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Wheels and tires are probably the most common Tacoma mod and the best way to customize any vehicle, and our Tacomas are no exception. Whether you intend to do some serious off-roading or just cruise down the highway, there are options for you. There are some things to know before diving in.

Stock Tacoma Tire Sizes

Between 1995 and 2018, Toyota did have varying sizes of the wheels and tires for the Tacomas. Even one model year may have different sizes depending on the model you get: base model, PreRunner, etc. If you’ve got stock wheels, it’s best to check your manual to see what the factory tires are supposed to be. That doesn’t mean different sized tires can’t fit, and it doesn’t mean you can’t change your wheels. That’s where customization comes in.

Tacoma Lug Patterns

Your lug pattern is also something to consider if you plan on changing the wheels. You are most likely going to have a five or six lug pattern. Which one you have depends on the model, but you can also always take a glance at yours or check your manual. In most cases, a 4x4 or PreRunner is going to have a six lug pattern (5.5 inch or 137.7mm medium offset), and the rest will have the five-lug pattern (4.5 inch or 114.3 high positive offset).

Regardless if you want traction or looks, a bigger tire on our trucks is a good way to go. From the factory, we have room for a larger tire, but how big can we go? There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting your big tires.

Speedometer Calibration

Your speedometer and odometer will be affected. Both are calibrated by the factory to work with factory wheel and tire sized. Your speed is calculated by the number of rotations your wheels are making. If you pick bigger tires, you are increasing the circumference around the tire, so the distance around it is longer.

Here’s an example. Your 2017 TRD Pro has stock tires that are 265/70R16, but you put 265/60R18s on instead. Your speedometer will read 50 MPH, but you’re actually going 49.86 MPH. That’s not a big difference, but if you drive it frequently and plan to keep it for a while, your odometer will show a false reading. You can reprogram your truck for new wheel sizes to avoid this issue.

Powerloss

A more noticeable issue with larger tires is a loss of power. When you increase the diameter of your wheel, you effectively decrease your rear axle ratio. This will cause a reduction of torque upon acceleration.

Lift Kits & Spacers

Keep in mind that you can only increase your tire and wheel size by so much until you need to lift your truck, get new wheels, or start trimming. Just remember the “3% Rule”. Basically you can increase your tire height or width by 3% before having to change your ride height or wheels. In numbers, this is about 1 inch of height and about .3 inches of width.

If you lift your Tacoma, you can get away with bigger tires. A good way to remember how big of a tire you can have is to think one inch: one inch of lift can allow one inch more height in your tires. This does not apply to the width of the tires. Width depends on the backspacing of your wheels.

Legal Note: If your wheels and tires are wide enough to where they extend beyond the body of your truck, you may have to buy fender flares or mud flaps to cover the excess protrusion. Some states in the US require wheels to be covered. Check with your state laws to be on the safe side.

*There are not many viable options for stock wheels with a three-inch lift. A common width for tires on a Tacoma with a three in lift is 285mm, so the tires sizes are based around that. We are going to skip the 15” wheels for obvious reasons.

When it comes to buying tires and rims, there are plenty of options to choose from. It all depends on your budget, where you are planning on driving, and personal taste. What looks good to you may not look good to someone else. To help you out, however, let’s take a look at some popular options. I will focus more on the size of wheel and tire, and not so much on the style of the wheels themselves. Again, that comes down to personal preference.

Popular Tacoma Tires

BFGoodrich KO2's

For people with 16” wheels, a common choice on the forums are the 265/75 R16 KO2s by BFGoodrich. You can generally get them for around $150 to $180 each. Reviews on TireRack rate them at around nine out of ten. Tacoma users say they have some great snow traction and they have a long life to them. For the biggest sized tire you can get with no lift on a 16” wheel and best all-terrain performance, it looks like it’s hard to beat.

You can check them out and purchase them on TireRack or Amazon.

General Grabber AT2's

For about $150 each, Taco drivers on 17” wheels tend to like General Grabber AT2 265/70 R17. They are aggressive-looking, and seem to perform well on and off-road, and have a long life. If you’re looking for the max tire size on a 17” wheel without lifting your truck, this could be the choice for you.

You can check them out and purchase them on TireRack or Amazon.

Cooper Discoverers

At the same size as the Grabbers, Cooper’s Discoverer is a common option as well. Though not as rushed after as the other, it still gets decent reviews, and at less than $150 each, they are a pretty good deal. For day to day driving, it's an all-around good tire.

You can check them out and purchase them on TireRack or Amazon.

Nitto Terra Grappler G2's

A final option, while closer to the $200 mark, is the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 (there's are what I have). They are an aggressive-looking all-terrain with good reviews. The Nittos are popular on a number of off-roading sites, which should give you confidence in them being able to conquer most terrains.

You can check them out and purchase them on Amazon.

Now that we've gotten through some of the more popular tires Tacoma owners lean toward, let's dive into wheels by starting with discussing offset.

Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT

If you’re looking for a decent all around tire, don’t want to spend a lot per tire, but also don’t want to go too cheap, the Wrangler TrailRunner AT by Goodyear may be a good option for you. At about $175 per tire with a 6 year/55,000 mile warranty, you’re getting a pretty good deal. The chip and tear-resistant tread is aggressive enough for moderate off-road conditions, and quiet on the streets. While they don’t claim to be able to handle severe mud or snow, all of your average (and slightly above average) needs should be met with these tires!

Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max

There are plenty of tires that “do it all,” but Goodyear came out swinging with the Assurance CS Fuel Max. It can “do it all” and more. While this tire is best for the streets, it can also tackle some off-roading as well. However, the tread design and compound is what makes this tire unique. It is designed to have a low rolling resistance, which means longer wear, a quiet ride, and better fuel economy for you.

