Posted by Nick Kovar on 5/22/2022 to
Before you Buy
The 2016-2022 Tacoma isn't necessarily known for it's impressive lighting capabilities, and for good reason. In general, the new Tacoma's still sport weak headlight bulbs from the factory that aren't the best choice for the more aggressive applications many off-road enthusiasts have in mind. In this article, we'll be covering the differences between halogen and LED Headlight Bulbs and taking a look at why you may want to choose any of our aftermarket options over your stock components. No two aftermarket headlights are built the same, which is why we've laid out some of our favorite picks for your truck along with all the unique features that come with them. We offer headlights from well-known brands like ANZO, Morimoto, AlpahaRex, and more to help you upgrade your truck with the best 2016-2022 Tacoma Headlights possible!
2016-2022 Tacoma Aftermarket Headlights: Halogen vs. LED
The newest generation of Tacomas are quite the adventure vehicles, and when you're out having a day of off-road fun in your truck, time has a way of just slipping by. When the sun starts to set, you shouldn't have to rely on your factory headlights navigating you back to camp. Aside from the TRD and TRD Pro models, your truck is likely sporting halogen facotry headlight bulbs that are much weaker than the aftermarket bulbs we offer here at Stage 3. Halogen bulbs are not always a bad choice; however, as we'll be covering the 2016-2022 Tacoma ANZO Plank Style Projector Headlights as a formidable choice for your truck, featuring halogen bulbs in their construction. It ultimately comes down to the amount of illumination being pushed out of the halogen bulb, and the type of lenses and optics used that will affect the way your headlights look and perform. Halogen bulbs were initially created as a more economical solution to basic incandescent bulbs and are great for those looking for an upgrade on a budget. While halogen bulbs are more "basic" than upgraded LEDs, they'll certainty improve your truck's visibility when paired the with the proper headlight components, but we'll get to that later. Moving on to LEDs, these will offer your Tacoma some of the best illumination with a longer lifespan to ensure you won't miss a beat the next time you're out on the trails. In general, LED lights will outperform any halogen and incandescent lights for impressive illumination, but that certainty comes with a price. While an LED upgrade may dent your wallet a bit more, you'll gain a sharper light cutoff, superior distance illumination, and an overall cleaner look to the front-end of your truck. LED lights are certainty the more modern upgrade you can make on your truck, and it's no secret that that they're a popular choice among many of those looking for a light upgrade. In just a moment, we'll be reviewing some different headlight options that you can upgrade your truck with, so if you're not looking for a set of complete replacements, you can always check out our 2016-2022 Tacoma LED Bulb Upgrades for a simple and affordable improvement to your truck.2016-2022 Tacoma Headlight Options
While the list of aftermarket headlights for the 2016-2022 Tacoma is nearly endless, we've selected four of our favorites to show off to you. Starting out, we'll take a look at the previously mentioned 2016-2022 Tacoma ANZO Halogen Plank Style Projector Headlights. The ANZO Plank Style Projector Headlights are among some of the most affordable replacement units we offer here at Stage 3 but will still pack a punch when you're out on the trails. These headlights feature projector lenses that contain a steel bowl with mirrors to act as reflectors, and an additional lens that act as a magnifying glass, ultimately increasing the brightness of the light beam for an improved and clearer output. Projectors also feature better light focus over stock reflectors, creating a more intense and focused beam where you need it most. This allows the more basic halogen bulbs to shine and appear brighter with less light being wasted in multiple different directions. Highly effective and highly affordable, these are a great choice for anyone looking for a boost in lighting performance and capabilities without compromise. Moving on to the Morimoto XB LED Projector Headlights, these units incorporate the projector lens technology featured in the ANZO headlights along with premium LED lights for a night-and-day improvement to your truck. Not only do these headlights utilize LEDs, cut they also utilize a bi-LED setup that results in more light output for the high and low beam projectors. You'll also have your choice between different Daytime Running Lights (DRL), which are simply an aesthetic improvement when your truck is out on the road. DRL's will also alert other motorists of your location sooner than your factory lights, helping both you and everyone else out on the road. Morimoto takes pride in their premium construction and quality LED functionality, so it's always a safe bet to choose them for all your lighting needs. One of our more popular headlight options for the 2016-2022 Tacoma is the AlphaRex NOVA-Series LED Projector Headlights as they come with three different styling options including, Alpha-Black, Black, and Chrome. Each colorway has its own unique and distinct look, but they all feature the same signature lenses and construction for a sleek and aggressive look that will be sure to turn some heads. The AlphaRex NOVA's feature their own unique Ice Cube 3D Lens Projectors that uses powerful Osram Oslon Black Flat LED chips to provide outstanding performance in any situation. AlphaRex's Ice Cube 3D projector is a patented design that lets the headlight look good from every angle, giving the lens an "ice cube" effect that will be sure to turn some heads the next time you get behind the wheel. Moreover, these headlights come standard with a signature light activation feature that creates an awesome aesthetic each time you lock or unlock your Tacoma. The light's anti-fog lenses and polycarbonate construction ensures lasting performance and functionality, making these a premium upgrade to any Tacoma. Last but certainly not least, we'll be checking out the newest headlights to hit the market for the 2016-2022 Tacoma, the Form Sequential LED Projector Headlights. These lights feature triple projectors with bi-LED units, providing both high and low beam illumination in a complete package. The hallmark feature on these headlights is the sequential turn signal functions that that activates across the top of the DRL in a smooth, chasing sequence for a unique appeal each time you make a turn. When you're finished making your turn, the lights automatically switch back to the bright white DRL without ever flickering or failing. These headlights are sort of the middle ground between a basic halogen upgrade and complete LED upgrade, offering a ton of features at a more wallet-friendly price. Each one of these headlights come with the necessary connectors, plugs and hardware, making installation a breeze no matter which option you choose from. Final Thoughts We understand that finding the right headlight upgrade is never the easiest choice, especially in the sea of aftermarket performance parts for your Tacoma. We hoped we helped you figure out what you need to be looking for to fit your truck's specific style and build. You can always check out our entire selection of 2016-2022 Tacoma Headlights to find the perfect fit for you. If you're planning to purchase any one of these headlight upgrades for your truck, or have any questions about the parts talked about in this post, please feel free to let us know in the comments down below. 2016-2022 Tacoma Headlight Breakdown Kits:- 2016-2022 Tacoma Performance Parts & Accessories
- 2016-2022 Tacoma Headlights
- 2016-2022 Tacoma LED Headlight Bulb Upgrades
- 2016-2022 Tacoma ANZO Halogen Plank Style Projector Headlights
- 2016-2022 Tacoma Morimoto XB LED Projector Headlights
- 2016-2022 Tacoma AlphaRex NOVA-Series LED Projector Headlights
- 2016-2022 Tacoma Form Sequential LED Projector Headlights