If you’re like me and always looking for subtle yet impactful upgrades for your 3rd Gen Toyota Tacoma, tail lights might not be the first mod that comes to mind, but they should be. Recently, I installed the Morimoto XB LED Taillights. After spending some time with them on and off road, I can confidently say these are easily one of the most worthwhile aesthetic and functional upgrades available for the Tacoma platform.
In this review, I’ll explain why I chose these tail lights, how they’ve performed, and whether or not they’re worth the premium price tag. If you’re curious about the installation process, check out the embedded video, where I walk through it step-by-step.
Features & Specs
- Play and play
- UV-resistant polycarbonate lens
- Full LED design
- Clear lens with black internals, or red lens
- Amber turn signal | Sequential or fade-off function
Note: I’ve also recently installed the new XB Evo Headlights. If you’re interested, check out my XB Evo review.
Table Of Contents
Initial Impressions
Straight out of the box, the XB tail lights make an impression. The build quality is immediately apparent, with solid construction, sleek lens design, and premium materials. These are not your run-of-the-mill eBay specials. The lights come fully sealed and ready to go, without needing custom wiring or splicing. It’s a true plug-and-play solution for Tacoma owners.
The look? Aggressive but clean. They bring a modernized, OEM+ style to the rear of the truck that really sets it apart from stock or cheaper aftermarket options. Whether you’re going for a blackout, off-road look, or keeping things refined and subtle, their design works. Morimoto offers them in a clear lens, featuring a black internal housing. Or, you can choose a red lens with a more factory look, but they still look better than OEM.
Find The Red Lens Here: Red Lens XB LED Tail Lights
Installation Overview
Installation is pretty simple and only requires a couple of tools. These are plug-and-play housings, so it shouldn’t take long.
I won’t be going over the installation process in this article, but I did create a YouTube video covering that. The video will be embedded at the end of this post if you are curious to see how easily the install is, and I show off the features of the tail lights.
Lighting Performance
Taillights aren’t just about looks; they’re also about visibility and safety. In this department, the Morimoto XB tail lights shine (pun intended). The sequential LED turn signals are crisp and bright, providing excellent visibility even in daylight. The brake lights illuminate cleanly and quickly, while the reverse lights offer significantly improved output compared to stock.
One underrated benefit I’ve noticed is how much better these lights perform in poor weather conditions. Whether you’re driving through rain, fog, or dusty trails, they cut through the gloom and keep you visible to others on the road. The factory tail lights do not have the light output that these do.
The lighting transitions are smooth, especially the turn signals, which offer premium sequential motion usually reserved for higher-end vehicles. It’s a small detail but one that adds to the overall polished feel. If you’re not a fan of the sequential turn signals, you can easily switch a plug in the wire harness to make them blink on and off like normal turn signals.
Build Quality & Durability
These tail lights are built to last. Morimoto doesn’t cut corners when it comes to materials or construction. The housings are UV-coated to resist fading and yellowing, and the overall unit is completely sealed against water intrusion. I’ve already put them through a few storms and one good trail run with mud and rocks—no fogging, moisture, or problems. I have seen a few scratches on them, but that’s my fault for driving through bushes on the trail and getting some Arizona pin stripes on them.
That’s important, especially if you use your Tacoma as it’s meant to be used. A taillight that looks great in the garage is one thing, but it also needs to hold up in real-world conditions. So far, the XBs have been flawless.
Price & Value
Let’s address the elephant in the room: these are not cheap tail lights. Depending on where you buy them, you’re looking at ~$700 for the pair. That puts them at the higher end of the aftermarket spectrum.
So are they worth it? In my opinion, absolutely.
You’re paying for OEM-level fit and finish, premium lighting technology, and peace of mind regarding quality and reliability. In addition, they carry a 5-year limited warranty. For those who care about function and form, especially for Tacoma owners who value tasteful upgrades, the XB tail lights are a worthwhile investment every time you start your truck.
Cheaper options might save you a few bucks up front, but they often fall short in design, performance, or longevity. And if you’ve ever had to deal with water intrusion, flickering LEDs, or cracked housings, you know how quickly those savings disappear. I have had a few different pairs of tail lights on my truck, and the cheaper value tail lights have all had issues eventually, but so far with the Morimotos, I haven’t seen a single issue.
Overall Impressions
After driving with the XB tail lights for several months, I find myself appreciating them more with each trip. Whether I’m backing into a tight parking spot or just admiring the truck from behind, they enhance the experience.
It’s one of those upgrades that doesn’t scream for attention but turns heads. Other Tacoma owners notice. I’ve already had a few people ask about them at gas stations and trailheads, which is always a good sign that you made the right choice.
Final Thoughts
I get it if you’re on the fence about upgrading your tail lights. It’s not the flashiest mod, and the price can make you pause. But after installing and living with these tail lights, I can confidently say that this is one of those rare aftermarket parts that delivers on every front.
They look incredible, perform even better, and bring a refined, modern edge to your Tacoma that’s hard to beat. Sure, they cost more than other options, but when you factor in the performance, aesthetics, and quality, it’s money well spent.
Whether you’re building a show truck, an overlander, or just upgrading your daily driver, the XBs are a standout addition for your 3rd Gen Tacoma.
