Top 5 Headlights For Your Toyota Tacoma | FULL REVIEW!

[@josephcedatoljr.7562]

Love side by side comparisons like this, it helps us narrow down our choices along with learning the different features from other brands. Please do more videos like this. My ONLY complaint. Not everyone drives a newer Tacoma. I absolutely love my '09 SR5 prerunner & have no intention of giving it up just for a new truck. With that said, is it possible to do something like these videos for 2nd gen Tacomas? Look forward to more videos. Keep up the good work.

[@tacomabeast]

We’re looking at making more comparison videos with older gens as well we’re just a bit busy with the giveaway truck, but they’re definitely coming!!

[@tt4569]

Been waiting for this for 5 years lol, thank for doing the work, Alpharex is killing it and will be switching once my OG tacomabeast ones burn out. Pretty sure it was the 450 option here

[@joekatchmar5235]

For those considering the Alpha Owls, I just got through the install. The low beam connector may require a pin swap. One of my head lights needed it, and the other did not. You swap the pin by using a small flat head to decompress the tab holding the pin in place. With that decompressed, you pull the wire out from the back. The orange gasket comes with it. The other black gasket then needs to be removed and inserted where you just pulled the pin out from. Also, my blinker didn’t work at first. You need to flip the connector 180 degrees and the sequential started to work. Hope this helped.

[@RefrigeratedTP]

What year and model do you have?

[@joekatchmar5235]

@@RefrigeratedTP 22 TRD Sport

[@Poxyquotl]

Thanks for these videos! I just purchased a 2022 TRD Sport and your videos have been extremely informative and inspiring for mod options and build ideas.

[@UrbanOpsOffRoad]

I don’t even own a 3rd gen and I truly appreciate the video review, keep up the good work Mateo and team 🤙🏻

[@wilson3246]

The overhead low beam output shots you put up really shows a stark difference in the quality of beam patterns between the Alpharex and Morimotos, the two most popular higher end aftermarket units in automotive lighting. Most people don't know anything about headlights so they see the Alpharex handily beats out the Morimotos in pure brightness. At 28:07, to the untrained eye, one would think the Alpharex smokes the Morimotos but one look at it and I could tell it is horrendous. Sure, 854LUX compared to the Mori's 600 is a stark difference, but look at the the bright spot directly in front of the first cone on the Alpharex. That's called foreground lighting. The Alpharex concentrates way too much light on the foreground and it is definitely not what you want (also one reason why you shouldn't actually drive with fog lights on all the time but that's a whole 'nother argument). Your eyes adapt to focus on the overly bright ground lighting and hinders your ability to see further down the road, and distance lighting is just as if not more important than foreground lighting. The Lux output numbers still shows the Alphas beating out the Morimotos 60 and 90 feet but look at the actual spread of the beam pattern between the two. The Morimotos are more consistent whereas the Alphas blow their load early in the race and focus too much light directly in front of the front bumper. The Morimotos will not only be better on road, but it will be easier on the eyes. I watched a comparison video of Alpharex and Morimoto XBs a few years ago for a RAM 1500. The guys that did the video measured light output, low beam, and high beams and they kept saying how much brighter the Alphas were and were the superior lights with the exception of the high beams which they gave the win to morimotos. Throughout the entire video, all I could see from the Alphas were excessive foreground lighting and all I could think about was "these guys don't know what they're talking about" and unfortunately, that rings true for quite a few people installing aftermarket headlights. Most people see the ground in front of their bumper lit up super bright and think "yup, more bright means more good" but pure output doesn't tell the whole story. Beam pattern is much more important because it is usable light, light that goes where you want it to. I'm disappointed but not upset that all these years later, Alpharex headlights are more of the same: terrible beam patterns. In my eyes, the Morimotos are the (much) superior headlights although I would heavily recommend you buy from a reputable source that will back up their warranty claims because in my experience with retrofits, Morimotos have great lighting products but terrible qc. Alpharex lights are pretty much all show, all flash no substance. They do some fancy start up light dance, some fancy sequentials and switchbacks, and LED strips going all over the place for DRLs but fail at the one and most important aspect of a headlight which is proper lighting. Oh and from that RAM video comparing the Alphas to the Moris? I left a comment saying the same thing here, the Alphas were too strong on foreground lighting whereas the Morimotos were more balanced and a more consistent brightness shown down the the distance. Their response? To paraphrase, they said that applications are different for everyone and that the extra foreground lighting helps with offroading so you can see immediate rocks and obstacles close to your front bumper at night. That is not only false, but headlights are designed for on road use first and foremost. How they perform off road is mostly irrelevant because if a good set of headlight performs good on road, they'll perform good off road. In fact, if you truly want good off road lighting there are pod lights, flood lights, and light bars that will do an infinitely better job at lighting up the trail than even the best on road headlight. I later found out that video was sponsored by Alpharex. I ended up buying a set of Alphas many years ago for my 3rd gen and promptly returned them. Got a set of Morimotos and they were much better but ended up returning them, too for the OEM LEDs simply because I wanted OEM quality and consistency as well as being a very good headlight as well. My old Scion that I did an HID projector retrofit for (Morimoto Mini D2S 5.0 projectors) had fantastic output and beam pattern but every so often, something would go wrong so I would have to warranty it out meaning I'd have to take the bumper off to remove headlight parts. This video is two years old now but if anyone ends up viewing it after the fact, and see this comment, I highly recommend staying away from Alpharexs. The fancy light dances they do are not worth the inferior beam pattern.

