Resources

If you’re reading this, I assume that you own a 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, or 2023 Toyota Tacoma and are hoping to upgrade your stock grille either right now or in the near future. Although the stock grilles are progressively getting better looking, I think I can speak for most Tacoma owners by saying that the grille should be one of the very first things upgraded to give your Tacoma a new, fresh look!

When creating this post, I wanted to build something to help all Tacoma owners find the right grille that fits their style. Even though we sell several grilles here at Empyre Off-Road, it was important to me to provide several different options and look at the pros and cons of each grille. At the end of the day, there are certain people who will buy from me and those that will not. This is life and business... although, I really do hope you buy from me :)

To start out the post, I'm going to feature the three grilles that we sell here at Empyre Off-Road. For the grilles not sold here, I've made sure to highlight the brand and one of their grille models that I think is pretty cool. Keep in mind that most of these companies sell several different models, so don't get scared off by the high price tags just yet. So if you're looking for a Toyota Tacoma aftermarket grille, let's jump in!

TRD Pro Style Grille with Custom Cut Letters

The custom cut TRD Pro Style Grille, which we sell here at Empyre Off-Road is another great option for Tacoma enthusiasts. The manufacturer spent a ton of time perfecting this grille and is a step above any of the Chinese knock-offs you can find on eBay. This grille gives you the look of an expensive TRD Pro Tacoma without having to spend the big bucks. You can customize it with colored letters and different color raptor lights (amber, white, smoked amber, smoked white).

Price: Starting at $270 for non-backlit option (Buy here)

Price: Starting at $339 for the led backlit option (Buy it here)

Pros: Customizable! Made out of high-quality ABS plastic and works with the TSS sensor

Cons: None

Tacoma Raptor Style Grille

The Tacoma Raptor Style Grille, which we sell here at Empyre Off-Road, might be one of the coolest looking grilles on the market. This grille takes the mesh raptor grille that you can find on eBay and other websites and gives it a facelift by adding in paint matched lettering.

Price: Starting at $400

Pros: Made out of high-quality industrial injection plastic and works with the TSS sensor

Cons: It's a little on the expensive side for a plastic grille. 

Tacoma Honeycomb Grille

If you really want to spice up the front end of your third generation Tacoma, but you’re also on a budget, then you can get this honeycomb grille for just $166. Installation is as easy as it gets: take out the boring old one, and add this sleek one. These come with raptor lights ready to go. Choose between amber, smoked amber, white, or smoked white. If you find you don’t want them later, you can remove them easily from the grille.

 

Make sure you choose the correct model year during checkout as there are some differences such as the integration of the TSS sensor. This kit includes an add-a-fuse for easy installation, and the whole deal from start to finish should take you no longer than 30 minutes.

Price: Starts at $166

Pros: Plug and play, lightweight, easy to install

Cons: It didn’t come with your Tacoma stock ;)

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 

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 grille 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

Last but not least 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

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.

Bumpers have come a long way from when they were first designed. Originally, they were metal bars designed to be utilitarian. They then evolved to be more stylish but built the same way. Eventually, they became much larger and chrome. Automotive design took a major turn and “bumpers” turned into “bumper covers.” Large molded and painted plastic covers hid the small metal plate behind that was now designed to crunch and absorb impact.

Let’s face it. Our Toyota Tacomas are trucks, and trucks need more. Thankfully there is a massive aftermarket for our Tacos. There are countless style options, but also plenty of utilitarian and offroad bumpers in mind for both the front and rear of our Tacomas.  What works best for you?

Let’s first cover the different types of bumpers you can come across on a Tacoma. Keep in mind that there are usually more front bumper options compared to rear, so unless otherwise specified, most of these examples will be of front bumpers and bumper covers.

Stock/Bumper Cover

A stock “bumper” these days is actually considered a bumper cover. These are the plastic pieces that offer no real protection. They are designed to crumple and be thrown away in the event of an accident. They are also made up of plenty of little parts: grills, accents, lights, brackets, and more. For example, a stock front bumper and bumper cover for a 2019 Tacoma has a total of 30 parts, and the rear has 17.

The rear bumpers have more metal construction to them. While plastic is lighter and cheaper to replace compared to metal, Toyota does recognize that a Tacoma is still a truck, and that rear bumpers need to be stepped on, yanked on, bumped into, and whatever else you can throw at a truck.