The two tread zones give you the best of both worlds: handling and safety. The outer tread is crafted to give you better handling with a sportier feel, while the inner tread will make sure that during wet conditions, your Tacoma stays planted. At about $215 per tire, you get a lot of bang for your buck.

Kumho Road Venture AT51

While the Road Venture AT51 by Kumho is supposed to be an all-terrain tire, it excels at moderate off-road conditions. The aggressive tread pattern will tackle gravel, sand, snow, and mud with ease. However, if things get too deep, you might find some trouble. There is a trade off though. While the tread pattern will be no problem off-road, it can get a little noisy at highway speeds. At just over $140 per tire, you’ll get a good tire that can handle a lot!

Michelin LTX A/T2

If budget isn’t much of an issue, the Michelin LTX A/T2 tires are one of more expensive on the list at just over $300 each. However, remember that you get what you pay for. While the six year/60,000 mile warranty is average, the tire is not. Some impressive research and development has gone into these tires. The advanced rubber compound not only gives you some of the best grip that an all-terrain tire can, but it delivers it with low noise, better fuel mileage, and even wear.

Owners love the amount of miles they get from these tires. With the tread designed to last mile after mile, long highway haulers have been putting that to the test and getting well over 100,000 miles off these. While these are more expensive per tire, if they are lasting double or more over cheaper ones, what’s not to love?

Hankook Dynapro MT

If you need a tire that can handle mud, the Dynapro MT by Hankook is it. While it is technically an all-season tire, the wide and aggressive tread design will make mud issues a thing of the past. The tires are designed to assist with steering, and prevent damage from sharp objects. While these will make mud your best friend, you can of course drive these on the road, sand, and snow as well. Tacoma owners agree that these are some great options if you need need some mud tires.

Wheel Offset

One of the more common questions people have when they start looking at wheels is "what on earth is offset"? The offset of a wheel is the distance from its hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel.

Offset can only be one of three types, zero offset, positive offset, and negative offset. These are all measured in millimeters.

Zero Offset: The mounting surface is even with the centerline of the wheel.

Positive Offset: The mounting surface is located in the front half of the wheel closer to the wheel face. Positive offset wheels are typically found on front-wheel-drive cars and newer rear-wheel-drive cars. You will typically never find these on a Tacoma.

Negative Offset: The mounting surface is located in the back half of the wheel closer to the back lip flange. This moves the wheel out away from the vehicle brakes and suspension. The wheels you see on many lifted Tacomas are typically going to have a negative offset.

Here's a great image that shows the difference between the three.

Popular Tacoma Wheels

Fuel Off-Road Assault Wheels

Fuel Off-Road Assault Wheels are probably one of the most aggressive looking aftermarket wheels you can buy for your Tacoma. These wheels feature a one-piece cast construction to ensure maximum stiffness while keeping the weight of the wheel low. They are extremely durable and make your truck look like a million bucks. They typically run around $150 - $250 per wheel.

You can check them out and purchase them here.

HELO HE878 Wheels

The HELO HE878 wheels provide more of a rugged look for your Toyota Tacoma. These wheels were crafted from heavy-duty materials using avant-garde technologies and industry-leading equipment while providing extreme attention to detail to give you the look and style you are looking for. They typically run around $160 - $260 per wheel.

You can check them out and purchase them here.

KMC XD301 Wheels

The KMC XD3001 wheels are built for Tacoma owners looking for an extremely lightweight, strong, and yes... race-tested wheel. These wheels are road-tough and provide a perfect balance of performance and reliability. Just because they are lightweight and race-tested, don't think for a minute they won't hold up to off-roading, because they will and Tacoma owners love them. They typically run about $140 to $200 per wheel.

You can check them out and purchase them here.

Method MR306 Mesh Wheels

The Method MR306 Mesh wheel is crafted from a single piece of strong, lightweight aluminum alloy. It features a split, six-spoke design that gives it a timeless, yet aggressive look. This wheel is one of the only wheels on the market that is built with a mesh design with a simulated beadlock on the lip. these wheels are a perfect addition to any Toyota Tacoma. They typically run about $140 to $200 per wheel.

You can check them out and purchase them here.

TRD Pro Matte Black Wheels

The TRD Pro wheels are definitely my favorite, that's why I have them on my Toyota Tacoma. These 17 inch wheels are matte black and have the red TRD logo in the center. They are machined out of light weight aluminum and are perfect for giving you a custom look, while retaining Toyota branding. These are a little on the expensive side, running around $190 to $220 per wheel.

You can check them out and purchase them here.

Fuel Beast

If you want a basic design that has been taken to the next step, the Beast by Fuel could be the option for you. The iconic six spoke design is sleek with no frills from excessive angles. The clean bends in the metal offset by the black and dark tinted machined colors really give a subtle edge of impressive looks to this wheel. Fuel makes some very popular wheels for the Tacoma, and wheels like this are why!

FN Konig Six Shooter

If you want a subtle sporty look on your Taocma, the Konig Six Shooter by FN Wheels might be what you want to consider. The six spoke design is rounded and smooth. No harsh angles allow for a flowing design. You can choose between matte black and gunmetallic for a more conservative “truck” look, or be bold and choose the matte bronze for a sporty appearance.

Ultra Motorsports Maverick

When you can’t decide between a mean or flashy looks, the Maverick by Ultra Motorsports lets you have both. The sharp angles usher in a feeling of aggressive style, while chrome accents show the flashy side. However, if you want to go full flashy, you can opt for just chrome! These unique wheels are cast out of aluminum, and are sure to turn some heads.

