The Exact Bolt Pattern Of A Toyota Tacoma

We’ve written extensively about the Toyota Tacoma and numerous questions you can have about this car. Today, we will talk about the information you need to have to select the correct new tires or rims for your Toyota. Specifically, we’ll take a look at the bolt pattern for each generation. Let’s start with a quick answer:

Toyota Tacoma manufactured from 2016 onwards have a bolt pattern of 6×5.5 (6×139.7mm), a center bore of 4.18 inches (106.1 mm), and six lug nuts with a thread size of M12 x 1.5 that need to be tightened with 83 lb-ft (113Nm) of force.

Toyota Tacoma manufactured between 1995 – 2015 have a bolt pattern of 5×4.5 (5×114.3mm), a center bore of 2.37 (2005 – 2015) or 2.64 (1995 – 2004) inches (60.1 or 67.1 mm), and six lug nuts with a thread size of M12 x 1.5 that need to be tightened with 83 lb-ft (113Nm) of force.

However, that certainly doesn’t tell the whole story. Below we’ve outlined the bolt pattern in more detail for each generation. We also discuss what lugs/bolts are used precisely, the exact diameter of the center bore hub, and the torque specifications of the bolts. Finally, we also have information about each engine type’s exact tire size and rim size. You should know precisely what you can and cannot buy this way. Read on!

Also read: The Expected Mileage Of A Toyota Tacoma

What's Inside show

Wheel Fitment Specifications Per Generation

To fit a wheel properly on your Toyota Tacoma, you’ll need to know more aspects than just the bolt pattern. Below we’ve outlined all the factors you should be aware of for each generation of the Tacoma. These include: center bore diameter, wheel tightening torque, whether lug nuts or bolts are used, and the thread size of the bolts.

We also want to clarify that the below-listed specifications are the same for all models within that generation. The Tacoma, of course, comes in different trim levels and engine options. However, these bolt patterns, lugs used, and torque specifications do not change for other models within a generation.

Furthermore, we also listed the exact tire and rim size used with each engine option to give you a precise idea of what tires you can and cannot buy.

2020-2021

Toyota Tacoma 2.7 VVT-i (159 hp) has a standard tire size of 245/75R16 or 265/70R16 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET25 or 7Jx16 ET25.
Toyota Tacoma 3.5 VVT-i (278 hp) has a standard tire size of 245/75R16, 265/70R16, 265/65R17, or 265/60R18 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET25, 7Jx16 ET25, 7.5Jx17 ET30, or 7.5Jx18 ET30.

2016-2019

Toyota Tacoma 2.7 VVT-i (159 hp) has a standard tire size of 245/75R16 or 265/70R16 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET25 or 7Jx16 ET25.
Toyota Tacoma 3.5 VVT-i (278 hp) has a standard tire size of 245/75R16, 265/70R16, 265/65R17, or 265/60R18 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET25, 7Jx16 ET25, 7.5Jx17 ET30, or 7.5Jx18 ET30.

2012-2015

Toyota Tacoma 2.7 2WD (159 hp) has a standard tire size of 215/70R15 and a standard rim size of 6JJx15 ET34.
Toyota Tacoma 2.7 4WD (159 hp) has a standard tire size of 245/75R16, 265/70R16, 265/65R17, 265/60R18 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET30, 7Jx16 ET30, 7.5Jx17 ET30, 7.5Jx18 ET25.
Toyota Tacoma 2.7 Prerunner (159 hp) has a standard tire size of 245/75R16, 265/70R16, or 265/65R17 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET30, 7Jx16 ET30, or 7.5Jx17 ET30.
Toyota Tacoma 4.0 4WD (236 hp) has a standard tire size of 245/75R16, 265/70R16, 265/65R17, 265/60R18 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET30, 7Jx16 ET30, 7.5Jx17 ET30, 7.5Jx18 ET25.
Toyota Tacoma 4.0 Prerunner (236 hp) has a standard tire size of 245/75R16, 265/70R16, or 265/65R17 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET30, 7Jx16 ET30, or 7.5Jx17 ET30.
Toyota Tacoma 4.0 X-Runner (236 hp) has a standard tire size of255/45R18 and a standard rim size of 8Jx18 ET30.

2005-2011

Toyota Tacoma 2.7 2WD (159 hp) has a standard tire size of 215/70R15 and a standard rim size of 6JJx15 ET34.
Toyota Tacoma 2.7 4WD (159 hp) has a standard tire size of 245/75R16, 265/70R16, or 265/65R17 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET30, 7Jx16 ET30, or 7.5Jx17 ET30.
Toyota Tacoma 2.7 Prerunner (159 hp) has a standard tire size of 245/75R16, 265/70R16, or 265/65R17 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET30, 7Jx16 ET30, or 7.5Jx17 ET30.
Toyota Tacoma 4.0 4WD (236 hp) has a standard tire size of 245/75R16, 265/70R16, or 265/65R17 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET30, 7Jx16 ET30, or 7.5Jx17 ET30.
Toyota Tacoma 4.0 Prerunner (236 hp) has a standard tire size of 245/75R16, 265/70R16, or 265/65R17 and a standard rim size of 7Jx16 ET30, 7Jx16 ET30, or 7.5Jx17 ET30.
Toyota Tacoma 4.0 X-Runner (236 hp) has a standard tire size of 255/45R18 and a standard rim size of 8Jx18 ET30.

