If you’ve experienced the stress of a car accident, you’re likely aware of the importance of having a dash cam in your vehicle. I’ll be diving into the compelling reasons why this is a must-have for your Tacoma or any other vehicle and what some of the current popular options are on the market.
With an increasing number of unpredictable and reckless drivers on the road, your safety and well-being are more important than ever. These devices offer protection against unsafe drivers and peace of mind on every drive.
On a lighter note, they can also record all of your off-road adventures. They make a great “set it and forget” setup that’s always ready to go.
Note: We are aware that there are several other options on the market. The 5 options listed below are just some popular models from well-established companies. Make sure you check fitment as not all these work will ALL 3rd Gens.
If you have other recommendations, drop them in the comments below!
Table Of Contents
What Is A Dash Cam?
Dash cams are designed to record everything going on in and around your vehicle while you’re on the road. They are typically mounted on either your dashboard or windshield. These compact (and sometimes hidden) cameras act as your eyewitnesses – providing footage of your adventures or in the event of accidents or disputes.
Benefits
There’s a wide range of benefits that dash cams provide to both the safety and convenience of your driving experience:
- Insurance – In the unfortunate event of a car accident, they provide an unbiased and clear record of what happened from start to finish. This footage can be crucial for insurance claims or legal issues, helping establish who is responsible.
- 24/7 Surveillance – Many models come equipped with a parking mode. This allows the camera to “wake up” if the G-force sensor detects an impact. Some models also have an intelligent battery detection system ensuring it doesn’t drain your vehicle’s battery when in this mode.
- Insurance Discounts – While not many insurance companies recognize them as a safety feature to be eligible for a policy discount, some do! Check with your insurance company to see if you are eligible for one.
- Adventure Cam – They are great for recording those fun moments out on the trails with your friends as well! Have you ever tackled an obstacle or done something stupid while off-roading and wished you had a camera recording so you could show others? These cameras perfect for those types of situations as they’re always recording.
- Peace Of Mind – They can alleviate concerns about uncertain road situations and potential insurance disputes.
1. Toyota (OEM)
Find It Online
- Toyota Cam: Check Price
Features
- OEM
- Smartphone & PC Connectivity
- Includes 16GB Industrial Grade MicroSD
- Action Mode
- Fits 2022-2023 Tacomas
Note: Check with your local Toyota dealer to verify compatibility and fitment.
If you’re an OEM+ enthusiast or just prefer a clean fit for any aftermarket products, this is the option for you. It can be picked up from your local Toyota dealer (prices may vary) and you can either save a few bucks by installing it yourself or just have them install it.
2. FitcamX
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- FitcamX 4K: Check Price
Features
- OEM Fit & Look
- Plug & Play
- WI-FI Connectivity
- Records in 2160p
- Includes 64GB MicroSD
- 170-Degree Viewing Angle
- Loop Recording & G-Sensor
- Very Easy Install
- FitcamX Smartphone App
- Ability To Add A Rear Camera
- Fits 2018-2023 Tacomas
This is another top-notch selection with an OEM look and is almost unnoticeable. Also included is a Y-cable which routes power from the mirror to the camera.
The installation takes just a couple of minutes; replace the plastic cover just behind the mirror with this unit and you’re done. It is slightly longer and just a bit thicker but it does not block your view out the windshield.
3. Cobra Dash Cam – Trail Grid Pro
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- Cobra Dash Cam from TGP: Check Price
Features
- 3″ Display
- Plug & Play
- WI-FI & Bluetooth Connectivity
- Includes 8GB or 16GB MicroSD
- Records In 1600p
- Loop Recording & G-sensor
- Very Easy Install
- Cobra Drive Smarter & iRadar App
- 140-Degree Viewing Angle
- Ability To Add A Rear Camera
- Fits 2016-2023 Tacomas w/ Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror (fitment for 2005-2015 as well)
The Cobra SC200D kit features loop recording on both the front and optional rear cameras. It can even warn you of upcoming red light cameras, speed cameras, and police enforcement locations via the iRadar app.