[@ElMorroPerez]

I'm more interested in the warranties??? For $1600 that headlight better outlive me!!

[@llllll-ux2lz]

1600$ that’s offensive to my wallet!

[@cynicalnoir2394]

1600$ IS my wallet

[@FlexSZN23]

Should’ve compared to OEM LED’s. A lot of ppl are trying to see if the output difference between OEM & Aftermarket is worth it.

[@daves1203]

OEM LED is better than most of these on output and build quality. Not to mention, for the price of a few of these you can buy the OEM housings with money to spare.

[@zachariah2089]

Please keep doing more videos like this for Tacoma mods! Love watching these!

[@samhanks1594]

Grade 'A' video, so well done. However, all the lights get an 'F' for not having a solid amber driving light.

[@gamerscore88]

The ugly Owl lights do and Morimoto have an amber option.

[@bryanr.3241]

@@gamerscore88 that’s correct because I have the Morimoto lights. Best lights of them all IMO.

[@gamerscore88]

@@bryanr.3241 Morimoto w/amber are the best looking & performing, hence the price lol.

[@yesimbigwes]

Alpha Rex also have an amber option

[@voltaire312]

Seems like Tacoma beast got sponsored by alpha Rex lol it’s Morimoto amber gang

[@tacomabeast]

Nahhhh It’s just the truth 🤷‍♂️😂

[@Alfirio]

Alpha Rex has amber DRL

[@nateramirez875]

@@Alfirio how do I make them amber? I want them so bad

[@Alfirio]

@@nateramirez875 if you bought the version that has both (switchback) then it should come with the switch or harness. Idk I haven’t bought them yet haha it’s in their website though

[@terrellma]

Also increasing the temperature inside the light housing will decrease the chance that there will be condensation. Just an observation. I know I sound like a dickhead, but it is true.

[@automotiveledresearch6724]

Good job on trying to be as objective as possible in your comparison testing but I have to point out a few errors. The first test involving the “brightness” of the DRL isn’t exactly a proper test. Your chart says you measured intensity at only 10 ft and it looks like you took those measurements directly in front of the truck at a relatively low position. DRLs are designed to be visible to oncoming traffic which means the beams *should* have higher intensity at angles relating to the opposite side of the lane where the heads of other drivers are (not in the same lane as the truck near the ground). Simulating this properly would require you to position the illuminance meter in the opposite lane at a height of 43 inches from the ground (average eye height for oncoming traffic). A reasonable distance would be 25 feet. Taking measurements this way provides more accurate results because, again, the DRL is meant to be seen by oncoming traffic at a distance. The next thing I wanted to point out was aim. Unless I missed it, I didn’t see you mention or demonstrate to your viewers how to aim those headlamps. This is crucial to your low beam testing. A properly aimed lamp will provide the maximum performance as it was designed. As little as being off 1 INCH can reduce the beam reach by roughly 85 feet. If all the beams for each set of lamps weren’t set to the correct aiming height (which for the Tacoma specifically is 37.5 inches from the ground) then the test isn’t accurate. Also the area you used to set the beam is crucial. Lamps are designed to be aimed by either using the LEFT side of the cutoff or the RIGHT side of the cutoff based on a lens marking. Which side of the cutoff did you use?

