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For years I have been in the aftermarket industry for Toyota Tacomas, but recently I have branched out into the market for the Tacoma’s bigger brother: the Tundra. While I ramp up on products for your Tundras, we need to talk about one of the most important accessories for your Tundra. 

The grille is one of the first things people see on your truck. It shows your personality and style. Like the Tacoma, the Tundra has plenty of options to fit your style and budget. How do you find the right one? Let’s take a look at some possible options from some well-respected companies to see if I can help. 

TRD Pro Style Front Grille ($219.99)

The TRD package is a great addition to your Tundra, but if you don’t want to spend the extra money, or you just want to add a little extra styling to your truck, Toyota offers the grille separately. You can’t go wrong with higher end OEM style upgrade. We carry this grille right here at Empyre Off-Road, so check it out.

Rigid Industries Light Grille ($840)

This more expensive option offers style and function with a built-in area for a light bar. They offer different lighting options, so I covered everything you need to know about light bars in a previous post to help you make the right choice. This grille is made out of high-quality material but does require modification to your grille shell.

300 Industries Grilles ($400 - $900)

If you want something specific to your style, 300 Industries offers many options from the US flag, skulls, to plenty of light up options. All grilles are sleek, but add that extra style you are looking for. 

Enve Grilles ($350 - $1000)

Like 300, these guys offer a wide selection of custom grilles from a mid to high budget. With loads of LED, Toyota and Tundra logo, and Enve logo options, you are sure to find something that fits your needs. They are not shy about putting their logo front and center. 

T-Rex Grilles ($200 - $1000)

Every price range is covered here, and so is every part. Not only do they offer aftermarket grilles, but you can find tons of lighting options, bumper overlays, and more. The styles range from conservative to aggressive, as do the lighting options. The grilles also come with LED lights, so no need to look elsewhere. It could be your one-stop shop.

There are so many things that you can do to your Tundra to make it yours. The aftermarket and even OEM options are nearly limitless for these trucks. Do some looking around and find out what works best for the style you want, and the budget that you have in mind. I hope I was able to open your eyes to some new options. Stay tuned, because I am coming out with one as well, and if you like to the grilles we have for Tacomas, wait until you see the ones for the Tundras.

Image Credits 

TRD Grille - Collingwood Toyota

Rigid LED Grille - Motoroso

300 Industries Collection - 300 Industries

Enve 40” LED Style 2 - Enve Grilles

T-Rex Grille Collection - T-Rex Grilles

* Please note that some of these links are Amazon affiliate links and we make a small commission if you purchase the product.

A common upgrade that Tacoma owners absolutely love to put on their trucks are rock sliders or side steps. Because of this, many Tacoma owners have the question... what’s the difference? The difference is HUGE, and which one you decide to go with really depends on your needs.

In short, steps generally bolt to your body of the truck and provide easier access to getting into your truck. Sliders generally bolt to your frame and offer protection to the body panels of your truck when doing some serious off-roading. Let's dive in a bit deeper.

STEPS

Steps are just that: steps. If you've added a decent lift to your Tacoma and need a little extra help getting in, these give you that extra bump you need. There are plenty of options to choose from depending on your budget and needs. Here are some of those options:

Single Hoop and Nerf Bars

Hoop steps and Nerf bars may come as a single, or a double set attached to a tube. Single steps can be an affordable option (around $50), but you may have to drill to get the to fit properly. 

A set that will fit for sure would be the Predator Tube step.  I'm seeing a lot of dealerships installing these before selling the truck to the public. These are about $548 on Amazon. A cheaper aftermarket Nerf bar can also be had for around $180.

Running Boards

Running board are usually one long step that run from your front door to the back of your rear door. Running boards can have hoop steps like nerf bars. Some companies interchange the names, but there are different styles. An average price would be like these iBoard Tacoma running boards for around $220.

Retractable

Retractable running boards or side steps are very expensive, but add a very luxurious feel and style to your truck. These stay tucked flush against or under your truck until you’re ready to get in, then they will lower electronically. AMP Research makes a set for around $1500, and that is a typical price.

