Welcome, Tacomaholics! If you're pondering between the 2023 and 2024 Toyota Tacoma for your next offroad rig, this detailed guide is for you. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison, giving you insight into every nuance to help you make an informed decision on which will suit you best!
Engine Evolution: Power Meets Efficiency
Besides the look of the new Tacoma, one of the biggest changes is the engine. Let’s take a look at the difference.
2023 Tacoma:
Engine Varieties: The 2023 model offered a selection of engines, including the acclaimed 3.5-liter V6, known for its balanced blend of power and efficiency. Ideal for those who value a mix of everyday usability and moderate off-road capability.
Performance: The V6 engine, with its adequate horsepower and torque, provided a reliable and consistent performance, whether navigating urban landscapes or tackling light off-road trails.
2024 Tacoma:
Turbocharged Innovation: The 2024 model marks a significant shift, replacing the V6 with two turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The base models feature a 2.4-liter engine delivering 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.
Hybrid Power: The i-Force MAX hybrid engine is a game-changer. It combines a 2.4-liter engine with an electric motor, offering a robust 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. This translates to enhanced low-end torque – crucial for off-road enthusiasts tackling steep inclines and rugged terrain.
Design and Configuration: A Leap Forward
Outside of a new frame and new cab options, you can expect the same trim levels and configuration that you’ve come to love in a Tacoma.
2023 Tacoma:
Trims and Configurations: Last year's model was versatile, offering various trims suitable for different needs. However, the design largely remained unchanged, maintaining a familiar aesthetic and functionality.
2024 Tacoma:
Revamped Frame: The new Tacoma shares a frame with the Tundra and Land Cruiser, resized to fit the Tacoma. This results in improved handling and durability, especially off-road.
New Cab Options: The introduction of the XtraCab provides a more compact option for off-roaders who prefer agility and maneuverability.
Interior and Technology: A New Era of Comfort and Connectivity
If you are a tech junkie, you’ll love what the new Tacoma brings to the table. Let’s look at the differences.
2023 Tacoma:
Functional Interior: The 2023 Tacoma offered a comfortable and functional interior, with technology features meeting the basic needs of most drivers.
2024 Tacoma:
Infotainment Overhaul: The 2024 Tacoma steps up with an 8-inch screen in base variants and a 14-inch screen in upper variants. Toyota's latest interface enhances user experience significantly.
Digital Key and Connectivity: The digital key feature allows for smartphone-based control over various vehicle functions, adding a layer of convenience and modernity.
Off-Road Capabilities: Conquering New Frontiers
If you are a major off-roader, you will love the upgrades to the new Tacoma. Let’s look at the differences.
2023 Tacoma:
Reliable Off-Road Performance: The 2023 model was competent in off-road settings, particularly the TRD variants. It offered a solid foundation for off-road enthusiasts but had room for improvement.
2024 Tacoma:
Suspension and Handling Upgrades: The new multi-link/spring suspension in most variants offers enhanced handling and stability. The TRD Pro variant gets a specialized Fox suspension system, elevating off-road performance.
Skid Plates and Tires: For serious off-roaders, the TRD Pro's skid plates and 33-inch diameter Goodyear Territory R/T tires mean better protection and grip on challenging terrains.
Trailhunter: The Off-Road Specialist
Check out the new Tacoma trim… the Trailhunter!
2024 Tacoma:
Overlanding Focused: The Trailhunter variant is purpose-built for overlanding. It features a snorkel-type air intake and a suspension system developed by ARB, indicating its readiness for serious off-road challenges.
Towing and Payload: Rugged and Ready
If you use your truck to tow, you won’t find much of a difference in towing capacity between the two.
2023 Tacoma:
Towing Capacity: Engineered to balance everyday usability with the demands of heavier loads, the 2023 Tacoma offered a maximum towing capacity that generally ranged up to 6,800 pounds when properly equipped, particularly in the V6 models. This made it suitable for towing small boats, trailers, or recreational vehicles.
