If you drive a Toyota Tacoma and spend any time off road, undercarriage protection is one of the best upgrades you can make to ensure your rig makes it back home unscathed. Skid plates shield vulnerable components - like the engine, oil pan, transmission, transfer case, and gas tank - from rocks, debris, and unexpected impacts. But when you start shopping for a skid plate system for your truck one major question will come up: aluminum vs steel skid plates - which is better for your Toyota Tacoma?
Both aluminum and steel skid plates have clear advantages, and both come with trade-offs that can affect durability, weight, corrosion resistance, price, and long-term performance. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of aluminum skid plates vs steel skid plates, helping you choose the best option based on your typical driving conditions, budget, and needs.
Why Skid Plate Material Matters
Before diving into the great aluminum vs steel skid plate debate, it’ll help to understand the role skid plates play. The Tacoma’s underbody is vulnerable to rocks, stumps, and sudden ground impacts - especially when driving off road without a spotter or at night when visibility is limited. A robust set of skid plates helps:
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Prevents costly damage
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Improves driving confidence on the trail
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Allows you to navigate obstacles safely
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Protects your truck’s resale value
With that foundation, let’s look at how aluminum and steel compare.
Aluminum Skid Plates for Toyota Tacomas
Aluminum skid plates are an extremely popular choice among Tacoma owners who want strong protection without adding significant weight.
Pros of Aluminum Tacoma Skid Plates
1. Much Lighter Than Steel
Weight is one of aluminum’s biggest advantages. Aluminum skid plates typically weigh 35-55% less than equivalent steel skid plates. Most high-quality aluminum plates for Tacomas are made from 3/16" or 1/4" 5052 or 6061 aluminum. For Tacoma owners who daily drive or overland long distances, that reduced weight can result in:
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Better fuel efficiency
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Less strain on suspension components & drivetrain
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Improved ride quality
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Less rake in the front end
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Less impact to cargo capacity
If you’re running a full set of skids front to back (engine, transmission, transfer case), the weight difference adds up quickly. And, let's face it, modern Tacomas don’t leave a lot of room in the way of cargo capacity so every little bit of weight savings counts!
2. Excellent Corrosion Resistance
Aluminum naturally resists rust and corrosion, making it ideal for drivers in:
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Snowy climates with salted roads
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Humid or coastal environments
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Regions with significant rain or moisture
Unlike steel, aluminum skids don’t require frequent paint touch-ups or rust treatment.
3. Doesn’t Permanently Deform as Easily When Hit
Aluminum is more likely to dent rather than fully deform on impact. While dents aren’t ideal, the material typically retains its overall shape and protective performance, making removal and reinstallation after an impact easier relative to a bent steel skid.
4. Better Heat Dissipation
Aluminum dissipates heat better than steel, meaning it cools quickly. This is really beneficial for skid plates protecting components like the engine, transmission, or in closer proximity to the exhaust system.
Cons of Aluminum Tacoma Skid Plates
1. Not as Strong as Steel
While aluminum is tough, it simply cannot match steel’s impact strength. On extremely rocky trails - like those in Moab, Colorado, or the Rubicon - aluminum may deform or gouge somewhat more easily.
2. Thicker Material is Needed
Because aluminum is softer than steel, thicker material is required compared to steel - often 3/16" or 1/4" to achieve comparable protection. While not typically noticeable, this does have a very minor impact on clearance.
3. More Expensive
Aluminum skid plates generally cost 20-40% more than steel skid plates. You’re paying a slight premium for lighter weight and better corrosion resistance.
4. Not Ideal for Repeated Hard Impacts
Over time, repeated hits in the same location can fatigue aluminum. Frequent rock crawling may shorten the lifespan of aluminum skid plates faster than steel.
Steel Skid Plates for Toyota Tacoma
Steel skid plates are built for maximum strength and serious off-road abuse. Most high-quality steel Tacoma skid plates use 3/16in. thick material, though some heavy-duty options still use 1/4in.