ROCK SLIDERS

As mentioned before, rock sliders bolt to your frame and are designed for protection. If you do some rock crawling or extreme off roading, you run the risk of the rock slamming into the bottom of your truck near the edges. If that happens, you can seriously damage your side panels, and it could even lead to your doors being misaligned. If you play hard, you need to have protection. 

Note: Some rock sliders have steps, but if they do, they resemble running boards. Hoop and Nerf type steps would snag on rocks and potentially get you stuck.

The average cost for rock sliders is going to be around $250 to $550 depending on brand and material. Remember that while they may look good, the are supposed to be able to take a beating so you don’t need to get body work done later. Here are a few that you might consider as you're doing your research:

First, let's start with the Cali Raised rock sliders that we carry here at Empyre Offroad. These things are amazing. They are build extremely well and look so good installed on your Tacoma. The cost on these is $500 without any customization such as powder coating, the ability to bolt them on vs welding etc.

Bay Area Metal Fabrication (BAMF) makes a set of sliders for around $450. A lot of people talk about these on the forums, so they must be really solid and do their job well.

Another popular choice is from SOS Off Road Concepts. These are a little on the higher end at around $580, but people are happy with them. Both these and the ones from BAMF offer running board-style steps. 

4x Innovations makes a cheaper solution at $245, but you do have to get them welded on. So unless you have a welder laying around your garage or a neighbor who welds, it could end up costing you a bit more. 

As you can see, there are plenty of options out there, and this guide should help point you in the correct direction to help you understand the difference between sliders and steps, and what to get for your truck.

Image Credits

Single/Nerf “Predator” Step - Tacoma World user HardCase

Running Boards - Aries Automotive

Retractable - Truck Access Plus

BAMF Sliders - Bay Area Metal Fab

SOS Off Road Concepts Sliders - SOS Off Road

4x Industries - TTORA user Scuba

Cali Rasied Slider - Cali Raised

* Please note that some of these links are affiliate links and we make a small commission if you purchase the product.

If you've spent time on our site or in the forums, you know that there are so many different ways to customize your Toyota Tacoma. A lot of the popular mods happen to the exterior of your truck... obviously, t exterior is what everyone will see, but the interior is where you spend more of your time. In this post, I want to highlight ten, awesome Tacoma interior mods / accessories that you can quickly, and in most cases, affordably make to your truck.

TRD Pro Shift Knob

If you have an automatic Tacoma, one of my favorite interior mods is the TRD Pro shift knob. The shift knob is the first and last thing you touch when driving, so stand out from the crowd and get something unique. It’s fast and east to remove the stock one, and there are plenty of after market options. You can buy it here.

Tomatoman Leather Seat Covers

Seat covers not only help protect your seats, but they add a unique style. You can go the cheap route and get some basic ones that simply slip over your seat. While they protect the factory material from dirt, they generally are not form fitting and that baggy appearance is not attractive. Tomatoman Leather Seat Covers makes custom fitted seat cover in a wide array of colors and materials. They offer a great warranty and they are made to not interfere with your side airbags. You can buy them here.

Husky Floor Mats/Liners

The factory floor mats that come with your Tacoma are okay and get the job done most of the time, but you really want something durable and comfortable. A lot of aftermarket options are either one or the other. Husky Liners is the best of both worlds with a soft, yet durable material the fits perfectly in your truck. Husky also offers a selection of mud flaps and bed liners as well. You can buy them here.

Floor Mat Fasteners

As you know, the stock floor mats aren't secured to the floor, except for the drivers side. If your mats end up everywhere, a good upgrade would be the Eagle Klaw Floor Mat Fastener. This simple device requires no modifications to your truck, but keeps your mat secure. Better grip isn’t only for convenience, but safety too. You don’t want your mat sliding under your pedals. You can buy them here.

Interior LED Lights 

LED lighting is the way to go: they last longer, are brighter, and give a modern look and feel to your ride. For around $20, you can upgrade not only your map and vanity mirror lights, but also your license plate and the rear middle light. The swaps are easy to do, and you’ll probably never have to buy bulbs again. Grab This Kit Here that will have everything you need.