Pro Comp 7069

Nothing beats the look of an old school racing wheel sometimes, and that is exactly what Pro Comp did when they designed their 69 Series 7069 wheels. While they may be more inexpensive at only around $150 per wheels, they give an expensive look. Racing wheels add a touch of sporty and aggressive looks to your Tacoma. You get one color option: black. However, would you need anything else with a wheel like this?

Mickey Thompson Sidebiter II

Did you think they only made tires? The satin black finish on these Sidebiter II’s by Mickey Thompson add a touch of aggressive class to your Tacoma. The seven spoke design is made up of some classy cuts and angles that make this different from others on the market. The center cap is a pop-top style that gives easy access to the wheel hubs. These wheels are even backed by a lifetime warranty.

In closing, there are tons of options for both wheels and tires for your Tacoma. At the end of the day, it all depends on budget and taste. If you can lift your truck, you have more options. If you can get new wheels, you have more options. As long as you keep in mind the speedometer and odometer changes, as well as potential rubbing issues if you go too big, then you'll be fine. People love to add mods to their Tacoma trucks, so make your truck yours!

Image Credits:

BFGoodrich KO2 – User Mauiboi84 on Tacoma World

General Grabber AT2 – User Mtbkrguy on Tacoma World

Cooper Discoverer – User Maticuno on Tacoma World

Nitto Terra Grappler G2 – User texastaco11 on Tacoma World

Fuel Assualt - User Gone Country on Tacoma World

Helo - User Chestytaco on Tacoma World

KMC XD - User Taco_lv on Tacoma World

Method MR306 - User Kmorris45 on Tacoma World

Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT - Courtesy of Amazon

Goodyear Assurance - Courtesy of Amazon

Michelin LTX - Courtesy of Amazon

Kumho Road Venture - Courtesy of Amazon

Hankook Dynapro MT - Courtesy of Amazon

Fuel Beast - Courtesy of TacomaWorld.com user Kuneff

FN Six Shooter - Courtesy of TacomaWorld.com user Gingerbeard Man

Ultra Motorsports Maverick - Courtesy of TacomaWorld.com user Beagler282

Pro Comp 7069 - Courtesy of TacomaWorld.com user solarservant

Mickey Thompson Sidebiter II - Courtesy of TacomaWorld.com user beaz78

 

Wheel Offset - Lesschwab.com

* Please note that some of these links are affiliate links and we make a small commission if you purchase the product.

Trucks are made to haul. Toyota Tacomas do so exceptionally well. With up to a 6-foot bed, there is almost no limit to what you can carry around. Bed mats are a great addition to your truck and one of the more popular Tacoma accessories that are added. The reason being, they help you get the most out of your hauling.

Bed mats are great for a couple of things: they help keep things in place, and they help protect your bed. From the factory, the Tacoma bed has ridges that run the length of the bed, and the plastic material is textured. Both of these features help with keeping your load in one place and assist with other functions such as channeling rainwater.

The stock plastic, however, is easy to scrape up with heavy and sharp loads such as logs, rocks, or scrap metal. While you’re supposed to do this with a truck, sometimes you weekend movers want to keep your ride looking good. Maybe you don’t want to hear the scraping or some rocks shifting as you accelerate and brake.

Benefits of Rubber Bed Mats

Bed mats are generally made out of thick rubber. Rubber is a soft, flexible material, but also extremely durable. Rubber also absorbs impacts, which helps with two concerns: damage and noise. When your load impacts the rubber surface, the rubber will absorb the impact and distribute the force over a greater surface area. In doing so, it will flex, then regain its original shape. This will help protect your bed from chipping, cracking, denting, and other related damage.

With rubber being much softer over plastic and metal, it also absorbs sound. You no longer have to worry about an ear jarring slam when tossing in your junk. If you have anything loose rolling around in the back (which you should not, but if you do), you won’t have to hear the constant scraping and rolling across the harder material. If you’ve been in this situation before, you know that sound resonates throughout the whole truck, and if the item is large enough, you can feel it. That gets very annoying. 

Benefits of Carpet Bed Mats

Some are made of carpet as well. Think of them as a large floor mat that you might find in the interior of your truck. While these offer the same basic protections as the rubber mats, they might be a little cheaper. However, they may not be as thick as the rubber ones, and they can absorb moisture which could lead to mildew and mold. Due to the carpet nature, they are also harder to clean.

Mats Protect From What You Can’t See

When you throw stuff in your bed, it’s easy to see what can cause damage. Over time, there is another culprit of damage: the sun. With its deadly UV rays, the sun will destroy any vehicle over time. Without a physical cover, some type of chemical or protecting fluid/formula, or shade, the UV rays will destroy everything. Paint will fade, plastic and cloth will fade and become brittle, leather will crack, and so on. A bed mat will create a physical barrier between your bed and the sun to help protect the stock coating of your bed (paint or plastic).

A downside to having this cover is the potential for rust. A cover, by definition, covers whatever is under it. Water can become trapped, and if you have a metal bed, this can lead to some serious rust. Rain can easily find its way under the mat. After all, the mats are not designed to keep rain away. Water will have a hard time evaporating, as it will have nowhere to evaporate. During mornings when you find your ride covered in dew, the same thing may be happening under the mat. While beds are designed to help channel water out, small areas may still hold on to the moisture. Over time, damage may occur.

To avoid this, you might want to remove your mat every now and then and inspect the surface of your bed for any troubled areas. Try to dry off the areas, and you may need to tread any rust if it’s developing.

