We've Tested Them All! The Top Contenders For Better Lighting
The 5th Gen 4Runner has proven itself as one of Toyota’s most capable and reliable platforms, but the stock headlights leave a lot to be desired.
Factory halogen reflector housings put out weak, uneven light that struggles on dark highways or trails. Many owners upgrade almost immediately, and for good reason; modern LED housings or even a simple LED bulb swap can completely change your visibility.
Reasons For Upgrading
Swapping bulbs alone helps, but it doesn’t solve the biggest issue: the reflector/projector housings. They were never designed for high output, so beam pattern and glare are always a problem. A fully upgraded housing provides a system specifically designed for better light sources, resulting in sharper cutoffs, more usable light on the road, and reduced glare for oncoming drivers. You’ll also get DRLs (Daytime Running Lights), sequential turn signals, and updated styling that makes your 4Runner look better than ever.
Benefits of Full Housing Upgrades
- Designed for sharp cutoffs and maximum usable light
- Substantially brighter than stock halogens, LEDs or bulb swaps
- DRLs and sequential signals add function and style
- Finish options like chrome, black, or Alpha-Black to match your build
- Backed by manufacturer warranties (2–5 years depending on brand)
More Affordable Route: Bulbs
If you’re not ready for a full housing swap, a quality LED bulb set is still a noticeable upgrade. You’ll see more light output right away, but you won’t get the precision or added features of a complete high-end housing. We usually recommend this as a budget-friendly first step.
Morimoto not only makes great headlights, but they also make the 2STROKE lineup. It's one of the nicest bulb upgrades you can find.
Pros
- Affordable compared to housings
- Quick, simple installation
- Much brighter than factory
Cons
- Still limited by stock design
- No DRLs or sequential turn signals
- Beam pattern not as refined
Shop Morimoto LED bulb option here:
- H9 2STROKE 4.0 LED Bulbs — high-output LED chips, 1,750 lumens per bulb, backed by a 3-year warranty.
Morimoto
Morimoto is the top of the food chain for output and reliability. Their XB EVO headlights use Bi-LED projectors powered by Nichia chips, plug right in without cutting or splicing, and carry a 5-year warranty. If you want the best of the best, this is it.
XB EVO
The XB EVO is Morimoto’s flagship housing. It delivers a wide, bright beam pattern with a crisp cutoff, includes sequential signals, and is built for long-term use. The Hybrid version shares the same projector tech but at a slightly lower price point. Both are DOT-compliant, and for those who want even more, the optional Supercharged Drivers add up to 50% more brightness (off-road use only).
Shop XB EVO
- Morimoto XB EVO LED (2014–2024)
- Morimoto XB EVO LED (2021–2024 refresh)
- Morimoto XB EVO Hybrid (2014–2024)
- Morimoto Supercharged Drivers
AlphaRex
AlphaRex has become a go-to for 4Runner owners who want aggressive styling without sacrificing function. Both the NOVA and LUXX series feature DRLs, sequential signals, and projector optics, all backed by a 2-year warranty. Which one you choose depends on your budget and how much performance you want.
NOVA
The NOVA is AlphaRex’s flagship. It uses quad “Ice Cube” LED projectors powered by Osram Oslon Black Flat chips for excellent output and a sharp beam pattern. These housings also include DRL rings and an activation light sequence. If you want maximum AlphaRex performance, this is the one we recommend.
Shop NOVA
- AlphaRex NOVA-Series Projector Headlights (2014–2024, Black)
- AlphaRex NOVA-Series Projector Headlights (2014–2024, Chrome)
- AlphaRex NOVA-Series Projector Headlights (2014–2024, Alpha-Black)
LUXX
The LUXX series brings you much of the AlphaRex look and features at a lower price point. Instead of four projectors, you get dual-LED projectors powered by AlphaRex’s LUXX LED chips. They still come with sequential signals, DRLs, and multiple finishes. Output is very good—better than stock by a mile—but not as strong as the NOVA.
Shop LUXX
- LUXX Projector MKII (2014–2024, Black)
- LUXX Projector MKII (2014–2024, Chrome)
- LUXX Projector MKII (2014–2024, Alpha-Black)
Closing Thoughts
If you want maximum performance with the longest warranty, the Morimoto XB EVO is our top recommendation. The Nichia Bi-LED projectors and 5-year coverage make them hard to beat. If you want styling choices and aggressive looks, AlphaRex has you covered—the NOVA with Osram-powered quad projectors is the most powerful, while the LUXX balances price and performance. And if you just need a budget-friendly step up, a quality LED bulb swap like the 2STROKE 4.0 will still give you a noticeable improvement over halogen.
No matter which way you go, we offer all of these options here at Customs Unlimited and can help you find the right fit for your 4Runner.
Shop all 4Runner lighting upgrades here or contact us if you need help choosing the right setup for your build.