Door Sill Decals

Our Tacoma door sill decals take the boring black lettering in your sills and make them pop with color and style. Make sure you check out all the new styles and you can also buy them here.

Glove Box Decals

That same problem will be on your glove box, so we give you the ability to have your lettering pop with our Tacoma glove box inserts as well. Since they can be a little tricky to install, we give you two sets in the kit. These are all great inexpensive upgrades to your interior. You can buy them here.

A/C Current Plug

This next one requires as little bit of work, but is probably one of the most helpful upgrades. If you want an A/C current plug in your truck, Tacoma World offers a great article about how to do it. With a couple cuts and a little bit of wiring, you can not only have an outlet at the rear of your center console, but you can have it run in 400w mode consistently instead of switching to 100w when you shift out of park.

Stereo & Sound System

Aside from your seat and steering wheel, probably the most commonly used part of your interior is the radio. In a previous post, I covered the best ways you can upgrade your stereo for under $300. I encourage you to check that out here: Upgrading your Toyota Tacoma stereo for under $300.

All in all, there are so many things you can do to upgrade your interior. It all comes down to your style and budget. 

* Please note that some of these links are Amazon affiliate links and we make a small commission if you purchase the product.

Image Credits:

Shift Knob - Elmore Toyota TRD Parts

Husky Mats – Auto Accessories Garage

Clazzio

Eagle Klaw

Outlet – Tacoma World user “djembefola”

Standard sound systems direct from the factor have been getting better and better as time goes on. However, if you own a third gen Toyota Tacoma, you know that your stereo leaves quite a bit to be desired. For many, it’s more features, cleaner sound, more low end, or more dynamic range. If you own a 2016, 2017, 2018 or 2019 Tacoma and are in the market for a new sound system, there are plenty of options that won’t break the bank! Let's jump in...

Before we get started, here are some common audio terms, just so we can all be on the same page.

Amplifier/Amp: The unit that powers the speakers in your car

Driver: The main part of a speaker that projects certain frequencies of sound

Tweeter: The driver responsible for the higher pitched sound

Sub Woofer: The driver responsible for the lower sounds

2 Way Speaker: This means the speaker has two drivers, and two way is generally a high driver (tweeter) and a mid driver

3 Way Speaker: This has three dedicated driver (high, mid, and low) – each driver is responsible for the respective band of frequencies

Head Unit: The device you directly interact with (radio, CD player, etc)

What to Replace and Why

The tweeters in the Tacomas are known to be on the weaker end. Upgrading them will lead to a more crisp sound with more clarity in the high end. Some folks over at Tacoma World recommend these Subaru tweeters. While you can shop around for cheaper ones, it could also be best to go with what’s tried and true by your fellow Taco drivers. A crisper high end will really make the sound come alive.

While the factory system can bring you loud low end, it isn’t exactly clear. Factory speakers, while better then they have been, are designed to focus most on the mid frequencies of sound (not the best on the highs or lows, but best in the middle). Getting a more full range speaker can produce a richer low end, without having to invest in separate subwoofers.

If you don’t want to go through to process of making extra holes and whatnot for sub woofers, you can easily get a better sound by replacing your front and rear speakers. Front speakers are generally more responsible for the mids and highs, while the rear speakers are generally more responsible for mids and lows.

Decent speakers are actually relatively inexpensive, and as long as you get ones that match the same power as you factory ones, they are completely plug and play. You can find out how many watts your factory speakers are with a quick Google search. Only a few parts and panels have to be taken off to access them.

Cructhfield is one of the best websites when it comes to finding speakers that fit your ride. All you have to do is enter your year, make, model, and trim level, and it you will give you exactly what speakers are plug and play, and if they are not, it will match the hardware you need as well. The prices are generally low too, but you can always do a search on Google for the same speakers it shows.

Some guys over at Tacoma World have had good look with these Kicker 6”9” speakers in the front and these Kicker 6.75” speakers in the rear. The front speakers are Just under $100, and the rear ones are just under $70. If those options are too expensive for you, there are plenty of other options.