Cleanup Is Easy

While hosing down a bed is not particularly hard, a textured surface may be a pain if mud cakes in it, or you’re dealing with a sticky load, such as wood covered in tree sap. A mat can either be hosed off in the same way, but even easier is the fact that it can be removed and cleaned outside of the truck.

Cost of a Tacoma Bed Mat

For what bad mats accomplish, they are very inexpensive. Prices range from $40 to about $200, but the average is going to be around $80-$100. There is no installation cost since you just throw them in (and maybe hold them down with one bolt), so after shipping and tax, you have nothing else to worry about.

Some Popular Bed Mat Options

As always, here are some popular options that our Tacoma lovers recommend. These brands are sourced from Taco forums, Facebook groups, and more. As always, find what works best for you and your budget. There isn’t too much that separates these mats apart except for maybe thickness and type of rubber, so support the brand that works best for you.

WeatherTech Tacoma Bed Mat

For around $170, WeatherTech offers a durable liner and options for a tailgate liner as well. Though more on the expensive side, the great technology that they have in their floor mats gets carried over to the bed mats for superior protection, durability, and lifetime warranty. You can check it out here.

Tacoma OEM Bed Mat

At just over $110, Toyota offers a mat that they make. It is made specifically for the Tacoma, so you can be sure to get a direct fit. With it coming from Toyota, you know that it will be of good quality. Toyota offers both a carpet and rubber model that you can get from the factory, or online. I have this one in my Tacoma and I love it. You can check it out here.

BedRug Tacoma Bed Mat

Around $55-75 will get you a good carpet mat from BedRug. It also comes with a lifetime warranty and is UV resistant. For closer to $450, they have a mat that covers all the sidewalls of your bed as well. I have a couple of friends who have these and they swear by them. You can check it out here.

Here’s a bit of a wild card, but if you want to make something completely custom, horse stall mats are a great way to get that done. Here on Amazon you can get them in different sizes. You can cut them to size to make the type of bed mat that you want! 

Image Credits

WeatherTech - Courtesy of WeatherTech

Toyota Mat - Courtesy of Toyota Canada

BegRug - Courtesy of Truck Accessories Plus

Tacoma Bed Mat - Courtesy of Tacoma World User Texaslaw

* Please note that some of these links are Amazon affiliate links and we make a small commission if you purchase the product.

You don’t get to be one of the best selling mid sized trucks on the market by offering a one size fits all approach. The Toyota Tacoma has always been about options, trim levels, and more to make sure truck shoppers get exactly what they want. Tacoma takes this almost beyond what any other manufacturer does. From a simple work truck, to ultimate luxury, to an off-road beast, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma has you covered. Let’s dive into the different trim levels you can get.

Please keep in mind that all prices, specs, and options reflect the current time this article is written, which will cover the 2021 models. All information comes directly from Toyota’s website and other industry leading websites.

Tacoma SR

Starting at just $26,250, this is your least expensive option for getting into the Tacoma market. For that price, you are going to get one heck of a dependable and capable truck. After all, that is what the Tacoma is known for! However, this is the “no frills” model. Keep in mind that prices will change with options! 

Options are more on the limited side, but Toyota built this truck in mind for two things: to give people an inexpensive and dependable truck, and for work. This is the truck you can beat up and not feel too bad about.

For the SR, the 3.5L V6 that makes 278 horsepower and 265 foot pounds of torque is standard, and you don’t have the option of the 2.7L four cylinder. That engine comes paired with a six speed automatic transmission which can give up to 19 MPG city and 24 MPG highway (depending on options). You do have the option to select either a double cab or access cab, which will also give you a five foot short bed or six foot standard bed respectively. Four-wheel drive is standard for the double cab, but you can select two-wheel or four-wheel drive on the access cab, in a sub trim category.

Depending on which size SR you choose (access cab, bed length, etc), the 2021 Toyota Tacoma SR can have a payload capacity up to 1,525 pounds, a tongue load up to 680 pounds, and can tow up 6,400 pounds.

The only major optional packages for the SR would be the ability to select a tonneau cover and the SX Package. The SX Package give you black 16 inch alloy wheels, overfenders, mirror caps, door handles, and headlight bezels. It’s the best way to dress up you SR from the factory without having to go the aftermarket route. All come standard with a seven inch touch screen, three USB ports, and fabric seats.

Tacoma SR5

For just a bit more starting at $28,040, this is where you can really start building the Tacoma that you want. I like to think of the SR5 Tacoma and Tundra trims to be a bit of a blank canvas when it comes to Toyota trucks. Out of the box, you get a nicer version of the SR, but this is where the options and packages can be selected to build the Tacoma just for you.

The first major difference would be the option of the 2.7L four cylinder which makes 159 horsepower and 180 foot pounds of torque. While only available with the 2WD access cab with a six foot bed, if your goal is the best MPG rating, this engine will give you up to 20 MPG city and 23 MPG highway. The 2WD double cab with five foot bed and 4WD double cab with six foot bed only come with 3.5L V6 I covered before.

Depending on the cab size and bed length, payload capacity is up to 1,685 pounds, tongue load is down from the SR slightly to 670 pounds, and towing capacity is up to 6,700 pounds.

Unlike the SR, the SR5 starts allowing more creature comforts. An 8 inch touchscreen is standard, and you have the option to upgrade to the Premium Audio and Dynamic Navigation system. This gives you more speakers, supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alex, and so much more. For some combinations, you can upgrade to black 16 inch wheels as well. You can also load up with more technology packages that include a host of sensors for parking and blind spots.

The SR5 Appearance Package gives you 16 inch dark gray alloy wheels, and color-keyed overfenders. The most unique option though would be the Trail Special Edition Package. This gives you TRD off-road wheels and tires, lockable bed storage, unique badging, grille, and seats, a 120v bed outlet, and all-weather floor liners.