Pros of Steel Tacoma Skid Plates
1. Extremely Strong and Durable
Steel is ultimately the strongest option for Tacoma skid plates. It can handle:
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Repeated hard rock hits
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High-speed desert impacts
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Advanced technical rock crawling
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Repeated concentrated impacts and abuse
Steel resists gouging, cracking, and dents better than aluminum.
2. Thinner Plates = Slightly Better Clearance
Because steel is stronger, skid plates can use thinner material while maintaining similar protection. Again, while minor, this can slightly improve clearance.
3. Better for Rock Crawling and Extreme Trails
If you regularly tackle difficult obstacles where undercarriage hits are a common occurrence, steel is likely a more suitable choice. It can survive repeated high-energy impacts that may dent or otherwise compromise aluminum.
4. Usually Cheaper
Steel skid plates tend to be somewhat more affordable. For budget-conscious Tacoma owners, this can certainly be one of the deciding factors.
Cons of Steel Tacoma Skid Plates
1. MUCH Heavier
Weight is steel’s biggest drawback. A full set of steel skid plates can add 100-200+ lbs to your Tacoma. That added mass affects:
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Fuel economy
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Ride quality and handling
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Acceleration and braking
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Suspension performance and wear
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Cargo capacity
For daily drivers or overlanding builds, this can be a significant disadvantage. The Tacoma’s limited GVWR doesn’t leave a ton (literally) of room for cargo and vehicle modifications, that’s why we here at Backwoods Adventure Mods created the Hi-Lite series of winch bumpers and employ those same principles in our skids (only 77lbs), rock sliders, and other Tacoma-optimized off road mods!
2. Prone to Rust
Steel rusts - period. Even powder-coated steel may chip during impacts, exposing metal underneath. And on a long enough timeline, rust can weaken the skid plates.
3. Requires More Upkeep
To prolong their lifespan, as a result of the aforementioned rust issues, steel skid plates need:
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Frequent repainting
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Rust-preventive coatings
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Occasional sanding
Not everyone wants to deal with the extra maintenance.
4. Harder to Remove and Install
The extra weight makes steel skid plates both challenging to install and uninstall when maintenance is required, especially if the design does not allow for easy access for routine services (like oil drains, filters, etc.) - this can especially be a pain point for solo or DIY mechanics.
Aluminum vs Steel Skid Plates: Which Is Best for You?
Here’s how to decide between aluminum and steel skid plates for your Toyota Tacoma based on your driving style:
Choose Aluminum if You:
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Daily drive your Tacoma
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Want to optimize fuel efficiency, while adding protection
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Want to minimize weight
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Frequently overland long distances
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Drive in wet, snowy, or coastal climates
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Want low maintenance and rust-free durability
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Mostly run moderate trails with occasional impacts/technical obstacles
Best for: Overlanding, long-distance travel, mixed on/off-road driving, and moderate trail use.
Choose Steel if You:
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Run technical rock crawling trails
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Frequently risk hitting your undercarriage on rocks or ledges
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Don’t mind the added weight, and reduction in cargo capacity
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Want the most impact-resistant material
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Are on a tighter budget
Best for: Rock crawlers, heavy off-road builds, and dedicated trail rigs.
Final Thoughts: Aluminum vs Steel Skid Plates
When comparing aluminum vs steel skid plates for your Toyota Tacoma, the right choice depends on how and where you typically drive. Aluminum delivers lighter weight and corrosion resistance ideal for overland builds and daily-driven trucks. Steel, on the other hand, provides unmatched durability for frequent rock crawling and high-impact off-road use.
Whatever you choose, upgrading your Tacoma’s skid plates is one of the best ways to protect your truck’s undercarriage while exploring off road, and ensure you and your truck make it back home intact.
Be sure to check out our unique hybrid design Aluminum Tacoma Skid Plates that offer the weight savings of Aluminum with the added strength of a steel crossmember support - for the best of both worlds!