Image by Nick Magwood from Pixabay
For most Toyota Tacoma owners, the quality of wheels and rims is not only, pound for pound, the most necessary accessory, it is also the most costly and demanding one to get right. There is a lot to consider when comparing different types and brands against ones needs. In this article, we’ve compiled ten of the best rated rims into a ranked list to do just that, for you.
The Toyota Tacoma: The big daddy of all pick-up trucks. It has been described by some as the kind of truck the Hilux aspires to be. If you happen to own one of these babies and have had the intimate experience of driving it, then you probably understand something most people simply don’t: the Tacoma is not your average vehicle.
It is the intersection of efficiency and monstrosity: a simple vehicle with complex demands—the most pressing of which, and I’m sure most Tacoma owners would agree with me here, are the wheels & rims. Now, you may be the kind of driver who values durability over aesthetic; or perhaps you are looking for something flashy, that’ll set you apart from the everyday trucker.
Whichever way your priorities lie, choosing the right rims for you can be stressful, and the immense range of brands out there can be overwhelming to choose from. Worry not. Check out these 10 awesome rims:
The Top Ten Best Rims For Your Tacoma
Toyota PTR20-35110-BK Rims
One of the safest, dependable, most popular purchases, these one. These 17 inch rims, sold in a matte black finish, lie on the higher end of the quality spectrum. They’re a genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) rims which is an important box to check for the Tacoma trucker.
When it comes to rims, choosing OEM version makes all the difference. First, the strength of these rims is impeccable. Because these wheels are made to TRD requirements, the metal purity is elevated and the casting process is painstaking. Also, they have been race tested on race tracks and consistently found to meet high standards for strength.
The wonderful thing about Toyota vehicles in general (but more specifically, the Toyota Tacoma) is that the wheel cavity is designed is such a way as to makes it possible to install on it rims from other car manufacturers.
For instance, while it is not possible to put a Toyota rim on a Mitsubishi, it is quite possible to put a Mitsubishi rim on a Toyota. Surprisingly few Toyota owners actually realize that they are special in having this option available to them.
Key Features
- 17 inch in diameter
- Has a wide offset (11mm)
- Sturdy and weighty (28 lbs.)
Pros
- Original from manufacturer (not after-market)
- It is race-tested
- Compatible on all Toyota trucks
Pro Comp Alloys Series 32
These 16 inchers come in a silvery black finish. They backspacing is sufficient and so the truck achieves a more aggressive look. They are lightweight, durable, and their brake clearances possess a significantly high offset which means they can be filled with rougher and aggressive wheels.
Their design is understated but sleek and this is part of what makes it an awesome pick. Sporting a cool chrome finish, Pro Comp 32 rims have a feature a 10-spoke with accent studs design. Of course, they come available in 16-20-inch diameter sizes, all of which include a decent looking center cap. Just make sure you avoid using chemicals while cleaning them.
If you’re looking for something that’s not too heavy, and whose price is within the confines of reason, this is your rim.
Key Features
- 16 inch in diameter
- Designed for heavy-read tires
- Stylish chrome finish
- Comes with a center cap
Pros
- Extremely durable (guaranteed one time purchase)
- It comes is all sizes
- Reasonably priced
Helo HE878 Wheel
Of all the many qualities that makes this one of a kind rims, the topmost has to be the lifetime guarantee of structural integrity against peeling or lifting of finish Crafted from high-quality aluminum, the finish on the Helo 878s is satin black, with a center cap.
With its rugged design you can intensify your vehicle’s overall look. They are constructed out of one piece of cast aluminum that is built to last. Featuring a design of Eight Y-spoke face with lip accents, the design of Helo HE878 conspicuously completed with a satin black finish sets the exterior to a whole new look. Helo rims are custom alloy built in one piece construction and is available in different finish and sizes.
You can compare the colors with the Helo HE878 in Chrome and Dark Silver too. Throwing down a challenge to mediocrity, the Helo HE878 wheel are a cut above the crowd of other suchlike pickup trucks. These wheels will take you to the next level of performance, making your vehicle unique and remarkable.
