The best LED headlights for the 5th Gen 4Runner? Morimoto, GTR Lighting, & AlphaRex shootout!

Product links:
Morimoto XB's
White DRL:
lightwerkz.net/collections/mo...
Amber DRL:
lightwerkz.net/collections/mo...
AlphaRex NOVA:
lightwerkz.net/products/alpha...
GTR Lighting Carbide
lightwerkz.net/products/toyot...
Looking for other lighting upgrades for your 4runner? Check link below:
lightwerkz.net/collections/to...

[@user-fi1xu1pp7p]

I just like the different look of the GTR lights.

[@teligon]

Great comparison video, Guys! This is what I look forward to seeing - what distinguishes one product from another, nothing held back!

[@Nathans_Margarita_Salt]

Thank you for finally comparing all the different housings in a real side by side test! Side note, as someone who owns a 4Runner with the Amber DRL XB lights, only the outer 2 projectors are Bi-LED. The inner 3rd projector only does low beam.

[@jefflee6154]

Great Job Lightwerkz! Always with the informative videos and data to back it up!

[@jpatrick260]

I watch all these vids man, a true headlight fanatic. I send everybody to you all and you just sent out my gtr ultra 5202 replacements. 👌🏽

[@gold94chica]

Wow, I was blown away by how much the Morimoto killed the other aftermarket competition. The other lights look nice until you light them up, but Morimoto takes the cake overall. Good solid choice still!

[@andyham6094]

Yeah the morimotos are def the best ones out there but too expensive for a lot of people. I’m about to buy the alpha rex luxx which is a lot more affordable but still has leds. Can find them for around 600-700. If I was gonna spend 1,000 or around that price range then I’d just get the morimotos.

[@dizzle.1983]

Absolutely the best comparison video on the internet

[@danielp.8431]

i've always wondered how the lux readings of the alpharex would do. they look cool but im not surprised their performance is just suboptimal. but im shocked that the lowbeam lux reading was as low as it was. i was expecting them to be slightly less lux than oem led but wow. glad i didnt pull the trigger on those. im not surprised the gtr lighting one had suboptimal light pattern. if i remember correctly, the gtr lighting one is a VLAND headlight design. from my past experience with seeing vland headlight performance, im not surprised at this either. morimoto is still undefeated. saw the gen 2 amber morimoto headlights installed on a pro around town last week for the first time. this video definitely solidifies my choice. thanks for doing this!

[@andyham6094]

Morimotos are def the best you can get. Looks so good on the 4Runner and transforms the truck. Just installed the headlights with amber drl, taillights, and the xb led fog lights. Fingers crossed there are no issues with the drl strip like others have experienced.

[@jj4996]

How did you make out on your install and tech help for connections to fuse panel?

[@mattkossoff5841]

Love it! Now let’s do a fog light shootout for the truck 🙌🏻

[@skillzo19]

Excellent test thanks for this

[@chadgraber4575]

Had to turn the volume up to 100 on this one! Lol. Great vid, guys. Very helpful in my decision to pick up some GTRs.

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

If you need help with ordering a set please reach out to us!

[@greyklipse]

Excellent and detailed! Morimoto for the win.

[@vman]

Great comparison!!!! I know what I’ll be upgrading to!

[@firefightermenc]

This is an excellent video. Can you do a tail light comparison too?

[@MrRomirome]

I brought my morimoto xb for my 2019 4runner trd off road back in 2019 ...no problems with them.good quality, still bright .definitely get your money's worth...

[@danielalviter2728]

Really good informative video

[@Donkeys_Dad_Adam]

I bought the Morimto XB's the week I picked up my '20 Pro... Within 2 days of driving around town, the DRL band around one of the two lights was failing, several spot outages, etc. I noticed it as I looked at the reflection of my lights in the back of a car at a stop light and couldn't believe it. They were literally 2 days old and $1400. When I called Headlight Revolution, the service rep basically said "Yeah that's a known problem, we will send you a replacement no problem" to which I replied "Ok, how often are these failing" and he responded "We haven't had anyone have to replace more than 3"... I was FLOORED. Who in the world wants to yank the nose off of their brand new 4 runner several times to hopefully land on a product that isn't defective? I am not posting this to throw Morimoto or Headlight Revolution under the bus, just pointing out my experience and genuinely wanting to ask you if you know whether or not this is still an issue?? I ask that because I'm considering trying another set, but I really would rather not do that if the risk is still pretty high that the DRL's will fail again. Thanks!

