Toyota is known for quality vehicles from the factory. As you may have seen on our site, Toyotas like the Tacoma and Tundra are known for having many options from the factory and having a vast aftermarket. What if you need more doors and interior space over a conventional “truck,” and still want the Toyota reliability and customization? Enter the 4Runner.
The first thing that everyone will see is that aggressive front end, but do you want your Toyota 4Runner grille to be the same as everyone else’s, or do you want something unique and custom? I have searched through the Facebook groups, forums, and talked to our customers to find out what some of the best aftermarket grills are for your fifth generation 4Runner. Let’s take a look at some options that should fit your style and budget.
TRD Pro Style Grille
The TRD Pro is one of the highest trimmed Toyota 4Runner you can get. With it comes all the performance and style options you could desire. However, if you got your 4Runner used or just don’t want to pay the extra price for the TRD Pro trim, you can settle with just some of the parts you want like the TRD Pro Style grille.
For about $140, you can transform the front of your “basic” 4Runner to that of the fancy TRD Pro. You can add raptor lights in four different variations and you can customize with either Silver, Black, White or Red letters. You can buy these faux grilles here at Empyre Off Road.
If you want a grille for your 2014-2019 4Runner that is a bit more flash over the factory one, yet aggressive and demanding as well, T-Rex might have the grille for you. This three piece kit cut from steel comes with a 20 inch, double row LED light bar that blasts 7215 lumens. The steel construction, while heavier, is durable and strong. There is a three year warranty on the finish, and a lifetime warranty on the structure to ensure you feel confident in the grille.
The honeycomb pattern combined with the chrome studs against the black finish really allow this design to pop. All of the wiring and needed components are included, but there is some drilling to get this grille to fit where the stock one was. These are made in the USA, and they have a design that comes without a light bar, should you choose.
Price: $590
Pros: Great warranty, made in USA, includes a light bar, durable construction
Cons: Heavier construction, no customizable, cutting required, limited model years
T-Rex Billet Grille
If you want to go for an aftermarket grille, yet stay more budget friendly, T-Rex also offers its polished billet grille. Don’t let the lower price tag fool you. It’s a serious grille: serious style, and serious construction. These lightweight aluminum grilles not only give you a unique yet timeless look, but they are also backed by the same three year warranty on the finish, and lifetime warranty on the structure. Of course, they are also made in the USA.
You can get this grille either black or polished, and they easily install over your existing factory grille. All of the mounting hardware is included! All of this at a low price of under $200.
Price: $195
Pros: Great warranty, made in USA, fits over factory grille, lightweight
Cons: Limited options
Bullet Proof Fabricating Mesh Grille and Bumper Cap
This one is your least expensive option, but it does require you to get a bit crafty. If you’re tired of the boring stock upper grille and “T” badge in the front, this kit from Bullet Proof Fabricating will take care of that. This kit replaces the upper grill with a mesh one, and allows you to fill in the hole of the center bar after you take the stock front emblem out. You do have to have some skills with body filler and basic paint knowledge for the best results, but the end product is surely something unique.
While I do not recommend this product for someone looking for plug and play, or just something easy, if you like projects and have some basic body work skills, this kit will set your front end apart from the other 4Runners out there. They do have some helpful instructions, and you can find plenty of videos online about how to apply body filler and paint tips.
Price: $120 (for the full kit)
Pros: Inexpensive, truly custom
Cons: Requires heavy installation that is not easy to reverse, no lower grille
Cali Raised Raptor LED Light Kit
Okay, okay… This isn’t exactly a grille, but it is an inexpensive way to modify your stock grille! For about $65, you can add three amber or smoked amber LED lights to the top of your existing factory grille with this Cali Raised Raptor LED light kit. Installation is simple, and the unique look is backed up with functional lighting! What could be better? Everything you need is included (or can be added) to hook these up to your 4Runner in a matter of minutes.
Price: $65
Pros: Inexpensive, easy to install
Cons: I guess it’s not an actual grille…
While you may not have as many choices as the same model year Tacomas and Tundras, there are still quite a few grilles to choose from for your fifth generation Toyota 4Runner. From easy LED lights that pop in, to complete bodywork and customization, there is a grille for your 4Runner that matches your style and budget. I hope this guide was able to get you in the right direction. Now, go out there and make your 4Runner yours!