Keep in mind that options can turn this affordable Tacoma into a truck that’s close to $40,000! If you find yourself loading up with luxury or off-roading features, you may want to look into the next trim levels.

Tacoma TRD Sport

Some Tacomas will never see dirt. Let’s face it: yes, these are durable and capable trucks, but they also look good. Some people buy them just because they want to. If you’re looking for a little extra bling for your highway commutes, the TRD Sport is probably your best option.

Ironically, there is not much “sport” to the TRD Sport. It is mostly cosmetic: an appearance package over the base (SR/SR5) models. Starting at $33,160, the TRD Sport offers body-colored bumpers and fender flares, a non-functional hood scoop, 17-inch wheels with street tires, a "sport-tuned" suspension, and a front air dam attached at the base of the front bumper. 

Of course the premium audio system optional in the SR5 is standard here, but you have even higher level audio systems that you can choose from as well. 10-way fabric power adjustable seats are standard, but now leather is on option too. Of course your steering wheel and shifter are dressed in leather as well.

You can get the TRD Sport with a 2WD access cab with a six foot bed, 2WD double cab with a five foot bed, or a 4WD double cab with a five foot bed. The 3.5L V6 is the only engine available, but if you’re focusing on some sporty driving, you’ll want the power and performance from the V6, which comes with the six speed automatic. Payload capacity is up to 1,525 pounds depending on options, tongue load is up to 680 pounds, and the maximum towing capacity is up to 6,800 pounds.

The most unique feature would be the addition of the the sport-tuned suspension. That means that it is stiffer. There is less body-roll and less flex, which makes it ideal for driving on pavement. You want your truck’s suspension to flex when you’re driving over rocks, but you don’t want that if you have to quickly change lanes on a highway.

Since this is a TRD, you get access to more packages as well such as the TRD Premium Sport Package which adds heated seats and a better audio package.

In the event you were wondering: TRD stands for “Toyota Racing Development.” This is Toyota’s in-house tuning shop for all Toyota, Lexus, and formerly Scion cars. TRD is responsible both for improving street cars for more performance and supporting Toyota's racing interests around the world.

Tacoma TRD Off-Road

With a base price of $34,414, the Off-Road trim for the Toyota Tacoma is a great starting place for those weekend warriors who like to do some off-roading, hill climbing, and tackle other similar terrain. Some of the goodies you get include Bilstein shock absorbers, locking rear differential, Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select, and 16-in wheels.

These are some pricey modifications that many would do to their truck for off-roading, and you can get them from the factory here. The shocks help absorb the bumps and rattles of the rough terrain while the locking differential keeps power going through both wheels for extra traction. Speaking of extra traction, the Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select are great features to help get the most help from your truck while off-roading, and they are not really something you can get aftermarket. The tires and fenders are more durable over the stock equivalents, and the smaller wheels assist in off-road capabilities compared to the larger 17 inch ones on the Pro.

With like the Sport, the 3.5L V6 is the only engine you can get at this trim. However, there are some other combinations! You can get a 2WD double cab with a five foot bed, but things get different with the optional 4WD access cab with six foot bed, and 4WD double cab with five foot bed.

Being built for off-road, payload is down to a max of 1,395 pounds, but of TRD Off-Road keeps a high tongue load of a max 670 pounds and a max towing capacity of 6,700 pounds. The technology packages available with the Sport are also available here, as well as the TRD Premium Off-Road Package, which offers the same heated seats and upgraded audio system.

Of course inside are all the goodies available with the Sport both optional and standard.

TRD Limited

While a lot of people get trucks for utilitarian and off-road purposes, some people like trucks because they just want truck! They want something bigger. These people also tend to like a bit more luxury. Enter the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Limited: the luxury Tacoma. Starting at $39,005, this truck makes you feel like a million bucks! The amount of options on this trim actually goes down quite a bit. One, it already has most of the best features standard, and two, the off-road options are just not available.

Let’s get this out of the way... This is still a very capable vehicle off-road and for utilitarian work because it is still a Tacoma, but let’s face it: most people getting this will see a gravel or grass parking lot at the most.

Outside are all the fancy options Toyota has, and most is standard. You get a silver grille, moonroof, 18 inch polished wheels, and more. Inside is also the best of the best standard: wireless phone charging, 10-way power leather seat, leather steering wheel and shift knob, and the best sound and entertainment system available.

Unique to the Limited is the Nightshade Special Edition Package. If you like to black out your truck, you can do it from the factory! This comes with 18 inch dark smoke wheels, black wheel locks and lug nuts, exhaust tip, mirror caps, fog light bezels, badging and door handles, and carbon-style black grille.

You don’t get to choose many combinations with this trim. The 3.5L V6 is the only engine choice, and you can only select a double cab with a five foot bed. You do get the choice of two or four-wheel drive. Payload capacity is down to a low (compared to the other trims) 1,345 pounds max. Tongue load is at 660 pounds max, with a maximum towing capacity of 6,600 pounds.

Tacoma TRD Pro

Now for the moment many of you have been waiting for: the top of the line 2021 Tacoma TRD Pro! While this is the most expensive model starting at $44,175, this what you get if you want a serious off-road machine from the factory. And yes, that means you also get a factory warranty on the beast! If you’re beyond the weekend warrior status when it comes to off-roading, or perhaps you just want the best money can buy for a factory Tacoma, the Pro comes with everything the Off Road does plus tons of extras.

There are not many options at all for this trim. It has most of the best packages, and the rest is just what you get.