[@keithchhieng44]

I’m still skeptical due to LED turn signal that came with light. Do I need resistors to prevent hyper flashing? I’ve spent over $800 dollars turn signal. I’ve tried GTR lighting and VLED, nothing worked 2018 Tacoma trd off-road 4x4.

[@tacomabeast]

These don’t typically hyperflash

[@djmasterty2309]

I have the Morimoto XB headlights on my Tacoma and those look the best out of all of the headlights.

[@codyclanton7508]

I feel like the XBs are the best out there. Smooth lighting. I'm considering them over alpha

[@djmasterty2309]

@@codyclanton7508 they’re definitely more qualitative for their price.

[@djmasterty2309]

I also like the comparison of all the headlights.

[@LukePRTR]

The best one is still the OEM TRD PRO headlight.

[@tacomabeast]

Eh… 🤷‍♂️

[@Nuttyaf_]

New he was gonna pick AlphaRex.... lol. personally, I have the Gen 2 Abmber DRL Morimoto headlights and they look the best to me!

[@WhalesTakeBaths]

Dude I have the morimoto as well amber those are the best I knew this guy would pick his own brand lol

[@Lumpia_In_Texas]

Wear fuxiing gloves man

[@TheYamahawk]

How do the factory TRD pro headlights compare to these? I like my lights, but if there is something brighter, I want that.

[@woodyscrappyopenings5707]

Please make one for older models, I have an 09 and been wanting to change up the lights but don't know which to get

[@tacomabeast]

You can find headlight options for second gens here tacomabeast.com/collections/headlights-tail-lights-2nd-gen they’re mostly made by the same manufacturer so they’ll have similar features

[@miamitreasurehunter]

As a 2022 SR5 owner, this was a Uber Awesome Video. I was hesitant to install my new headlights but this video will get me motivated to upgrade!!

[@tacomabeast]

Hell yeah 🤙🔥

[@scotth5978]

Is it plug and play? I’ve heard SR5 don’t have the same electrical plugs as TRD

[@itssjojodoe]

@@scotth5978 You’re right, I have a new 23’ and was interested in swapping mine out too but the wiring harness and the astronomical price point changed my mind QUICK.

[@69andrejb]

I wish you would have also compared them to the OEM LED headlights

[@tacomabeast]

We’ll keep that in mind for next time 🤙

[@Squarebody_Builds]

My aftermarket LED bulbs are super super bright. I just want some stock TRD LED ones with the built in turn signal/DRL

[@dkbetz911]

Morimoto 2nd Gen headlights have that Bugatti start up, looks good 👍

[@DatMeister]

Oem toyota led ones have the best output

[@terrellma]

Night Rider was a television series.

[@samvang5677]

Can you do one for the 2nd gens ?

[@tacomabeast]

You can find headlight options for second gens here tacomabeast.com/collections/headlights-tail-lights-2nd-gen they’re mostly made by the same manufacturer so they’ll have similar features

[@LongLiveDJ1]

Yes finally another video!?! Let's go!

[@The_hustletown_PA-C]

My alpharex LUXX low beam on passenger went out, and after some detective work. I realized the problem was in the headlight. Worse part I'm away from college stocks took 140$ to ship as they won't send you a new pair until the old ones come...they did honor the warranty but I also had to install them...definitely a pain...but they performed well over all...I just hope it was a bad batch.

[@tacomabeast]

Glad to hear they honored the warranty, bad batches can happen sometimes but it’s definitely not the norm 🤙

[@taranbrar1717]

Before the video even started I knew you were gonna choose alpha rex bud These are super cool

[@tacomabeast]

😂 it’s ultimately y’all’s choose y’know

[@snarplaya]

Just got a 2023 Taco with the upgraded oem LED headlights. They have some of the best light output i’ve ever seen. Even better than a projector style. And i’ve had many aftermarket options in the past with BMW’s. Including projector retrofits with morimoto HID’s. The cutoff line on projectors are nice, but the reflector style LED’s have much better output.

