The Toyota Tacoma is one of the best selling models of trucks in the USA.
Renowned for its reliability, compactness, and attractive design features. There is no doubt why it’s such a popular model.
So, it makes sense to protect it and the truck bed is one place in particular that takes a beating.
Let’s look at the best bed mats for Toyota Tacomas:
1. Toyota Accessories PT580-35050-SB Bed Mat for Short Bed Tacoma Models
In the entire truck bed mat category, this Toyota Accessories mat is the best seller. This mat is a relatively affordable and a high quality product.
This comes in at 30 lbs and it’s contoured to the fit of your truck bed. Universal options can be cheaper, but cutting them to fit is a headache.
The underside of this is raised with rubber knobs. That helps air get under it and will help any water trapped to drain easily. If you’ve ever pulled up a floor mat that lies flat on the ground, it can be a nasty scene. That’s why a design like this is neat.
The rubber is similar to your tire, and as you can imagine your knees will thank you. If you’re looking for a great fit for your shortbed Tacoma, look no further! But, maybe a little further because we’d appreciate you checking out the whole guide.
2. SMARTLINER Truck Bed Rugged Rubber Liner Mat for Toyota Tacoma 05-20 with 5 ft Long Bed
Smartliner has a well-made custom mat for your Tacoma if it’s between the years of 2005-2020.
They have a vertical stripe pattern on their anti-slip rubber mat. Besides the usual stuff, what makes this brand stand out is they’ve offered a lifetime warranty.
In addition to the good reviews, it was something to raise an eyebrow of approval at. This is only good for short beds. A knock on this product is that it’ll arrive at your doorstep rolled up.
You’ll have to unroll it and let it sit for a few days before you’re able to put it on your truck. But, that’s a minor inconvenience.
This is a good value, but can it compete with our option at number one? We have our mind made up, but for variety’s sake we thought we’d show you some competitors.
3. BedRug Bed Mat BMY05SBS fits 05+ TACOMA 6' BED
BedRug has a different take on protecting your bed. Their waterproof fabric sure feels a lot nicer to the touch than rubber.
This mat is made for long bed models of Tacoma. It’s at a slightly higher price point than the standard mats as well.
But, this is a Made in America product. A higher price is expected.
This is made of polypropylene, so it’s not going to absorb water. It’s a heavy duty surface that they managed to fashion into a rug like design. It’ll still take a beating, while being non-slip for your hauling needs.
They’re a nice change of pace to the typical designs we see for mats.
4. Dee Zee DZ87005 Heavyweight Bed Mat
Last but not least we have a universal option for you to take a gander at.
The Dee Zee heavyweight mat has left a lot of satisfied customers in its wake. It’s at a price point that custom options can’t compete with as well.
But, will it fit as nicely? The simple answer is no. You sacrifice that perfect fit when you get something like this. It’s still made of good rubber, but you may have to do some cutting yourself to get it just right.
If you’re looking for a “good enough” choice and you want to save a bit of cash, DeeZee has a quality offering with this one.
FAQS
What are other ways I can protect my truck?
When it comes to a truck bed, the mat is going to give you the most versatility. But, there is another option and that is something called a spray-in bedliner. There are also options that you can brush on, like this one from Herculiner.
Adding it creates a non-slip surface for your things. But, it’s not a removable option. Which is where the products above shine. Most people are happy with either choice, it just comes down to personal preference.
Are there any other upgrades you’d recommend for the truck bed?
Depending on what you’re hauling, it’s a good idea to have a divider to keep your truck organized. Or, if it’s something heavier, than you can use a cargo bar. We have an article on those here.
Toyota even has an OEM cargo divider that can hold up to 400lbs safely. There is nothing better than a custom fit, and it’s great that they have this available.
Conclusion
If you own a Tacoma and plan on hauling anything, getting a mat is a great investment. The truck bed is known to be very slick from the factory, so giving it an upgrade will bolster its utility. It’ll also save you a slip or two.
Hopefully, this guide has helped inform you about what’s out there for your truck. If you have a short bed Tacoma, we think that the Toyota Accessories mat is the best seller for a reason.
But, there are plenty of other good choices available. If you pick up something from this guide make sure to come back and let us know how it worked out. And as always, thank you for stopping by.