mods. For most drivers, 265/70R17 is the largest size that fits without changes. Add a 2″ or 3″ lift, and you can go up to 33” tires. With more work, 35s are also possible.
Choose a size that fits your needs and driving style—and always consider the impact on your truck’s performance and safety.
And if you want to save even more on truck maintenance, don’t forget to grab the New Battery Reconditioning Course. It’s a smart upgrade that saves you money year after year.