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

We're now years into the XB headlight line as a whole with lots of models for various platforms. They have come really close to perfecting them. Most of the early issues came on the F150 and Ram lights. This is years ago now. With any product there could be a batch issue that effects portions of the components but I am not aware of anything currently. We sell a lot of these and I wouldnt be personally running them if they were plagued with issues. If a customer has an issue, the replacement settles the issue and thats that. I have never heard of someone needing multiple replacements to "get things right" - sounds like an isolated issue. I wouldnt be concerned but please update us when you have the replacement.

[@bryanmcgill3317]

@@LightwerkzGlobal I am interested in these morimotos. however I am concerned that a few years down the road when one of the projectors goes out I'm not sure if I can replace one. Is this built to let me replace a projector when it goes out? Or do I have to buy an entire new headlamp unit?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

@@bryanmcgill3317 This will be the case with any modern full LED assembly. The lights are covered for 5 years. After that I am sure if you need a replacement Morimoto can assist with a single lamp.

[@bryanmcgill3317]

@@LightwerkzGlobal I buy for the longterm, like with my 3rd gen 4Runner. I've owned it for 23 years. I need a headlight assembly that can last as long as the car as well. Is a single lamp able to be replaced or will this take de-installing from the car and a full days work pulling the assembly apart, then re-sealing?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

@@bryanmcgill3317 In the event of a complete internal failure, the light assembly as a whole will need to be replaced. I think expecting a lamp to last as long as the car is unreasonable. Eventually you will have a failure with an electronic component, its just the way it goes. If you set a reasonable time frame, of 5-10 years, I have no problem believing it will last that long. Now the lamps feature a driver on the back of the assembly. This is the computer that powers the LED's. If something fails its usually the computer and that can be replaced easily. Again, its something you will need to deal with Morimoto on directly, but its not something you will be opening the lights for. Email us directly if you need a set, we can help you out!

[@jtrut6365]

This is the best comparison I've seen! Would love to see how the alpharex luxx compares since it's a single low beam projector

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Thanks! We considered it but those are in a different league and I highly doubt they would perform better than their top tier lights with a single low beam projector.

[@Kgregg1991]

Excellent comparison! Morimoto ftw!

[@elkdeerfish]

I have the GTR and have no complaints. Plus I picked mine up for half the price of the morimotos, which is a bonus. I've seen problems with the leds in the sequential turn signal on the morimotos going out, but that could happen to any of these manufacturer's I would think.

[@johnsonja329]

Pretty surprised by this as I put in the driver's side Alpharex Nova headlight and left the stock in the passenger side. The Alpharex Nova was noticeably brighter than the stock on my runner.

[@andrewperry2569]

Caesar how is the lens quality. Would you swap the OEM lens and put them on the morimotos?

[@WARdROBEPlaysWWII]

Nice comparison thank yiu

[@carampange2472]

Great job. Thanks.

[@tbaggins3296]

I wish the morimotos came without the big blinker. more minimalist, wish it was just stock blinker. would put those on my 21 in a heartbeat.

[@zachariahz9832]

For me personally I like the intensity to be below the cut off as it creates a smother transition from light to dark. This is like the case of two fighters, one being bigger and stronger but when they actually enter the ring to fight the smaller opponent wins. There is a comparison of morimoto versus AlphaRex with the ram 1500 and it showed that the AlphaRex despite not having the intensity outperformed the morimoto. They had drone shots that really showed the difference. The only thing that morimoto had over the AlphaRex what's the low beam will slightly brighter further down the road, but if we need to see further down the road that's what high beams are for! Thanks for the awesome comparison!

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

When you are traveling down the road 60mph, you want as much distance as possible ;)

[@Foxx488]

@@LightwerkzGlobal absolutely, unless you blind oncoming traffic... you'll see that head-on collision in bright and perfect clarity.

[@danielwimberly7289]

I feel like the other surprising thing is that the GTR lights appear to be brighter than the AlphaRex lights which are a fair bit more expensive. I have had the AlphaRex novas for a few years and I have actually been pretty happy with the output. Upgrading to the morimotos would probably be nice for use but for some reason I just have always not liked how they looked. The price point and look of the GTR along with the slight upgrade in performance does have me considering the move from Novas to GTR

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Great point, the GTR lighting lights are a sweet spot in relation to performance and price point.

