Need to buy new tires for your Toyota Tacoma?
Don’t know what tires to get?
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we’re going to list and review the 5 best tires for Toyota Tacoma.
Plus, we’ll talk about the Toyota Tacoma tire sizing.
So shall we?
The 5 Best Tires for Toyota Tacoma
Here are the 5 best tires for the Toyota Tacoma:
- Michelin Defender LTX M/S
- Pirelli Scorpion ATR
- BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
- BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Sport LT
- General Grabber HTS 60
Let’s review each one.
Michelin Defender LTX M/S – Best for All Season
Image source: Tirerack.com
If you’re currently living in an area where you experience all the seasons, then the Michelin Defender LTX M/S is perfect.
It’s a great highway, all-season tire that provides exceptional traction and grip on wet, dry, or slippery roads. These tires come in 15” to 22” sizes with varying loading capacities and tread depths.
The Michelin Defender LTX M/S was made using Michelin’s proprietary “Evertread,”. This is a compound that works to enhance tire durability, lowering the rolling resistance and enhancing its life expectancy by 10%.
What’s more, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S comes with a 70,000 miles manufacturer’s treadwear limited warranty and a 6-year standard limited warranty.
Prices for a single tire start at around $250.
Pirelli Scorpion ATR — Best for Rain
Image source: Tirerack.com
The Pirelli Scorpion ATR is another top-of-the-line tire that’s great for Toyota Tacoma.
Regardless of whether you drive on rough and patchy roads or smooth pavements, this all-terrain hybrid tire can ensure a comfortable and quiet ride.
The reinforced sidewalls provide higher resistance against shock and damage.
The Pirelli Scorpion ATR also features lateral shoulder grooves and central grooves. These remove water on the tires to resist hydroplaning and enhance wet traction.
This makes the Pirelli Scorpion ATR a great choice for wet and rough terrains.
It comes in sizes 15”, 16”, 17”, 18” 20”, and 22”.
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 — Best for Off-Road
Image source: Tirerock.com
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is a great mid-tier choice for drivers who are looking for an on- and off-road tire. It offers exceptional year-round traction and grip, along with excellent durability and comfort.
This tire features a new and improved sidewall that offers double the traction and clawing action necessary to navigate deep dirt, sand, and/or rocks.
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is available in sizes ranging from 15” to 22”. Prices for a single tire start at around $270.
When it comes to driving on snow, the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 meets the industry’s severe snow service requirements. So even with heavy snow, these tires perform excellently.
BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Sport LT — Best High-Technology
Image source: Tirerack.com
This all-season tire is another great choice, especially if you live somewhere with inclement weather.
This tire makes use of a variety of advanced technologies, including BFGoodrich’s Next Generation ETEC (Equal Tension Containment) System — a mechanism that allows the tire’s center rib to maintain continuous contact with the road. This provides better stability and traction.
The BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Sport LT is available in sizes 15” to 22”.
General Grabber HTS 60 — Best for Budget
Image source: Tirerack.com
The General Grabber HTS 60 design combines the elements of durability, comfort, performance, and style in an all-in-one package.
This all-season tire features a robust chip-resistant body that improves tread life.
Additionally, it has a strong continuous center rib flanked with intermediate tread blocks. These enhance road performance.
The General Grabber HTS 60 is available in sizes 15” to 22”. Prices for a single tire start at around $170, making this the most budget-friendly choice on our list.
How Do I Read and Understand Tire Sizes?
Tire sizes can be a confusing topic. But this short guide should help you understand a little bit about how it works.
Let’s use the Toyota Tacoma’s 18-inch wheel as an example.
The 18-inch wheels have a number of P265/60R18 109H. Here’s how it reads:
- The number “265” refers to the tire’s width from one sidewall to the other. This is measured in millimeters.
- The aspect ratio is indicated by the number “60”, which is written as a percentage of the tire’s width.
- The letter “R” in the code stands for “radial tires,” which are one of the most common automotive tire types.
- The number “18” refers to the wheel diameter.
- The number “109” refers to the tire’s load rating.
- And lastly, the “H” refers to the tire’s “speed rating.” H-rated tires have a max speed of 130MPH.
When Should You Replace Your Tires?
Over-used tires tend to crack and chip over time, so it’s a good rule of thumb to replace your tires at least every 6 years or once you’ve gone past your tire’s designated mileage.
Should You Stick With the Toyota Tacoma’s Original Tire Sizes?
Experts recommend that drivers stick with the same total wheel and tire diameter when buying new tires. However, there can be advantages to both upsizing or downsizing your tire sizes.
Benefits of Downsizing:
- Cost reduction
- Better ride quality
- Increased shock-absorption
- Better traction in snow
Benefits of Upsizing:
- Provides better security for rubber
- Offers a much more premium look
- Reduces braking distance
Conclusion
Here is a table of the 5 best tires for Toyota Tacoma:
Best All Season: | Michelin Defender LTX M/S |
Best for Rain: | Pirelli Scorpion ATR |
Best for Off-Road: | BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 |
Best High-Technology: | BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Sport LT |
Best for Budget: | General Grabber HTS 60 |
You can select the one which fits your needs and preferences best.
Just remember to make sure that the tire size fits your Toyota Tacoma model.