Blog

DTP Parts is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Affiliate Disclosure: dtpparts.com is a participant in affiliate advertising programs. When you click our links and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep the lights on and the wrenches turning.

Best Suspension for Toyota Tacoma (2020-2024): Find Your Perfect Ride

Whether you’re crawling boulder fields on the weekend or just want a smoother daily commute, upgrading the best suspension for your Toyota Tacoma is one of the single highest-impact modifications you can make. The 2020-2024 Tacoma platform — built on Toyota’s proven TNGA-F architecture — comes with a capable but conservative factory setup. Translation: there’s a ton of room to improve. From mild leveling kits to aggressive long-travel setups, the aftermarket has never been better for third-gen Tacoma owners. This guide breaks down every major option, explains what actually matters, and helps you choose the right kit for how you drive.

Quick Comparison: Top Suspension Upgrades for the 2020-2024 Tacoma

Product / Kit	Lift Height	Best For	Approx. Price	Difficulty
Bilstein 5100 Leveling Kit	0–2.5 in front	Daily driver leveling	$300–$450	Moderate
Rough Country 3-in. Lift Kit	3 in. front & rear	Budget off-road build	$350–$550	Moderate
Old Man Emu (OME) BP-51 Kit	2–3 in.	Overlanding & comfort	$1,400–$2,000	Moderate–Hard
Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Coilovers	1–3 in. adjustable	Performance off-road	$2,000–$3,500	Hard
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 1 Kit	0–3 in. adjustable	All-around performance	$1,100–$1,800	Moderate–Hard
TRD Pro Suspension (OEM Upgrade)	1 in. front	OEM+ daily driver	$800–$1,200	Moderate

Top Suspension Picks for the 2020-2024 Toyota Tacoma

1. Bilstein 5100 Series — Best Budget Leveling Upgrade

If your 2020-2024 Tacoma has that factory rake that drives you crazy — front end sitting noticeably lower than the rear — the Bilstein 5100 Series is the most popular fix on the market. These monotube shocks feature a multi-position adjustment that lets you dial in 0 to 2.5 inches of front lift without sacrificing ride quality. Bilstein’s 46mm monotube design offers significantly better heat dissipation than twin-tube competitors, meaning they stay consistent during long, technical drives.

[AFFILIATE_LINK:bilstein-5100-tacoma]

[CTA_BUTTON:bilstein-5100-tacoma:Bilstein 5100 Series]

Pros:

• Affordable entry point for leveling
• Monotube design runs cooler than stock
• Retains smooth highway ride
• Direct bolt-on for all 2020-2024 Tacoma trims

Cons:

• Front-end only — rear remains stock height
• No adjustable damping
• Not ideal for aggressive rock crawling

2. Rough Country 3-Inch Suspension Lift Kit — Best Budget Full Kit

Rough Country has built its reputation on delivering accessible off-road upgrades without breaking the bank. Their 3-inch lift kit for the 2020-2024 Tacoma includes N3 struts up front and add-a-leaf blocks in the rear, bumping you up enough for 33-inch tires with ease. It’s a complete, bolt-on kit that a motivated DIYer can install in a weekend. Don’t expect premium ride quality — but if you want stance and a little trail capability on a tight budget, it’s hard to beat.

[AFFILIATE_LINK:rough-country-3in-tacoma]

[CTA_BUTTON:rough-country-3in-tacoma:Rough Country Lift Kit]

Pros:

• Complete front and rear lift in one kit
• Lowest cost per inch of lift available
• Great tire clearance for 33s
• Includes all necessary hardware

Cons:

• N3 shocks are entry-level performance
• Add-a-leaf can stiffen rear noticeably
• May void portions of factory warranty

3. Old Man Emu BP-51 Bypass Kit — Best for Overlanding

ARB’s Old Man Emu BP-51 internally bypassed shocks are a favorite among serious overlanders who spend weeks at a time on rough terrain. The BP-51 uses a sophisticated bypass valve system that provides a plush ride over small bumps but firms up dramatically under heavy loads and high-speed whoops. For a Tacoma loaded with a rooftop tent, a full overlanding kit, and 200 lbs of gear, this is the suspension that keeps everything composed. Matched with OME’s progressive-rate coil springs, ride quality improvement over stock is immediately obvious.