2024 Tacoma:
Towing Capacity: The towing capacity remains competitive, with the i-Force engine models offering a 6,500-pound capacity. This is sufficient for hauling gear, small trailers, or boats, making it a versatile choice for various outdoor activities.
Safety and Driver Assistance: A New Standard
2023 Tacoma:
Advanced Safety: All 2023 Tacoma models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense TSS P Suite which includes a pre-collision system, lane departure, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beam technology.
2024 Tacoma:
Advanced Safety: All 2024 Tacoma models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a suite of driver assistance technologies. This includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure alerts, and automatic emergency braking, enhancing safety on and off the road.
Pricing and Value: Investment for the Long Haul
2023 vs. 2024 Tacoma:
Pricing: The 2023 Tacoma offered great value, balancing cost and features. The 2024 model, with its price range of $30,000-$50,000, seems to maintain this value, especially considering the significant upgrades.
Conclusion: A Decision for the Future
Choosing between the 2023 and 2024 Toyota Tacoma is more than just selecting a vehicle; it's about investing in an experience. The 2024 Tacoma, with its advanced technology, enhanced off-road capabilities, and hybrid powertrain, represents a significant leap forward. It's designed not just for the off-road trails of today but also for the adventures of tomorrow.
Whether you're a seasoned off-roading enthusiast or a weekend adventurer, the 2024 Tacoma promises to be a reliable, powerful, and versatile companion for all your journeys. So gear up, plan your next adventure, and trust that the Toyota Tacoma, especially the 2024 model, will be your dependable partner in every thrilling escapade. Happy trails!
The 2022 Tundra has already proven itself to be one of the best performing, best looking, and best customizable pickups on the market. Okay… While some of those may be subjective, with 94,429 Tundras being sold in 2022 according to CarFigures, its popularity is undeniable.
But with that many on the road, you’re bound to see some of the same interiors over and over again. It’s time to change that and make your Tundra your own. While we have focused on mods before, this one will be focusing just on the interior. After all… It’s what you see the most of.
One of the first and last things you touch when you get in and out of your truck is your floor mats, and they will get dirty: snow, mud, dirt, sand, pet hair… They will collect everything. All weather floor mats make cleaning a breeze. Being made from a durable rubber, in most cases you can just hose them off (outside of your ride) and be done. While you can get universal fitting ones, this kit is right from Toyota to ensure the best fit, AND they have “TUNDRA” right on them to ensure you know you’re getting Toyota quality as well.
The TRD Pro Tundra is a tad pricey and harder to get since it was made in limited numbers. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a bit of TRD Pro flair in your interior. This shift knob featured at The Yota Garage will add that flair. You don’t need any special tools; simply pull off the old one, and pop on the new one. You’ll instantly transform the feel of your “basic” Toyota into a more luxurious and sporty feeling one.
Sure, trucks are made for off-roading, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a sporty look with luxurious feel. While more pricey compared to other mods on this list, you have to hold onto your wheel your whole ride, so why not make it a good one? This one will replace your factory one, while retaining your original buttons and airbag to keep the cost down. Carbon fiber, perforated leather, and a 12 o'clock racing stripe will greet you each time you get in.
The center console is great to throw things in, but you know how that goes… Add, add, add, and then you can’t find anything. Turn that void of no return into an organizational dream with this center console organizer. This will stop all of your small things from being lost in the blackhole of vanishment. These little things make a world of difference in your day to day driving, even if it’s a passive experience, and at $24, you can’t go wrong.
Speaking of your center console, TUFSKINZ can dress up your center console area with this interior trim overlay that will stick right onto the trim.There are 14 different colors to choose from that range from factory paint colors to carbon fiber.CaliRaised also offers trim overlay for other locations of the interior as well, allowing you to transform the entirety of your interior in almost any color combination you want. Sport, luxury, off-road aggressiveness… Whatever style you want.
Since we talked about floor mats protecting your floor, we have to talk about seat covers covering your seats. These can go from basic to almost new upholstery. There are universal ones that will literally only cover your seats, which while great for protection against muddy clothes, pet hair, and kids, they don’t offer much style. You can get all the way up to fancy leather ones with colored stitching that will form fit over your bland factory cloth seats. Not only do all of these change the look of your truck, but they also protect your seats, so when it’s time to sell, your seats look new, increasing your resale value. Prices vary depending on the style you go with.