Key Features
- Smooth satin black finish
- Accentuated high end design with chiseled spoke design
- Stylish chrome finish
Pros
- Extremely durable (guaranteed one time purchase)
- Available in almost all sizes and colors
- Made with sturdy, durable aluminum
Gear Alloy 726M Big Block
Officially, the gear alloys come in a gloss black finish but one is able to choose from a wide variety of glosses, as well as bolt patterns. Its construction is of aluminum that ensures the most durability.
The wheels are gear-machined, and glossed black which promises to set your ride apart from most. Equipped with mirror-machined face and accents lipped and spotted, each gear-machined black 726M Big Block wheel makes for a pleasant tongue-wagging eye-feast. With multiple sizes to choose from, you are able to pick the best option for your ride in no time.
The aesthetic design in which these Gear Alloy Big Blocks come in sufficiently conspicuous to appeal to most eyes in the near vicinity and sufficiently sturdy to perform well when venturing off-road. With their bold, sleep concave style, their adoption of a multiple spoke design and glossy dark finish accentuated with a mirrored machine, these awesome rims are serve as excellent proof that you can pull of an understated yet ostentatious look effortlessly.
They are available in multiple sizes: from 17 all the way to 22 inches. The gloss black design may be prone to a bit of rusting with some use, but a little lubrication of its working parts should be able to quell that.
Key Features
- Has multiple spokes
- Shiny black finish
- Comes with a center cap
Pros
- Very durable
- Available in multiple sizes
- Extremely stunning design
Moto Metal MO970 Gloss Black Wheel
The Moto Metal MO970 Rims come, officially in matte black, but are offered in multiple offsets. They have a unique, 8-spoke design that make the promise of catching most eyes in sight. In these Moto wheels, each spoke comes in a conspicuously layered design and sleek style.
They come, officially, in the matte black color with accents, and the good thing is, they are intended for a wide array of trucks and feature many different sizes, offsets, and bolt patterns.
These rims utilize extremely durable, heavy-duty, one piece cast aluminum, eight rugged spokes, well-structured diameters and bolt patterns, which stand to provide structural durability for the toughest build of off-road vehicles.
Key Features
- Finish is matte black
- Conspicuous 8-spoke design
- Comes with a center cap
Pros
- Stylish, sporty design
- Compatible with most large trucks
- Constructed to last long
Motegi Racing MR127
Motegi Racing MR127 Satin Black Wheel
If your forte is performance, endurance and nothing else, you might have to read no further.
With a satin black painted finish with machined face and a center cap, the Motegi Racing tuner rims are built with passion for exhilaration and speed. These rims come in a wide range of sleek, elegant styles that add a modern or retro flair to the truckers driving experience.
Cast or flow-formed from high-quality alloy, Motegi tuner wheels are engineered with light, durable construction for drivers who seek high-speed performance. Boasting solid handling and crisp styling, Motegi aftermarket wheels are an excellent choice for Toyota Tacoma.
Through technical partnerships with leading professional racing teams, Motegi Racing wheels are inspired by the need for speed. The technology of these rims follows a philosophy of pure thrill, allowing the form of the wheel to follow the function necessary to succeed in different racing environments. Whatever your passion in automotive performance is, the Motegi Racing MR107 is built to fulfill it.
It is a bit pricey, though, so for those looking for something that is within a budget, it might suffice to skim through the Pro Comp Alloys Series 31s below.
Key Features
- Welded using cast, superior quality alloy
- Black satin paint finish
- Designed for large sport trucks
Pros
- Aftermarket, but has impeccable compatibility
- Perfect for high-speed truckers
- Very resistant to wear or rust
Pro Comp Alloys Series 31
Coming with a dark black finish, durable yet aftermarket, lightweight aluminum for durability when off-road, budget price—the Pro Comp Series 31s are hard to beat. Their mode of design uses a sophisticated low pressure technology to cast the steel in place. This way they offer unparalleled style and firmness.