Cosmetic/Looks Aftermarket Bumpers (Front and Rear)

These are once again just bumper covers, and they offer no protection or utilitarian gains at all. They just look different. Some people don’t treat trucks like trucks. They may lower them, or just make them flashy.

One of the biggest reasons for these would be color matching and chrome delete on the rear bumpers. Let’s face it... Some people just don’t like chrome. Regardless if you think it’s too hard to clean, too old school looking, or just out of place, you can color match with Bumper Shellz by ecoological that we sell here at Empyre Off road. From $120 to $200, you can ditch the chrome by adding these colored covers right over the factory chrome. If you’re feeling extra, you can get them in different colors, including multiple types of black, or you can get them “paintable” so you can do it yourself.

Low Profile Bumpers (Front)

Now we start getting into what our trucks were made for. Low profile bumpers generally attach to your frame, and wrap over the front of your bumper cover, or replace the bottom half of your bumper cover (if applicable). They are usually a few steel tubes or sheet metal welded together that are generally painted black. They are designed to be light and visually subdued, but still offer extra protection and mounting options over stock bumper covers. Some models can come with or offer mounting options for light bars, winches, and tow hooks.  Typically, these are around $550 to $2000 depending on the make, model, and options.

Off Road Bumper (Front and Rear)

When you want to treat your truck like a truck, the stock bumper covers will not last. It is unfair to dedicate just a couple paragraphs to these bumpers because there are so many different types and options, but I’ll try to sum it up.. Generally, these replace the lower half of your bumper cover and can offer some type of protection to the upper half. The lower and upper protection can vary greatly.

While some just give you the addition of a metal bumper in front of the plastic cover, some offer skid plates that help protect the expensive stuff under the truck: suspension, front-engine components and accessories, and wiring. Some also offer protection above in forms of metal grills or bars around your headlights, metal grills or bars in front of the stock grill, or both.

They allow or come with plenty of desired offroad goodies such as winches, fog lights, light bars, tow hooks, and more.

Rear bumpers are a bit more simplistic, but work the same way: plastic out, metal in. Generally, these replace the whole rear bumper and bumper cover. Like the front, they bolt to the frame to offer actual protection. They are usually visually more basic compared to stock bumper covers: one color, all metal, fewer parts, and less flash/chrome. They are robust and designed to take a beating. Generally they are solid sheet metal but sometimes are made out of tube steel for lighter weight.

While they don’t typically offer taillight protection, some more expensive models can offer storage space for fuel jugs, jacks, a spare tire, and other modular storage. Since this can take up substantial room, some offer built-in gates to hold all these extra items. To not disrupt the function of your tailgate, they can swing out of the way when needed. 

There may also be optional LED lighting and tow hook attachments built into the bumpers as well.

Push/Bull Bars (Front)

While push bars (also known as “Bull Bars”) are not exactly considered “bumpers,” they mimic the same function of a lot of the other bumper types listed in this blog. These do come in all shapes and sizes depending on your needs, but they all offer more front protection over stock bumper covers. They can be for pushing (as the name suggests), or they are great to have another line of protection before something hits your plastic bumper cover.

Basic models are a simple tube that comes up to right under the grill. They wrap over the bumper cover. More protective (and more expensive models) might replace the lower half of your bumper cover and cover a bit more of the grill. There is a bit of a grey area at some point with what is just a push bar, and what becomes an offroad bumper.

Hybrids

There dozens and dozens of bumper options for Toyota Tacomas. Those are the main categories, but there are a bunch out there that blur the lines and become a bit of both. This will give you a better understanding of what to search for when you are looking for the type of bumper that you want.

POPULAR MODELS

Now that you know what type of bumpers you may encounter, let’s take a look at what some Tacoma drivers really like. This list is based off forum results, reviews, and being in the industry.

If you want a bumper that looks great, performs well, and has complete customization, then the Tacoma Stealth Front Bumper by CaliRaised is what you need. This bumper can tackle everything you need it to while still blending into the sleek lines of your Tacoma taking that “stealth” approach. You can select a light bar either in the bumper, behind it, or have both!

