Our Favorite Upgrades After Years Of Testing & Customer Feedback
Toyota did a lot of things right with the Tacoma, but the factory halogen reflector headlights aren’t one of them, and the LED versions aren't much better. They’re dim, the beam pattern is poor, and if you do a lot of night driving, you’ve probably noticed how limited the visibility is.
That’s why we recommend upgrading to a full LED headlight housing or at least a quality LED bulb conversion.
Why Upgrade Your Housing?
A lot of people ask us if it’s worth replacing the whole housing instead of just swapping bulbs. The short answer is yes. With a complete LED housing, you’re not just getting brighter light, you’re getting projector optics designed for LEDs. That means a sharper cutoff, more usable light on the road, and way less glare for oncoming drivers. On top of that, the housings add modern features like DRLs (Daytime Running Lights), sequential turn signals, and different finish options to match your truck’s look.
Benefits
- LED projectors are designed for a sharper beam pattern and maximum output
- More light on the road compared to halogen or basic bulb swaps
- Modern styling with DRLs and sequential turn signals
- Choice of finishes and output levels
- Long-term reliability backed by manufacturer warranties
Alternative: Bulb Upgrade
We also carry improved LED bulb kits for those who want a more budget conscious setup without swapping housings. They’re a solid improvement over stock halogens, but they won’t give you the optics or styling of a full replacement. If you’re on a budget, or just prefer the OEM headlights, it’s a worthwhile upgrade.
Pros
- Lower cost compared to full housings
- Easy install, just swap, and go
- Noticeably brighter than factory
Cons
- Still limited by factory reflector/projector housings
- No DRLs or sequential signal functions
- Beam pattern not as precise as full upgrades
Shop 2STROKE Bulbs
- H9 2STROKE 4.0 LED Bulbs (high-output LED chips, 1,750 lumens per bulb, backed by a 3-year warranty)
AlphaRex
AlphaRex has become one of our most popular brands for Tacoma headlights.
They offer aggressive styling, solid performance, and different series to fit various budgets. Both their NOVA and LUXX series use projector optics (with some exceptions), offer DRLs and sequential signals, and are backed by a 2-year warranty.
NOVA Series
The NOVA is AlphaRex’s flagship. These headlights use quad “Ice Cube” LED projectors powered by Osram Oslon Black Flat chips. Output is excellent, beam pattern is sharp, and they include a crisp wrap-around DRL with an activation light sequence. If you want maximum AlphaRex performance and don’t mind paying a little more, this is the one we recommend. They come in three different color options.
Shop NOVA
- AlphaRex NOVA-Series Projector Headlights (Black)
- AlphaRex NOVA-Series Projector Headlights (Chrome)
- AlphaRex NOVA-Series Projector Headlights (Alpha-Black)
LUXX Series
If you like the AlphaRex style but want something a little more affordable, the LUXX is a great option. Instead of four projectors, the LUXX Projector line uses dual-LED projectors with AlphaRex’s own LUXX LED chips. They still include sequential signals, DRLs, and multiple finish choices. The Crsytal line use reflectors. Their output is strong, not quite at NOVA levels, but much better than stock. A solid middle-ground upgrade.
The Crystal versions offer a design similar to Toyota's LED housings that are briefly available on certain trims during the middle of production. They're a big hit in the community, not just for price point but for aesthetics.
The MKII is a newer variant. It steps up the performance and has several visual differences. These are great for those looking for something different, without going all the way to a premium price point.
Shop LUXX
- LUXX Projector MKII Alpha-Black
- LUXX Projector MKII Black
- LUXX Crystal Alpha-Black
- LUXX Crystal Black
- LUXX Crystal Chrome
Morimoto
Morimoto is the other big name we recommend. They’re known for premium build quality, excellent output, and the longest warranty (5 years). If you want the highest-performing Tacoma headlight on the market, Morimoto should be on your list.
XB Evo
The XB EVO is Morimoto’s flagship. These use Bi-LED projectors powered by Nichia chips, giving them a wide, bright beam pattern with a sharp cutoff. Features include heated lenses for cold weather, sequential turn signals, and full plug-and-play installation. They’re DOT-approved and backed by a 5-year warranty. If you want more light, we also offer their Supercharged Drivers, which boost output by up to 50% for off-road use.
These lights have two different versions. The very best one they offer is the XB Evo. The intention was to show what was possible at the highest level. The Hybrid version is still an amazing light, but dialed back a touch to bring it to more affordable price.
Shop XB EVO
Closing Thoughts
After working with so many 3rd Gen Tacoma owners, our recommendation comes down to this: if you want the best performance and longest warranty, go with the Morimoto XB EVO. The Bi-LED Nichia projectors deliver excellent output, and the 5-year coverage gives real peace of mind.
If styling is just as important as performance, AlphaRex is a great option. The NOVA with Osram-powered quad projectors is their top performer, while the LUXX gives you strong output at a more affordable price point.
And if you’re not ready to make the jump to a full housing swap, a quality LED bulb upgrade like the 2STROKE 4.0 is still a solid improvement over halogen.
No matter which route you choose, we stock all of these options here at Customs Unlimited, and we’re always happy to help you pick the right setup for your truck.
Shop all Tacoma lighting upgrades here or call/email us if you have questions about which option fits your build best!