If you’re reading this, I can only assume that you own a 2016, 2017 or 2018 Toyota Tacoma. I can also assume that you hate the stock grille that came with your truck and you want to give your rig a bit of a facelift. If that's true, read on.

Whenever I create posts that feature direct competitors, I'm always asked... why? I believe we live in a world of abundance and there's plenty of business to go around. Also, at the end of the day, I talk with and sell my product to a different set of people than the folks who sell custom, high end grilles. That's just the way business goes and it makes me sad when people/competitors/haters/etc. get nasty.

In this post, I highlight the brand and one of their grilles that I think is pretty cool. Most of these companies sell several different models, so don't get scared off by the high price tags just yet. Let's dive in.

300 Industries

300 Industries covers the gambit of selection and price range. You have forty-nine options to choose from, and prices that range from $400 to $1,050. The level of customization drops as the price goes down, but with that amount to choose from, you’re bound to find something you like, but at a price.

Make: 300 Industries

Model: X-Lite

Price: $1,050

Pros: Highly Unique, lights up

Cons: Expensive, no customization

DB Customz

DB Customz makes some pretty unique and downright awesome grilles. Their most extreme one has to be their Night Glow model. “TOYOTA” or "TACOMA" lights up with custom LED lighting kit. Their prices on grilles range from $507 to $1,010.

Make: DB Customz

Model: Night Glow

Price: $507 to $1,010

Pros: Highly customizable, unique to the market, lights up, stainless steel (no rusting)

Cons: Expensive, company branded

Custom Car Grills

The guys at Custom Car Grills also have a few options to choose from, but some of their more popular models would be their mesh grill, and their mesh grill with letters. Both are pretty plain, but in a stylish way. If you decide to go with the “TACOMA” or “TOYOTA” lettering, you'll get a nice subtle black finish layered on with aggressive lettering.

Make: Custom Car Grills

Model: Mesh

Price: $279

Pros: Subtle look, inexpensive

Cons: Few options

Grillcraft

Grillcraft makes one of the most minimalist grilles on the market, which isn't a bad thing at all. If you are looking for something subtle and different, the MX model could be the one. It is a simple black mesh. No Toyota or Tacoma logo of any kind.

The MX is a nice, clean way to dress up your truck.

Make: Grillcraft

Model: MX

Price: $287

Pros: Subtle look, inexpensive, lifetime warranty

Cons: No options, company branded

Bullet Proof Fabricating

BPF is one of few grille manufacturers who provide an aluminum option. This grille is a nice lightweight option, and the design is a great improvement over what comes stock on 3rd gens. I would say it's a marriage of a bezel, mesh, and logo that go well together.

The one thing that I don't love about this grille is that you have to pay extra to remove their company logo in lieu of the Toyota logo.

Make: Bullet Proof Fabricating

Model: BPF

Price: $370

Pros: Good triple look design, lightweight, free shipping

Cons: Extra cost for “TOYOTA”, brand name too prevalent

Bay Area Metal Fabrication

Next is a company called Bay Area Metal Fabrication. The folks at BAMF offer two different types of grilles, the Eco Insert ($284) and the hugely popular Recessed grille ($600). 

I absolutely love the recessed grille as it gives the Tacoma an extremely aggressive look. Both options also allow you to order a color matched backplate that slides behind the “TOYOTA” or “TACOMA” logo.

Make: Bay Area Metal Fabrication

Model: Recessed

Price: $600

Pros: Good design, customizable

Cons: High priced

Empyre Off Road

Lastly, I'll highlight my grille. The Empyre Off Road grille is also a minimalist option if you're looking to keep the cost low and quality high. Our customers really love the removable stainless steel backer that makes the “TOYOTA” pop and stand out on the road. Our grille comes in two different types of powder coating, wrinkle/textured and a smooth finish.

Make: Empyre Off Road

Model: Tacoma Grille Insert

Price: $250

Pros: Solid construction, inexpensive

Cons: One design option

So, there you have it. I hope that this post has been helpful and has given you a few other options to consider when looking to replace your stock grille. Please let us know if you have any questions.