Each has the option of spot or combo beams and the switches you want with them. You can also choose between two winches depending on your needs, and if you want D-Rings or not. Look out BK, because with this bumper, you can have it your way. The price starts at $1000, but will of course change with the options you select.

Are moderately low priced front bumper is the Front Lo-Pro Winch Bumper by C4 Fabrications. This bumper has a base price of $670, but with options, you can get the cost up to over $1800. It does ship with no finish (bare steel), but its rugged construction and plenty of options make it a popular choice.

A popular option for full-sized off-road bumpers would be the ARB Summit Bumper. Depending on options, these are around $1500. They give the bottom of your truck full protection, and have lots of areas to attach fog lights, LED light bars, antennas, and more. Above the lower section of the bumper is a bar that surrounds both headlights and above the grill. This will help protect your ride should you slide into a tree while offroading. They do have the option to arrive powder coated.

If you need lights, winches, and good looks, all with a fully bold-on made in America flair, ADD Offroad has you covered. The ADD Offroad Stealth Fighter front bumper, which we sell here at Empyre Off-Road has everything you need, and you can leave off everything you don’t need. There are two winch options, seven center light options, and five side light options. Of course if you already have the LED lighting you want, you can put that in as well. The central universal mount is for a 30 inch light bar, or 6 cube lights. The bumper starts at $2000, but your options will change that!

After you dress up the front of your Tacoma with ADD Offroad, don’t forget about the rear. They can take care of that too with the ADD Offroad Stealth Fighter rear bumper. Starting at just over $1600, you will have your option of four different LED lights that will flank you license plate. Aside from being also begin fully bolt on and made in America like the front bumper, there are also integrated reinforced clevis mounts accept a 3/4" d-rings which will cover your extra utilitarian needs. There are cutouts for your backup sensors as well!

If you can't make up your mind about what kind of bumper you want, Southern Style Offroad can put your mind at ease with many different bumper options. From $770 to $1500, they have the spectrum covered and allow so many custom options. Just as an example, the Southern Style Offroad Slimline Tube Bumper has two different models, optional bull bar, seven different LED lighting bat cutout options, and a bare metal ot black powder coated finish. These are made to order, so you are getting something made just for you, and not something pulled off a shelf! They also offer a rear bumper option as well to be your one stop shop!

Push/bull bars are pretty inexpensive, and a good option is the Rough Country Bull Bar. At $280, they are far cheaper compared to a complete bumper, and they offer great basic protection for getting people out of your way on the highway. This brand comes painted, and with an LED light bar already installed. While more powerful light bar options are suggested for serious use, it’s hard to beat for the price.

A good, basic hybrid would be the Barricade Off Road Brush Guard. The bottom of it is all push/bull bar, but the top is all full-sized off-road. Due to the nature of the mounting, it will not offer the same serious protection as full-sized off-road bumpers, but it will get the job done if you’re driving through some overgrown paths, or if you just want something that has “the look,” but doesn’t have the high price, you can get these for about $540, powder coated, and ready to go.

A bumper, like anything on your truck, depends on the look you want, your intended use, and how much you want to spend. Our Toyota Tacomas are very popular trucks, and that leads to many options. As with your other Tacoma mods and accessories, find what works best for you, and get it on your truck! 

Image Credits

Front and Rear Bumper Diagrams: Toyota Parts Center

Low Profile Bumper - C4 Fab: C4 Fab

Offroad Front Bumper - C4 Fab: RIGd Supply

Offroad Rear Bumper - DV8 Offroad: DV8 Offroad

Push Bar - Rough Country: Rough Country

Front and Rear ADD Bumpers - Courtesy of ADD Offroad & Empyre Off Road

Front SSO Bumper - Courtesy of SSO

BumperShellz - Courtesy of ecoological & Empyre Off Road

The Toyota 4Runner is an extremely capable SUV that is designed to take a beating and be very reliable. However, if you plan on doing any serious off-roading, rock climbing, or overlanding, you better be prepared. Not only are there plenty of expensive components under your 4Runner that can get damaged, but paint and body work is not cheap either. How do we help stop this from happening? Skid plates and body armor! Let’s get into what it takes to protect your Toyota 4Runner from the great outdoors.

What is a skid plate?