If you’re tired of lag and slow acceleration, Pedal Commander is here to help. This simple product plugs into your gas pedal to help eliminate that nonsense. Gone are the days of a physical wire opening and closing your throttle when you press your pedal down. Now, everything is electronic. When you press your pedal down, it tells your Tundra’s computer that you’re doing so, and how hard you’re doing it. The problem is that it will still only open the throttle as fast as it’s programmed to. Pedal Commander will amplify the signal your foot provides to open the throttle faster.
The TUNDRA letters on the glove box of your truck really help remind you what you’re driving in a subtle, yet effective way. However, why not show it off a bit more to make it really pop? This raised, six letter kit simply peels off and sticks right into the factory recesses. These come in 18 different colors including factory colors, carbon fiber, American flag, and more. It’s something anyone will notice the moment they step into your truck, truly allowing you to set your Tundra apart from the crowd.
The door panels on the Tundra offer some storage space, but it’s probably the most lacking of all the storage locations on the truck. Victory 4x4 aims to address that with their custom molle panels. While they do require drilling some holes to mount, you’ll be glad you did. With these, you can maximize the storage space available, and keep loose items secure, but still reach them with easy access. With this kit, you get one for each front door.
Expanding the storage capability inside your truck is always a good thing. Keeping things hidden and out of sight to keep a sleek and clean look? Even better. WeatherTech offers a rear, underseat storage solution for your 2022+ Tundra. There are four compartments to allow you keep what you need organized, but the lower interior walls allow you to stretch longer items across the top. Once you lower your rear seat, no one will ever notice your stuff is there.
While there may not be anything wrong with your current key fob, it’s sort of boring. Spice it up with this one from AJT Design. This kit will simply replace the case of your old one, so no programming is required. Just pop off the old one, and place the new one on with the included tools. There are nine colors to choose from so you can match your truck or your style. They look great, feel great, and set you apart from the crowd.
While your center console has some decent storage, the sides do nothing. They are just there. This will turn the sides of the center console into perfect mounting solutions for anything you can think of. The bridge that goes across the two halves allows you to mount options like phones and iPads with the right gear. The high quality, American made steel will not get in the way of the shifter or anything else. Some drilling is required, so just make sure this is for you!
Another good way to make use of the large space in your center console is to add a safe. This is great to protect your valuables or perhaps a firearm if you need to leave your vehicle for some reason. This safe comes right from Toyota, so you can be certain that it will fit well and install seamlessly. While you will lose “normal” access to your console storage, if you need hidden security, this won’t matter to you.
While not exactly a mod, it’s always great to have some type of emergency kit in your vehicle. Yes, we all have a phone, these vehicles are intelligent, and so on, but you never know when you might need a bit more. This kit directly from Toyota features in a branded zipper pouch, a stainless steel multi tool, emergency blanket, flashlight, work gloves, automotive-grade hose tape, tire gauge, bungee cord, shop towel, tether strap, and jumper cables. This is all good to have, and it doesn’t take up much room.
A massive change you can make to your interior is lighting. These kits, while more on the generic fitment side, from Diode Dynamics will make your interior pop! Kits like this are easy to install, and the RGBW lighting allows you to choose almost any color that you can think of to match your paint, style, or even current mood. Even if it’s just to impress yourself, why not go for it?
Final Thoughts
There is no reason your 2022+ Toyota Tundra needs to look like every other Tundra. There are so many ways to make it yours from interior to exterior. This is just one small list to help you get looking in the right direction and to give you some ideas. Make your truck yours! Don’t forget to check back on Empyr Off-Road for more parts and information for your Toyota Tundra, Tacoma, or 4Runner.Be safe, and mod on!
From the factory, the third generation Toyota Tundra (2022+) is proving to be a very capable truck, as expected. They do have a few options from the factory, and have the ability to tow well, go off-roading well, and ride on the highway well. However, what do you do when you want to make your truck more unique?
