Why You Should Re-Gear Your Toyota Tacoma: Re-Gearing and Gas Mileage

Our friends at Trail Tacoma recently performed extensive testing and data recording to answer one of the most common questions among Toyota Tacoma owners: Is re-gearing worth it? You can check out their full-length analysis here. (credit to Justin Dizon and Trail Tacoma).

What Does Re-Gearing a Tacoma Mean?

Re-gearing refers to replacing your Tacoma’s factory ring and pinion gears with a new gear ratio. This modification becomes increasingly important as you add larger tires, lift kits, off-road armor, or heavy overlanding gear.

When you change tire size or increase vehicle weight, the stock gear ratio often struggles to keep the engine in its ideal power band—the range where it produces the best balance of torque and horsepower. The result is sluggish acceleration, poor fuel efficiency, and added stress on the drivetrain.

By upgrading to the correct gear ratio, you restore your Tacoma’s factory drivability and performance, making your truck feel more capable both on the road and on challenging trails.

The Top Benefits of Re-Gearing Your Tacoma

While re-gearing is an investment, the return is clear. Here are the main advantages:

• Improved Fuel Economy
  A properly geared Tacoma doesn’t need to overwork the engine. Instead of constantly fighting against oversized tires, the truck runs more efficiently, which can improve miles per gallon and save you money at the pump.

• Restored Power and Torque
  Larger tires often cause a noticeable drop in low-end power. Re-gearing helps bring that power back, making it easier to tow, climb steep hills, and tackle technical off-road obstacles without straining your engine.

• Reduced Drivetrain Stress
  Running stock gears with bigger tires creates unnecessary strain on your transmission, driveshaft, and differentials. By selecting the right Toyota Tacoma gear ratio, you not only improve performance but also extend the lifespan of your drivetrain components.

Is Re-Gearing Worth It?

Re-gearing is one of the more expensive modifications, but the payoff is significant. Owners who have upgraded often report that it feels like they are driving a new truck—more responsive, more efficient, and more reliable under heavy loads. For Toyota Tacoma owners looking to get the most out of their trucks, upgrading your ring and pinion gears is one of the smartest performance mods you can make. From fuel savings to better drivability and reduced wear on critical components, the long-term benefits make it a worthy investment.

For detailed gear ratio recommendations and real-world test data, be sure to read the full write-up by Justin Dizon at Trail Tacoma.