2001-2004

Toyota Tacoma 2.4 2WD (142 hp) or Toyota Tacoma 3.4 2WD (190 HP) have standard tire sizes of 205/75R15 and standard rim sizes of 6JJx15 ET40.
Toyota Tacoma 2.7 (150 hp), Toyota Tacoma 2.7 Pre-Runner (150 hp), Toyota Tacoma 3.4 4WD (190 hp), or Toyota Tacoma 3.4 Pre-Runner (190 hp) have standard tire sizes of 225/75R15 or 265/70R16 and standard rime sizes of 7Jx15 ET15 or 7Jx16 ET15.
Toyota Tacoma 3.4 S-Runner (190 hp) has a standard tire size of 235/55R16 and a standard rim size of 6.5JJx16 ET30.

1995-2000

Toyota Tacoma 2.4 2WD (142 hp) or Toyota Tacoma 3.4 2WD (190 HP) have standard tire sizes of 195/75SR14 or 215/70SR14 and standard rim sizes of 5JJx14 ET34 or 6JJx14 ET38.
Toyota Tacoma 2.7 4WD (150 hp) or Toyota Tacoma 3.4 4WD (190 HP) have standard tire sizes of 225/75R15, 31×10.50R15LT, or 265/75R15 and standard rim sizes of 6Jx15 ET10, 7Jx15 ET15, or 7Jx15 ET15.

Also read: The Types Of Gas A Toyota Tacoma Uses (Explained)

Retightening The Bolts

As said before, most generations of the Toyota that we discussed have five or six lug nuts. These need to be secured in a specific way when you mount the wheel to the car again. This information is stated in the owner’s manual, but we’ve gone through the effort of instructing you here. Toyota advises you to bolt these nuts in the way that’s shown below. You have to follow a crisscross pattern.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-38.png — five-bolt pattern

You do this by tightening all the nuts with a wheel wrench first. Please make sure only to tighten them halfway; otherwise, you’ll run into problems.

In the second round, you tighten them with the wheel wrench to the appropriate lbs-ft or Nm that we’ve stated earlier. Please note that the newest generation of the Toyota Tacoma needs to have the bolts tightened to 83 lb-ft.

It’s expected that your wheel also have a center cap or cover. These need to be secured in the same pattern. Please tighten them first-hand snug with your hands. Then, use the wheel wrench to tighten them another one-quarter turn.

It’s also important to check if the lug nuts are still secured after 30 miles (48 kilometers). Please make sure they are all in place and still tightened with the proper force. If not, tighten them again and recheck. If this keeps happening, you’ll need to replace the wheel.

Also read: Toyota Tacoma Transmissions: Overview, Problems, Fluids

When Or Why To Rotate/Change Tires

Suppose you’re changing your tire. You also need to know when to change or rotate it precisely. Let’s first talk about changing your tires. Tires usually last around 60,000 – 75,000 miles or 4-5 years. After this period they need to be replaced. Sometimes this happens earlier, and therefore, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the tread wear indicators. These are shown in the image below. These indicators show when the tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in) or less tread remaining.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-40.png

Another occasion when you’ll need to take off your tires is when you’re rotating them. In the owner’s manual of the Tacoma, it’s said that this needs to happen every 7,500 miles or 12,000 kilometers. It’s advised you rotate the tires in the exact way that’s shown below. The front tires are moved to the back, and the front tires move crisscross to the front.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-39.png

Closing Thoughts

Understanding the specific details regarding the bolt patterns, center bore diameters, lug nuts, thread sizes, and torque specifications of your Toyota Tacoma is crucial for the proper selection and fitting of new tires or rims.

Furthermore, it’s important to note that while the Tacoma comes in various trims and engine options, these specifications remain consistent within each generation. Surprisingly, the earlier bolt patterns follow a 5-lug pattern that we see in smaller SUVs like the Highlander or even smaller vehicles like the Camry. Of course, that changed in the later 6-lug Tacoma models.

In this post, we have provided detailed tire and rim size information for each model to help you make an informed purchase decision. Remember, following the recommended crisscross pattern for tightening the lug nuts ensures safety and optimal performance. Feel free to revisit this guide anytime you need to confirm the tire, rim, or bolt specifications for your Toyota Tacoma.

Sources

Stefan K.

Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.

I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.

Read more about our fantastic team on our about page!

Have More Questions? Join Our Facebook Group!

Do you have any more questions that weren´t answered in this blog post? Join our free Facebook group and ask your question there. We promise you you´ll get an answer from one of our team members. Join the group here!