We all know by now that the Toyota Tacoma is built for almost anything that you can throw at it: the highway, off-road, work, and more. However, not everyone needs everything, and to appeal to the masses, modern day truck manufacturers leave off some stuff that could make your dream off-road truck a reality. Thankfully the aftermarket is to the rescue, and if you want a roof rack for your Tacoma, here is the guide to get you started!
What is a Roof Rack?
In the event you need some knowledge, let’s take a moment to learn about roof racks. It’s a rack that goes on your roof. No really! It’s as simple as that. A roof rack allows you to add extra storage space to an otherwise useless area (for storage). Some can connect to a bed rack and be the full length of your truck, and others simply sit above the cab.
Why do you need a Roof Rack?
“Need” is definitely a relative word. Roof racks do have plenty of benefits that could suit your needs. If you do a lot of off-roading or overlanding, a roof rack is a great place to put the stuff you don’t always need direct access to. Since it’s higher compared to your bed and generally full of points to tie gear down, it’s perfect for your spare tire, extra gas, your tent, and so on.
You don’t need to be a weekend warrior to make use out of a roof rack. If you use your truck for work and make a lot of trips to the hardware store, a roof rack will give you extra places to tie down your wood and PVC pipes. An extra bonus is that it will keep the materials off your paint, which can be a costy fix, especially if rust develops.
While they can definitely be used to carry stuff around, you can also mount plenty of lights to them: front light bars, surround lights, flood lights, and so on. Since the design of a roof rack allows it to sit flat, you can potentially have the ability for a perfect 360 degrees of lighting, should you want. No extra drilling into or leveling of your roof required!
Important factors to keep in mind!
While a roof rack is helpful, there are some things you do need to keep in mind. The roof is not designed to hold massive amounts of weight, so you’re not going to be hauling an engine up there. Check the specifications with the rack and vehicle you get to find out the limit. You are also increasing the overall height of your truck. While you’re not driving an 18-wheeler, you do want to be mindful about anything tall you might have strapped down there. Low tunnels and even tree branches could become a pain.
How are Roof Racks Installed?
The installation of a roof rack depends on what type of rack you get, and what type of vehicle you have. Thankfully Toyota made this easy for us Tacoma owners. While some people have to mount racks with awkward attachments or even drill into their roof, Tacoma owners simply need to pull back some covers, and the pre-drilled mounting points will appear!
Take a look at this section of a video showing where the mounting holes are on this third generation Tacoma: https://youtu.be/MvRHo8CyDNc?t=77
Top 10 Roof Racks for the Toyota Tacoma
Now that we got all of the boring stuff out of the way, let’s get on to the stars of the article! Here are some of the top roof racks for your Toyota Tacoma. These top ones are what is popular on the Facebook groups, forums, and our customers. Keep in mind that not all of these may work for you. As I say with all our top product articles, take a look at each one to find out what works for your needs and your budget. Enough talk… Let’s “rack and roll.”
Let’s start off with one of our favorites. Cali Raised LED makes some great products featured on many Tacomas in the wild. Their roof racks are no exception! Their premium roof rack allows the addition of some of their industry leading LED light bars! They also have a cover that you can lower over the LED light bar when you’re not using them to improve aerodynamics and help protect the lights from flying rocks. Fully decked out, this kit can cost you over $1070, but it can start at around $750.
If you don’t need all the flair, but still want the same great quality, you can go for their economy version. Don’t let the name fool you. You’re still getting greatness. You can get these with or without an LED light bar, and these will run from $650 to about $940. No drilling is required.
KC is a name that has been associated with all types of off-road trucks, and much like Cali Raised, they are known for their lighting. The KC M-Rack comes with an integrated 50" KC Gravity LED Pro6 Light Bar and four Side Blackout Plates. That’s going to blast out 18,400 lumens! The extremely lightweight, aluminum construction gives a total weight of around 25 pounds. The horizontal cross bars can be adjusted to meet your needs for what you are carrying. While impressive, this kit will set you back about $2600, making it the most expensive on our list.
Many of you may be on the lookout for a roof rack that is tent friendly. For that, you’ll want something strong and something with a stable and firm base. Warrior Products has you covered. This rack makes it easy to be compatible with their other products such as their different mounts, and are friendly to aftermarket lighting as well.
While the multiple crossbars are not adjustable, there are plenty to give you multiple tie down and mounting points for whatever you are carrying. They also help give you a more comfortable and supportive base for a rooftop tent. For just under $740, it is a great option!