Sound deadening is something you also may want to consider. Sound deadening material keeps the road noise out, and the good noise in. Why is that important? Sound waves reflect and travel. This why you hear reverberation in your voice when you enter a bathroom, but not so much in your carpeted bedroom. For some extra money, you can invest in some sound-deadening mat to put inside your doors and behind your rear speakers. This will help you achieve and richer and warmer sound in your music, and help keep some of the roar of your mud tires out.

At this point, you’re looking about $250 for a life changing sound. All of this can be achieved with the stock head unit. But what if you want more options? While the stock Toyota Tacoma head unit on the newest trucks are pretty nice, the older ones can get sort of basic.

Head Units

If you want better EQs, touch screens, iPhone cables, and more, you may want to consider a new head unit. While you DO NOT need to do this when you get upgraded speakers, you can. This will up your cost too, and you will be over the $300 amount. So, consider this a bonus section.

Let’s take a look at four options:

Alpine iLX-F309

Alpine ILK-107

Kenwood DDX6704

Pioneer AVH-W4400NEX

Just as a disclaimer, head units are not usually plug and play. You usually have to take quite a bit of the dashboard apart, and sometimes you have to do some custom wiring with specific harnesses. There are plenty of experts out there who do this stuff for a living, so keep that in mind.

The Alpine iLX-F309 is currently the most expensive of the group at just under $870. It comes full with plenty of features: HDMI input, works with Apple and Android, SiriusXM ready, USB playback, Bluetooth, 9 band parametric EQ, iDatalink connectivity, a camera input, and more. While it can fit in more vehicles with the smaller unit size, that means the 9 inch display sticks out and hovers. If you can deal with that and the price, it does everything you would need it to.

For about $200 less, you can get the Alpine ILK-107 for just under $680. It offers most of what the iLX-F309 offer but is flush fitting with a 7 inch screen. This unit has many positive reviews and seems to be a favorite amongst truck owners.

At just around $330, the Kenwood DDX6704 is the least expensive of the bunch. The 6.8 inch flush fitting screen comes with Apple and Android compatibility, camera inputs, navigation, Bluetooth, and more. Some of the reviews are not pleased with the Bluetooth and navigation, but overall, most people are happy with it. If you are looking for a less expensive touch screen to replace your buttons and knobs, this could be the option for you.

The Pioneer AVH-W4400NEX is packed with the most features and is around $540. The 7 inch, flush fitting screen has WiFi, Bluetooth, SirisXM ready, back-up camera ready, iDatalink, 13 band EQ, USB and SD card playback/input, fast USB charging port for Android, HDMI input, and more. If you are looking for every option you can think of, this may be for you. 

Make your System Yours

Your sound system has almost limitless options for customization. You do not need to break the bank to do it. For less than $300, you can make an entirely new sounding experience in your Tacoma.

I would like to share some expert advice though. You can spend thousands of dollars on your sound system, but if you play low quality music back, it’s going to sound bad. Thankfully music downloads have come a long way from the days of low quality .mp3 files, but some of them still exist, and you may be listening to them. Your best formats would be uncompressed formats like .wav (CD quality) or certain compressed formats like FLAC. This is a topic for a whole different post, but basically don’t listen to those old .mp3 tracks your downloaded off Limewire. Good speakers let high quality music sound good, but can’t make low quality stuff sound any better.

Image Credits

Sound-Deadening – Tacoma World forum user drscott11

* Please note that some of these links are Amazon affiliate links and we make a small commission if you purchase the product.

Regardless of how you use your Tacoma, trucks were made to carry things. Sometimes you want your stuff covered, or many you just like that sleek design of a covered bed. Either way, there are plenty of options to cover your Taco’s bed. Let’s take a look at some of them.

TONNEAU COVERS

These covers are one of the most common types of covers that you will find on a truck. A tonneau covers are either hard or soft covers designed to protect unoccupied areas of a car, or in our case, the bed of a pickup. There are quite a few types of tonneau covers.

Snap

The most basic cover that you can get is just one piece of material that fits to your bed, and snaps into place. These are great if you’re on a budget. While they generally are not the most durable, they get the job done. The can bed a flexible piece of material that you can fold in any way you like, or they have some type of firmer piece. Those limit how much you can open them, and they basically work best either on or off, not so much in between, but they offer more rigidity.