[@Sir_Wilo]

Actually showing us how it will look on the truck makes this a great video🔥

[@jnalley1632]

Alpha Rex definitely for the win! Its a great looking light. I have been considering that for my own truck. To may other things to do first. :)

[@tacomabeast]

😂

[@jpadamada]

this has convinced me not to change my headlights, the fact you gotta mess w/ the bumper just dissuaded me. But great video :)

[@MC4D.]

I'm not a really a fan of sequential turn signals, if the headlights come with that feature I'll be okay with it. But if I can have an option to choose between like what the Morimoto has. If the AlphaRex had that option, that would be a perfect, because of that light sequence when you unlock the doors lol

[@chip5595]

Notification squad wya!?!? Great stuff TacomaBeast! Keep up the awesome videos 🌮

[@tacomabeast]

🔥🔥🔥

[@funfreq9282]

Teeoyota?

[@soledadmonstabreh]

Should do some beam pattern comparison too

[@merecumbe1000]

Thank you so much for the info I really appreciate it 🙏

[@dirtbike662]

I got less than two minutes in. Solidified my decision. I'll save that money, build a plate bumper, and get a few kc lights or a light bar.

[@erod6468]

The stock Led lights on my TRD off road are brighter than almost all of these and look great and have sequential turn signals lol!

[@_Murky_]

weird how you don't need indicators visible from the side of vehicles in the US

[@stevenpeterson7234]

The spyder head lights were the brightest when you did your test. I do a lot of traveling. I'm so gonna go with the Spyders!!

[@nogoodusername3423]

Don't forget the rule of car parts they have on the car at least 6 years everyday use to prove that it will last

[@meldricklaguna4927]

Morimoto baby!!!

[@USA_trucker215]

Spider 5th one

[@leilahankinson4498]

Hey guys, I'm reading some reviews of Tacoma owners like myself who purchased their trucks with the upgraded LED headlight package, who then later decided to upgrade again with some of these options like Morimoto and discovered that their Toyota LED's weren't compatible with the new Morimotos. Am I not understanding the parts & process of this type of upgrade? I have a 2023 TRD Off Road. Mahalo!

[@tacomabeast]

You would have to select the correct harness for the newer models of the LED package 🤙

[@m.guysantiago1321]

Just installed the Alpha Owls... replaced my oem halogen lights on my 2017 Tacoma. Your video was the catalyst I needed to do the install... thank you. One other thing I wish you had installed the Alpha Owls on this video... had to call them when I ran into a problem... no low beams. Big shout out to their customer service rep (Jimmy)... he stayed on the phone with me for a long time helping me figure what I needed to do to the low beam wiring connectors. Love the lights... great customer service... and again great video.

[@tacomabeast]

That’s so awesome to hear!

[@joekatchmar5235]

Will the Alpha Owl fit a 2022 TRD Sport with no DRL?

[@brianflores8945]

All the way with Morimoto option 😍👌

[@Not_Sure_2505]

Projector headlights suck. That harsh beam cutoff makes them unusable. I like reflectors for this reason

[@dartanion10]

Beast indeed. First video I've seen, and certainly not the last. You're my new "go-to" for all things Tacoma. Well done sir.

[@tacomabeast]

Thanks bro! If there are any questions that our videos don’t answer, feel free to email us at [e-mail] 🤙 we have a team of experts dedicated to helping you out🙌

[@tomm7505]

These lights are nice but I'll keep my stock LED option headlights on my '23 TRD Sport. Toyota did a great job on them. They look great and are super bright.

[@yezkaholic]

Do they have amber DRL?

[@tomm7505]

@@yezkaholic No, the LRD DRLs are white. They turn into amber when the turn signals are active.

[@darthvader1482]

Awsome video man! I was really considering the Spyder ones because of the square housing, but after realizing they don't have the lock and unlock sequence that the Alpharex ones have, I'm gonna have to go with Alpharex as the king so far. I especially do not like the turn signal for the Spyder ones, its just not as sleek and futuristic as the Alpharex.