Skid plates are panels made of a tough and abrasion-resistance material that are bolted (usually) onto the bottom side of a vehicle to prevent damage from occurring to the underside of a vehicle when it makes contact with the ground.

As the name suggests, the goal is to protect your SUV by not only taking an impact, but allow you to “skid” off your obstacle. Ever looked under a vehicle? There are lots of nooks and crannies for something to get wedged in. That can lead to an expensive mistake. A long flat surface in the form of a skid plate is a much better solution.

Where do skid plates go?

There are a lot of places under your 4Runner you will want to protect. These include the engine and front accessories, transmission, transfer case, fuel tank, and the door sills. Each section has its own skid plate that you can purchase, and some manufacturers offer skid plates that connect together to allow you to keep the whole undercarriage of your SUV protected. Add sliders to the frame under the door sills, and you’ll basically have a tank.

How much do they cost?

Skid plates are not the cheapest things, especially if you start getting some for all different areas. Your average lowest price for one component will be around $350. However, depending on the quality of material, brand, and which part it covers, prices can be well over $700. Keep in mind that while this may seem like a lot, serious off-roaders will tell you that it is far less than the cost of replacement parts and labor to fix damaged parts that you didn’t protect.

Different Types of Skid Plates

Now that you’re an expert on what a skid plate is, where do they actually go? What exactly does it protect? How much of my 4Runner can I protect? These are all valid questions! While these Toyotas are designed to be durable, they shouldn’t have mountains scraping against them, so let’s get into it!

FRONT SKID PLATES

These skid plates mount directly behind your front bumper and offer a front line of protection from whatever you throw your 4Runner into. Generally they make use of your SUV’s existing mounting points, so no extra drilling is required. There are of course expectations to that depending on manufacturer.

Even mild off-roaders can benefit from a front skid plate. These offer a level of armor to parts such as radiators, A/C condensers, oil pans, engine accessories, and more. These are one of the panels that can be easily seen from anyone outside your SUV (even if your 4runner is not lifted), so it’s also a great opportunity to get something that looks good as well to show off that you mean off-roading business! TRD makes one that shows off that logo!

TRANSMISSION SKID PLATES

No one likes transmission issues. They are expensive, and any issue with them will render your 4Runner undrivable. While Toyota does make a very robust transmission, you don’t want to take advantage of that and come crashing down on a bolder. Enter the transmission skid plate. 

Designed to secure the transmission from the wild trails, a transmission skid plate will generally also mount up underneath your 4runner with no extra drilling required. While great on their own, they are even better when paired with a front skid plate and transfer case skid plate. Adding all three together will effectively armor the whole front and mid section of your 4Runner in one (almost continuous) go.

TRANSFER CASE SKID PLATES

Your transfer case is designed to provide power as needed to your front and rear wheels. It is an absolute must to keep this crucial part protected during your off-road adventures. Directly behind your transmission (and transmission skid plate, if you get one), this skid plate will mount to existing factory mounting points.

While best to pair with a front and transmission skid plate due to its small size, this plate will ensure a better chance of survival of your transfer case during your next rock climb.

COMPLETE FRONT/MID SKID PLATE

If you don’t want to worry about individual components, there are companies that make one long skid plate that will cover the front, transmission, and transfercase. This is great for a one stop shop solution for covering some of the more expensive parts of your 4Runner.

One of the biggest downsides could actually be its intended solution: taking damage. If you have three separate skid plates, and your transfer case skid plate gets damaged, you can fix or replace that plate. If you have one long one, the whole thing needs to be replaced or fixed. Just something to think about!

FUEL TANK SKID PLATES

Obviously a hole in your fuel tank is bad. Not only do you risk spontaneous combustion, but running out of fuel and potentially being slapped with a fine from the EPA is bad too. While very durable, if you do some serious rock crawling and can afford the extra protection, you might want to look into one of these skid plates. I could go into further detail, but hey… Holes in your gas tank are not good.

SUSPENSION SKID PLATES

While not as common, your suspension could use some love too. These are definitely more specialty products and not something everyone makes or uses, but if you’re around jagged rocks frequently, you don’t want a busted shock. Let’s get into some options.