The built-in G-sensor can detect collisions and will save those recordings in an emergency recordings section which protects them from being overwritten. The camera also has a built-in GPS with embedded location, time, and date information in the recorded video.
This camera has a similar installation to the FitcamX camera by using a power adapter to draw power from the mirror. This does not have an OEM look like the last couple of options, however, it will not impede your view of the windshield.
4. Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3
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- Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3: Check Price
- Power Adapter: Check Price
Features
- Live View Monitoring
- Voice Control
- Plug & Play (w/ optional power adapter)
- WI-FI Connectivity
- Records In 1080p & up to 30fps
- Loop Recording & Incident Detection
- Compact & Easy To Install
- Parking Guard (if using a Constant Power Cable, sold separately; Vault subscription required)/li>
- 140-Degree Viewing Angle
- Garmin Drive App
- Fits 2016-2023 Tacomas (If you opt for the cleaner power adapter install, you must have an auto-dimming rearview mirror)
The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 is very compact; about the size of a car key fob. Garmin recommends mounting it behind your rearview mirror but you can mount it wherever you’d like.
There are two power options for this camera; either mount using the included USB cables, or purchase a power adapter to draw power from the rearview mirror for a cleaner look. This camera will not block your view out of the windshield but will also not look OEM. However, It is small enough for a discreet and clean installation if you hide the wires well.
5. Garmin Dash Cam Live
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- Garmin Dash Cam Live: Check Price
- Power Adapter: Check Price
Features
- Live View Monitoring
- 3″ Display
- Voice Control
- Plug & Play (w/ Optional power adapter or constant power add-on)
- Ability To Add LTE Connection
- 16GB MicroSD Included
- Records In 1440p HD w/ Garmin Clarity HDR
- Loop Recording & Incident Detection
- Theft Alerts
- Parking Guard
- 140-Degree Viewing Angle
- Garmin Drive App
- Fits 2016-2023 Tacomas (If you opt for the cleaner power adapter install, you must have an auto-dimming rearview mirror)
The Garmin Live is the top-of-the-line option from Garmin. It’s not a very large camera but it has a lot of power and capabilities. Similar to the Mini, Garmin recommends mounting this behind your rearview mirror.
There are three power options for this camera:
- Included USB Cables/li>
- Mirror Power Adapter/li>
- Garmin OBD2 Hardwire Adapter/li>
Overall, this is a great camera if you need the extra features and have the funds for it. It’s the most expensive on this list but well worth it according to the reviews.
6. WOLFBOX G900 Pro
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- Wolfbox G900 Pro: Check Price
Features:
- 4K Ultra HD Recording
- 12″ Full Touchscreen Display
- 8MP IMX678 Sensor
- Sony STARVIS
- Front & Rear Dual-Channel Recording
- Wide-Angle Lenses
- GPS Tracking & Speed Monitoring
- G-Sensor for Collision Detection
- Loop Recording & Parking Mode
- Rear & Front Camera Views
- Wi-Fi & App Connectivity
- Includes 128GB SD Card
>The G900 Pro is one of the most popular options on the market & the top-of-the-line option from WOLFBOX. It has tons of modern safety features, packs powerful recording capabilities and advanced features. Despite its big screen, the design is sleek, modern, and easy to mount. This model is a bit more challenging than the others to install since hardwiring is recommended for the best experience. However, they provide great installation directions, and a harness kit is available to simplify the process.
Final Thoughts
I’ve been running a dash cam for the past 2 years now and thankfully, haven’t had to utilize the footage for any legal or insurance purposes. I have had some fun with it though, using it for footage of my buddies and me out trail riding or funny moments I’ve had while driving.
I’ve heard countless stories of people getting into accidents and the other driver fleeing. These devices saved the day by catching the plate and the whole accident on camera. It’s simple and cheap insurance for peace of mind while driving around your very expensive investment and I will never own another vehicle without one.
