Tacoma stock models higher look?

Shopping for pre-owned 2015-2017 Tacoma and I have a question.

In terms of appearance, newer 2x4 Tacomas seem to have a distinct profile (higher ride, maybe due to larger tires compared to other compact trucks) so you can't really tell whether it's 4x4 unless you look at the front axle. In other words Tacoma 2x4s don't seem to have that wimpy, low-to-the-ground, tiny-tires look like other 2x4 compact pickups. Hard to tell from web page photos and it's not clear if vehicles you see on the road were modified with larger wheels and tires.

It's my impression that 2x4s and 4x4s either must look the same and have the same ground clearance, or all Tacomas I see are 4x4s, which seems unlikely.

Standard equip wheels in 2017 are 16" and tires are P245/75R16 I think. True that this truck 2015-2017 would have that higher look in 2x4? My main concern is ground clearance (not traction $$) and appearance.

 

Toyota used to make a 5 lug 2WD Tacoma that sat lower to the ground but it was killed off with the beginning of the 3rd gen. Now essentially all 2WD Tacomas are what the 05-15 models would be called "prerunner". Meaning they sit higher up like the 4x4 models but are in fact 2WD/6lug trucks.

 

I guess 4x4 have always had 6 lugs?

 

2005-15

Yes, 4x4 /pre-runner (lifted 4x2) all 6 lug.

Base 4x2 is 5 lug. (baby taquito's)

16+ is new gen all 6 lug and standard higher ride height.

 

https://www.toyota.com/tacoma/ebrochure

Look at page 28 & 29: basically all models have the same ground clearance, however the Pro has 1" more in overall height.