Tacoma Lighting Upgrades: Headlights, Tail Lights, Fogs, Ditch Lights

Lighting is one of the most practical Tacoma mods you can make, because you use your headlights every time you drive after dark. This guide covers Toyota Tacoma headlights, tail lights, fog lights and ditch lights for the 2nd gen (2005–2015), 3rd gen (2016–2023) and 4th gen (2024+), what each upgrade does, and what to check so the part actually fits your truck.

First, figure out which Tacoma you have

Almost every lighting part for this truck is generation-specific, and some are narrower than a full generation. The 2nd gen ran 2005–2015, but Toyota refreshed the front end for 2012, so several headlight and fog parts are split into 2005–2011 and 2012–2015 versions. The 3rd gen ran 2016–2023, and the all-new 4th gen started in 2024.

• Read the year range in the title. A part listed for 2012–2015 will not fit a 2009 truck, even though both are 2nd gen.
• Know what headlights came on your truck. Bulb conversion kits are for housings that take a replaceable halogen bulb (H4 on the 2nd gen, H11 low beam on the listed 3rd gen kits). If your truck came with factory LED headlights, a bulb kit is the wrong part; look at full housings instead.
• Check trim notes. Some 4th gen fog kits are split by trim (TRD Pro and Trailhunter versus everything else), and some grille kits are trim-specific. The listing will say so.
• Check wiring and compliance. Many listings describe plug-and-play wiring to the factory harness and note SAE or DOT compliance. Optional high-output drivers and off-road pods may not be street legal. If a detail is not in the title, read the listing notes or ask us.

Tacoma lighting upgrades by generation at a glance

Here is what we carry for each generation, based on our current Tacoma lighting catalog. A dash means we do not currently stock a vehicle-specific part for that slot.

A few parts span generations, such as the Baja Designs S2 Sport Dual Reverse Light Kit (2005–2023).

2nd gen Tacoma (2005–2015) lighting upgrades

Headlights

Headlights decide how far and wide you see at night. For the 2nd gen you have three routes.

• Full LED projector housings (2012–2015 only). The Morimoto XB Hybrid LED Headlights pair LED projectors for low and high beam with reflector-style DRLs, and Morimoto states they meet SAE, DOT and FMVSS 108 standards. There is also an amber DRL version. These are listed for 2012–2015 trucks only, so they are not an option for a 2005–2011 front end.
• Halo headlights. ORACLE sells complete pre-assembled halo headlights for 2005–2011 with the halo rings already sealed in, so there is no baking the housings.
• LED bulb conversion. If you want to keep the factory housings, the ORACLE H4 S3 PRO LED Conversion Kit is a same-size H4 replacement rated at 4,860 lumens and 6,000K, built for reflector (non-projector) housings. For how bulbs and full housings compare, see our LED vs halogen headlights guide.

Tail lights

LED tail lights make brake lights and signals easier to see. The Morimoto XB LED Tail Lights fit the full 2005–2015 run, come in clear or red lens, use 3D light blades that double as brake lights and sequential amber turn signals, and carry a five-year warranty according to the listing. For 2012–2015 trucks only, the Cali Raised LED tail lights use LED tubes for the parking light, LED brake lights and a standard turn signal, with the reverse light still on a stock halogen bulb.

Fog lights

Replacement fog lights drop into the factory pockets and put a wide, low beam just ahead of the truck for rain, snow and fog. The 2nd gen is split by year here too.

• 2005–2011. The Morimoto XB LED Fog Lights use three 5500K LEDs per side through a projector, rated at 2,400 lumens, and connect to the factory fog connectors. The Morimoto 4Banger fog kit is a pod-style option in white or yellow that meets SAE F fog regulations.
• 2012–2015. The Morimoto 4Banger LED Fog Lights for 2012–2015 drop into the fog pockets with a plug-and-play harness.

For color choice, see our yellow vs white LED fog light guide.

Ditch lights

Ditch lights mount at the base of the A-pillars and light the sides of the trail, where headlights do not reach. The Morimoto 2Banger LED Ditch Light System for 2005–2015 includes the pods, stainless brackets and wiring, and the brackets use existing attachment points so nothing gets drilled. You choose wide, spot or combo beams. The larger 4Banger system adds a spot pattern Morimoto rates at roughly 800 meters of reach. Bracket-only options are available if you already have pods.

Other upgrades

• Third brake light. The Morimoto X3B LED Third Brake Light replaces the flat factory unit on 2005–2015 trucks, uses the original mounting points and the factory connector, and is backed for five years per the listing.
• Bumper light bar. The Baja Designs S8 30 inch Bumper Light Kit puts a 30-inch bar on a 2005–2015 truck in a Driving/Combo pattern.