Fox off-road suspension with front coilovers and remote reservoir rear shock absorbers, TRD front skid plate, 16 inch Black TRD wheels, and a larger anti-sway bar are all some of the extra performance goodies you get. Let’s not forget about the TRD cat-back exhaust as well. The exterior is also decked out in exclusive TRD trim.

The interior not only comes with the top of the line options, but it’s call clad in unique TRD styling you can’t get elsewhere: seats, mats, shifter, and more.

You can only get a four-wheel drive double cab with the 3.5L V6, but you do have the option between a six speed automatic or manual! Payload capacity is the lowest at 1,135 pounds, and so is the tongue load and towing capacity at 640 and 6,400 pounds respectively.

When you think of Toyota, you think of more inexpensive, yet reliable vehicles. This does stray from the “inexpensive” side, and seems to be priced closer to some well specced out full sized trucks. You do get a lot of truck for the money, so there is a reason. Just remember that when it comes to options, you can get mud-flaps.

Wrapping Up

So, what have we learned? Hopefully all you need to know about the 2021 Tacoma line up! If you need a truck strictly for work, the SR is the trim for you. If you want a truck that you can build to be whatever you want, then look at the SR5. If you want to tackle the highways in style and performance, the TRD Sport is for you. If you want luxury from the factory, I would suggest the Limited. If you want some great off-road performance, it’s hard to beat the TRD Off-Road. Well, maybe you can if you want a Tacoma that says, “I’m here, and I can do anything.” In that case, look no further than the TRD Pro. 

Whichever you decide, there is a Tacoma for you!

Images Credits:

Limited and TRD Pro - Toyota

All Others - AutoBlog

Here at Empyre Off-Road, we offer numerous visual upgrades for your Toyota Tundra. But what about the Tundras from the factory? What upgrades and options can you get from Toyota? Let’s take a moment to focus on and learn the difference between the 2021 Toyota Tundra, and the trim levels that you can get from the factory.

To start, there are six different trim levels that you can get for the 2021 Toyota Tundra: SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, and the TRD Pro. Each comes with its own price tag, standard features, and options. Let’s dive in.

Note: All models listed are the 2021 models, and accurate as of March, 2021. All prices are MSRP from Toyota. Local dealer prices may vary. All Tundras come with the 5.7L V8 and get and EPA estimated 13 miles per gallon city, and 17 miles per gallon highway.

Tundra SR

The Toyota Tundra is known for being a dependable truck. There is even a well documented case of one traveling over 1,000,000 miles! Thankfully, you don’t need a high-end model to do that. The base model Tundra is the SR. Coming in at a base price of $33,825, it is the least expensive trim level offered.

Even at the low price, you are still getting plenty of truck! Like all Tundras, you get the tough 5.7L V8 which will get you 13 MPG city and 17 MPG highway. Let’s be real… You’re not getting a powerful truck to save trees, but might be hauling them!

Standard features on the single cab truck are the 6.5 foot bed, heated mirrors, and mud guards. Optional features include running boards, and a deck rail system. Since this is one of the most popular models for work trucks, cloth is standard on the interior. However, a seven inch touch screen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard as well!

The standard 5.7L V8 mated to a six speed automatic transmission will get you 381 horsepower and 401 foot-pounds of torque. Real-wheel drive drive is standard, and the only option, but with the standard tow package included, you can tow up to 10,200 pounds. If you are getting this as a work truck, you have the optional SR Work Truck Package that will replace the cloth seats and carpeted floor with durable vinyl.

If you are looking for a dependable truck with all of the creature comforts you need without a big price tag, or if you want a durable fleet truck that can take a beating on the job site, the Toyota Tundra SR is probably the truck for you.

Tundra SR5

For just a bit more over the cost of the SR at $35,515, you can get quite a bit more truck. Granted, this trim level does have more optional packages and features, and of course those add up. The most notable standard features would be the double cab and 6.5 foot bed! Visually are more noticeable standard features like extra chrome trim and halogen fog lights.

When it comes to power, it’s the same dependable and respectable numbers of the SR trim. You also get the seven inch touch screen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but you have a few options packages at your disposal that will give you much better speaker options and more them, as well as a bigger eight in screen. Size matters.

Options are where the SR5 starts to shine. Available is the TRD Off-Road SR5 grade that gets you better wheels, better shocks, multiple skid plates, front tow hooks, LED headlights and fog lights, a push button start, durable floor mats, and so much more. If you want to do any type of off-roading while having peace of mind, you need that package.

If you’re planning on staying on the road more and want a bit more flash, there is also the optional TRD Sport package. This will give you stylish 20 inch wheels, better shocks, front and rear anti-sway bars, LED headlights and fog lights, upgraded floor mats and shift knob, decals, the iconic hood scoop, and more. This is the package you need to get the most out of the streets, and you can with the SR5.

Other packages allow parking sensors, bucket seats, larger fuel tank, and more. That is the best feature about the SR5: you basically start with a “blank canvas” of a Tundra (which is still a great truck), but you then have the ability with options to build an incredible truck to do whatever you want: tackle rock, tackle the streets, or whatever.

Tundra Limited

While the Tundra is a truck built for work and off-roading at heart, many people get trucks because they just like trucks! However, when you’re more focused on luxury and want to add some class to your truck, Toyota offers the Tundra Limited trim level. However, luxury comes at a price, and the base MSRP is $44,405.

For that price, you do get some of the more high-end options as standard. This includes things like LED headlights and fog lights, chrome accents and trim, 10 way adjustable leather seats, leather steering wheel, push button start, the premium audio package with navigation and an 8 inch screen, and 20 inch wheels, just to name a few.