[@maxpower6657]

a counterpoint to the hotspot being lower than optimal: most of these headlights will be going on lifted trucks so maybe it's better they have most of their lighting output lower and away from the cutoff beam?

[@BOBBYdigital31]

Imo the alpha Rex has a more aggressive pattern but I like the quality of morimoto

[@troyturner6498]

is that a matte lunar rock look? nice

[@badfish4025]

Any plans to compare the Morimoto to the new Alpharex Nova G2? Curious to see if the G2 improved any. Love the idea of being able to change from white to amber DRL on the G2.

[@jeffhenjes1722]

The G2 Novas are better than the Morimoto as of today.

[@ingvarcorona12]

Thanks for posting and sharing your knowledge/experience. What kind of wrap did you get for your 4Runner?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Xpel stealth on factory lunar rock

[@kddaking9268]

Great video

[@johnwebb2232]

really good comparison, i like the drl on the alpharex more than the Morimoto's cause i find the Morimoto's a little on the ( hey look at me side ) but i do like the fact that the Morimoto's are brighter. tough dicision for my baby. i have Hid in there already, like them alot, not keen on the warm up. how would Hid compare to the Morimoto's?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Plug and Play HID kit inside stock halogen projectors is the best value for the money. It's bright, inexpensive, and really effective. The downside is you still have the stock looks, features, and functions.

[@marcoe14]

Very nice job

[@jsb773]

@Lightwerkz Any idea if Morimoto is in the process of working on a 3rd gen update of the XB headlights for the 4Runner? Would love to see if they make any changes and or updates...☄☄

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Can't confirm the upcoming release of a new product however Morimoto is always on the forefront of innovation. They are always working on better :)

[@toyomade]

So in order to swap the assembly out you have to remove the entire bumper? And I read a comment about wiring and dealing with fuse panel components? I thought this would be pop the hood, undo a few screws, pull out the old, swap in the new, attach connector. That’s how I personally define a “plug n play” swap 😂

[@xtiananana]

Do aftermarket headlights still have the ability to adjust with a long screwdriver by opening the hood? I'm not familiar with the process but I'm looking to upgrade my stock headlights with morimoto. They look cool. I'd like the white DRL that turn amber when turning.

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

The DRL will turn to amber for turn signal use. The lights featured here have the ability to adjust from the engine Bay Area.

[@cohibamike]

I loved my Morimoto XBs but some of the DRL bulbs started to flicker and fail after 6 months. They did replace it under warranty but the DRL issue appeared again after the second set. Even with the V2s some people are still seeing the DRL issue. If they can get that sorted out, it would be one of the best looking options out there.

[@Donkeys_Dad_Adam]

Yep. Mine failed after 2 days, badly. If that is still not sorted out, it's pretty hard to justify ripping your front off multiple times because a product you paid big money for suffers from poor quality...

[@Tehilliym]

Good to know; thanks!

[@shawnuff1974]

Would of been nice to compare the mled 2.0 with those as well.

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

We did make a comparison not too long ago which can be found on our social media. The reason why it wasnt included is because the MLED requires full custom retrofit. The customers in the market for full assemblies are generally not considering a custom upgrade on their own headlights. Two different segments.

[@vincentlo9744]

Would you get the same readings if the Morimoto were on the passenger side? Maybe so, but I feel like this experiment is inconclusive unless you exercise that variable.

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Great question! Truth is you wouldn't get the same EXACT readings between side to side. With strict QC such as OEM headlights, they all will fall within some acceptable level regarding performance, cosmetics, etc. We see a very high level of QC on the Morimoto lights, but even then there are issues with sets just like there are with any products if you know what to look for. This is my personal set of Morimoto's. Been running them for about a year now and I can tell you they are very consistent in terms of beam distribution, intensity, etc. This experiment is about the "big picture" - so please take the lux readings with a grain of salt. While performance is very important on a set of expensive full LED assemblies, we go over other characteristics of each choice. Peak intensity is not as important as proper beam distribution; and that is where the other aftermarket assemblies have trouble with.

[@smallnuts2]

The morimotor is brighter but its looks at 8:28 does the the oem have wider spread of light? I think the morimotor looks better though. can you get the ice blue or blue tinge bulbs in the morimotor?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Ideally would need a larger wall and locked camera settings to compare total beam spread. I do see what you are seeing though. Can't change the color of the LED assemblies but they are definitely cooler white than stock LED. Its the perfect shade of white really. Too much blue and its harder to see, especially in rain or snow.

