The 5 Best Toyota Tacoma Tail Lights: Complete Comparison and Installation Guide
The Toyota Tacoma is an exceptional truck straight from the factory, but there's one area where it falls short…those horrendous chrome or red monochromatic tail lights that come stock.Â
Fortunately, the aftermarket has stepped up with numerous options that not only look dramatically better but also offer superior functionality and modern LED technology.
If you're considering upgrading your Tacoma's tail lights but aren't sure which option delivers the best combination of style, performance, and value, you've come to the right place. We've tested five of the most popular Toyota Tacoma tail light options on the market, comparing everything from installation ease to light output and overall aesthetics.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the installation process, break down the unique features of each tail light system, and reveal which options shine brightest in our side-by-side testing. Whether you're on a budget or looking for premium features, we'll help you choose the best Tacoma tail lights for your specific needs and style preferences.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Toyota Tacoma Tail Lights Compared
Before diving into the detailed analysis, here's an overview of the five tail light systems we tested, listed from most budget-friendly to premium:
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Winjet LED Tail Lights - Under $200 (Budget option)
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XD LED Tail Lights - $240 (Best value)
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Spyder Auto Tail Lights - $360 (Mid-range)
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Alpha Rex Luxx Series Sequential LED Tail Lights - $430 (Premium features)
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Morimoto XB LED Tail Lights - $650 (Highest-end option)
Each system offers distinct advantages depending on your priorities, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Let's explore what sets them apart.
Installation Process: Simpler Than You Think
One of the best aspects of upgrading your Tacoma's tail lights is how straightforward the installation process is. Unlike headlight installations, which can be complex, tail light swaps are genuinely DIY-friendly projects that most owners can tackle in their driveway.
Tools You'll Need
The installation requires minimal tools:
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10mm socket and ratchet (or impact driver for speed)
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Basic hand tools
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About 30 minutes of your time
Step-by-Step Installation
Removing the Stock Tail Lights:
Start by removing the two 10mm bolts securing each tail light - one at the top and one at the bottom of the assembly. Once the bolts are out, you'll need to carefully pull the tail light assembly away from the truck. Insert one hand underneath the tail light for support and use your other hand on top, then pull back simultaneously. It may sound concerning, but this is normal.
After removing the tail light assembly, disconnect the three electrical connectors by twisting them counterclockwise. This will separate the bulbs from the housing, completing the removal process.
Important Connector Consideration:
Here's something crucial that many people overlook - depending on your tail light manufacturer and Tacoma model year, you'll encounter two different connector styles: male and female. Some aftermarket tail lights require you to remove the bulb to access the proper connector, while others need the split connector removed to fit correctly.
We've had customers contact us thinking they received the wrong tail lights because the connectors didn't match, when in reality, they simply needed to modify the connector setup. Before assuming there's a problem, check both connector configurations to ensure proper fitment.
Installing Your New Tail Lights:
When installing aftermarket tail lights, leave the protective shrink wrap on until the very end to prevent scratching the lens during handling. The wiring process varies slightly between manufacturers, but most systems are plug-and-play once you've sorted out the correct connectors.
For most applications, you'll connect the top two connectors after removing the bulb and split connector, while the bottom connector typically uses the stock bulb setup. After making all electrical connections, align the tail light assembly carefully, push it into position, and secure it with the factory bolts. Hand-tighten first to ensure proper threading, then snug them down without over-tightening.
Remove the protective wrap as your final step, and repeat the process on the other side. Most installations can be completed in under an hour.
Detailed Tail Light Analysis
Now let's examine each tail light option, breaking down their features, performance, and overall value proposition.
1. Winjet LED Tail Lights (Under $200)
Design and Aesthetics: The Winjet tail lights offer a distinctive "Stormtrooper" black and white aesthetic that looks modern and clean. Even with the DRLs off during the day, the white DRL housing provides an attractive accent color that enhances the truck's appearance. The DRL shape has a contemporary design that updates the look without being overly aggressive.
Performance Features: The brake light positioning works well, utilizing a logical layout that's easy to read. However, the turn signals feel somewhat underwhelming, using just one small LED strip instead of maximizing the available tail light real estate. The reverse lights maintain OEM-style positioning, which provides a familiar, factory-like appearance.
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers who want a significant visual upgrade without breaking the bank.
2. XD LED Tail Lights ($240)
Design and Aesthetics: The XD tail lights strike an excellent balance between modern styling and familiarity. They maintain the general shape of the stock tail light but with more angular, contemporary lines. The DRL design is particularly well-executed, providing a clean, updated appearance.
Performance Features: These tail lights really shine in the brake light department—all 21 LEDs illuminate when you hit the brakes, creating an impressive and highly visible display. The turn signals are well-designed, utilizing a significant portion of the tail light area for maximum visibility. The reverse lights feature LED technology that produces a whiter, more modern light output compared to the yellowish tint of stock bulbs.
Best For: Buyers seeking the best value proposition with strong performance across all functions.
3. Spyder Auto Tail Lights ($360)
Design and Aesthetics: The Spyder Auto tail lights feature an interesting square DRL design that initially looks promising. The overall positioning and layout of components within the tail light housing shows thoughtful design consideration.
