Best Toyota Tacoma Off-Road Upgrades

The Toyota Tacoma earned its reputation for rugged reliability and real off-road ability. These are the upgrades we'd make first to get even more out of one, and the parts we'd choose for each.

1. Lighting built for the Tacoma

Baja Designs makes kits designed around the Tacoma, with mounts and wiring included, so installation is straightforward. Our favorites:

XL Linkable Bumper Light Kit (2016-23 Tacoma): five XL Sport lights, links, brackets, harness and rock guards in one turnkey kit
Squadron-R SAE Fog Pocket Light Kit: a road-legal fog light upgrade for 2012-23 Tacomas
OnX6+ Arc 50" Light Bar Roof Kit: long-range light for 2005-23 Tacomas
S2 Sport Dual Reverse Light Kit: wide cornering light for backing up a trailer or lighting up camp

On a 2024+ Tacoma? Look at the S2 Sport dual fog pocket kit and the S2 SAE OEM fog light replacement kit.

2. A clean switch setup

More lights means more switches. A SWITCH Works Alpha12 system keeps the controls clean, and the Tacoma mounting kits use factory mounting locations: 2005-2015, 2016-2023 and 2024-2025.

3. Wheels and tires

Wheels and tires change the look and the capability of a Tacoma more than anything else. The Method 105 beadlock is cast A356 aluminum with a forged beadlock ring and a 3,600 lb load rating. Beadlocks let you air down on rock and sand without the tire coming off the bead.

4. A jack that actually reaches

Bigger tires and a lift leave the factory jack behind. The Pro Eagle 2 Ton "The Beast" is a favorite with Tacoma owners. It's a purpose-built off-road jack with large non-pneumatic wheels and a standard 8-inch extension. See our guide to the best off-road jack for the trail.

5. A smarter hitch

If your Tacoma tows, the Weigh Safe drop hitch has a built-in scale that reads tongue weight every time you hook up. You'll know if the load needs adjusting before you pull out.

6. Cockpit upgrades

The PRP steering wheel adapter hub lets 2005-2021 Tacomas run a 6-bolt aftermarket wheel or quick release. Note that it disables turn signal canceling. For older trucks, PRP makes seat mounts for the 1995-2004 Tacoma.