285/75R16 is the cleaner fit for the 5th gen 4Runner at 2"–2.5" of lift — it runs without rubbing on most builds, and the 16" wheel drops the tire into a more affordable and widely available size range than 17" equivalents.
The 5th gen 4Runner's front fender opening is slightly more generous than the Tacoma's, which means 285/75R16 (33.8" actual diameter) clears cleanly at 2.5" of lift without any trimming on most builds. At 2", these tires may graze the front mud flap bracket at full compression and full lock — trimming the plastic bracket resolves it in minutes. The 295/70R17 (33.5" diameter) in the 17" size is the alternative, but it's more expensive per tire, requires 3"+ lift for clean clearance on the 4Runner, and the 17" size reduces sidewall height which is a disadvantage for off-road cushioning and airing down.
Tire compound and tread pattern matter more than brand loyalty. The BFG KO2 remains the all-terrain benchmark — excellent wet traction, proven trail performance, and tread life of 50,000+ miles under normal conditions. The Falken Wildpeak AT3W has overtaken the KO2 in several independent mud and wet traction comparisons at a slightly lower price. Cooper's ST/MAXX is a mud-terrain pattern that's quieter than most MTs while retaining genuine muddy terrain capability — worth considering if the 4Runner sees mixed use.
TPMS sensors require attention when switching to aftermarket wheels. The 5th gen 4Runner uses a tire pressure monitoring system with sensors clocked to the OEM wheels — a swap to aftermarket wheels requires either transferring the OEM sensors to the new wheels (possible with most designs) or purchasing aftermarket-compatible sensors. Confirm sensor compatibility with your wheel vendor before ordering. The system will throw a fault code until sensors are reinstalled and relearned.
For builds running the stock 17x7 OEM wheels, note the relatively conservative 4.5" backspacing — 285/75R16 in a 16x8 aftermarket wheel with 4.75"–5" backspacing gives better clearance than cramming a 285 onto the OEM 17" wheel.
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain T/A 285/75R16 (each) | BFGoodrich | ~$225 |
| Falken Wildpeak AT3W 285/75R16 (each) | Falken | ~$215 |
| Nitto Terra Grappler G2 285/75R16 (each) | Nitto | ~$220 |
| Cooper Discoverer ST/MAXX 285/75R16 (each) | Cooper | ~$235 |
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.