Performance Features: While the aesthetics are appealing, the functionality is somewhat disappointing. The bottom square handles brake light duties while the top square manages turn signals. Ideally, both squares should illuminate for both functions to maximize visibility and visual impact. The reverse lights are notably bright, impressively so compared to other options in this test. The reflector design is basic but functional.
Best For: Buyers who prioritize unique styling and want exceptionally bright reverse lights.
4. Alpha Rex Luxx Series Sequential LED Tail Lights ($430)
Design and Aesthetics: The Alpha Rex tail lights feature a sophisticated smoked lens that hits the perfect balance - dark enough to look premium but not so dark that you can't appreciate the internal LED arrangement. This is crucial for both aesthetics and legal visibility requirements.
Performance Features: The standout feature is undoubtedly the sequential light animation. When DRLs activate, the sequence is smooth and eye-catching. Brake lights illuminate both top and bottom LEDs while making the DRLs brighter, creating a layered lighting effect. The turn signals are particularly impressive, changing the entire tail light color from red to amber with a smooth dissolve effect that flows across the DRL pattern.
The reflector design is clean and modern, featuring a single continuous strip that wraps around the light rather than multiple separate reflectors.
Best For: Enthusiasts who want premium features and distinctive sequential lighting effects.
5. Morimoto XB LED Tail Lights ($650)
Design and Aesthetics: The Morimoto tail lights represent the premium end of the market with three angular LED pipes that create a distinctive, high-end appearance. The design is bold and modern, making a clear statement about the truck's upgraded status.
Performance Features: The three LED pipes serve dual purposes, functioning as both brake lights and turn signals. When brakes are applied, the pipes increase in brightness. The turn signals feature a reverse sequential flash mode that's somewhat jittery, though you can switch to standard flash mode during installation if preferred.
The reverse lights are the star performer here. They're incredibly bright, almost like having headlights pointing backward. This dramatically improves visibility when backing up and enhances the reverse camera's performance in low-light conditions.
Best For: Buyers who want the absolute best performance and aren't concerned about budget constraints.
Light Output Testing: Real-World Performance
To provide objective data beyond subjective impressions, we conducted controlled light output testing in a completely dark warehouse environment. Using a professional light meter, we measured DRL output at 3 feet and reverse light output at 10 feet.
DRL Brightness Results
The testing revealed that stock and XD tail lights produced the brightest DRL output, followed by the Morimoto option. The Winjet, Spyder Auto, and Alpha Rex units measured lower, though importantly, these differences weren't readily apparent to the naked eye during normal use.
It's worth noting that the Alpha Rex tail lights were at a disadvantage due to their smoked lens, which naturally reduces light transmission compared to clear lenses.
Reverse Light Performance
The reverse light testing showed more dramatic differences. The Winjet and Alpha Rex tail lights produced the weakest reverse light output. The XD and Spyder tail lights matched or exceeded stock performance, providing solid improvement over factory lighting.
The clear winner was the Morimoto tail lights, which produced dramatically more light output than any competitor. The difference was substantial—these reverse lights genuinely resemble headlights in terms of brightness and coverage.
Choosing the Right Tail Lights for Your Tacoma
After extensive testing and evaluation, here are our recommendations based on different priorities:
Best Budget Option: XD LED Tail Lights ($240) The XD tail lights offer the best combination of modern aesthetics, solid performance, and reasonable pricing. They provide impressive brake light visibility, well-designed turn signals, and notably improved reverse lighting over stock.
Best Premium Features: Alpha Rex Luxx Series Sequential LED Tail Lights ($430) For enthusiasts who want distinctive sequential lighting effects and premium aesthetics, the Alpha Rex tail lights deliver impressive visual impact. The smoked lens and sophisticated light sequences create a high-end appearance that stands out from typical upgrades.
Best Reverse Light Performance: Morimoto XB LED Tail Lights ($650) If maximum reverse light output is your priority, nothing approaches the performance of the Morimoto tail lights. They provide headlight-level illumination that dramatically improves backing safety and camera visibility.
Best Overall Value: XD LED Tail Lights ($240) Considering price, performance, and aesthetics, the XD tail lights represent the sweet spot for most Tacoma owners. They deliver significant improvements over stock in all areas without requiring a substantial investment.
Transform Your Tacoma's Rear End
Upgrading your Toyota Tacoma's tail lights is one of the most impactful modifications you can make for both aesthetics and functionality. Whether you choose the budget-friendly XD lights or invest in premium Morimoto units, any of these options will dramatically improve your truck's appearance compared to the factory tail lights.
The installation process is straightforward enough for most DIY enthusiasts, and the visual transformation is immediate and impressive. Modern LED technology not only looks better but also provides improved visibility and safety for both you and other drivers.
At TacomaBeast, we offer all five of these tail light systems along with expert guidance to help you choose the right option for your specific needs and budget. Our team has hands-on experience with each system and can provide personalized recommendations based on your priorities.
For more Toyota Tacoma modification guides and product comparisons, check out our YouTube channel for detailed installation videos and our blog for the latest product information and build inspiration.
If you have questions about tail light compatibility or need help choosing between options, reach out to our team of Tacoma enthusiasts. We're always happy to help you make the best choice for your build.
Which tail light option caught your eye? Let us know in the comments below what factors are most important in your decision-making process.
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