Opinion: 3rd Gen Tail Lights

Hey TW,

I may want to get some new tail lights sooner or later, but there are so many options out there. The thing that I don't like about my stock 2020 TRD tail light is the chrome. I do like the clear lens, though. I have thought of just changing the bulbs to LED--which wouldn't be too bad. And I think the TRD Pro tail lights aren't worth it since it's the same thing with some black-out. Plus, the TRD Pro tail lights almost look like normal TRD tails.

What tail lights do have/suggest? Remeber:

 

You're right. It does look pretty hideous on darker trucks. What does Toyota think it's doing? I have a Silver Sky Metallic Tacoma and it's not the worst, but I just want something new I'm getting tired of the chrome

 

Has anyone had any experience with these? Light output? Quality? The design looks amazing, though. 'Had my eyes on them for a couple of months now.

 

Are you not a fan of raptor lights?

 

A lot of people aren't. When you realize they're on there to conform to DOT requirements for vehicle width it starts to seem rather silly to put them on a vehicle that didn't need them.

 

I mean, I think they look pretty cool--you can even make them functional with some widebody fiberglass fender flares.
To each their own.

Anyway, I think we're getting a little off topic--back to tail lights

 

Amazing? Ya amazingly like some pepboys/eBay china crap

 

I swapped my 2021 TRD tail lights for the SR type, mostly to get rid of the chrome. The SR outer layer is semi-clear, with a red tint. You can still see the inner workings (the reflectors, the inner horseshoe-shaped lights).

The trend is to de-chrome everything. I don't know why Toyota thinks that chrome is an "upgrade."

 

I have a 2021 TRD and hate the new taillights!

They finally got rid of the rear chrome TRD bumpers and then go put chrome in the taillights I just don’t get it lol. I’m gonna have to swap for SR taillights

 

I swapped my 2020 OR chrome tails with the “all red” tails with the black accents. I believe they came on earlier OR and Pro models (maybe ‘17/18ish). Looks much better - plus you aren’t putting some cheap aftermarket eBay tail lights on your truck...

 

I think this has to be the most common thread made. Right next to suspension opinions

 

I like the SR or Pro tailights if you are going to change them. What is worse than the chrome on the 20-21 TRDs is that there is no amber turn signal in the tail lamp. I think MESO mekes a kit to add the amber turn indicator to OEM tail lights.

 

OEM Pro tails

 

The chrome tail lights actually make sense on a Limited. I really thought I would hate all the Boomer chrome on the Limited but I think it compliments the truck well and the chrome in the tail lights just enhances that. On the other trims...I agree yeah it doesn't quite look right.

 

TRD Pro taillights look the best imo

 

MESO Total Tail Stage 1 is another great option without replacing the entire tail light.

 

I have exactly the same tailights, that came stock on my 18 sport. Red with black accents inside. Not the best pic, ill try to find a better one.

Not sure why yota started putting "chrome" tailights on TRD 2020s and up. Maybe they had a bunch of them left over? Who knows.

 

LOL !!!

That’s so funny since a couple of my boomer coworkers said I should have my wheels chromed dipped.

 

I’m running TRD Pro taillights with below MESO Customs total tail stage two LED mod.
Very bright. Easy install

https://mesocustoms.com/collections/toyota-tacoma-3rd-gen/products/total-tail-stage-2

 

I was planning to buy the TRD pro tail lights, but decided not to when I read in another thread that MESO & Morimoto had some new tail lights in the works. No idea what the final design or price is going to be.