[@Youareanexperiment]

I’m not concerned with day lights, I never really understood why people run their lights on a sunny day. What’s the best upgrade for driving in dark roads in the winter? Stock lights are terrible. Thanks for the video!

[@Rangefree]

Mainly a safety thing. Some insurers give discounts for DRLs cuz it can catch other drivers' attention before a collision. For winter you're best off getting amber auxillary lights as they contrast much better against snow.

[@subieguy00]

Philips H9 halogen bulb upgrade or oem led. All the aftermarket lights are junk. Some worse than others

[@theloneviking9145]

So I’m assuming all of these are DOT approved for road use? Also, has anybody had any hassles with law-enforcement or getting the truck safety inspected? I dont want to blow that much money and have someone tell me they’re not legal.

[@tacomabeast]

These are all DOT approved, there might be some variation of some of these headlights that aren’t but we’re always sure to include that in the item description, for example some of the darker colors of tail lights arent DOT approved so we include that those colors arent in the description 🤙

[@AHyland33]

The foreground on alpharex really is as bad as everyone says. That output is brutal and is only going to make it harder for you to see at a distance.

[@tacomabeast]

It’s honestly not that bad 🤷‍♂️

[@brad-my2xq]

can we see some headlights for 2nd gens?

[@tacomabeast]

You can find headlight options for second gens here tacomabeast.com/collections/headlights-tail-lights-2nd-gen they’re mostly made by the same manufacturer so they’ll have similar features

[@canoeshoe]

Should have tried just to put in HIDs into the stock housing projector haha

[@waparedess]

This Video is a 1,000% Complete and Extremely Helpful , Thanks !!!

[@tacomabeast]

Glad it helped!

[@ihuntieatisleepirepeat3291]

It would be nice if you spent more time showing the headlights them selves and all their features. 50% of this video is you standing over them. I am hear to see the headlights. Like instead of showing you talking about the headlights, show the headlight you are talking about. 19:04 is probably the best way to compare all the headlights It just seems very convoluted. Just my opinion though

[@tacomabeast]

Will keep this in mind for future videos, thanks for the feedback bro 🤙

[@tacosallday2257]

Alpha rex all day no question....

[@randysavage6718]

I've been shopping for lights for about a month to replace my stock halogens. I have chosen the Morimoto xb2. I don't like how the Alpha Rex lights project their beams: it's too much in the front of the vehicle. If the unlocking sequence is the distinguishing feature that pushes you to choose the Alpha Rex lights, the 2nd gen Morimoto XB lights offers a start-up sequence. To me, the Morimoto XB2 headlights are the better option if you are choosing between the two.

[@tacomabeast]

That’s a good breakdown!

[@Carlocio308]

Love how you made this video really shows the different type of headlights and how to install it so I can refer to this when I need to change it!

[@tacomabeast]

🔥

[@DominickNicolai]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@chuyhdz3082]

Thanks for making it easy for us to understand thanks for the detail you explain things Mateo gracias ..

[@whatfreedom7]

I want to know how long they resist yellowing.

[@topherbec7578]

Hopefully longer than the stock headlights. Mine started to yellow in less than two years.

[@honellmedina6154]

which one do you recommend for toyota tacoma 2020

[@duceswilder22]

Great Info I have morimoto amber and I Luv them . And they have the start up feature also had them over a year and good to go. Thanks again

[@alejandrocandelario2966]

Alpha Owl

[@robinson156]

Was going to buy the XT lights but now looking at this it’s better to get the AlphaRexx lights! Thanks!

[@JayRays1truck]

I had to like the video just because of the Knight Rider comment!

[@tacomabeast]

😂

[@Jacko2701]

Thanks for this video! I get confuse which light I want and this video definitely helps.

[@luiso769]

Toyota really making you dismantle the whole front of the truck just to replace them headlights wow

[@tacomabeast]

😂

[@bangabruhh8291]

Are the morimotos not the gen 2 headlights? Those also have the startup sequence.

