14,000 Miles In I Swapped My Toyota Tundra TRD Offroad Wheels To TRD Pro and Look How It Rides

The Toyota Tundra has been a favorite among truck enthusiasts for years, offering reliability, power, and customization options. Among the many customization options available, wheels and tires play a significant role in how the truck performs and feels on the road. Dan, a Toyota Tundra owner, shared his experience switching from the TRD Offroad wheels and tires to the TRD Pro setup on his 3rd Gen Tundra after 14,000 miles. His comparison offers valuable insights into how these two popular options impact ride quality, handling, and appearance.

"The thing I noticed after swapping the TRD Offroad to the TRD Pro wheels is the steering. I think the slightly wider tire makes the steering feel a bit slower, but more solid on the road. My truck is totally stock. No lift and no spacers. The TRD Pro setup does push out slightly more than the TRD Offroad setup, and I really like how it looks," Dan wrote in the Toyota Tundra Enthusiasts forum a few days ago, posting the below data, which I am sharing with you in a more organized manner.

TRD Offroad vs. TRD Pro: Tire and Wheel Specs

TRD Offroad Wheels & Tires:

• Tires: 265/60R20 112H – Made in Japan
• Rims: 20x8.5J – Made in Mexico
• Wheel weight: 72.8 lbs

TRD Pro Wheels & Tires:

• Tires: 285/65R18 116T – Made in Japan
• Rims: 18x8.5J BBS – Made in Japan
• Wheel weight: 70.8 lbs

At first glance, the specs between the two setups show a few key differences. The TRD Offroad comes with larger rims (20 inches) and slightly narrower tires, while the TRD Pro features smaller 18-inch rims with wider tires. The wheel weights are surprisingly close, with the TRD Pro setup only 2 pounds lighter at 70.8 lbs compared to the TRD Offroad’s 72.8 lbs.

Ride Quality

One of the most noticeable changes Dan observed after switching to the TRD Pro wheels was the ride quality. He noted that the ride felt softer and smoother, which he attributed to the extra inch of air cushion provided by the smaller 18-inch rim. The additional tire sidewall in the TRD Pro setup absorbs more of the road's imperfections, resulting in a smoother experience, especially on rough roads. Even Dan's wife commented that the truck felt smoother when driving on rougher terrain.

"My truck came with the TRD Offroad package and I swapped those wheels out for the TRD Pro after 14K miles. In addition to what I mentioned in the original post about ride quality, it does feel a bit softer. This is most likely due to the additional 1" of air cushion I now have after going to a smaller rim. I only have about 50 miles on the new setup so far, and it rides a bit smoother. My wife noticed on the rough roads the truck seems a bit more smooth as well," he commented after few replies under his original post.

This softer ride can be especially beneficial for those who frequently drive off-road or on uneven surfaces, as the increased sidewall flex helps to cushion the impact. On the other hand, the TRD Offroad wheels, with their 20-inch rims, may offer a firmer ride, giving a bit more road feedback but potentially sacrificing some comfort.

Steering and Handling

Dan also noticed a slight change in steering after switching to the TRD Pro wheels. The wider tires (285mm compared to the 265mm on the TRD Offroad setup) made the steering feel a bit slower but more solid. This is likely due to the increased tire contact with the road, which can provide more stability and grip, especially in off-road conditions.

Wider tires generally offer better traction, but they can make the steering feel a bit heavier or slower to respond. For drivers who prioritize handling, this difference might take some time to adjust to, but the added stability can be an advantage in both off-road and highway driving.

Noise Levels

Another aspect Dan noted after a few days of driving with the TRD Pro wheels and tires was the increase in road noise. He mentioned that the new tires were slightly more aggressive, which is likely why they produced more noise, especially when cornering at higher speeds. This is a common trade-off when switching to tires designed for off-road or all-terrain use. Aggressive tread patterns, while offering better traction in rugged environments, can create more noise when driving on smooth, paved roads.

However, it’s important to remember that the noise level can vary depending on driving conditions, tire wear, and even how well the tires are maintained (e.g., proper inflation). While the slight increase in noise might not bother every driver, it's worth considering for those who prefer a quieter cabin experience.

Aesthetic and Stance

One of the reasons many people opt for the TRD Pro setup is the appearance. Dan remarked that the TRD Pro wheels give the truck a more aggressive stance, as they push out slightly more than the TRD Offroad wheels. This wider stance not only enhances the truck’s look but also provides better stability, especially when off-roading. For truck owners who want their vehicle to have a more rugged, "pro" appearance, the TRD Pro wheels deliver in this department.

Comparison Summary

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

Based on Dan’s comparison and other user reviews, the choice between TRD Offroad and TRD Pro wheels ultimately comes down to what you value most in your driving experience. If you're looking for a smoother, more comfortable ride with a rugged, off-road-ready appearance, the TRD Pro wheels are a fantastic option. The added tire cushion and wider stance make a noticeable difference, especially on rough terrain.

However, if you prefer a more responsive feel on the road with slightly less road noise, the TRD Offroad wheels might suit you better. The larger rims and narrower tires provide a firmer ride that gives more feedback from the road, which some drivers prefer, especially in city or highway driving.

For those who enjoy off-roading or want a truck that feels more capable in rough conditions, the TRD Pro setup seems like the better choice. The trade-off in noise and slightly slower steering is outweighed by the benefits in ride comfort, stability, and appearance. On the other hand, if your Tundra is more of a daily driver with occasional off-road use, the TRD Offroad wheels offer a balanced option without the added road noise.

In the end, it’s all about how you use your Tundra. Both setups offer strong advantages, and it’s clear that Toyota has put a lot of thought into designing these wheels and tires to meet different driving needs.

Let me know please in the comments section below if you have any experiences with one of these wheels options. In the meantime for 2025, Toyota has made several updates to the Tundra, streamlining some packages while adding new features to enhance both performance and comfort. Notably, the TRD Sport package and the rear-wheel-drive TRD Off-Road version are discontinued, along with the eye-catching Solar Octane paint option. However, the introduction of the new TRD Rally appearance package brings a fresh aesthetic. In terms of comfort, the SR5 trim now includes standard eight-way power-adjustable front seats, and a power tailgate is available on the SR5 and standard on higher trims. Luxury is also boosted with massaging front seats in the Platinum and Capstone models, and the 1794 Edition boasts a distinctive embossed tailgate. These updates continue Toyota’s trend of refining the Tundra to appeal to both off-road enthusiasts and those looking for premium features.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.

Image: A combination of two images of the TRD Offroad and TRD PRO Tundra wheels of Dan's Toyota he shared in the above-mentioned forum.