This could be style or performance. Tundras have always been ready to be modded to fit your lifestyle and needs. The third generation, while still new, is no different. Here are 25 mods and accessories under $500 that you can get for your third generation Toyota Tundra.
If you want an easy and cost effective way to spice up the looks of your 2022+ Toyota Tundra, these Rear Bumper Covers by ChromeStoppers will make your Tundra stand out from the crowd. While chrome has its place, these colored covers are placed over the chrome portions of your Tundra’s rear bumpers, completely changing the look from factory to custom in minutes. They are also a good way to cover up any dents, scuffs, or rust that may be on your bumper. With different color options, you’re sure to find something that fits your style.
Much like the rear bumper covers, these are a great way to dress up what everyone sees when they look at the front of your Tundra. Stand out from the crowd with an inexpensive mod that is easy to install. It’s a subtle way to make the front of your Tundra pop!
These Mirror Covers by ChromeStoppers are a very subtle yet effective way to change up your style. With these, you can easily color match your body color, make them sporty with black, or go rogue and throw on whatever color you choose. These are confidently secured with 3M double sided tape. Not only are they great to change up your style, but can also be useful to cover up any damage your stock mirrors may have from rock chips or ignorant parkers.
Break up the same front end you see on every Tundra with this front grille surround. It simply gets placed over your existing grille surround, completely transforming the front end of your truck. Choose from different shades of black, or color match your body! Easy to install, and looks great. What’s stopping you?
If you want to give your Tundra a sporty look, headlight tint is a subtle, yet effective way to achieve that. These pre-cut vinyl tints get placed over your existing headlights. If you find you ever want to remove them, vinyl can be removed in the future. They look good with the lights off, and don’t darken your lights to a dangerous level when they are on.
Much like the headlight tint mentioned above, this pre-cut vinyl tint for your Tundra’s tail lights is a great way to make the rear end of your truck look sleek. It’s a touch of sport, luxury, and badass all wrapped into one inexpensive package.
Light bars and trucks just go hand in hand, but sometimes taking the more subtle approach is the way to go. That is exactly what you get with this LED light bar. Rough Country says, “with 20, 5-watt high-intensity CREE LEDs, you'll have plenty of light to take on even the darkest trails,” and you’ll do it in style without a bulky bar mounting to the front of a bumper or your roof. This mod looks like something from the factory, and at $120, you can’t go wrong.
If you do plan on doing some more serious off-roading, or just want that more aggressive off-roading look, ditch lights will achieve that. They mount without modification behind your hood, and when pointed off at an angle, they will help illuminate what your headlights can’t see. They will do wonderers off-road, or even on country roads at night.
Bull bars and push bars are perfect bumper protection when it comes to off-road driving (or bad parkers). They are designed to take the impact before the more delicate plastic bumper cover does. This one is more minimalistic to help give a more sleek look, but with the integrated LED light bar, you’ll get protection AND more visibility at night on the trails.
If you’re a proud Tundra owner, you may want to show off the name a bit more. The imprinted letters on the tailgate are nice, but if you want to accentuate TUNDRA, these inserts are perfect. They are coated in thick polyurethane to give them a unique 3D look and feel. They are easy to install, long lasting, and make the name pop at an inexpensive price.
If you want to maximize the storage space in your Tundra, panels like this are key. Small items can slide around, get covered, or misplaced. The MOLLE panel not only gives your truck an off-road and tactical look, but it offers an incredible mounting solution for an otherwise “useless” space in your Tundra. Made from steel, this will be durable for almost anything, and when it comes to mounting, only your imagination will be the limit. Victory 4x4 offers more panels for the rest of the bed and plenty of other locations as well!
If you’re tired of lag and slow acceleration, Pedal Commander is here to help. This simple product plugs into your gas pedal to help eliminate that nonsense. Gone are the days of a physical wire opening and closing your throttle when you press your pedal down. Now, everything is electronic. When you press your pedal down, it tells your Tundra’s computer that you’re doing so, and how hard you’re doing it. The problem is that it will still only open the throttle as fast as it’s programmed to. Pedal Commander will amplify the signal your foot provides to open the throttle faster.
