If you drive a 3rd Gen Toyota Tacoma and regularly drive at night, you’ve probably had the same thought I did… The stock halogen headlights just aren’t cutting it. Despite how capable and thoughtfully designed the Tacoma is in so many areas, Toyota missed the mark with the factory lighting setup.
After far too many dim, uncomfortable drives after sunset, I finally decided to do something about it. That “something” was installing the Morimoto XB Evo LED Headlights, a decision I now consider one of the most impactful upgrades I’ve made to my truck.
This might just be the new standard for aftermarket headlights…
Features & Specs
- Fully redesigned (exceeds IIHS standards)
- Dual Bi-LED projectors (Nichia’s latest auto LED lights)
- Plug and play install
- DOT compliant (without the optional Superchargers, adds ~30% more intensity)
- Internal lens heating (melts frost and snow)
- Flash pattern, sequential, or fade off (integrated)
- White or amber DRL (switchable)
- Blacked out internal design (with topo details)
- Huge 5-year warranty
Note: I’ve also recently installed the XB LED Tail Lights. Review post coming soon!
Table Of Contents
Initial Impressions
From the moment these arrived, it was clear they were a step above the usual aftermarket options. The packaging was well thought out, and the headlights looked and felt premium in every sense of the word. The blacked-out housing gives them a bold, aggressive appearance that feels refined while replicating OEM quality.
The sharp LED daytime running lights that trace the upper and side contours of the housing immediately stood out as a signature design feature that would completely transform the truck’s front-end presence. One of my favorite small details is the hidden easter egg with the topography design.
These lights give off an OEM+ vibe. They are clean and polished enough to look like a high-end factory option but with enough visual punch to satisfy anyone wanting a more custom appearance.
Installation Overview
Although I won’t be covering the process in detail here, I did document the full installation in a YouTube video (linked below). That said, it’s worth noting that the installation is plug-and-play. Everything lined up with factory mounts, and the wiring integrated smoothly with the stock harnesses. There was no coding, custom wiring, or weird adapters; it was just clean, direct fitment. I also made a video on their Superchargers (also linked below).
Installing expensive components is always a bit nerve-wracking, but Morimoto clearly designed these to make the process as smooth as possible for Tacoma owners. The whole job took a couple of hours in the garage, and the result was instantly worth the effort.
Aesthetics & DRL Functionality
Once installed, the Morimotos immediately gave the truck a more modern and aggressive face. Even in broad daylight, the LED daytime running lights are crisp, bright, and highly visible. They serve as a signature light that dramatically improves the Tacoma’s look while enhancing daytime visibility (and safety) on the road. It’s a simple thing that makes a big difference, and I’ve already gotten a few compliments from fellow owners on the looks, not just the lights, but on the style of the DRL.
The sequential turn signals also deserve a mention here. Smooth and precise, they add a touch of luxury to the truck’s signaling. There’s no choppiness or delay, just a clean, flowing animation that makes every lane change feel slightly more refined. If you’re not a fan of the sequential turn signal, you also have the option to turn that off by easily switching a wiring harness.
Night Driving Performance
Where the XB Evos truly shine (literally) is at night. The Bi-LED projector setup delivers a powerful, well-defined beam that puts the stock halogens to shame. The light output is clean, white, and evenly distributed across the road. The cutoff line is sharp, ensuring you won’t blind oncoming drivers, but it still gives you maximum visibility where you need it most.
The low beams are strong and wide, covering both the lanes and shoulders without dark spots or drop-off. The high beams are even more impressive, throwing light far down the road with clarity and intensity that inspires confidence. Whether I’m driving through backroads, highways, or unlit neighborhoods, I feel significantly more in control behind the wheel.
It’s not just about brightness, it’s about the quality of the light and how well it’s projected. Morimoto has clearly taken the time to engineer a setup that balances performance with precision, and that effort translates to a much more comfortable and secure driving experience.
Build Quality
One of the things that initially drew me to the Morimoto brand was its reputation for reliability (especially true for their latest stuff). Now that I’ve put the Evo headlights through rain, rough roads, and some light off-roading (over 6+ months), I can confirm they’re built to handle real-world use. The housing is solid and tightly sealed, with no signs of moisture or internal fogging. The lenses are UV-coated to resist yellowing, and everything about the construction feels built to last.
The wiring is neatly routed and protected, and the connectors lock in securely. It’s the kind of engineering you appreciate more over time, especially after dealing with cheaper aftermarket lights in the past that developed issues after just a few months. So far, these have performed flawlessly, and I have every reason to expect that to continue.
Is The Price Justified?
The XB Evo headlights are not cheap. Retail prices typically (at time of posting) fall roughly between $1,750 and $1,925, putting them at the very top end of the aftermarket spectrum. But unlike many purely cosmetic mods, these lights deliver real, tangible benefits every time you drive, especially at night.
The value is there if you value high-quality lighting, road safety, long-term durability, and aesthetics that elevate your Tacoma without looking gaudy or overdone. You’re not just buying headlights, you’re investing in a better, safer, and more enjoyable driving experience. And when you consider how often you rely on your headlights, the cost looks much more reasonable.
Cheaper options exist but often come with trade-offs: poor beam patterns, lower output, sketchy wiring, or shorter lifespans. The XBs feel like they were engineered to OEM standards and above, and in my opinion, that’s worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
The Morimoto XB Evo LED Headlights have completely transformed my feelings about driving my Tacoma, especially at night. They look phenomenal, function flawlessly, and add a level of refinement that elevates the truck’s overall appeal. Everything about these headlights feels intentional, well-executed, and built to last, from the smooth sequential turn signals to the razor-sharp LED projectors.
If you’re an owner tired of the weak factory lighting and ready to invest in something that offers style and substance, these should be at the top of your list. They’re not the cheapest mod you can do, but in terms of impact, both visually and practically, they’re easily one of the most rewarding.