3rd gen Tacoma (2016–2023) lighting upgrades

Headlights

The 3rd gen has the widest selection.

• Morimoto XB Evo LED Headlights. Dual Bi-LED projectors with output that exceeds IIHS standards, a heated lens to clear frost, and plug-in keys to set white or amber DRLs and sequential or standard turn signals.
• Morimoto XB Evo Hybrid LED Headlights. The same dual Bi-LED projectors in a Tacoma-specific assembly, with wiring the listing describes as plug-and-play across every 2016–2023 sub-model. The standard drivers keep output within DOT (FMVSS 108) limits. The optional Supercharged drivers raise intensity roughly 30% for off-road use, at the cost of that compliance.
• ORACLE H11 S3 LED Conversion Kit (Low Beam). For trucks with H11 halogen low beams, this is a sealed, fanless bulb rated at 3,200 lumens and 6,000K that drops into the factory socket. ORACLE also lists high-beam and S3 PRO versions, some titled for 2016–2019, so check the year range on the exact kit.
• Halo kits. The ORACLE LED Headlight Halo Kit installs inside your existing headlights, so it is a hands-on job.

Tail lights

• Morimoto XB LED Tail Lights (Clear or Red). Plug into the factory wiring, run amber turn signals and an eight-LED reverse light. The title says 2016+, and the spec table on the listing gives fitment as 2016–2023 (3rd gen).
• ORACLE Flush Mount LED Tail Lights. A low-profile housing that sits nearly flush with the body, with full LED functions and sequential turn signals. The listing says it plugs into the factory harness with no splicing on most models, so read the notes for yours.

Fog lights

• Morimoto XB Evo+ LED Fog Lights. Switch between white and yellow on the fly, and stay compliant with SAE J583 F3 and ECE R19.
• Morimoto XB LED Fog Lights (2012–2023). Projector fogs rated at 2,400 lumens with height adjusters.
• Baja Designs Squadron-R SAE Fog Pocket Light Kit. SAE J583 compliant, 2,420 lumens per light, uses the factory mounting points and keeps the factory fog switch.

Ditch lights

The Morimoto 2Banger LED Ditch Light System for 2016–2023 is a compact A-pillar kit with white or yellow output and four beam patterns, from long-range spot to a road-compliant fog pattern. If you would rather not use the A-pillars, the ORACLE Side Mirror Ditch Lights mount at the factory mirrors and throw a wide flood toward the trail edges. Not sure which beam to run, spot or flood? Our ditch lights spot vs flood guide explains the difference.

Other upgrades

• Bed lights. The Morimoto XB LED Bed Lights fit 2020–2023 trucks and connect to the factory connectors. Note the 2020–2023 range, not the full generation.
• Light bar bundles. The Baja Designs Stage 1 Light Bundle combines Squadron SAE fog lights, a 30-inch S8 bumper bar and two S2 Sport reverse lights in one package.

4th gen Tacoma (2024+) lighting upgrades

Our current catalog has no replacement headlights or tail lights for the 4th gen. We do carry fog, ditch, reverse and auxiliary lighting.

Fog lights

• Baja Designs S2 SAE OEM Fog Light Replacement Kit. For 2024–2026 Tacomas without the TRD Pro package. Designed to meet SAE J583, with a sharp cutoff. The listing says it will not work on TRD Pro models.
• Baja Designs S2 Sport OEM Fog Light Replacement Kit, TRD Pro/Trailhunter. Four S2 Sports in a Wide Cornering pattern, with splitter harnesses so the stock switch still works.
• Cali Raised LED Fog Light Replacement Kit for 2024+. Replaces the factory fog lights; the listing also covers 2022+ Tundra and 2025+ 4Runner.

Ditch lights

The Baja Designs Squadron 2.0 Sport A-Pillar Light Kit is a two-light kit for 2024–2026 with brackets, a toggle harness and hardware. For more output, the Baja Designs XL80 A-Pillar Kit is the brightest of Baja's 4th gen A-pillar options. The Cali Raised LED Ditch Light Bracket Kit for 2024+ includes brackets, pods and a harness.

Other upgrades

• Reverse lights. The Baja Designs S2 Sport Reverse Kit mounts two lights under the rear bumper, and the KC HiLiTES FLEX ERA 1 Backup Light Kit uses frame-mounted brackets.
• Underhood rock lights. The KC HiLiTES Cyclone LED Engine Tray Light Kit (2024–2025).
• Light bars. The Cali Raised LED 32" Lo Pro Grille Light Bar Kit mounts behind the grille (not compatible with the Limited grille, per the listing). The KC HiLiTES Gravity Titan Overhead Light Bar Kit requires drilling, so plan for that.