[AFFILIATE_LINK:ome-bp51-tacoma]

[CTA_BUTTON:ome-bp51-tacoma:OME BP-51 Kit]

Pros:

• Exceptional loaded and unloaded ride quality
• Internally bypassed design handles high-speed terrain
• Ideal for heavy overland builds
• Rebuildable and serviceable long-term

Cons:

• Premium price point
• Overkill for mild trail use or daily driving
• Installation requires alignment afterward

4. Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Coilovers — Best High-Performance Option

When the trails get serious, Fox 2.5 Performance Elite coilovers are the gold standard for third-gen Tacoma owners who push their trucks hard. With 2.5-inch diameter shocks, remote reservoirs, and fully adjustable ride height from 1 to 3 inches, these are the shocks you’ll find on prerunners and competition-spec trucks. The external reservoir dramatically increases fluid volume for better fade resistance on long descents. If you’re running rock sliders, skid plates, and 285-series tires, these shocks will keep up with every mile.

[AFFILIATE_LINK:fox-25-elite-tacoma]

[CTA_BUTTON:fox-25-elite-tacoma:Fox 2.5 Elite Coilovers]

Pros:

• Best-in-class off-road performance
• Fully adjustable height and damping
• Remote reservoir for extended fade resistance
• Rebuildable and tune-able

Cons:

• Highest price in the segment
• Professional installation strongly recommended
• Stiff on-road feel in aggressive damping settings

5. Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 1 Kit — Best All-Around Performer

Icon Vehicle Dynamics has carved out a loyal following among Tacoma enthusiasts who want performance close to Fox without the full Fox price tag. The Icon Stage 1 kit pairs their 2.5-inch coilovers with rear extended-travel shocks and a progressive-rate rear coil spring, giving you 0 to 3 inches of front lift and meaningful rear improvement simultaneously. The billet aluminum construction and smooth-gliding PTFE-lined bearings are hallmarks of Icon’s quality. This is our top overall recommendation for the driver who splits time between pavement and dirt.

[AFFILIATE_LINK:icon-stage1-tacoma]

[CTA_BUTTON:icon-stage1-tacoma:Icon Stage 1 Kit]

Pros:

• Excellent on-road and off-road balance
• Fully adjustable front ride height
• High-quality billet components
• Comprehensive front and rear kit

Cons:

• Costs more than entry-level options
• Alignment required after installation
• Rear improvement less dramatic than front

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Suspension for Your 2020-2024 Tacoma

Understand Your Driving Style First

Before you spend a single dollar, ask yourself: How do I actually use this truck? A daily driver that occasionally hits a gravel road needs a very different setup than a dedicated trail rig. Overland tourers need load-carrying capacity. Rock crawlers need articulation. Speed runners need high-speed dampening. Get honest about your use case — and your budget — before reading spec sheets.

Lift Height: How Much Do You Actually Need?

More lift isn’t always better. Every inch of lift you add changes your center of gravity, affects driveline angles, and can accelerate wear on CV joints. Here’s a quick guide:

• 0–2 inches: Leveling only. Great for appearance and slightly larger tires (up to 275/70R17).
• 2–3 inches: Meaningful ground clearance gain. Fits 285/75R16 or 33-inch tires comfortably.
• 3–4 inches: Serious off-road territory. Requires UCAs (upper control arms) to maintain proper CV angle.
• 4+ inches: Long-travel builds. Professional installation and full geometry correction required.