In terms of style, these Pro Comp Alloy rims pride themselves in their ability to merge their durable back finish, their lightweight material, chrome that is milled, together with polished and twin-tone finishes. These Pro Comp rims have an impressive ability of brake clearing optimized for modern trucks and SUVs.
Constructed with an aluminum alloy of steel that considerably less dense than usual, these Pro Comp rims are perfectly poised to tolerate anything from the short drive to the grocery all the way to extreme off-roading. These custom wheels come in many styles from a classic eight spoke design to a tricked out black, bolted wheel. Plus, each Pro Comp wheel is sold individually and comes with FREE shipping in the continental U.S.
These specific wheels and rims come in 15-inch to 20-inch diameter and are custom designed for your specific type of vehicle. On top of that you can choose from five beautiful finishes: anthracite, black, chrome, machined, and polished. So, no matter if you’re looking for a sharp set of custom black wheels or if chrome rims are your thing, Pro Comp Series 31 provides you with an incredible steel, aluminum, and alloy array from which to choose.
Key Features
- Uses lightweight aluminum
- Dark, black finish
- Comes with a center cap
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Staggeringly wide array of sizes and colors to choose from
Genuine TRD 16 Inch Alloy Wheels
The specialty and unique thing about these rims is that they are tailored specifically for the Toyota Tacoma and FJ Cruiser. So if you happen to be interested in something which you can be sure won’t give you any problems with fitting and compatibility of parts, the Genuine TRD 16 Inch Alloy Wheels might be for you.
The design on these TRD wheels are meant to ensure perfectly accurate braking, firm stability on corners, efficient dissipation of heat, all the while maintaining their lightweight feel. When you choose TRD Pro wheels, you are probably getting a master design and a commitment to quality that goes far beyond appearance.
TRD looks at all the design criteria for each vehicle that they design wheels for, and then they use sophisticated CAD design in order to design and manufacture the optimal wheel for that car/truck.
The list of things taken into account while manufacturing these TRD wheels is near endless: you got your mass, your offset, your backspace, and most importantly your brakes to make sure the control measures should you ever need them, are reliable and your finishes perfect.
These are really decent looking wheels and they come at a reasonable price. Just make sure to ascertain that your vendor or mechanic has the sufficient know-how to carry out their installation on your truck because conventional hammers usually decline to fit unless the surface is sufficiently smoothened and cleaned. Plus you will need ascertain that you have a legit vendor who will ship it in sturdy packaging.
Key Features
- 16 inches
- Specifically tailored for the Tahoma
- Black, glossy finish
- Comes with a center cap
Pros
- Consistently tested for high performance
- Little possibility of rusting
PRO COMP Series Steel Wheels
These solid, steel wheels with a matte gloss black finish and classic 10-spoke design are built for rugged terrain. If you are in the market for a rough but firm steel-made rim, then this beast is might just for you.
Their sophisticated and well-made material, their thicker welds and firm components are not only meant to optimize your clearance, they are also meant to tolerate the off-road with ease. On top of all that, depending on which vendor you use, it comes backed by a lifetime structure guarantee and 2-year finish warranty. The 51 series wheel is manufactured with the brand’s top of the line production technology the most reasonably expected durability.
Key Features
- Manufactured using sturdy steel
- Uses the classic rock climber design
- Subjected to thick weld times
Pros
- Built specifically for off-road tires, rough terrain
Touren TR9 3190
The Touren Series TR9 rims, while not too popular with the majority of Tacoma owners, exemplify what it means to be high-end. They are designed using an innovative low-pressure cast method.
These Touren rims caps which are branded at the center which serve not only to keep the lug nuts safe and protected, but also provide an elegant design. They are manufactured from ultra-high quality alloys; they feature a heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant construction, and a sleek, glimmering finish that guarantees unparalleled looks for your vehicle.
