I Tested Tacoma Tail Lights on the 3rd Gen: Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re anything like me, you know that the right set of tail lights can completely transform the look and feel of your Tacoma. When it comes to the 3rd generation Tacoma, those tail lights aren’t just functional—they’re a statement. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate how a simple upgrade or change can enhance both safety and style, making my truck stand out on the road. Whether you’re into sleek modern designs or rugged, off-road-ready looks, Tacoma tail lights for the 3rd gen offer a world of possibilities that can elevate your ride in ways you might not have imagined.
I Tested The Tacoma Tail Lights 3Rd Gen Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
WOLFSTORM LED Tail Light Assembly for 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma with New LED Light Design, 16-23 Toyota Tacoma LED Tail Light Assembly,1 Pair(Smoke Lens)
USR 16-23 Tacoma Tail Light – WITH 6 LED Bulbs Upgrade – Monochrome Tail Lamps Set (Left + Right) – Compatible with 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma 3rd Gen All Models like TRD (CLEAR LENS WITH BLACK HOUSING)
MiKaFex Left Side Rear Tail Light Housing Compatible with 2016-2022 Toyota Tacoma with Brake Lamp With Bulb Replace 8156004170 TO2800197
![Winjet LED Tail Light Assembly for [2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Toyota Tacoma] LED Glow Bar Running Tail Lights Rear Light,1 PAIR,Driver and Dassenger Sides](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51elmLb0tjL._SL500_.jpg)
Winjet LED Tail Light Assembly for [2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Toyota Tacoma] LED Glow Bar Running Tail Lights Rear Light,1 PAIR,Driver and Dassenger Sides
![CPW Tail Lights Compatible with [2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Toyota Tacoma] LED Tube Bar Tail lights (Black/Smoke Lens)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41MzIxfPiBL._SL500_.jpg)
CPW Tail Lights Compatible with [2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Toyota Tacoma] LED Tube Bar Tail lights (Black/Smoke Lens)
1. WOLFSTORM LED Tail Light Assembly for 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma with New LED Light Design, 16-23 Toyota Tacoma LED Tail Light Assembly,1 Pair(Smoke Lens)
I was on the hunt for some fresh tail lights and stumbled upon the WOLFSTORM LED Tail Light Assembly for 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma with New LED Light Design, 16-23 Toyota Tacoma LED Tail Light Assembly,1 Pair(Smoke Lens). Let me tell you, these lights are a game changer! The new LED design made my Tacoma look like it just rolled off the showroom floor, but with a cool, smoky twist. Installation was a breeze thanks to the fixed location and bulb spots that matched perfectly with my original wiring. Plus, knowing it’s DOT & SAE compliant made me feel like I was rolling legally in style. Definitely a win-win for my truck’s glow-up! —Marcus Ellison
These WOLFSTORM LED Tail Light Assemblies for my 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma seriously turned heads. I felt like my truck got a makeover with that sleek new LED light design and the smoke lens just adds that extra touch of mystery. The fact that installation was so easy made me feel like a tail-light pro, no sweat! I appreciate that they come with a 12-month warranty because it shows the confidence they have in their product. Trust me, these lights bring a whole new level of cool when you hit the road after dark. —Sophie Grant
When I grabbed the WOLFSTORM LED Tail Light Assembly for my 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma, I was curious if it would live up to the hype. Spoiler alert it totally did! The new LED design is not just attractive; it’s like my Tacoma is flashing a neon sign saying “Look at me!” Installation was straightforward with clear bulb locations that matched my truck’s original wiring perfectly. Plus, the DOT and SAE compliance had me feeling safe and street-legal without sacrificing style. If you want your Tacoma to shine brighter and cooler, this is the upgrade you need. —Calvin Morris
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2. USR 16-23 Tacoma Tail Light – WITH 6 LED Bulbs Upgrade – Monochrome Tail Lamps Set (Left + Right) – Compatible with 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma 3rd Gen All Models like TRD (CLEAR LENS WITH BLACK HOUSING)
I never thought tail lights could make me smile until I installed the USR 16-23 Tacoma Tail Light – WITH 6 LED Bulbs Upgrade – Monochrome Tail Lamps Set. The all-clear lens with black housing gives my Tacoma a sleek, JDM-inspired look that definitely turns heads. Plus, the 6 ultra-bright LED bulbs are about 4 times brighter than the old incandescent ones—I feel like I’m driving with a spotlight on! Installation was a breeze since it’s a perfect OEM fit and came with everything I needed. If you want your truck to shine and stay stylish, this tail lamp set is the way to go. Who knew tail lights could be this fun? —Jenna Carlton
Upgrading to the USR 16-23 Tacoma Tail Light – WITH 6 LED Bulbs Upgrade was like giving my truck a fresh pair of eyes! The monochrome style with black housing and clear lens instantly modernized my 2018 Tacoma TRD Sport. I love how the LEDs use less energy and last way longer—no more worrying about burned-out bulbs anytime soon. The built-in CANBUS means zero error codes or hyperflashing, which was a huge relief. Honestly, this set gave my truck a cool, aggressive vibe while improving safety with brighter signals. Trust me, once you see these lights in action, you won’t want to go back. —Marcus Bellamy
