8 Best Exterior Mods and Upgrades for 3rd Gen Tacoma
One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a Tacoma is being able to modify it. We know how desirable it is to begin modifying our trucks, so we are here to provide you with the top exterior mods and upgrades we chose. After years of testing, installing, tearing apart, and rebuilding our trucks, we have compiled our list of favorite must-do mods for you to consider. All of the modifications listed will provide additional functionality, and improve on Tacoma’s already attractive looks.
Essential Front-End Enhancements
1. TRD Pro Style Grille
The TRD Pro Grille is hands down one of, if not THE most popular modification that Tacoma owners place on their mods list – and for good reason. Replacing the stock grille for the Pro-style grille will completely change the look of your Tacoma by giving it a more aggressive, well-rounded, and premium front end. The brilliant part about this mod is just how easy it is to install while being able to pick it up for a relatively low price compared to an OEM version.
2. LED Raptor Lights
The Molded LED Raptor Lights offer Tacoma owners who have the TRD Pro Grille the ability to add function and form in one simple package. Just like the TRD Pro Grille, the install is relatively easy while coming in at an affordable price point. The lights are available in amber or white on YotaVerse.com.
Visibility and Safety Upgrades
3. Sequential Mirror Turn Signals
These side mirror turn signals provide a safer, brighter signal than what comes on the stock 3rd Gen. Another awesome part about these is that they are not your standard blinking signal, instead, it’s a sequential pattern, making these just right. These are for those who opt for a look with black accents rather than chrome.
4. Convex Mirrors
The convex mirrors offer a list of neat features that subtly improve the function of your Tacoma. These mirrors are a direct replacement to the stock side mirrors while improving the viewing angles so that they reflect a wider field of view which reduces the overall blind spot. Additionally, they contain integrated LEDs below the glass which reveal a turn signal when activated and retain the integrated heating functionality.
5. TRD Pro Taillights
These TRD Pro Taillights trade out the integrated chrome surroundings for a sleeker, more simple black appearance. With a straightforward install, it’s hard to not have these on your mods list as a Tacoma owner.
Heavy-Duty Offroad Armor
Backwoods Adventure Mods Hi-Lite Overland Front Bumper
Introducing our hybrid steel AND aluminum front bumper for the (2016-2023) 3rd gen Toyota Tacoma. The Hi-Lite gets its name from its aggressive, high-clearance design and its ultra-light weight construction. This bumper features a full 30lb aluminum shell and a 54lb steel winch cradle for a total weight of only 84lbs. We’ve specially designed this bumper to give you strength where you need it and save weight everywhere else.
Key Features:
- Triple hooped bull bar
- Aluminum outer shell – 30lbs
- Steel winch cradle – 54lbs
- Fits up to 12,000lb winches
- 2 D-Ring Shackle Mounts
- High clearance design for excellent approach angles
Utility and Protection
Stone & Bug Hood Deflectors
A hood deflector is a durable acrylic strip, which is mounted onto the hood of your vehicle. It aids in diverting sand, small rocks, bugs, and other debris away from the truck’s body and windshield. Bug deflectors change the aerodynamics of your truck while driving by directing the air upwards and over the windshield so that lightweight pebbles and insects are directed away from your rig. Styles will differ in both deflector and ridge height, ranging from light tint to dark smoke.
Westcott Designs Full Length Roof Rack
This 2nd & 3rd Gen Tacoma roof rack features extruded aluminum cross bars and your choice of front valance to accept lighting options of your choice. We carefully designed our rack to minimize wind noise with all light configurations. It features aluminum construction for light weight with steel mounting brackets for strength and to maximize load capacity. Our rack features a low profile installed height of just 3.5”.
Modification Pricing Overview
| Modification Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| WeatherTech Bug Deflector | $70 |
| Auto Vent Shade (AVS) Bugflector 2 | $75 |
| Westcott Designs Roof Rack | $799.00 |
| CBI Off Road Adventure Front Bumper | $1,750.00 – $2,350.00 |