The Tundra is great for hauling big things, but what about your little stuff? Even the storage compartments end up being a large void of no return. This center console organizer for your Tundra will help keep your small items at hand, right where you need them. It’s little things like this that make big differences. You won’t hurt your wallet with something like this either!
This TUFSKINZ Center Console Overlay applies directly over the interior trim of your Tundra. You can choose between 14 different colors including carbon fiber and factory paint colors to match your exterior! While this is for the center console, CaliRaised offers many different overlays for different interior panels. Add one, two, or all of them to completely transform your interior into a sporty, sophisticated, or off-road look.
Regardless if you use your truck for off-roading, live in a snowy or muddy area, or just have kids or pets, your floor mats will get dirty. All weather floor mats are made out of durable rubber that will not only be long lasting, but are easy to clean. Simply take them out, hose them down, and you’re done! This kit is directly from Toyota, so you will have no fitment issues like you may have with those universal ones. Sure they say TUNDRA right on them, but they have that Tundra quality as well.
Same thing as the floor mats… Your environment, use, and family can make or break your seats. If it’s break, you might want to protect them. Seat covers come in all shapes and sizes. You can get basic universal ones that will simply “cover” your seats. These are great for those weekend camping or beach trips. If that’s not enough, you can go all out with precise fitting ones to take your boring seats to fancy stitched leather ones! Not only will they look good, but they will protect your factory seats, increasing your truck’s resale value. Prices vary depending on what you decide to go with.
Lifted trucks look good. Simple as that. Lift kits for serious off-roaders can cost thousands of dollars, but leveling kits or lift blocks are an inexpensive option for some extra ground clearance. This kit from Westcott Designs will give you three inches of lift in the front and one inch in the rear. This is perfect for an aggressive look, and moderate off-road use.
The catalytic converters on your truck are important for emissions and expensive to replace if they are damaged from off-roading, or missing due to questionable parking decisions. It’s worth protecting them if you are concerned about either situation. These are a direct bolt on, and will shield the expensive cats. While it won’t stop a determined thief, it will dissuade someone looking for a quick buck, and slow down others.
While the mighty V8 is gone in favor of a more efficient 3.4L V6, that doesn’t mean you still can’t make it sound good! An aftermarket muffler is a good way to not only change the sound to something more aggressive, but the increased airflow will give you a couple more ponies as well! While you won’t be thrown back in your seat, every bit counts. Prices range from not a lot to a bit more, and each one is going to sound a bit different, so make sure you watch lots of videos to find the one best for you!
What good is a truck without running boards? It’s not. Running boards not only help you get in and out of your truck, but look good, and if they have built in sliders, they can help protect your truck from obstacles when off-roading. Not every running board offers that protection though! This kit from Rough Country offers a wide and beefy design that’s backed by a lifetime warranty.
A bed mat is a must for anyone who plans to make use of their bed. Not only will this help protect the finish of your bed, but it will help stop things from sliding around as much. Much like the all weather floor mats, it’s easy to clean! Pull it out, and hose it down. This one is from Toyota, so fitment, quality, and Tundra branding will be no problem.
If you find yourself using your truck bed a lot, especially with longer items, you might want to look into a bed extender. You can make one for cheap, but since we got yelled at by our viewers on YouTube for suggesting that, now you can buy this one right from Toyota! It looks good, gives you extra secured length in your bed, and allows airflow. Like the bed mat and floor mats, this will come with Toyota quality and a perfect fit!
Bed covers tend to be on the more pricey side, but we managed to find this one just under the $500 mark on Amazon. Bed covers are perfect for protecting your cargo from weather and wandering eyes. Hard folding tonneau covers offer extended durability and life over simple cloth covers. While new trucks are expertly engineered to be as aerodynamic as they can be, this will also help reduce a bit of drag, which can help improve fuel economy.
While the last few mods offer some type of performance or utilitarian improvements, this is just for looks. Want to add a unique bit of sportiness to your Tundra? This carbon fiber fuel door will take care of that. This will stick right on top of your factory fuel door making installation a breeze. Sometimes you just need something that looks cool, and this can help.