[@tacomabeast]

Morimoto has both third and second gen options 🤙

[@jus808jm]

Question: What happens if my turn signals dont flare out like that. Stops halfway. Also, blinks fast. My hazords function normal flaring out tho. Any ideas??

[@tacomabeast]

Might be a shorted fuse?

[@chrish1850]

Wish someone did this for the Tundra... im debating on the OEM or Headlight revolutions..

[@subieguy00]

Oem!...

[@ajsrc]

I personally think that headlights for the tacoma are way too expensive

[@tacomabeast]

To each their own 🤷‍♂️

[@robertj4v]

Hi, is there any way to have the DRL on yellow on the Morimoto ones? Thank you!

[@tacomabeast]

I believe the morimoto either come in white or yellow but there’s no way to switch between the two

[@red.riot.2280]

Ok. I feel like a dummy. But what fits a 2022 SR? Just anything that’s not factory led?

[@tacomabeast]

Anything that fits a 21’ will fit a 22’ some will give you the option of the additional harness for the SR5 so just make sure you get it 🤙

[@letsgetit49706]

Will these fit 23’ TRD Sport?

[@alexv4046]

I got the projectors on sale a while back for 300. They look awesome I think for the price they can't be beat.

[@ChrisFisher-y1l]

Night Rider was a tv show.

[@AidenheatSoul]

Are the alpha red headlights you have in the video alpha black or black

[@tacomabeast]

Alpha black 🤙

[@Captainslow556]

You shouldn’t have to remove your grill just to replace your headlights. It’s like they don’t want you to do any mods.

[@tacomabeast]

How else do you suppose we fit the headlight in there? 😅 i mean if you want to develop headlights that you can install without removing the headlights let us know 🤙

[@Kkaden]

How did you do the tests? Did you have 5 trucks or swapped them all out for testing

[@tacomabeast]

Swapped them all out for testing… it was a long day to say the least 😂

[@jayling8086]

As long as there ain’t the old 3rd gen Tacoma beast headlights on here 🤣 no offense but those were hideous.

[@tacomabeast]

😂

[@charliebrard5359]

I have a 2 generation Toyota Tacoma and have made some changes , but still love those 50 / 60’s classic cars, they were and are still awesome.

[@eddieh1985]

I like the Alpha Rex sequence. I’ll be ordering that light from you guys….. as soon as my wife gives me the OK…

[@tacomabeast]

😂😂💀

[@othoapproto9603]

I want sold amber DRLs for $600. All are $1300 and up. Looks like I'll have to buy and modify. Thing is the manufacture would only have to swap out the Amber LED for the White ones. It's just changing the Pick&Place selection that populates the PCB.

[@benjaminmeveisii9846]

Wow really good stuff

[@jarrodsimmons5349]

I installed some aftermarket headlights and replaced the bulbs with leds all at the same time. My auto high beams no longer work. Do you know what the issue could be?

[@tacomabeast]

Sometimes the auto high beams need a specific harness to work that aftermarket lights don’t have. Is it your auto high beams or your high beams in general? Because the high beam bulbs on these can be different from the others

[@pappajag]

I'm a alpha owl fan

[@funridemtb8224]

Wooow great content Mateo, thanks man !!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@trotanium13]

Why am i watching this, Tacoma is not even sold in my country 🤣

[@tacomabeast]

Because it’s cool!

[@rubenalvarez1368]

Just got tacoma sr access cab and I can’t wait to swap out the headlights all these options look great

[@tacomabeast]

Enjoy it! It’s the best part of having a taco

[@percivalgaqui4783]

I really like the alpharex headlights

[@891496127]

Great video. Really informative. Keep up the great work 👍

[@charlesthrelkeld]

Nice review. Alpha rex I'm sold TY

[@tacomabeast]

Glad I could help

[@waltermejia6520]

Hola donde te encuentras ubicado quiero instarlas en mi tacoma

[@tacomabeast]

Hola! Nosotros no instalamos nada pero las puedes conseguir en nuestro website y instalarlas en tu casa. Tenemos videos para ayudarte con la instalación también!

[@PapaCubScout]

TacomaBeast is doing well! What a pad! NICE- But no way I am doing all that for new headlights- LOL😂