Their sweeping spokes, five of them, have a design that is tapered from the wheel lip to the central hub (and the brand name Touren engraved on each spokes.) The sides which are straight sides together with the tops which are flat offer these one-piece powder coated rims a firm, beasty and sporty aesthetic.
As you cruise along the open road or perhaps when parked in the porch, all eyes will be on your Touren Series TR9 wheels. It’s safe to say that you can depend on these elegant-looking wheels from Touren if you’re looking to revitalize your truck’s aesthetic style and upgrade its general output. If that doesn’t do it their incredibly long-lasting and firm construction ought to.
Key Features
- State of the art low-pressure cast manufacturing
- 17 inches
- Comes in matte black color
Pros
- Has an exquisitely sleek design
- The glossy metallic finish maintains its shine
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING WHAT RIMS TO BUY
Your Wheel Dimension
In order for you to know what rims fit your car, you have to know the range of wheel and tire sizes that it falls in. Quite simply, you can find your wheel diameter and rim width by looking at your current tire. The wheel diameter and rim width are both stamped on your wheel. Or if you are buying rims for the first time, you can simply ask your seller to ascertain the dimensions.
Your Budget
This one is pretty self-explanatory. At some point, you will have arrow does the list by going for the most affordable for you. Remember that the most affordable wheel does not necessarily the cheapest wheel.
Original or Aftermarket?
OEM wheels, like I mentioned above, are the original equipment manufacturer wheels. These are exact replicas of the wheel which came with your car. Aftermarket Wheels are manufactured by independent manufacturers and meant to be compatible with as many brands as possible. Generally, it is better to go OEM; they have not only specifications tailored to your model of vehicle, they are proven to be of more quality than aftermarket parts.
Purpose of Upgrade
If you are a needs begin and end with performance, you may need to go with heavy-duty wheels that are tough and can withstand any punishment. These are mostly steel wheels. Steel-forged wheels are better for speed and performance vehicles as they are lightweight and still strong, and most of them are aftermarket wheels.
However, if you are only looking to make a statement, will probably need to narrow your search for brands that offer sportier, conspicuous aesthetic—say, the Touren Series
Offset and backspacing
These are two factors likely to come up during your feasibility search for the perfect rims. They’re critical for a compatible fit. Quite simply, offset and backspacing ensures there’s enough room in the wheel cavity for your new.
FAQs
Are OEMs always better than Aftermarket rims?
If we are talking exclusively about the Toyota Tacoma, then yes. There are custom, high-end Aftermarket rims out there, but almost none are meant for trucks, let alone the Tacoma.
Can I use other car model’s wheels, say Honda, on my Toyota Tacoma?
Yes. The wonderful thing about Toyotas is that the wheel cavity is designed is such a way as to makes it possible to install on it rims from other car manufacturers. Surprisingly few Toyota owners actually realize that they are special in having this option available to them.
Which is better, alloy or steel?
Your preference over between aluminum alloy and steel are subtle but significant. They should be determined by the purpose of your purchase. If you’re looking for something to venture with off-road often, something that won’t wear quick, then steel is better.
Will my preferred rims be available in whichever size I want?
Not always. This is entirely dependent on the brand of rims. The Pro Comps, for instance, generally make a habit of ensuring every size is stocked, but some don’t.
What happens if I purchase a wheel one inch more or less than my cavity dimensions?
A one-inch difference isn’t significant as to make the wheel not fit, but you must purchase a tire of the same dimension. Anything more than that, though, you need to go back to go back to your vendor.
Conclusion
As you can see, even though it can be a tedious process trying to find ideal rims for your Tacoma, the specificity of your needs doesn’t matter much if you’re willing to put in the work. For this review, the Toyota PTR20-35110-BK rims is our taker. It’s not even so much that it’s an OEM and so guaranteed to fit, it’s more about the balance it strikes between efficiency, versatility with rough terrains, and its promise of long-lastingness.
Otherwise, good luck!