Mud flaps can be basic, by why? Sure… They are great for protecting the finish of your truck and those less fortunate behind your impressive Tundra, but why not go a bit more? These mud flaps by RokBlokz give you the option of two different sizes, eleven colors, and six logo colors. Options upon options will allow you to get the mud flaps you want. Protect your ride and those around you, and look good while doing it!
Final Thoughts
Trucks are meant to be modded. From looks to performance, and everything in between, if there’s a will, there’s a way. There are tons of Tundras out there on the roads and trails, and for good reason… They are some great trucks. Why let your third generation Toyota Tundra look, feel, handle, perform, and sound like all the other ones? Make your truck yours! Don’t forget to check back on Empyr Off-Road for more parts and information for your Toyota Tundra, Tacoma, or 4Runner. Be safe, and mod on!
* Please note that some of these links are Amazon affiliate links and we make a small commission if you purchase the product.
If you drive a Toyota Tundra you know how much other Tundra owners love to mod out their trucks. Just like the Tacoma and 4Runner, Tundra's have a cult like following which you can see in the many Tundra forums out there. They constantly talk to each other about ways they can add new and exciting accessories for their rides. We've put this guide together so you can have a handy list of some of the most popular Toyota Tundra modifications and accessories you can buy and install to give you truck a little flair and personalization.
Most of these Toyota Tundra accessories and ideas come from the pros on forums and Facebook groups, some of which are my dear friends. If your Tundra is a 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 or 2019, 2020 or 2021 this post is for you!
The Tundra TRD pro grille is by far one of the most popular Toyota Tundra mods on the market. Your grille is the first thing everyone sees, so why have a factory one like everyone else? This grille is sharp looking and will give your truck a "head turning" look.
Ditch lights are a great way to help you turn day into night for that serious off roading, or just driving down the driveway of your ranch at night. There are multiple options you can select, but a basic kit is around $115.
The factory fog lights are garbage compared to the substantially brighter, more durable, and longer lasting LED options that Cali offers. More subtle than ditch lights, these LEDs will make certain you see what’s in front of you.
If you simply need more light, this stealthy bar is perfect. It gives a sleek factory look when you don’t need it, and light-up-the-night performance when you do with a choice of spot or combo beam options.
For very little, you can make your Tundra pop by adding some colored vinyl inserts to the letters on your tailgate. I offer a lifetime warranty on mine.
Forget about remembering to use your key to lock your tailgate. Match this with a tonneau cover, and your cargo is safe or accessible with just the press of a button.
When size matters on a budget, these spacers give an excellent and cost effective way to widen your ride. The extra width gives an impressive stance over the factory setup, but you get to keep your factory wheels.
I have covered all the basics about different types of covers for your trucks, and here is one that I recommend. It’s inexpensive, effective, and looks good. What more could you want?
These are a lifesaver if you use your bed frequently for different utilities. It’s the perfect companion for storage assistance and accessory mounting.
Visual stuff is great, but performance is better. Enhance your factory handling characteristics with an easy to install sway bar to help beef things up.
Trucks a great off road, but a top speed of around 110 mils per hour can get you into trouble. This is a highly reviewed average detector. It may give you some false readings, but it's better than breaking the bank. Be safe.
You want to protect your truck inside and out, and these help prevent scuffs and scraps that happen daily. Of course, you’ll remember what you’re driving, because “TUNDRA” is molded into each one!
Door Sill Protector Decals ($11)
If you find the letters in your door sills are hard to read, these will give it an extra pop. Match your paint, or get a color that compliments your exterior.
I don’t remember how half the stuff in my console got there, but with one of these, I’ll at least be able to keep it all organized. You’ll be shocked at the world of difference this simple tray makes.
If your console isn’t enough, make use of the storage room under your seat with these compartments. It’s a great place to hide what you don’t want wandering eyes to see.
Jump into your Tundra in style with these textured side step rails that not only give you a leg up on your friend’s trucks, but they help protect the underside when you’re rock crawling.