What order should you upgrade in

This is our opinion, not a rule, but it is the order we would follow on our own trucks.

• 1. Headlights. You use them every night, on every road. On a 4th gen, where we do not carry headlights, start with fogs instead.
• 2. Fog lights. They fill in the area in front of the bumper and help in bad weather.
• 3. Tail lights and third brake light. Mostly about being seen and about looks.
• 4. Ditch lights. Great on trails and back roads, less useful if you stay on pavement.
• 5. Light bars, reverse, bed and rock lights. Add these as your use calls for them.

If lighting is part of a bigger build, our Toyota Tacoma overland build guide covers where it fits alongside armor, racks and recovery gear. Off-road lights such as spot pods and light bars are generally meant for off-road use only; rules on auxiliary lighting vary by state, so check yours.

What NVMOS carries

We stock Tacoma lighting from Morimoto, ORACLE Lighting, KC HiLiTES, Baja Designs and Cali Raised LED. A few places to start:

• Morimoto XB Evo LED Headlights, 2016–2023 Tacoma
• Morimoto XB Evo Hybrid LED Headlights, 2016–2023 Tacoma
• ORACLE H11 S3 LED Conversion Kit (Low Beam), 2016–2023 Tacoma
• Morimoto XB Hybrid LED Headlights, 2012–2015 Tacoma
• Morimoto XB LED Tail Lights, 2005–2015 Tacoma
• ORACLE Flush Mount LED Tail Lights, 2016–2023 Tacoma
• Morimoto XB Evo+ LED Fog Lights, 2016–2023 Tacoma
• Baja Designs S2 SAE Fog Light Replacement Kit, 2024–2026 Tacoma (non-TRD Pro)
• Morimoto 2Banger LED Ditch Light System, 2016–2023 Tacoma
• Morimoto 2Banger LED Ditch Light System, 2005–2015 Tacoma
• Baja Designs Squadron 2.0 Sport A-Pillar Kit, 2024–2026 Tacoma
• Morimoto X3B LED Third Brake Light, 2005–2015 Tacoma

Browse by category: all Toyota Tacoma parts, replacement headlights, replacement tail lights, fog and ditch lights, fog and ditch light mounts and Tacoma bumpers and armor (aftermarket bumpers often have their own light mounts). You can also shop by vehicle, check current lead times, or read our vendor warranty policies.

Shop Toyota Tacoma parts →

Shop fog and ditch lights →

Frequently asked questions

What headlights fit a 3rd gen Tacoma?

For 2016–2023 Tacomas we carry the Morimoto XB Evo and XB Evo Hybrid LED headlights, ORACLE H11 LED bulb kits for trucks with halogen low beams, and ORACLE halo and DRL kits. Match the year range on the listing, and use a bulb kit only if your truck has replaceable halogen bulbs.

Are Tacoma LED headlights plug and play?

Several of our listings say so: the Morimoto XB Evo, XB Evo Hybrid and 2012–2015 XB Hybrid are described as plug-and-play with the factory wiring, and the ORACLE bulb kits as same-size drop-in replacements. Check the notes on the exact listing for your year and trim before you order.

What are the best ditch lights for a Tacoma?

It depends on your generation and how you drive. For 2005–2015 and 2016–2023 trucks, the Morimoto 2Banger and 4Banger systems come as kits with pods and vehicle-specific brackets; wiring is included on some (such as the 2005–2015 2Banger) and optional on others, so check the listing. For 2024+ trucks, the Baja Designs A-pillar kits are built for the 4th gen. Pick a wide or flood beam for trail edges and a spot for distance.

Do 2005–2011 and 2012–2015 Tacomas use the same headlights?

Not for most of what we carry. Toyota changed the front end for 2012, so headlight and fog light parts are often listed separately for 2005–2011 and 2012–2015. The Morimoto XB Hybrid headlights, for example, are listed for 2012–2015 only.

Can I put LED fog lights in my Tacoma's factory fog pockets?

Yes, that is what replacement fog kits are for. Morimoto, Baja Designs and Cali Raised LED all make fog lights that mount in the factory location for specific Tacoma years, and several keep the factory fog switch.

Do you carry headlights or tail lights for the 2024+ Tacoma?

Not right now. For the 4th gen we carry fog light replacements, A-pillar ditch light kits, reverse light kits, rock lights and light bars.

Are ditch lights legal on the street?

Rules vary by state, so check yours. Many ditch light pods are sold for off-road use, and most kits wire to a separate switch so you can keep them off on the road.

Not sure which lights fit your Tacoma? Call a real person at (920) 249-7744 or send us a message, and we will help you sort it out.