The Ultimate Toyota Tacoma Tire Size Guide (No Lift Needed)

One of the most common questions for new Toyota Tacoma owners is: “What is the biggest tire I can fit without a lift?”

Whether you just drove your 4x4 off the lot or you’re looking to replace your worn-out factory rubber, upgrading your tire size is one of the easiest ways to improve your truck’s off-road capability and aesthetic stance. However, the fear of rubbing—that dreaded sound of rubber scraping against plastic or metal—stops many owners in their tracks.

This guide will break down exactly what fits, what doesn’t, and the golden numbers you need to know for your 2nd Gen (2005-2015) and 3rd Gen (2016-2023) Tacoma.

Understanding Stock Tacoma Tire Sizes

Before we go bigger, let’s establish the baseline. Depending on your trim level (SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, or TRD Pro), your Tacoma came with one of these sizes:

• 265/70R16 (approx. 30.6” diameter) - Common on TRD Off-Road models.
• 265/65R17 (approx. 30.6” diameter) - Common on TRD Sport models.

These tires are capable, but they leave a lot of empty space in the wheel well, giving the truck a less aggressive look. The good news is that Toyota left room for improvement.

The Biggest Tire You Can Fit on a Stock Tacoma (Zero Rub)

If you want to keep your suspension 100% stock—no leveling kits, no spacers, no cutting—there is a universally accepted “Max Tire Size.”

For 16-inch Wheels: 265/75R16

• Diameter: ~31.6 inches
• Width: ~10.4 inches
• Verdict: This is the Holy Grail of stock tire upgrades. It adds an inch of diameter over stock, lifting your differentials by 0.5 inches and filling out the wheel well perfectly. 99% of owners report zero rubbing with this size on stock wheels.

For 17-inch Wheels: 265/70R17

• Diameter: ~31.6 inches
• Width: ~10.4 inches
• Verdict: This is the exact metric equivalent of the 16-inch option above. If you have the TRD Sport rims or aftermarket 17s with stock-like offset, this tire will fit without issues.

The “Pizza Cutter” Secret: 255/85R16

If you want to get closer to a 33-inch tire without a lift, you have to change your thinking. Instead of going wider, go taller.

The 255/85R16 is a “skinny” tire (approx. 10 inches wide) that stands a towering 33.1 inches tall.

• Pros: Digs down to hard surfaces for traction (great for snow/mud), less rolling resistance, fits inside the fender better during turns.
• Cons: Limited tire choices (mostly Mud Terrains), may require removing the front mud flaps.
• Fitment: Because they are narrow, they often clear the Upper Control Arms (UCA) where a wider 285 tire would rub. You may need a heat gun to reshape the plastic fender liner slightly, but many run these on stock suspension successfully.

Why Can’t I Run 285/75R16 (33s) Stock?

You will see forums claiming “I fit 33s with no lift!” generally, they are omitting some details.

A 285/75R16 or 285/70R17 is roughly 32.8 to 33 inches tall and, crucially, 11.2 inches wide. That extra width is the problem.

1. UCA Rub: The tire is too wide and will hit the Upper Control Arm on stock wheels. You need wheel spacers or aftermarket wheels with negative offset.
2. Cab Mount Rub: When you turn the steering wheel, the outer edge of the tire swings in an arc. That arc hits the metal frame of the truck (the body mount).
3. Fender Rub: Under compression (hitting a bump while turning), the tire will grab the plastic fender flare.

To run 285s properly, you almost always need a lift AND a “Cab Mount Chop” (cutting the metal frame and welding a flat plate).

Rubbing vs. Trimming: What to Expect

If you push the limits, you might encounter minor rubbing. Here is what that usually entails fixing:

• Mud Flaps: The front mud flaps effectively shrink your wheel well. Removing them is the first step to fitting bigger tires.
• Fender Liner: The black plastic liner inside the wheel well can be pushed back. A common fix is to unscrew it, push it forward, and re-screw it new holes, or reshape it with a heat gun.
• The “Air Dam”: The front chin spoiler on some models often hits bigger tires. Most off-roaders remove this immediately for better clearance and looks.

Summary Table

Conclusion

You don’t need to spend thousands on a suspension lift to get a tougher look and better performance. By switching to a 265/75R16 or 265/70R17, you maximize your ground clearance while maintaining factory ride quality and reliability. It’s the most practical upgrade you can make to your Toyota Tacoma.