4th Gen 4Runner Headlights - Best Upgrade Options
One of the most important upgrades a 4Runner owner can make is aftermarket headlights. It not only completely changes the look of the vehicle, but it also can affect performance on the road. With so many choices out there, it is important to be informed of all your options as a 4Runner owner. This isn’t just some ad to sell you a pair of headlights. In this article, I am going to lay out many different popular aftermarket headlight options, and go over the pros and cons of each.
Before we begin, it is worth noting that 4th Gen headlight options are split up into 2003-2005 4Runner headlights and 2006-2009 4Runner Headlights. They are split up because shell styles of the headlight are different. This article applies to just the 06-09 models. The headlights are in order of ascending price. As always, please do your own research before buying to determine which headlights are best for you.
Halo Headlights by Razor Motor
These are the headlights I have of my own 2006 4Runner. I bought these years ago not long after I purchased my vehicle, before I knew of any other headlight options. The main selling point for me was the price. Mostly sold on eBay, these headlights are the most affordable ones on the list. They are basically just OEM headlights with halos. I know eBay usually has a bad connotation for products like these, but hear me out.
Pros:
VERY affordable (around 205$)
Fast Shipping
Clear and Black headlight options
Easy to wire up
Headlights stay very clear and new looking
Cons:
Very Limited Customer Service
Basic design
Some customers report moisture in the lights over time
30 day limited warranty
Overview:
Yes, these headlights are basically a cheap, overseas manufactured option. But over the years, they have exceeded my expectations. I still really enjoy the simple yet aftermarket look they bring to my vehicle. I’ve had them for almost 5 years and for 200$ I am happy with them thus far. But if they break, you’re pretty much out of luck. The halos are bright and go well with the LED Bulbs I purchased.
Links:
Halo Headlights (Clear)
Halo Headlights (Black)
AKKON Headlights from Amazon
Relatively new on the scene, these headlights have risen to popularity in just the past few years. The unique LED Light strip on the lower part of the light is something that not many people offer.
Pros:
Affordable Price Point (around $250)
Little to no wait time for receive them
Option for smoke or clear headlights
Lots of good customer reviews
Cons:
Sometimes sold out on Amazon/Website
A few customers reported moisture getting in the lights after an extended time period
A few customer reported one of the LED strips flickering or burning out after an extended time period
The headlights only have a 90 day limited warranty
Overview:
If you’re looking for a cheaper option that still significantly changes the look of your vehicle, you might want to consider these. Keep in mind that most 4Runner headlights on Amazon will be on the cheaper end, so make sure you do your research and read customer reviews. That being said, something about that LED strip is still just really cool.
Links:
Headlights on AKKON's Website
Headlights on Amazon
Custom Headlights from 4R Customs
This is where headlights start to get a little more complex. The custom built headlight space is something many really like, but it can get a little pricey. 4R Customs is a fairly new company, but they offer complex and colorful designs.
Pros:
3 week lead time (fast for customs)
1 Year warranty on electronics and seals
Great Customer Service
Headlights link to app for 200+ Colors
Cons:
Only 2 build customization options
Because the company is new it lacks customer reviews
No instructional installation video
Overview:
Being fairly new, they still have some room to grow. But with smaller size comes excellent service and faster headlight customization time. While the might not be well known in the industry yet, these headlights seem to find their place as a slightly more affordable option for custom headlights. The small business touch also leaves customers feeling informed and taken care of.
Custom Built Headlights by TEQ Customs
You’ve reached the top of the line as far as 4th Gen 4Runner headlights go. TEQ is an industry leader that provides TONS of customization options when creating headlights. They offer high quality parts and innovative designs. These headlights are for extreme 4Runner enthusists looking for complexity and performance.
Pros:
LOTS of different headlight designs and options
2 Year warranty on electronics and seals
Solid Customer Service
Installation Video Provided on YouTube
Cons:
10-12 week lead time
Price: $580-$900 base price with up-charges for most customization options
Non-refundable once order is placed
Overview:
With high quality and complexity comes a high price point. These headlights are really nice, there’s no getting around that. But, you’re going to be waiting quite a long time to get them, plus the no refunds paired with the long wait time may cause issues. That being said, the staff really seems to stand by their products, and the designs are impressive.
Link:
TEQ Headlight Selection
Summary:
In conclusion, upgrading the headlights of your 4th Gen 4Runner is a big decision for the look of your vehicle. I hope to have provided an overview of some popular aftermarket headlight options for 2006-2009 models, ranging from budget-friendly choices to custom-built options. Each option has its own set of advantages and limitations, and it is essential for potential buyers to conduct thorough research and consider their specific preferences and requirements. Upgrading your headlights can elevate the look and functionality of your 4Runner, ensuring an enjoyable driving experience on and off the road.