Which Grille Is Right For Your 2nd Gen Toyota Tacoma?
So, you’re thinking about changing the grille on your second generation Tacoma. A facelift for your 2005 to 2015 Toyota Tacoma is a great way to not only just change the look of your truck, but to give it personality. Here at Emypre Off-Road, we can make that happen!
However, everyone has a different taste. I want to show you some of the most popular options on the market for your 2005 to 2011 and 2012 to 2015 front ends. The great thing about the Taco is the vast amount of aftermarket options available. Which option you choose comes down to personal taste and budget.
We’ll break this up into two categories: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 Tacomas, and the 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 Tacomas. Toyota made some changes to our beloved trucks between 2011 and 2012. While they were awesome, not all parts fit.
2005 - 2011 Tacoma Grilles
While this may not be the real deal, it looks and feels like an actual TRD grille, but it does not come with the obnoxious OEM cost. This piece is a high quality and direct plug and play unit that will really dress up the front of your truck. You can choose between silver or black letters, and you can add amber, smoked amber, white, or smoked white Raptor style lights for an additional $30.
Price: $145 to $170 (depending on options)
Pros: High quality, plug and play
Cons: Not easy to return
As one of the most unique grilles on the market, this Raptor grille will totally transform the front of your second generation Tacoma into something special. This lightweight grill is made out of high quality plastic with integrated amber lights. The level of customization is insane. You can have a satin black or color-matched bezel, three options of text to go across the front, and those letters can be painted 12 different Toyota colors to perfectly match or complement the color of your truck.
These grilles are built to order, and for that reason, they can take some time to arrive to you. That is a small price to pay for something as custom as this!
Price: $350 - $480 (depending on options)
Pros: Unique style, custom made for you
Cons: Longer shipping time, more expensive
Now time for the aluminum grille that we offer at Empyre Off-Road for $215. This lightweight grille is a sleek and stylish minimalist option that has a durable powder coat finish, and with it being aluminum, it won’t rust. They have been tested on and off road to ensure good airflow to the engine.
There is a stainless steel plate behind the logo that you can remove and paint to really make the letters pop. You have a choice between “TACOMA” or “TOYOTA” to be proudly cut into the front of the grille.
Price: $215
Pros: Lightweight, will not rust, money back guarantee
Cons: None
This aluminium option will add a sleek and aggressive look to the front of your truck. This aluminum three piece grille comes painted black. You can have your choice of three different words across the front: Toyota, Tacoma, or TRD. A unique feature is that you can opt for just the mesh with no text across the front. While the options are more limited on this grille, it does come at a reasonable price, and the price is even lower if you choose no letters.
Price: $147 - $200
Pros: Aluminum, lower priced
Cons: No color options
Cutting Edge Off Road Custom Text Raptor Style Grille
While this is one of the most expensive on the list, it takes some of the best features from all of the ones on the list, and adds them into one. This ABS plastic grille will drop right in place of your old one, and can be painted 15 different toyota colors (for an extra free).
The most unique feature is that the lettering up front is completely customizable. You can make the cut aluminum letters say anything you want. Custom comes with a price, but if you want to be unlike anyone else on the road, this could be the way to go.
Price: $430 - $530 (depending on color)
Pros: Very unique
Cons: Expensive
If you don’t want to keep seeing “TOYOTA” across the front, or you want that, but illuminated, they have that too. They really have an option for everyone, if you are willing to spend the money. Their black aluminum grilles come in designs ranging from a brick mesh, the Punisher logo, a waving American flag, and more. While the inserts do need some cutting to get them to fit, your Tacoma will be looking good after.
Price: $400 - $900 (depending on which one)
Pro: Many options, unique
Cons: Very expensive
2012 - 2015 Tacoma Grilles
Like the version for the 2005 to 2011, this high quality TRD style grille comes ready to go at a non OEM price. This is direct plug and play that will really dress up the front of your truck. You can choose between silver or black letters, and you can add amber, smoked amber, white, or smoked white Raptor style lights for an additional $30.
Price: $145 to $170 (depending on options)
Pros: High quality, plug and play
Cons: Not easy to return
If you want to transform the front end of your truck to look aggressive and tough, this is the option for you. This high quality plastic grille comes with integrated lights, which come in four color options. You also have three options of text to go across the front that can be painted 7 different Toyota colors to perfectly match or complement the color of your truck.
These grilles are built to order, and for that reason, they can take some time to arrive to you. That is a small price to pay for something as custom as this!
Price: $350 - $410 (depending on options)
Pros: Unique style, custom made for you
Cons: Longer shipping time, more expensive
Our lightweight, aluminum grille is a sleek and stylish minimalist option that has a durable powder coat finish that won’t rust. They have been tested on and off road to ensure good airflow to the engine. There is a stainless steel plate behind the logo that you can remove and paint to really make the letters pop. You have a choice between “TACOMA” or “TOYOTA” to be proudly cut into the front of the grille.
Price: $215
Pros: Lightweight, will not rust, money back guarantee
Cons: None
While this black mesh grille is not as popular as the BPF version for the earlier second Tacomas, you can still have your choice of three different words across the front: Toyota, Tacoma, or TRD. You can also opt for just the mesh with no text across the front, which will lower the cost.
Price: $115 - $179
Pros: Aluminum, lower priced
Cons: No color options
Cutting Edge Off Road Custom Text Raptor Style Grille
While this is one of the most expensive on the list, it takes some of the best features from all of the ones on the list, and adds them into one. This ABS plastic grille will drop right in place of your old one, and can be painted 12 different toyota colors (for an extra free).
The most unique feature is that the lettering up front is completely customizable. You can make the cut aluminum letters say anything you want. Custom comes with a price, but if you want to be unlike anyone else on the road, this could be the way to go.
Price: $430 - $530 (depending on color)
Pros: Very unique
Cons: Expensive
If you don’t want to keep seeing “TOYOTA” across the front, or you want that or TRD, but illuminated, they have that too. They really have an option for everyone, if you are willing to spend the money. Their black aluminum grilles come in designs ranging from a brick mesh, the Punisher logo, a waving American flag, and more. While the inserts do need some cutting to get them to fit, your Tacoma will be looking good after.
Price: $400 - $900 (depending on which one)
Pro: Many options, unique
Cons: Very expensive
There are so many options for your truck. Find what works for you and your budget. I hope I was able to give you a better idea on what’s out there. Make your truck yours, and send us some pictures of what you do at your Facebook page. Maybe we might even feature your truck!
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Image Credits
2005 - 2011
Custom Text - Courtesy of CuttingEdgeOffroad
300 Industries - Courtesy of ReaTruck
2012 - 2015
Custom Text - Courtesy of CuttingEdgeOffroad
300 Industries - Courtesy of ReaTruck