In a previous post, I covered all types of stereo options. A good one for your Tundra is this Pioneer unit with almost every app and option you can think of, including Apple CarPlay.
Your truck, your style. There are tons of inexpensive options to make your truck stand out from purely cosmetic, to function and performance as well. You don’t need to break the bank to stand apart, and these are some great Tundra upgrades for you to get started.
Please keep in mind that prices fluctuate daily on Amazon/eBay and the prices represented above are accurate as the day of this posting.
* Please note that some of these links are Amazon affiliate links and we make a small commission if you purchase the product.
Toyota has been making a vast amount of improvements over the years to its 4Runner. Aside from being one of the most capable SUVs on the market, Toyota has listened to their customers and crafted the sport utility vehicle to be what the end user wants either standard, or with factory options.
What if you want to do something a little extra? Vehicles are made to be modified and customized. With the 4Runner being a member of the one of the most popular and reliable manufacturers on the market (Toyota), there are plenty of accessories on the aftermarket that you can add to your ride for under $300. Here are some of the most popular Toyota 4Runner accessories and mods we found on forums, Facebook groups, and learned about from our loyal customers.
NOTE: There are some differences between model years, so please make sure you read our descriptions, and the descriptions on the vendor pages. For the most part, these 4Runner 5th gen mods work with all 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 models.
The factory grille on the 4Runner is okay, but it can be so much better. While there are plenty of options out there, one of the most cost effective solutions would be the aggressive styling offered from the TRD Pro grille. Instead of paying thousands more for the TRD Pro package from Toyota that is full of features you probably won’t need, this touch of styling is inexpensive and looks great. This is by far one of the most popular 4Runner mods out there. You can buy the 2014-2019 model here and 2020-2021 model here.
If you want to continue with adding a little TRD Pro flair to your 2015-2019 4Runner, then the TRD Pro shift knob would be a great addition. It is one of the easier pieces to install, and it looks great over the boring factory one. While it may be subtle, the looks and feel will set you apart from the other 4Runner interiors out there.You can buy it here.
The last bit of TRD goodness that fits in our price range are TRD center caps for your wheels. Some people might give you a hard time for branding your ride as a “TRD” if it’s not, but who cares? They look good, and add a touch of class to your 4Runner. These are for most 2020 and 2021 models, and are directly from Toyota, but there are some options on Amazon for previous years.You can buy them here.
A great addition to any SUV are running boards. These make getting in and out of your vehicle easier, and let’s face it… they look cool. While there are plenty of options out there, one cost effective solution with high reviews would be the TAC Running Boards. They fit most model 4Runners, and they are easily installed via bolts with no drilling or welding required. You can buy them here.
Tint (Depends on Location)
This is one of the most basic and rewarding modifications you can do to any vehicle. Not only does it keep your ride cooler when the sun beats down, but it stops wandering eyes from seeing who is driving the hottest 4Runner in town! The price depends on where you go, or if you do it yourself.
If you plan on using your SUV as an actual sport utility vehicle, or if you deal with lots of rain, snow, or kids, you might want some tough floor mats. These mats from Husky (for 2013-2019 4Runners) are just one example of the options out there. You can buy them here.
An overlooked place to take care of is your cargo area in your 4Runner. Cargo mats protect your floor and carpet, provide slip resistance, and add a touch of “ruggedness” to your ride. It helps add the “sport” in SUV. This option from Husky fits 2020-2021 4Runners. You can buy it here.
If you find the interior lighting of your 4Runner too dull, or perhaps you want something more long lasting, then you can’t go wrong with an LED bulb conversion. While you will have to pop a few parts of your interior off to get these installed, it’s easy, inexpensive, and the results are instant and long lasting. This kit from AUTOGINE will fit 2010-2021 models. You can buy them here.
If you really want something to pop in your interior, custom colored climate knobs could be what you’re looking for. These knobs from AJT Design come in 6 different colors, and the screws come in 4 different colors. You can buy them here.