While the tow package is still standard, you do drop a little to a max towing capacity of only 9,400 pounds, but that is still nothing to laugh at. Limited owners still get the same great engine with the same great horsepower and torque attached to the six speed automatic. Real-wheel drive is the only option for this trim. 

There are a smaller number of packages offered, but most features are standard anyway! The Nightshade Special Edition package is unique for those who like to black their trucks out: wheels, chrome, exhaust, and more! You can also get this TRD Off-Road Limited Grade package as well, if you want to take your luxury truck across the wilderness. While some features are unique with the Limited Grade TRD Off-Road trim, expect skid plates, upgrades shocks, and more.

The Limited trim is luxury, but to get the most luxury and convenience out of this trim, you’ll want to upgrade to the Limited Premium Package. This comes with all the convenient parking sensors, the best audio package available, and more.

However, even with all of that, Toyota can offer you even MORE luxury...

Tundra Platinum

Enter the Toyota Tundra Platinum trim. At $49,045 you’re getting the second most expensive base price Tundra that Toyota has to offer. For that price, you’re getting the best of the best that Toyota has to offer in a luxury truck (next to the 1794 Edition, which I’ll cover in a second.)

Chrome takes a bit of back seat with this trim. While you can find it on the truck, Toyota went for a more “professional” approach. In addition to that, chrome accents such as bumper covers and grilles are not even options for this trim. “Off-road” features such as front tow hooks are also dropped, and there are no TRD packages available either. You can have optional running boards and a spray on bedliner.

What does come standard are more of creature comforts. Of course this includes parking sensors and some of the best seats available: a leather trimmed, heated and cooled, 12 way adjustable driver seat. Premium floor mats, a leather steering wheel, and push button start are also standard.

You only get one entertainment option, but it is the best one that Toyota has to offer. The 12 speaker system is controlled with an eight inch touch screen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation is included as well, in the event you don’t want to use the navigation on your phone.

Power is the same 5.7L V8 and six speed transmission as in the other trims, and tow capacity is again at the “luxury amount” of 9,400 pounds. This CrewMax comes with a 5.5 foot bed.

Like the SR trim, the Platinum trim level also does not have many available packages that you can add. However, that’s because you already have the best when you choose this! The biggest downside about the Platinum trim and the lack of off-road options. However, if you are in the market for this truck, this thing will probably never leave the pavement.

Tundra 1794

Tied at the second highest price for a Toyota Tundra is the 1794 trim level. This section will be a bit on the shorter side because feature wise, it is almost identical to the Platinum trim. The biggest difference is the theme: this truck is Western. The Tundra is built in San Antonio, Texas in the USA. The location of the plant is on land that Toyota Purchased from the oldest working cattle ranch in Texas. Spanish colonist Juan Ignacio de Casanova founded the land in 1794, so to commemorate the land’s history, Toyota developed this edition.

It shares all the class and “fancy” of the Platinum, but you’ll find brown leather and special badges that really give this truck a Western feel. Despite the west being synonymous with hard working and tough, it has the lower towing capacity. However, it’s still a Tundra!

This truck is for those who want the ultimate in luxury from a Tundra, but own cowboy boots and hats.

Tundra TRD Pro

And finally… The truck many of you have been waiting for: The Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. This is the Tundra that can do it all, and it does it with class, style, and muscle. Coming in at $53,200, there is not much this truck can’t do or offer.

Standard are all the best off-road features you want such as LED headlights and fog lights, front tow hooks, skid plates, FOX front and rear suspension components, a 38 gallon fuel tank, and more.

Inside are unique TRD trimmed six way adjustable seats paired with the TRD pro grille, TRD floor mats and shift knob. The premium audio system is the only option: 12 speaker system, eight inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and so much more.

While power comes from the same engine as the other trims, the 381 horsepower now rumble out of a TRD only dual black-chrome-tipped stainless steel exhaust system. What’s even better is that all those horses are put to the ground through four-wheel drive on 18 inch TRD Pro wheels! Since this truck is built more for tackling the great outdoors, it actually comes with the lowest towing capacity of 9,200 pounds. 

While you can’t get any additional packages added to it, the TRD Pro is the best all around Tundra for great out-of-the-box performance on and off road.

Wrapping Up

So, what have we learned? Hopefully all you need to know about the 2021 Tundra line up! If you need a truck strictly for work, the SR is the trim for you. If you want a truck that you can build to be whatever you want, then look at the SR5. If you want luxury from the factory, but still want the option to tackle some off-roading, I would suggest the Limited. If all you want is style in the best form the Toyota Tundra offers, the Platinum or 1794 time levels are ready for you. If you want a Tundra that looks good, and can kick butt both on the pavement and be your overland partner on the weekends, you have to get the TRD Pro.

Whichever you decide, there is a Tundra for you!

Toyota Tacoma is one of the best selling mid-sized trucks on the market. It’s affordable, has a great aftermarket, plenty of options from the factory, and it is a very capable and dependable truck both on and off-road. What if you need something a little bigger? Toyota is no slouch to that market either, and can offer you the Toyota Tundra. It carries over many of the same attributes as its little brother, but bigger!

However, does bigger mean better? Let’s take a look to see how these two compare to each other. While I know there is a class difference between these trucks, it’s worth taking a look at in the event you can’t decide between which you want.

While both trucks have been on the market for some time, and both have undergone many changes over the years, we’re going to focus on the newest models as of writing this article. All of the information is based on the 2021 models listed on Toyota’s website and other sources.

