LED Headlights

After owning 3 Tacoma's since 1996, I am getting ready to buy a 2023 TRD Sport 2WD in Lunar Rock. It seems that Southeast Toyota no longer offers LED Headlight package on Lunar Rock, I suppose maybe because of the in coming 4th Gen models. I can find them outside of the Southeast Tacoma block of States, but dealing with a trade, distance, and whatever. Those that have LED's do you feel it is a make or break? Do you like them in comparison to std. lights? I have read that to have them put on is not that easy and quite costly. Do the led fog lights help or?

 

Not sure about the LED fogs, but if you can get the OEM LED headlights, the common consensus on here is that they are way better than anything aftermarket you can get.

 

So there is a difference driving with LED's verse std headlights??? Enough that you would want them one way or another?

 

The LEDs are brighter. Your body is also more sensitive to scotopic light at night (white/bluish light) which is far greater in LED light than halogens. The OEM ones are specifically made for this truck and designed to work the best. Aftermarket and standard halogen ones just don't compare.

The one downside to LEDs is that they don't produce heat the same way. So, in certain conditions in the winter, they will not self-clear spray that freezes on there. It's rare, but it happens.

 

Maybe I should have mentioned, I am in Tampa FLA. BUT point well taken..

 

I have a 22SR5 with the standard lights. Looking back, I wish I had the LEDs but the H9 is a big improvement.

 

I researched and saw that. I ordered without the LED for this exact reason. The factory lights are nice. Would love to have the LED if they just didn’t ice over

 

So your saying the 2023 std headlights are an improvement that I would welcome,,,, to the yellowed over plastic lens (which seems I polish once a year) of the 2015?

 

Fly to Texas
https://www.donmcgilltoyota.com/new/Toyota/2023-Toyota-Tacoma-d6cf3dd40a0e0a994d5401b2e8295a48.htm

 

haha You are correct, I have found several options in Texas for some reason and have been in contact with 2 dealers trying to sort out options with a trade-in and whatever issues..

 

The factory LED units are not only brighter but have a significantly wider, broader beam at the same time and a much much smoother beam as well. They are simply the best lights you can get for your truck. I had the original H11 projectors and tried half a dozen higher performing bulbs from the high performance H11's to the H9 upgrade and while those were all much better then the stock long life H11 bulbs from the factory, none of them ever came close to the real world performance of the factory LED assembly.

Since you're shopping for a new truck, one thing to really watch for, since the dealers and specifically the salespeople don't know crap, is that they are all too often completely confused and do not know the difference between LED Daytime Running Light and LED Headlight. These forums are littered with consumers who didn't know the difference either only to find out they missed out on a very affordable $500 option, so triple check because if you don't, know one else will either.

 

I agree on the confusion on truck specs.

 

I do not know what you would welcome. But a headlight that is 9 years old and keeps on turning yellow every year probably needs to be replaced anyway. As far as the LED headlights, I suggest you buy them with the truck, that way you know you bought the best possible ones.

 

The LED’s are a worthwhile improvement and easily worth more than all the inflated items combined that SE Distributors typically jams onto Tacomas at the port.

100% agree we’ve seen instances here of dealers “confusing” LED headlights w LED running or fog lamps. Finding out the truck you waited weeks for doesn’t actually have the LEDs you expected only days prior to delivery is almost as deflating finding out there’s no Santa Claus.

Might also keep in mind that LEDs will be spread further throughout the Gen4 trims, so likely they’ll be even more desirable out on the future market for preowned Gen3’s, where they’re still relatively rare.

 

I like the OEM LED headlights a lot. However, don't not buy a TRD truck because of them. You can easily upgrade for around $1400. Yeah, expensive, but sometimes you can get a truck that you like more for more than $1400 less than a truck that might have the lights and other options you don't want. the only thing not to do, is buy an SR/SR5. They are considerably more difficult to get working with the OEM LEDs properly. Not worth the hassle, if you want the lights then buy any TRD.

 

I bought a 2019 which didnt have the led headlight option. As you can see from my pic in my signature, I upgraded to the OEM LED headlights and it was night and day difference. To me the stock standard housing with the projector beam looks dated already and the light output was garbage. I switched the headlights and fog lights to OEM LED. I opted for the black housing fog lights too which is an option and direct plug and play. The headlights require a harness and were a bit of a pain to place but I was able to do it in an evening

 

OH Lordy, so does anyone in Florida know of a place that might install them???? I would end up with extra parts some way some how!

 

There was a post that walk people through the process, no?

 

The LEDs on my 23 pro are the best headlights I've ever had on any vehicle. My previous vehicles were running gtr ultra 2 bulbs in projector housings which at the time I thought was insane. My dad's 18 sierra with factory LEDs isn't even in the same league as this truck. My brother has standard halogens in his taco. Get the factory LEDs.

 

Yes, and Chloe K has a good video on YouTube. @daveeasa makes the harnesses and has good info as well. Very high quality harness and well worth the cost.