Regardless if you tow a lot, or just like to be able to see what’s behind you, this simple kit allows you to switch on your backup camera any time. Installation is easy with a couple connections, and once you’re done, you’ll be in control of your rear end all the time! You can buy it here.
Exterior lighting can really make a vehicle unique, and these raptor style LED lights do just that. They easily snap into place in your factory grille, and wire up hassle-free. You can choose between amber or smoked amber. These are a bright idea to add to any 4Runner. You can buy them here.
This is one of those additions to your ride that you didn’t realize you were missing until you get it. This $14 accessory will give you control over how you want to organize your center console. With slip resistant mats and coin slots, you’ll keep your smaller cargo contained and where you want it. This leads me to my next one… You can buy it here.
While you can fit a lot of stuff in a glove box, you usually just have to throw it all in, and dig around later if you want it. With this little divider, you can control the clutter with cubby holes. Between this and the center console organizer, you’ll never have to search for the lost pen again (we hope). You can buy it here.
While LED light bars can become rather expensive, there are a host of other LED lighting solutions that are more reasonably priced. These fog light pods from Cali Raised replace the dull (by comparison) factory fog lights with your choice of white or amber LED lighting. Durable, longer lasting, and brighter. You can buy them here.
While not as subtle as fog light pods, these LED ditch lights with brackets add some great lighting when you're cruising the trails at night. If placed correctly, they will light up the areas in front of you that your headlights can’t see, which adds an extra layer of safety when you’re out in the dark. Cali Raised offers plenty of options to build the kit you desire. You can buy them here.
While there is plenty of room in the back of your 4Runner to throw in whatever you want, you may want to keep your smaller items more easily accessible and always in one place. These unique Molle style racks from Victory 4x4 install easily. These will not work for models with third row seating. You can buy it here.
If you want another unique storage option, this panel will take the unused space on your hatch, and turn it into a unique storage location. While this does require some drilling to get it installed, it’s still pretty easy to complete, and the next time someone sees the hatch open, they will do a double take! You can buy it here.
Another cool one from Victory 4x4 is their interior cargo basket that gives you a second level of storage in the back of your 4Runner. While almost at the max of our budget, it is really a unique product that I feel is worth looking at. You do have to get two of their window storage panels to get this to mount properly though. You can buy it here.
The roof on any vehicle can make some excellent storage space with the right gear, such as a roof rack. While I would suggest getting one made for your 4Runner, if you just need something to use a few times, a budget universal one such as this can help you get by. You can buy it here.
While the chrome badges all over the 4Runner look good, if you want something more sleek and subtle, then you might want to consider blacking them all out. You can get an overlay kit on Amazon that will place a blacked out version of the logo/emblem over the existing one. No need to worry about removing the factory ones. You can also grab a can of Plasti-Dip and coat them yourself. That effectively makes the modification free! You can buy them here.
Seat covers have come a long way. They once used to just protect your seats, but now they can do that while transforming the look of your interior. Stuck with cloth seats? Not anymore! Use your truck for work and don’t want to damage the cloth? You're covered (literally). Prices can vary depending on what you get, but here are a few to get you looking in the right direction. You can buy them here.
If you need a little extra storage, but need it close and accessible, a molle seat cover could be a solution. While it’s always best to get something made specific for your 4Runner, those cost over $300. These universal ones will get the job done for most weekend warriors. You can buy them here.
If you want an inexpensive way to add a little toughness to your 4Runner, wheel spacers are a great option. Not only do they increase your stability when tackling the elements, they improve the visual stance of your ride as well. Rough Country sells them in pairs in various widths. You can buy them here.
I have mentioned this mount before when talking about Tacoma accessories, and I’ll mention it again because I like it that much! It’s simple, but gets that job done. It will mount just about anywhere, and it will keep your phone in place right where you want it. You can buy it here.
A brush guard/bull bar is a great addition to any SUV for on or off-road use. They protect your bumper against branches and brush, and even bad parkers in the city. If you plan on doing some serious off-roading where maximum protection is required, I would suggest a full size guard that protects your whole front end, but for basic protection and looks, this kit from TAC will do the job. You can buy it here.