[@RydinNStyle]

What fuse location did you use for the Morimoto DRL harness? It doesn't come on with my 2022 4runner

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Go through the firewall rubber grommet and go to the interior fuse box by your e-brake. There is a IGN fuse, thats the best one to use.

[@markremillard9463]

I liked the gtr look might not be optimal the lower concentration may help some from blinding

[@adriandevora4090]

great video

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Thank you!

[@jsb773]

​@Lightwerkz Global Have you gotten your hands on a set of the recently released Alpharex Luxx or Nova G2 update yet? Curious to see if they improved upon the beam pattern. Supposedly they improved on the drl performance as well as now having your choice of amber or white by plugging in one or the other option on the set itself.

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Sorry have not. Added DRL performance is one thing, but it wouldnt help them with the every day performance of the light distribution/beam pattern of low/high beams.

[@jsb773]

@@LightwerkzGlobal I agree. My guess is they probably haven't upgraded the low/high beams, only changing the upper DRL diffusor and adding a switch to choose between white or amber DRL.

[@ayodangit]

@@jsb773 they also use 4 leds instead of 3 now for low beam

[@Foxx488]

@@jsb773 I don't know if this is a new change, but on Alpharex' website they specify that the Nova headlights have a completely different brand of LED powering them. The Luxx gets an in-house LED bulb, but the Nova gets Osram LEDs. If this is new on the G2s, I'd imagine they're more comparable at this point.

[@giorgioramones5272]

If the beam pattern is almost identical can I just mark the OEM cutoff, install the morimotos and align them using the OEM beam pattern?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Correct! Let us know if you need a set. Reach out directly for the best deal!

[@555atU]

Are any of these headlamps direction adjustable? Im getting a lift and Im worried about blinding oncoming vehicles.

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Yes they are all fully adjustable. If you need a set reach out to us!

[@kasimrise]

Quick question is that custom paint job ? Looks like lunar rock but not as green . What color is it ?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Lunar Rock + Xpel Stealth

[@Sony35]

Hello, awesome review. Will the GTR headlight fit on a 2022 4Runner Trd Pro. The website only said 14-20. Thanks

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

I believe we can make it work with a proper adapter. Email us. Happy to look into it.

[@Sony35]

@@LightwerkzGlobal Awesome thanks, I will Email you guys as soon as i get lil more free time.

[@revtvguam]

Hi. Nice video. What LED bar light is that? Also any recommendation on replacement fog lights

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

This is the Diode Dynamics Stealth light bar setup. lightwerkz.net/products/ss30-single-stealth-lightbar-kit-for-2014-2019-toyota-4runner-white-driving-diode-dynamics-dd6762

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Fogs we recommend SS3, Elite series, or 4Banger depending on your preferences. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJ3NhZqAnZx3m5I

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

This should be helpful If you are considering back lighting - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqWsZmV4hKqql5I

[@Mstrgeez]

When you toggle your high beam’s do your fog lights turn off?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Yes, that is standard on the 4Runner.

[@onlinepaydays]

Morimoto's are definitely the brightest but have the messiest cut off in my opinion. I liked how sharp the AlphaRex cut-offs were. The GTR's looked like the rotation was not exactly level either, but maybe that's just the way it looks on camera or something. Overall I prefer Morimoto myself.

[@El_Gato718]

Ordered Morimoto 2 months and still no lights.

[@The1andonlyism]

Is this in the cement grey or the lunar rock? love the color

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Lunar rock with Xpel Stealth PPF

[@The1andonlyism]

@@LightwerkzGlobal thank you so much

[@danielpark94]

i never heard of alpharex until i started researching lights for my 4runner. and im not surprised seeing its lux numbers. they look cool but thats about it.

[@kimberlywilson9282]

The problem I'm having is my factory headlights on 2022 4runner TDR pro are so bright that other people think I have my High Beams on. Anyone else having this problem? Any suggestions? I'm constantly getting flashed.

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

You simply need to aim your lights, this should help - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGbFh5iueMuJZtU

[@jcberb]

Bought a '23 last night. As I wsz driving home I was flashed by a few people in oncoming traffic. I was confused because the lights were aimed right. But once I got in front I realized how obnoxiously bright they were. No complaints 😊

[@Popcornbeetle]

Morimoto all the way. Best warranty and their wiring isn’t a mess like the alpharex I threw in the trash after they stoped working.

