Is a Lift Kit Worth It? What Every Tacoma Owner Should Know

Everyone sees a lifted Tacoma and thinks: “That looks badass.” But when you’re the one shelling out the cash, the question hits different: Is it actually worth it?

Here’s the truth: A lift kit can be totally worth it—or a complete waste. It depends on how you drive, what terrain you face, and what you’re trying to achieve.

What a Lift Kit Actually Does

A lift kit does one main thing: raises your Tacoma’s frame higher off the ground. But the why matters more than the what.

Benefits:

• More ground clearance
• Better approach/departure angles
• Fits bigger tires
• Looks tougher

Drawbacks:

• Can mess with ride quality
• Higher center of gravity = more body roll
• Possible alignment issues
• More wear on CVs, bushings, ball joints
• Kills MPG if not done right

Types of Lift Kits

1. Spacer (Budget) Kits

• Add a block/spacer above the strut or coil
• Cheap: $100–$300
• No improvement to ride or handling
• Good for looks or tire fitment only

2. Coilover + Rear Shock Kits

• Replaces stock shocks/springs with longer travel options
• Improves ride, flex, and control
• 2–3” of lift usually
• Costs $800–$2,000

3. Long Travel Suspension

• Extends track width and suspension travel
• Built for rock crawling or desert speed
• Requires fiberglass fenders, extended axles, etc.
• Costs $5K–$10K+ easily

What You Can Actually Fit

Real Talk: What a Lift Will and Won’t Do

Will Do:

• Let you crawl over bigger rocks
• Clear larger tires
• Make your truck look tougher
• Improve trail performance

Won’t Do:

• Magically make your truck invincible
• Fix bad shocks or stock ride harshness
• Make you a better driver

Who Should Lift Their Tacoma?

Lift it if you:

• Trail drive regularly
• Want to fit 33–34″ tires
• Need clearance for snow, ruts, or crawling
• Tow heavy gear over uneven terrain

Skip it if you:

• Only drive pavement
• Already scrape entering parking garages
• Don’t want to mess with alignments
• Hate sacrificing MPG or handling

Hidden Costs Most People Forget

• Alignment after lift: $100–200
• Upper control arms (UCAs) if lifting over 2.5″
• Brake lines on long travel kits
• Regear if running 35s (expensive!)
• MPG drop: Expect 1–3 mpg lost

Worth It? Here’s the Verdict

It’s worth it if:

You off-road or overland, want to fit bigger tires, or haul gear on uneven terrain. It makes your Tacoma look and perform the part.

It’s NOT worth it if:

You don’t leave the pavement and care more about MPG and comfort than clearance or crawl.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, start with upgraded shocks and tires. You can always add height later. But chasing lift without purpose? That’s just asking to waste money.

Final Thoughts

A lift is not just about height. It’s about function. Done right, it transforms your Tacoma. Done wrong, it just makes things worse.

Plan your build. Understand your terrain. Buy smart, not just tall. That’s how you get the most from your truck—without wrecking your wallet or ride.