Best Midsize Pickup for a 3 Inch Lift and 33 Inch Tires

The short answer: For most buyers, the best midsize pickup for a 3 inch lift and 33 inch tires is one that already ships close to that setup. The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 comes from the factory with a 3 inch lift and 33 inch mud-terrain tires, according to Chevrolet. Toyota's Tacoma Trailhunter, TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX come with 33 inch tires from the factory. The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is also sold with 33 inch tires. If you want to build your own, the Tacoma and Colorado Z71 or AT4 give you the widest choice of proven lift and wheel combinations.

What a 3 inch lift and 33 inch tires actually change

Moving from a stock tire of roughly 30 to 32 inches up to 33 inches raises ride height. It also changes the effective gearing, speedometer accuracy and braking feel. A 3 inch lift gives the clearance those tires need, and it shifts suspension geometry. A balanced build matters more than the biggest number. We favor setups that stay comfortable on the highway, in city traffic and in bad weather, and that still tow and go off-road. Every decision, from platform to shocks to the final road test, should serve long-term durability.

Toyota Tacoma: the resale and aftermarket leader

Toyota calls the Tacoma America's best-selling midsize pickup for over two decades. The 2026 TRD Off-Road with the i-FORCE MAX hybrid ships with 33 inch Falken WildPeak all-terrain tires on 18 inch wheels. The Trailhunter and TRD Pro also ship with 33 inch tires. If you lift a non-hybrid Tacoma yourself, expect to budget for wheels, tires, alignment and possibly gearing. The Tacoma's rated maximum tow capacity is 6,500 pounds, with payload up to 1,705 pounds per Toyota. Those figures apply to factory configurations, and a lift and larger tires can reduce real-world margins.

Chevrolet Colorado: the factory 3 inch lift

The Colorado ZR2 is the most direct answer to this exact question. Chevrolet lists 17 inch wheels with 33 inch mud-terrain tires, a 3 inch factory-installed lift and Multimatic DSSV dampers. That means no warranty gray area from a third-party kit. If you want a lower price and plan to lift a Z71 or AT4 yourself, compare the total cost against a ZR2.

Ford Ranger: payload and highway manners

The Ranger leads the segment in payload at up to 1,767 pounds in RWD configuration and tows up to 7,500 pounds when properly equipped. Ranger Raptor trades some towing capacity (5,510 pounds) for performance hardware. It suits drivers who split time between highway miles and fast trails. Confirm Raptor tire size and fitment on Ford's site before publishing specifics.

Jeep Gladiator Rubicon: the trail specialist

The Gladiator Rubicon uses Dana 44 axles, front and rear locking differentials and a disconnecting front sway bar, and the Rubicon ships with 33 inch tires. Its removable roof and doors make it a recreation platform first. The 3.6L V6 makes 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft, and it tows up to 7,700 pounds with proper equipment.

How to choose

Pick the Colorado ZR2 if you want the lift and tires backed by the manufacturer.
Pick the Tacoma if resale value, aftermarket support and a hybrid option matter most.
Pick the Ranger if you carry heavy loads and drive a lot of highway.
Pick the Gladiator Rubicon if the trail comes first.

Towing, payload and daily driving after the build

Larger tires add rotating mass, and a lift raises the center of gravity. Always work from the manufacturer's tow and payload ratings, and subtract the weight of accessories and gear. Ask your installer about alignment, headlight aim and speedometer recalibration after the lift.

Buy it already built

Lifted Trucks sells trucks and SUVs that are already customized, with lift kits installed by our in-house outfitter, The Lift Shop. Explore our midsize inventory today. We ship nationwide.