Another sleek option comes from TMT 4X4 with their Skyline roof rack for Toyota Tacomas. The rack kit comes with a wind deflector, two side-beams and five crossbars. Unlike some of the other racks that have the crossbars fixed in place, this rack has lateral slots that allow you to place the bars where you need. The steel construction of the rack ensures long term durability, despite the extra weight.
You do have some options with TMT as well. You can get the rack powder coated in black, or bare metal so you can finish it in the color you want! You have the option of three different aerodynamic deflectors: one for no light bars, one with cutouts for two 10’’ LED bars, or one cutout for a 40’’ LED light bar. All this will be one fixed price of $670, and no extra drilling is required!
This lightweight, aluminum option from Front Runner will leave you getting more and more from their site. While their rack is good, they have plenty of mounting and other toys built to work well with the Slimline II, such as tables. Where can you store those? Well, these racks come with vehicle specific foot rails that allow for storage under the rack! While these are a little more on the bulky side compared to others, it does come with a deflector for improved aerodynamics.
The wide and flat crossbars offer plenty of mounting real estate, and can be very supportive for a rooftop tent. All of their racks are backed by a lifetime warranty. Their accessories carry a three year warranty. The rack itself will cost you $1025, and of course, no extra drilling is required. No other accessories can be added as options though. You will have to buy them separately.
While not generally as sleek and aerodynamic as some of the other racks on the market, ARB delivers a true utilitarian and off-road rack. They offer four different models to fit your needs, most of which include a basket or cage of some sort. A unique feature is that while the mounting rails are designed to be “permanently” attached to the factory Toyota Tacoma mounting locations, the rack itself is built to be quickly detached from the ARB mounting rails. This allows you to easily take the roof rack off when you don’t need it.
Most of the rack is constructed out of zinc-plated steel, then powder-coated millennium grey. The fittings are stainless steel for added protection. While this kit won’t win for aerodynamics or slim appearance, if you need that “safari style” utilitarian roof rack, ARB could be your choice. The kits range in price from $179 to $700, so you’re not breaking the bank.
Slim, sleek, and light: that is the DV8 roof rack. While only for 2016+ Tacomas, this rack offers some flexibility to allow you to mount what you need. The kit comes ready to mount lighting almost anywhere you can think of. The sides can accommodate up to four 6 inch slim led lights, while the front is ready for a 45 inch light bar, with brackets available for a 40 inch bar. There are multiple mounting locations for the cross bars to make mounting what you need easier.
Of course no drilling is required, and the added air deflector and lightweight construction help keep the drag low and MPGs high. The cost is $500, which makes it one of the lower priced options on the list.
Uptop Overland realizes that everyone has different prices and needs, so they offer a few different models to get you what you need. Each model comes with even more options to choose from. For example, the Alpha model allows for eight different light bar cutouts depending on the size and brand you want to go with. You can also color match the rack to the factory Toyota color of your truck! The Alpha model can be up to about $1350.
The Bravo options are a bit more limited, but still give you the same great construction and durability. They start at $599 and can go beyond that. Uptop also carries plenty of bed rack options as well that can be integrated with the killer roof racks!
The aluminium construction and stainless steel hardware allow for the best combination of lightweight and durability. All are built to order and do take some time to get to you.
This is definitely a sleek rack made specifically for your Toyota Tacoma. They have different models for different year trucks and cab sizes, so make sure you’re getting the right one! The black powder coated aluminum makes these lightweight and durable, and they market themselves as the “most versatile and modular full rack on the market.”
The planks, as they call them, are flat, wide, and can be placed wherever you want! This allows them to mount whatever you want, and the flat design is perfect as a supportive base for a rooftop tent. They are sleek and low profile, and backed by a five year warranty. It will set you back just under $1300, but that depends on the model and options.
I’m going to end this one with another one of my personal favorites from Prinsu Design Studios. It is a basics, no-frills design that is durable and gets the job done, and done well! The modular design of the rack allows you to set it up as you want, and the lightweight aluminum construction keeps the overall weight down. The aggressive deflector up front will help keep the wind drag down so you don’t sacrifice your MPGs. However, you can get the deflector cut for a 40 inch light bar. This rack will cost you about $675, making it very competitively priced.
A roof rack may be something that you need in your life! Be it overlanding, weekend camping, or work truck necessities, there is a roof rack for you. This is by no means a complete list, but it is one that I have found to be of some of the more popular models to help you keep you on top of things. Find one that works for you and your budget!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
