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Probably unpopular opinion: 2020 Tacoma LED headlights are too busy

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by dal3_gribble, Dec 9, 2019.

  1. Dec 9, 2019 at 3:04 PM
    #1
    dal3_gribble

    dal3_gribble [OP] Well-Known Member

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    First a question, can people get TRD Tacomas with PRO headlights? I saw a 2020 TRD (non-pro) Sport with dealer tags on and it had the LED headlights with the illuminated 'Pro' area below.

    It was the first time I've seen the headlights on a dark highway. The truck was traveling alongside me on the freeway so I got to see the lights from a bunch of angles. From the front, they were a little extra for me aesthetic wise. With the LED illuminated surround area (DRLs), the illuminated TRD area and the headlight and foglights on, it just looked very busy to me. Maybe it was just the TRD area that took it over the top for me; I haven't seen them with just the headlights and DRLs on. I think they look cool with just the DRLs on.

    When it comes to LED accents, I think less is more sometimes. This is one of those cases. I think the TRD lamps from 16-19 with the little LED panel by the projectors is subtle and nice.

    For others that have seen them lit at night on the freeway, what do you think?
     
    tonered and El Duderino like this.
  2. Dec 9, 2019 at 3:10 PM
    #2
    whatstcp

    whatstcp currently drunk so don't listen to me

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    Eh to each their own
     
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  3. Dec 9, 2019 at 3:10 PM
    #3
    Mikro

    Mikro Well-Known Member

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    I, for one, love them.
     
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  4. Dec 9, 2019 at 3:13 PM
    #4
    Grapedrinkesha

    Grapedrinkesha Member

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    I may be a bit biased as I have a 2020 Pro but I specifically waited to get a 2020 on purpose because I loved the headlights first and foremost, it doesn't hurt that they're super bright.
     
  5. Dec 9, 2019 at 3:53 PM
    #5
    therealprotaco

    therealprotaco Always Skeptical

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    I love the lights other than the TRD/PRO lit area. I prefer the look of the Morimoto LED housings.
     
  6. Dec 9, 2019 at 3:56 PM
    #6
    Grindstone

    Grindstone Requires Adult Supervision

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    I enjoy them.
     
  7. Dec 9, 2019 at 3:56 PM
    #7
    GreyBaldTaco

    GreyBaldTaco Well-Known Member

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  8. Dec 9, 2019 at 3:57 PM
    #8
    andrew61987

    andrew61987 Well-Known Member

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    Headlights with all kinds of bullshit on them are SUPER trendy right now. Just take a look at the headlight design of any new car compared to 10 years ago. People think it looks cool and are eating it up (just look at the opinions on this forum, for example, not to mention of of the aftermarket stuff people are throwing on). Fancy is the name of the game and it sells. It's like audio decks 15 years ago or wheels more recently. Unfortunately those that prefer simple utilitarian designs will just have to suck it up for now.
     
    Last edited: Dec 9, 2019
    Malvolio, Siblue and Bertw192 like this.
  9. Dec 9, 2019 at 4:07 PM
    #9
    oruacat2

    oruacat2 Well-Known Member

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    none yet
    Since I never see my own headlights I really don't give a shit how they look. lol
     
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  10. Dec 9, 2019 at 4:12 PM
    #10
    Lt. Dangle

    Lt. Dangle RIP @stun gun 2016-2020

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    I have the non pro LED's in my 17. I do prefer the old LED strip, and I hate the PRO lights because of the aforementioned, if I had a pro I guess I would bite the bullet, but the new lights just work better than the stock halogens. The new LED's and fogs are almost enough to drive on until it is completely dark.
     
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  11. Dec 9, 2019 at 4:14 PM
    #11
    Lt. Dangle

    Lt. Dangle RIP @stun gun 2016-2020

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    You can order whatever you want, you just might need a VIN from the correct model. That's an easy work around though. I just went to my local dealers site and jacked a VIN.
     
  12. Aug 6, 2020 at 2:38 PM
    #12
    onesixonetwo

    onesixonetwo Well-Known Member

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    I wish the design was more like the OEMassive desgin (see below; photo from https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...tacoma-trd-black-projector-headlights.570705/)

    Why I think these headlights look better than the Toyota OEM LEDs is they take make use of the full housing shape and incorporate with the black headlight trim plate.

    [​IMG]

    The OEM LED headlights on the otherhand went for a full 'C' so they could run LEDs all the way around leaving extra space under the main headlight and by beside trim plate. As a solution to that extra space they put "TRD" and "PRO" light there (or a window for the non Prop LEDs). I think it's a bit more busy like the OP said and doesn't flow well with the the headlight assembly shape.

    [​IMG]
     
    AKGSD likes this.
  13. Aug 6, 2020 at 2:55 PM
    #13
    SeattleTRD17

    SeattleTRD17 Well-Known Member

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    What brand headlight is in the first photo?
     
  14. Aug 6, 2020 at 5:26 PM
    #14
    Kirk1233

    Kirk1233 Active Member

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    One of the coolest things about the 2020s is the sequential turns. Usually only luxury brands have that.
     
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  15. Aug 6, 2020 at 5:31 PM
    #15
    vecdran

    vecdran Barely-Known Member

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    MESO's color matched trim plates blend them better with the truck's design. I'm happy with the look, and the light output is leagues better than previous years.
    [​IMG]

    That being said, I kind of loathe that they chromed out the "TRD" and "PRO" inserts. Someday, when I'm feeling brave, I'm going to crack them open and paint those black.
     
  16. Aug 6, 2020 at 6:54 PM
    #16
    Taco1701

    Taco1701 Well-Known Member

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    I’m a fan of the LED headlights. They’re brighter and the sequential turn signals are pretty sweet. I had to search a bit and take a road trip to get my truck, but it was worth it.

    The TRD and PRO areas on the Pro headlights seem unnecessary, but nothing that would push me away. Nothing wrong with the previous setup with the LED strip either. Whatever floats your boat.
     
  17. Aug 6, 2020 at 7:14 PM
    #17
    Rainoffire

    Rainoffire Well-Known Member

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    I actually really do not like the look of the stock halogen projector headlights. Felt the round projectors did not match with the squared off body of the truck. Squared projectors like OEMassive's or Anzo's look better, sadly are built very cheap... also the stock halogens look cross eyed to me and I just cannot unsee it.

    I like the OEM LED headlights, dislike the chrome though...

    Edit: typo
     
    Last edited: Aug 6, 2020
    brtnstrns likes this.
  18. Aug 6, 2020 at 7:24 PM
    #18
    LOL ZR2

    LOL ZR2 Well-Known Member

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    I'm biased, I like the LEDs on the 16' - 19'

    Think the chrome inserts with the TRD pro is a little tacky.
     
  19. Aug 7, 2020 at 2:32 PM
    #19
    onesixonetwo

    onesixonetwo Well-Known Member

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    OEMassive brand.

    The cheaper aftermarket headlights also have sequential turns.

    I never like the MESO plates with the OEM halogen headlights. This is the first time I've seen them with the new OEM LEDs and they look great! If I had the new OEM LEDs I would definitely go this route.

    Yeah, I wish the OEMassive design was done by Morimoto or AlphaRex so that the quality was better.
     
  20. Aug 8, 2020 at 11:47 AM
    #20
    vecdran

    vecdran Barely-Known Member

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    I forgot, I had one more shot of the OEM LED's with Meso trim plates.
    [​IMG]
     
    Tacospike likes this.

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