Mods & Upgrades January 8, 2026

Tacoma LED Headlight Upgrade Guide: Halogen vs LED

Stock Tacoma halogen headlights are notoriously dim. We compare dropping in LED bulbs vs upgrading to full OEM LED assemblies.

Azeem Iqbal

Table of Contents

Seeing in the Dark
Option 1: Drop-In LED Bulbs ($100)
Option 2: The H9 “Super Halogen” Hack ($20)
Option 3: Full OEM LED Assemblies ($1,200+)

Note: Information is for reference only. Always consult your vehicle manual for official specifications.

Seeing in the Dark

The stock halogen projectors on the Tacoma (especially SR5/Sport) are dim. Driving down a dark country road feels like holding a candle.

Option 1: Drop-In LED Bulbs ($100)

Pros: Cheap, easy install.
Cons: Scatter. The beam pattern often blinds other drivers. If you do this, buy high-quality bulbs like Diode Dynamics SL1 that mimic filament placement.

Option 2: The H9 “Super Halogen” Hack ($20)

The Trick: Modify an H9 bulb (65W, 2100 lumens) to fit the H11 slot (55W, 1200 lumens).
Pros: Massive light increase, correct beam pattern, cheap.
Cons: Bulbs burn out faster (1 year vs 3 years).

Option 3: Full OEM LED Assemblies ($1,200+)

The Grail: The 2020+ TRD Pro/Limited LED headlights fit all 2016+ trucks (with a harness adapter).
Pros: Perfect IIHS “Good” rated output. Look amazing.
Cons: Expensive.

Recommendation: Save up for the OEM LEDs. They retain value and perform flawlessly.

? Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put LED bulbs in my halogen housings?

You can, but it's not ideal. Halogen reflectors are designed for a 360-degree filament. LEDs throw light differently, often causing glare for oncoming traffic and dark spots on the road.

Are the OEM LED headlights worth $1,400?

Yes. They are widely considered the best lighting upgrade available. The output is wide, bright, and perfectly focused with a sharp cutoff line.

What is the H9 bulb mod?

A cheap hack where you modify an H9 high-beam bulb to fit in the H11 low-beam socket. It doubles the lumens (output) for $20, but bulb life is shorter.