* Options not available on all models

** Up to, with applicable packages/options

Trims, Sizes, and Prices

The Tacoma offers six trim levels (SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro) and the Toyota Tundra offers six as well (SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, and TRD Pro). Overall, each trim level offers the same amount of options for each truck. For example, the SR is going to be able to have the extra durable “work truck” features. The SR5 is where you can really build almost any truck you want, and you have the most options at your disposal.

Beyond that, things get a little different in terms of the type of options, but not amount of options. What does that mean? From the factory, the Tundra gives you more unique trim levels and is very TRD friendly. For example, TRD Sport is a trim level for the Tacoma, but only an option for the Tundra, and only available on certain trims. The more you look into it, the more you realize the Tacoma trims are more “playful,” while the Tundra ones seem more “sophisticated.” 

The Tacoma offers the same Limited trim level that the Tundra does, but that’s where the luxury trims stop. If you want more luxury in the Tundra, you have to look into optional packages and features. The Tundra ups the luxury with two more trims: Platinum and 1794 Edition. The caveat is that it drops more of the sporty and off-road abilities as well.  While Tacoma can tackle the wilderness in almost any trim with certain options, some of the Tundra trims seem best on the wild highways instead.

However, size and luxury comes at a price. Base models are almost $7,000 apart, and the highest priced models (without options) are about $9,000 apart. However, almost all trim levels can be drastically increased in price with Toyotas healthy amount of options (depending on the trim), but generally speaking, the Tundra will be more.

Drivetrain

Toyota offers two well proven engines for the Tacoma that make respectable power, and are known to be quite reliable. The Tundra limits your options to one big and bad V8.

The Tacoma allows you to select the 2.7L four cylinder, or the 3.5L V6 depending on the trim.  They make 159 and 278 horsepower and 180 and 265 foot pounds of torque respectively. The Tundra comes out swinging with 381 horsepower and 401 foot pounds of torque.

However, the bigger engine kills the mileage of the Tundra. While to be fair, you’re generally not buying a big and powerful truck to save the trees, it still could be a bit of a shock to your wallet. The four cylinder in the Tacoma allows up to 20 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. While not Prius numbers, that is very respectable for a truck designed to do hard work. The massive V8 in the Tundra only allows 13 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway.

Tacoma offers a six speed manual and automatic transmission depending on the model. The Tundra only comes with a six speed automatic. While some are complaining that six speeds are now becoming outdated for automatics, the transmissions in the Toyotas are tried and true.

Towing and Off-Road

The Tacoma is known for being able to tow and carry pretty much anything, as well as being able to go anywhere. Tacoma and off-road go hand in hand. The TRD Pro is built for it, and there are package options for the other trims as well. Not enough from the factory? The aftermarket for the Tacoma is extremely vast. With the Tundra, the numbers may be bigger up front for towing and hauling, but off-roading the big brother is limited by being most feasible in only certain trims.

To take a look at the basic numbers again, the Tacoma can tow up to 6,700 pounds while the Tundra can tow up to 10,200 pounds. Payload capacity for the Tacoma is up to 1,685 pounds, and the Tundra is only a little more at 1,730 pounds.

If we really want to get carried away with the math, the Tacoma can tow 1.5 pounds for every pound it weighs, while the Tundra can tow 1.8 pounds for each pound of its curb weight. What’s even more impressive is that the 3.5L V6 in the Tacoma can tow about 24.1 pounds for every horsepower it makes, but despite the Tundra having a much larger V8 making 103 more horses, it only tows slightly more per horsepower at about 26.8 pounds for each pony.

As mentioned before, packages and options can make these trucks what you want, so you can make each do what you want. However, the Tacoma gives more off-road options compared to the Tundra’s more luxury options.

Colors, Interior, and Wheels

Both trucks can be pretty basic, or feel like a million bucks. If you want durable and plain materials on the inside, you can spec out the SR for that. The SR5 will be your all around “basic” truck, but both allow almost all of the options, aside from the premium ones. For those, the Limited and fancier trims give you access to the leather and an abundance of speakers standard. The higher the trim, the less options available because of so many high-end features being standard.

The TRD Pro models for each (and the other TRD models for the Tundra) actually limit the amount of luxury options, despite the high price. The TRD models come with their own unique colors, trims, and logos, but focus more on performance compared to absolute luxury.

Almost all trim levels come with a wide assortment of familiar Toyota color options. More premium models (such as the 1794 Edition) limit your options, but offer more exclusive choices in place of that.

Trucks have always had an element of style to them, and Toyota knows that. Wheels are the best way to show off your ride, so they made some great factory options. Each truck offers different size options depending on trim and packaging. Unique options come with TRD models and luxury models like the Platinum and 1794 Edition Tundras.  20 inch wheels can be found on more street and luxury oriented trims, while slightly smaller ones will be used on off-road packages. Both apply to each truck.

Wrapping Up

Let’s face it… Both trucks are fantastic. They work well, are dependable, are reliable, have plenty of factory options, and both have healthy aftermarkets. If you’re concerned about gas mileage, but still want to be able to tow your boat on the weekends, the Tacoma is for you. While luxury is a possibility, sport is the main focus of any trim above the SR on the Tacoma.

If you need to tow a lot, like big trucks, and/or want extreme luxury, the Tundra is for you. While being off-road is no problem for the TRD Pro trim, most of the Tundra trims are for utilitarian work and luxury. Both trucks prove that “go big or go home” doesn’t always mean that size is the main focus! Think about your needs, check out the options and prices, and get the Toyota that works for you. 

Images Credits

2021 Tacoma Exterior - Courtesy of Car and Driver

2021 Tacoma Interior - Courtesy of 2021Tacoma.com

2021 Tundra Exterior - Courtesy of Car and Driver

2021 Tundra Interior - Courtesy of Car and Driver