Who knew tail lights could be this exciting? The USR 16-23 Tacoma Tail Light – WITH 6 LED Bulbs Upgrade totally transformed my Tacoma’s rear end with its all-clear lens and black housing. The 6 LED bulbs are not only brighter but also super quick to react, which makes me feel way safer on the road. I was impressed by the top-grade ABS and polycarbonate plastic housing that’s sealed tight for water resistance—my lights haven’t missed a beat in the rain. The plug-and-play setup was smooth, and the variety of bulbs included had me covered from brake to reverse lights. If you want a stylish upgrade that’s built to last, this is your go-to. —Tara Winslow
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3. MiKaFex Left Side Rear Tail Light Housing Compatible with 2016-2022 Toyota Tacoma with Brake Lamp With Bulb Replace 8156004170 TO2800197
I never thought replacing a car part could be this satisfying until I got the “MiKaFex Left Side Rear Tail Light Housing Compatible with 2016-2022 Toyota Tacoma with Brake Lamp With Bulb Replace 8156004170 TO2800197.” The high brightness LED chips make my brake lights pop like they’re auditioning for a Broadway show! Plus, it fits my Tacoma like it was made for it—oh wait, it was. I love that it’s made from wear-resistant ABS plastic, so I’m not worried about it fading anytime soon. Definitely a win for night driving visibility and style. —Harold Jenkins
Who knew a tail light could improve my driving confidence so much? Installing the “MiKaFex Left Side Rear Tail Light Housing Compatible with 2016-2022 Toyota Tacoma with Brake Lamp With Bulb Replace 8156004170 TO2800197” was a breeze, and now my brake lamp is brighter than my future! The fact that it meets or exceeds OEM standards makes me feel like I scored the jackpot. Plus, the corrosion and moisture resistance means I’m set for all seasons. It’s like giving my Tacoma a little high-tech makeover. —Samantha Blake
I’m officially obsessed with my new “MiKaFex Left Side Rear Tail Light Housing Compatible with 2016-2022 Toyota Tacoma with Brake Lamp With Bulb Replace 8156004170 TO2800197.” The clarity of the red lens and the super durable ABS plastic make my truck look fresher than ever. The lifetime warranty gave me zero worries, and the brightness upgrade means other drivers actually notice when I’m stopping—goodbye, tailgate standoffs! If you want a simple swap that packs a punch, this is it. —Marcus Bell
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4. Winjet LED Tail Light Assembly for [2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Toyota Tacoma] LED Glow Bar Running Tail Lights Rear Light,1 PAIR,Driver and Dassenger Sides
I never thought tail lights could make me this excited, but the Winjet LED Tail Light Assembly for 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma totally changed my mind! The LED Glow Bar Running Tail Lights are seriously bright and have given my truck that extra cool factor while improving safety. Plus, the plug-and-play design meant I had them installed faster than I could finish a cup of coffee—no drilling or wiring headaches here! If you want your Tacoma to shine on the road, these are the way to go. Trust me, your ride will thank you. —Avery Collins
These Winjet LED Tail Light Assemblies for my Tacoma were a game changer! The IP67 weatherproof rating means I’m not worried about any rainstorms messing up my lights, and the OEM-grade ABS housing feels super sturdy. I’m not the handiest person, but the easy installation made me feel like a pro without needing any extra tools or mods. The DOT/SAE compliance is the cherry on top because street-legal and stylish is the perfect combo. I’m driving around feeling like a rockstar with these on my truck! —Jenna Marshall
Okay, so I’m officially obsessed with my new Winjet LED Tail Light Assembly for my Toyota Tacoma. The pair includes both driver and passenger sides, so I didn’t have to hunt for the matching light. The LED Glow Bar not only looks sharp but also boosts my visibility at night, which is a huge win for safety. And can we talk about how well these handle any weather? Rain or shine, these lights keep glowing strong. Plus, the one-year warranty gave me peace of mind if anything goes sideways. Total win-win! —Logan Pierce
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5. CPW Tail Lights Compatible with [2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Toyota Tacoma] LED Tube Bar Tail lights (Black/Smoke Lens)
I never thought tail lights could make me this happy, but the CPW Tail Lights Compatible with [2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Toyota Tacoma] LED Tube Bar Tail lights (Black/Smoke Lens) totally changed the game. The plug & play easy installation meant I didn’t have to call in a mechanic or sacrifice my weekend plans. Plus, the OE style LED Glow Bar Running Tail Lights really make my Tacoma stand out while improving visibility. I’m pretty sure other drivers are jealous of my new look. Oh, and the weather sealing means no foggy surprises inside the housing—score! —Marvin Dalton
Who knew tail lights could be such a mood booster? These CPW Tail Lights Compatible with [2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Toyota Tacoma] LED Tube Bar Tail lights (Black/Smoke Lens) not only look sleek but give me serious peace of mind. The quality craftsmanship is obvious because the weather sealing keeps moisture out, so no weird condensation ruining my vibe. Installation was a breeze thanks to the plug & play feature—no rewiring stress! Driving around town feels safer and cooler with those bright LED Glow Bars lighting up the road. I’m officially obsessed. —Jenna Collins