Shock Type Explained

Twin-tube shocks are stock-style and budget-friendly but generate more heat and fade under hard use. Monotube shocks (like Bilstein 5100) run cooler and respond faster. Remote reservoir shocks add additional fluid volume for maximum fade resistance. Bypass shocks (like OME BP-51) offer the most sophisticated damping across varied terrain.

Don’t Forget Upper Control Arms

If you’re lifting your Tacoma more than 2.5 inches, aftermarket upper control arms (UCAs) are not optional — they’re essential. Factory UCAs run out of travel at that lift height, causing CV bind and premature wear. Brands like Icon, Camburg, and SPC offer Tacoma-specific UCAs with extended travel and better geometry correction.

Budget Breakdown

• Under $500: Leveling kit or budget full lift (Rough Country)
• $500–$1,500: Mid-range coilovers, Bilstein 6112/5160 combo
• $1,500–$3,000: OME BP-51, Icon Stage kits
• $3,000+: Fox 2.5 Elite, King coilovers, full long-travel builds

Brief Installation Overview

Most bolt-on leveling kits and 2–3 inch lift kits are manageable for a mechanically inclined DIYer with a floor jack, jack stands, a spring compressor, and a torque wrench. Plan for 4–8 hours for a front strut swap. However, we strongly recommend a professional 4-wheel alignment after any suspension modification — this is non-negotiable and typically costs $100–$150. For coilover systems, remote reservoir shocks, and anything involving UCAs, professional installation ensures correct geometry and prevents premature tire wear or handling problems. Always torque suspension fasteners to spec with the suspension at ride height (not hanging), and re-torque after 500 miles of break-in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best suspension lift for a 2020-2024 Toyota Tacoma?

The best lift depends on your use case. For daily drivers, the Bilstein 5100 leveling kit offers the best value. For overlanders, the OME BP-51 kit is hard to beat. For all-around performance, the Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 1 kit is our top recommendation.

How much does it cost to lift a 2020-2024 Tacoma?

Costs range from around $300 for a basic leveling kit to over $3,500 for premium coilover systems. Budget an additional $100–$150 for a professional alignment after installation.

Do I need upper control arms with a 3-inch lift on my Tacoma?

Yes. At 2.5 to 3 inches or more of lift, aftermarket upper control arms are strongly recommended to maintain proper CV axle angles, preserve suspension geometry, and prevent premature wear on drivetrain components.

Will lifting my Tacoma void the warranty?

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, dealers cannot void your entire warranty because of an aftermarket part. However, if a lifted component directly causes a failure, that specific repair may not be covered. Consult your dealer and consider Toyota TRD-approved components where possible.

What size tires fit on a lifted 2020-2024 Tacoma?

With a 2–3 inch lift, most owners fit 285/75R16 (33-inch equivalent) tires without rubbing. A 3–4 inch lift with minor trimming can accommodate 285/70R17 or even 305/70R16 tires on some builds.

Can I install a Tacoma lift kit myself?

Basic leveling kits and some complete lift kits are DIY-friendly with the right tools. Coilovers with remote reservoirs and anything requiring UCA replacement are better left to a professional shop to ensure safety and proper alignment.

Final Verdict: Which Tacoma Suspension Is Right for You?

The 2020-2024 Toyota Tacoma is a brilliant platform for customization, and the suspension aftermarket reflects that. Here’s our cheat sheet:

• Best budget leveling: Bilstein 5100 Series — reliable, proven, affordable.
• Best budget full lift: Rough Country 3-Inch Kit — maximum stance per dollar.
• Best for overlanding: OME BP-51 — unmatched loaded-vehicle composure.
• Best for performance off-road: Fox 2.5 Performance Elite — the benchmark.
• Best all-around: Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 1 — our overall top pick.

Whatever route you choose, upgrading your Tacoma’s suspension is one of the best investments you can make in the truck. You’ll feel it every single drive — on the highway, on the trail, and everywhere in between. Browse our full selection of Tacoma suspension parts and find the exact kit for your build below.