3rd Gen Stock Rims Size Choice

I have done some searching (nothing drastic), but I have yet to find any explanations as to why the new Tacoma models (especially the OR trims) come with rims that are only 16's. I was curious if someone who has more off-road experience than myself, or even someone who understands the engineering could explain why Toyota would choose this as the stock rim size. My only theory is that it allows more travel in the wheels.

 

Not sure what you're asking, but brake caliper clearance while maximizing tire sidewall is the reason they went 16" for TRD OR.

 

The tire diameter between the Sport and OR is the same, the 16in wheels on the OR give you more sidewall to flex over obstacles offroad, esp if you air down. That said, the 265/65R17s have a substantial sidewall also.

 

One thing I like about 17's is the availability of LR C/D in A/T tread. Only one or two tires (that I like) come in LR C in the 265 (or 285) /75/16 size.

 

When you're offroading, usually you would want as much side wall as you can get without having issues

 

More sidewall. If you look st the Tacoma Off Road, TRD Pro, Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Ford Raptor, Ram Power Wagon, etc. These "Off Road" type vehicles will come with either 16" or 17" wheels. When you air down for off roading, you would want more sidewall. If you were to run a 20" wheel, your sidewall would be drastically reduced and more chance of damage. Not saying that the 16" and 17" wheels wouldn't get damaged, but with the more sidewall from the smaller wheel that would be more beneficial. Just my $.02, and I am sure that there are many more folks here on TW with more knowledge than I could give a better detail than I.

 

That's my plan when the stockers wear down. C range A/Ts.