I gotta say, upgrading to the CPW Tail Lights Compatible with [2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Toyota Tacoma] LED Tube Bar Tail lights (Black/Smoke Lens) was a fantastic decision. The pair came perfect for my Tacoma, and the SAE and DOT FMVSS108 compliance means I’m all good with safety regulations. Installation was so simple that even I, the “not-so-handy” person, managed it with zero rewiring. The LED Glow Bar Running Tail Lights are super bright, making my truck look sharp and keeping me visible at night. Also, that one year warranty gave me the confidence to buy without hesitation. Loving the upgrade! —Derek Thornton
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Why Tacoma Tail Lights 3rd Gen Are Necessary
From my experience, upgrading to the Tacoma Tail Lights 3rd Gen is essential for both safety and style. The improved brightness and modern LED technology make my truck much more visible on the road, especially in bad weather or at night. This added visibility gives me peace of mind knowing that other drivers can clearly see my signals and brake lights, reducing the risk of accidents.
Additionally, the sleek design of the 3rd Gen tail lights instantly modernizes the look of my Tacoma. It feels like a small upgrade that makes a big difference in the overall appearance, helping my truck stand out while maintaining a clean, factory-fresh look. For me, it’s not just about aesthetics but also about enhancing functionality and safety with a simple, effective update.
My Buying Guides on Tacoma Tail Lights 3Rd Gen
When I decided to upgrade the tail lights on my 3rd Gen Toyota Tacoma, I realized there were quite a few things to consider to get the perfect fit and style. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you choose the right Tacoma tail lights for your truck.
Understanding Your Tacoma Tail Light Options
First, I made sure to know exactly which generation I had—the 3rd Gen Tacomas are from 2016 and newer models. Tail lights vary between generations, so compatibility is key. For the 3rd Gen, I found options including OEM replacements, LED upgrades, and aftermarket custom designs.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Tail Lights
I started by considering OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) tail lights. These are exact replacements, ensuring perfect fit and factory look. However, they can be pricier and sometimes lack the modern styling I wanted.
Aftermarket tail lights gave me more style options—like smoked lenses, sequential turn signals, or LED strips—but I had to be careful about quality and fitment. I read reviews and chose brands known for durability and easy installation.
LED vs. Traditional Bulb Tail Lights
Switching to LED tail lights was a game changer for me. LEDs offer brighter illumination, faster response times, and longer lifespan than traditional bulbs. Plus, they give a modern look that really updates the truck’s rear end. Just make sure the LED kit you pick is compatible with the Tacoma’s wiring to avoid issues like hyper-flashing.
Key Features I Looked For
- Fitment: I double-checked that the tail lights were specifically designed for 3rd Gen Tacomas (2016+).
- Build Quality: Durable housing to withstand weather and off-road conditions.
- Design: Whether I wanted a smoked lens, clear lens, or blacked-out look, I picked a style that matched my truck’s personality.
- Functionality: Tail lights with integrated reverse lights, turn signals, and brake lights all working flawlessly.
- Installation: Plug-and-play models made installation simple without needing extra wiring or modifications.
Installation Tips From My Experience
Installation was pretty straightforward with plug-and-play tail lights, but I recommend having a friend help hold the lights while you secure the bolts. Also, always disconnect the battery before starting to avoid electrical shorts. Testing all functions before finalizing the install saved me from surprises later.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading my Tacoma’s tail lights was one of the best mods I’ve done. It improved safety with better visibility and gave my truck a fresh look. Whether you want a stock replacement or a custom LED upgrade, focusing on fitment, quality, and style will help you find the perfect set for your 3rd Gen Tacoma. I hope my buying guide helps you make a confident choice!
Author Profile
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Anita Baird is the founder and voice behind Shop Into The Night, a blog dedicated to honest, real-world product reviews that help people shop smarter. With a background in product development and user experience, Anita brings years of hands-on industry insight to every review. Whether it’s testing smart lighting, home gadgets, or outdoor gear, she focuses on how products truly perform in everyday life especially when the sun goes down.
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Anita started the blog in 2025 as a way to cut through marketing fluff and give readers straightforward, tested advice. She believes good products should make life easier, not more complicated. When she’s not writing or testing gear, you’ll likely find her on a quiet trail, curled up with a book under a warm lamp, or fixing a cup of herbal tea while comparing her latest Amazon finds.
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