[@alfye7647]

Will these work on a 2024 Limited?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Yes, no concerns.

[@eurika7655]

Factory plastics scratch easily and turn yellow over time. How do these do over time ?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Like every other headlight. You want to install PPF on the lenses (runs about $150-$200) so they stay looking perfect for years to come. If you need a set please reach out to us for special pricing.

[@eurika7655]

@LightwerkzGlobal thanks and I will.

[@samwalker6195]

Now do a comparison with the morimoto against the Mled 2.0 retrofit!

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

We have on our social media. MLED was about 10% brighter than the Morimoto XB lights. This comparison is for the ones looking to swap in a full LED assembly.

[@samwalker6195]

@@LightwerkzGlobal oh yeah I knew what you were showing. I was just wondering how they stacked up although I remember speaking to you when I ordered Mleds from you and you told me they edged them out. Any difference in width from the full housings and Mleds to speak of?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

@@samwalker6195 Haven't had a chance to test width. Will attempt to do that when I have a moment.

[@MarkTalampas]

Are those the stock LED 4runnner headlights or halogens ?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Stock 2021 factory bi-led headlights.

[@NASTYVIDS]

My brand new XB’s are stuck on high beam only. Can’t get low beam to work. Any thoughts ?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Email us with your order number along with pictures of how everything is hooked up. We can help diagnose the issue. Haven't heard of this before.

[@NASTYVIDS]

@@LightwerkzGlobal Sorry I didn't order from your company, I'm just looking for help everywhere.

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

@@NASTYVIDS Reach out to morimoto service directly. They will sort this out - [e-mail]

[@NASTYVIDS]

@@LightwerkzGlobal thanks. I’ve been emailing them since last Thursday and no reply

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

@@NASTYVIDS Call them.

[@cbadua5]

Of what quality is your light meter?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NI69ZY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@famous47]

Wow, the GTR low beam is really disappointing... Morimoto really dialed in that beam pattern.

[@cpftank09]

Wow, I’m surprised the Alpharex and GTR are that low in intensity. The OEM Halogen headlights would be far brighter that those, heck I bet the fog lights are almost as bright at that distance. I can’t believe people buy them and somehow think they are better than OEM.

[@Nicool333]

I wish the morimotos weren’t so darn expensive!

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Reach out to us for a private special price! [e-mail]

[@Ulghart]

What's the life expectancy of these headlights? Cause they are pretty expensive and the body is sealed, so no serviceable. Doesn't that defeat the purpose of a reliable car like the 4runner?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

They have an industry leading 5 year warranty. So far so good. Very rare to see an issue that requires full replacement. If the LED's go out there is a replaceable computer on the back of the light that will get this back up and running.

[@bigboss.anthonyromero.4768]

Great vid! BUT!!!! Invest in a M.I.C first.

[@pdxwarrior]

Good information, but please fix the audio (or at least be aware of this during editing)! I nearly turned this off immediately, but subtitles got me through this.

[@plutonium9]

Hold on....Low beam Oem led 544 lux. Alpharex low beam....91 lux. What the actual fuck?

[@donaldmitchell9473]

Oh snap a face to voice 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@lalok9912]

I dont know which headlight to but GTR or MORIMOTOS Comment for morimoto headlights Or Like for GTR Thak you

[@JudasBytes]

you need to re-do this and have better sound

[@keithmurray7493]

Thanks for doing this. I know a lot of guys are all about how cool their headlights look. Okay, good for them. Seriously. But honestly, I just want good, effective lighting. I don't mind the stock look. I don't sit and ogle my vehicle, I drive it. While I'm driving it I want to see well and I care very little about how cool others think my headlights look. 2cents

[@1rstTry]

Ok boomer

[@c1arkj]

The Morimotos not only look WAY better. they provide more light and are safer for the road as well. Having headlights that stick out in the day and night is great for safety and alerting oncoming traffic of your presence on the road. So why not get both looks and safety?

[@13fullnelson]

First

[@nathanmccutchen5272]

You’re so cool

[@ricardomolina4605]

And? First at what?

[@13fullnelson]

@@ricardomolina4605 commenting. Welcome to the Internet

[@hkmp7fan]

What color is that 4runner?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Lunar Rock with Xpel Stealth PPF