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RX350 Retrofit vs. Factory LED headlights - has anyone compared them?

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by Redline870, Mar 21, 2020.

  1. Mar 21, 2020 at 7:33 PM
    #1
    Redline870

    Redline870 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Has anyone compared the light output of an RX350 HID projector swap to the OEM LED headlights offered in the 2020 models? I’ve got a 2018 that I’m finally ready to retrofit but I’m wondering if I should save up some extra money and spring for the OEM LED headlights. Performance aside, those new LED headlights look sick! Not a fan of the TRD illuminated branding, I’d have to rip them apart and remove that.
     
  2. Mar 21, 2020 at 7:34 PM
    #2
    Taco_Coma

    Taco_Coma That's a lovely accent you have. New Jersey?

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    A properly done RX350 HID projector swap will blow the LEDs out of the water
     
  3. Mar 21, 2020 at 7:37 PM
    #3
    20tacoma17

    20tacoma17 Well-Known Member

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    @MESO has had both so he would probably have good info.
     
  4. Mar 22, 2020 at 4:49 AM
    #4
    Garab

    Garab Well-Known Member

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    LEDs are garbage. I hope this hype train ends soon. The spectrum of light they give off is very narrow and shorter wavelength (blue) and are scattered more by the air and do not project as far as longer wavelength light (yellow).

    Halogens and HIDs emit a fuller spectrum of light and as a result appear much more natural, project further, and cause much less strain on they eye.

    Same principle applies for why foglights are generally yellow or amber.
     
    toottootbeepbeep and pinochle like this.
  5. Mar 22, 2020 at 7:03 AM
    #5
    OMGitsme

    OMGitsme Well-Known Member

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    I wouldn't hold my breath.
     
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  6. Mar 22, 2020 at 7:36 AM
    #6
    Skydvrr

    Skydvrr IG: @kalopsianick

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    I vote retrofit!

    FD1E73C7-B047-44CF-8C3A-9E9CE2732530.jpg
     
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  7. Mar 22, 2020 at 11:53 PM
    #7
    Mrharper68

    Mrharper68 Member

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    Light output on the OEM LED Headlights is great.
    The cutoff is excellent
    I owned a 2016 and 2017 Off-road Tacoma and the Performance of the OEM LED Headlights on my 2020 is a huge improvement.
    I considered getting the Baja Design Squadron Sport LED Foglights again but the OEM LED Headlights makes them unnecessary
    Disagree with LED being garbage
     
    Last edited: Mar 31, 2020
  8. Mar 23, 2020 at 12:13 AM
    #8
    Th6nh

    Th6nh Let's taco bout it

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    2020 oem led headlights wont work, it's a different type of plug harness.
     
  9. Mar 23, 2020 at 5:34 AM
    #9
    AM7Jeremy

    AM7Jeremy Well-Known Member

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    I’m still not sold on LED headlights has of yet, the new 2020 headlights with the updated LED DRL & TRD Pro branding reminds me of some eBay special headlights.
     
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    #9
  10. Mar 23, 2020 at 2:45 PM
    #10
    Redline870

    Redline870 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    There are harnesses that allow you to use the OEM LED headlights
     
  11. Mar 23, 2020 at 2:46 PM
    #11
    Redline870

    Redline870 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Agreed. I HATE the branding. It’s so tacky.
     
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    El Duderino likes this.
  12. Mar 23, 2020 at 3:47 PM
    #12
    rlx02

    rlx02 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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    The light output is great, but they still throw more light out than HIDs. Hondas with OEM leds are super blinding. This is why mercedes uses a computer controlled multiled chip system to turn off certain LEDs when a car is approaching. Entry level cars do not have this.
     
  13. Mar 23, 2020 at 4:08 PM
    #13
    no vtec 4me

    no vtec 4me Well-Known Member

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    Rx350’s, or any good hid projector is worlds above the oem Led’s. Not even in the same ball park as far as lighting performance.
     
  14. Mar 23, 2020 at 6:39 PM
    #14
    Redline870

    Redline870 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I still don't understand how that tech has not made it to the states yet, perhaps it's because everything is controlled by lawyers in this country. It's been a viable solution for over 5 years and yet you still don't see a single vehicle implementing it in the US.

    For those wondering what he's referring to:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipqlkJgRMk8

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5lG26cqvP0
     
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  15. Mar 24, 2020 at 7:18 AM
    #15
    Garab

    Garab Well-Known Member

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    Oh youve compared them and measured the output?
     
  16. Mar 24, 2020 at 8:16 AM
    #16
    TacoFergie

    TacoFergie Well-Known Member

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    Ok, so I'm assuming you are comparing OEM LED housings and RX350 US version with a clear lens swap. In that case I would venture to say the RX350's will be better as it's still considered the standard to which other projectors are measured.

    However, the Morimoto XB LED headlights have been proven to be brighter with better light spread than the OEM LED headlights and are cheaper than the OEM LED headlights. The RX350's are marginally better than the Morimoto LED headlights and once you're all said and done the RX350's will end up being about $600 cheaper (MSRP vs MSRP). That is assuming you re-use your OEM non LED headlights, use a morimoto HID kit (not ideal when there is great OEM stuff out there) and that you don't add any other lighting upgrades like halos or demon eyes etc.

    A few links to help you out..

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/morimoto-led-xb-headlight-review.602544/

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/official-xb-led-headlights-thread-16.594520/

    A place to purchase

    https://hidkitpros.com/shop/2016-toyota-tacoma-xb-led-headlights/

    If it were me, I'd probably go for the Morimoto headlight assembly. I have the RX350's in my 2nd gen and I love them. But the 3rd gen headlights are a pain in the butt to disassemble and the RX350 lens tuning can be difficult if you want to DIY it, you can purchase it lens swapped and tuned but it isn't cheap.
     
  17. Mar 24, 2020 at 3:14 PM
    #17
    Garab

    Garab Well-Known Member

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    based on what? I have yet to see any comparison between the 2020 LED headlights and the MorimotoXBs. Source?

    Wrong, HIDs will blow the Morimotos out of the water. It's not even close by comparison. The Morimotos while being the best of the LED's are barely better than a $30 halogen bulb.(GE +130 h11)

    You will definitely get WAY more return for your dollar doing an HID retrofit.
    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/retrofit-and-bhlm-headlights.565466/page-76#post-22622133
     
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  18. Mar 24, 2020 at 5:31 PM
    #18
    Tiger109

    Tiger109 Well-Known Member

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    To say that the LED headlights are garbage is a load a crap. My buddy has an 18 with the regular halogens, I have a 20 with the LEDs and it's not even close. He prefers the look of his, but we both agree that the light output on and off road with the LEDs are better. We both often Ride at night looking for wildlife, weather scientifically one light reaches further than the other I don't know, but we definitely both rather LEDs
     
  19. Mar 24, 2020 at 5:52 PM
    #19
    Garab

    Garab Well-Known Member

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    They are, its the truth. a $30 upgrade halogen bulb is only minorly outperformed by the morimoto kit which is touted and measured to be the best of the LEDs. A retrofit HID will far outperform them. facts are facts bud.
     
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  20. Mar 24, 2020 at 5:58 PM
    #20
    microsnook

    microsnook Well-Known Member

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    I think you can order the NON pro headlights and they won't have the same badging inside of the headlight housing. There is also a conversion harness for the 2020 OEM lights I've seen it on this forum but didn't mark it.
    I plan on switching to the 2020 LEDs because I like the brightness of the LED and I love the look of the new headlights. They look way nicer than the other projectors. I don't like the look of the projectors with the LED ring around it by other aftermarket companies. I prefer the OEM look.
     

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