Pros: inexpensive, easy to install

Cons: lacking rigidity, generally not the easiest to take off/retract when needing full access to your bed

Trifold

This is going to be one of your cheaper options for tonneau covers. They are exactly what they sound like. They are a soft cover that lies over your bed, and to pull it back, it folds into three sections. You can generally pick these up for around $300 to $400. However, there are more expensive ones for closer $1000.

Pros: Inexpensive (sometimes), easy to install, full bed access

Cons: Sometimes inferior quality and fit (on less expensive ones), soft material may cause pooling water

Gator makes a popular tri-fold. It’s basis, yet durable. The lightweight construction makes it easy to fold, but the large locking tabs keep it in place when you want it down. The price is on the lower end too, so it makes it more appealing too. Here is a link to the Gator Tri-Fold, but make sure to get the right size for your truck. BTW - this is what I have and it works great!

Rolling/Revolving

Rolling covers are a good option for a fast retracting option. Like tri-folds, they are easy to install, and are a cost effective option, though you can find more expensive versions. With the nature of whey are, they will be made out of soft material, which could be prone to wear tear. You can get higher prices ones that are made of aluminum, and that could prove to last longer.

Pros: Easy to install, can be inexpensive, full bed access

Cons: Prone to rips if soft 

BAK Industries makes some good stuff. Their covers are durable and highly rated. While their Revolver X4 is a little on the high end when it comes to pricing, it is a good option to choose from if the want easy use and protection.

Retractable

These operate similarly as the rolling ones, but they roll/retract down. These are going to be on the higher priced side, and they take up a bit of bed space in the back. However, they are very fast and easy to retract. Electronic ones exist, and they make things easier, but keep in mind that the more moving and electronic parts you have, the more things can go wrong over time.

Pros: East to retract

Cons: Expensive, take up bad space

Roll-N-Lock is one option of a durable and easy to use retractable cover. It locks well, and it made out of aluminum with vinyl to ensure durability. 

SHELL COVERS

These hard covers are deigned to give you rugged protection. They can also be color matched to your truck to give a nice sleek look. These can either fit flush to the top of your bed, or be raised to meet your roofline. These are generally made out of fiberglass don’t come off to easily. They are more “permanent” or long-term installations.

Camper Shells/Caps

These offer the largest covered area for your bed. They generally match up with your roofline, and are painted to match your truck. They come with windows, and are generally made out of fiberglass. They are great for keeping a large amount of stuff out of the elements. The biggest downside is that you can move cargo in and out through the tailgate. There is no access from the sides. These have a wide range of prices, but generally are on the higher end of the $300 to $1000.

Pros: large amount of surface area, excellent security from the elements, color matched

Cons: only one point of access, not quick to remove, generally more expensive

Flush Shells/Hard Tonneau

While the camper ones meet your roofline, these sit flush, or right above your bed. They can be color matched to your truck, and they really add a sleek and complete look to the back of your truck. While they are durable, they aren’t the most practical if you toss a lot of stuff in your bed. While they generally hinge open to allow more access, then most practical point of entry is the tailgate. These are around the same price as the camper shells, but can cost a little less.

Pros: durable, color match

Cons: limited access 

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

Now, there are outliers to everything. For example, there are covers that really stand out from the rest. Peragon makes a retractable cover that is not only quick to retract, but quick to remove completely should you need the full bed. There are some rolling covers that are soft material, and some that are aluminum. There are expensive versions of each cover listed, and some that are expensive.

It all depends on your budget, and what you want out of it. Do you want t show vehicle, or do you need an off-roading beast? Perhaps you need both. This is a guide I put together for you from one Tacoma owner to another, but it’s just a guide. Find what works for you!

* Please note that some of these links are Amazon affiliate links and we make a small commission if you purchase the product.

Image Credits:

Tri Fold – Courtesy of Gator

Snap – Courtesy of Tonneau Cover World

Rolling – Courtesy of CJ Pony Parts

Retractable – Courtesy of Suspension Connection

Camper Shell – Courtesy of Tom’s Camper Land

Flush Shell – Courtesy of Tom’s Camper Land