LOWER CONTROL ARM SKID PLATES

Lower control arms are basically responsible for “holding your front wheels” in place. You can imagine the bad day you could have if you get these hung up on a rock. Thankfully there is a skid plate for that! These are designed to effectively enclose the exposed bottom and sides of your lower control arms to take the brunt of any impacts.

When shopping around, you do want to take note about fitment. Many manufacturers have special notes such as not being able to fit TRD Pro models, or models with a TRD front skid plate. Do your research before you buy!

REAR SHOCK SKID PLATES

While not something you would normally think about protecting, your rear shocks are actually pretty exposed to everything. Protecting them can be a bit of a challenge since they are designed to retract and expand as needed, but there are a few options on the market for the serious off-roader who wants every bit of protection. For the reason above, most opt to protect one of the most crucial impact points: the bottom.

Scrapping and impacts to this part of the shocks are common during off-road use, and not only does this degrade the life of the shock, but it could make them challenging to remove when you go to replace them in the future if they get all bent and banged up. This may not be something to overlook! You can check out our rear shock skid plates here.

ROCK SLIDERS

Everything listed previously has been designed to protect the drivetrain and suspension, but if the side of your 4Runner slams down on a rock, you can get some serious damage. Not only can your rocker panels be damaged (which will be something everyone can see), if bad enough, you might have a hard time opening or closing your door.

Sliders are designed to bolt to your frame and protect your 4Runner’s body. They might have steps built in to make getting in and out of your SUV easier, but keep in mind that side steps or running boards are NOT rock sliders, but rock sliders CAN have steps. You can find a selection of rock sliders for your Toyota 4Runner right here on Empyre Off-Road!

BRUSH GUARDS AND BULL BARS

While more common in the 80s and 90s, brush guards and bull bars are designed to protect your front end. Depending on the size, they can protect your bumper, grille, headlights, and so on. They bolt to your frame, and extend in front of your bumper. If you hit something or need to push something, they will not only take the damage before your bumper, but will transfer it evenly across the front of your SUV, since it’s attached to your frame.

These are not really “in vogue” anymore these days. However, with plastic bumper covers the norm, it’s worth having them protected. The level of protection depends on what you want. These can be a simple and small bar in front, or a much larger and elaborate setup that covers the grilel and lights too.

Certain brush guards and bull bars allow the ability to mount light bars as well, which increases the utilitarian nature of them. Do not attach a winch to them. They are generally not rated for that kind of stress.

BUMPERS

A very expensive option, but very durable if you’re serious about off-roading would be bumpers. Stock bumpers look great but offer no protection while rock crawling. Off-roading bumpers are heavy but designed to take a beating. Depending on the design, you can also have the ability to attach light bars and winches. A heavy-duty steel bumper with light bars and a winch will not only protect your 4Runner, but will increase its off-road capability by a lot! Let’s face it… It also looks cool. Check out the Stealth bumper that we offer on Empyre Off-Road!

Steel or Aluminum

For a lot of these, you have the option of steel or aluminum. Which is better? Which should you get? This all depends on how you are using your SUV. Steel is a very strong metal. It can take a beating and keep on going. If you are doing some serious rock crawling up the side of a mountain, you will want the protection of steel. The downside is that steel is very heavy. Weight affects the performance of your 4Runner: gas mileage, acceleration, braking, balance, and so on.

On the other end, aluminum is very light. The tradeoff is that it’s not as strong. If you’re a weekend warrior who goes on a couple of trails that might have a hill or two, aluminum is the way to go. Weight will still be added to your SUV, but far less than steel. Don’t be shy about protection: aluminum will get most jobs done the same way steel will, but depending on the thickness and how sharp the rock is that your 4Runner just crashed down on, it could be the difference between a scratch, and a full puncture.

Like I’ve said with tires and other modifications countless times before on this blog: know your end goal, and buy accordingly.

Conclusion

Skid plates and body armor for your Toyota 4Runner can be rather subjective and situational. What works for you, might not work for someone else. It’s best to just figure out exactly what type of driving you will be doing and what your budget is. Buy accordingly, and have fun while protecting your ride!

 

 

Images

Front Skid Plate - Courtesy of Trail4Runner

Transmission Skid Plate - Courtesy of Roof Top Overland

Transfer Case Skid Plate - Courtesy of Offroad Alliance

Full Front/Mid Skid Plate - Courtesy of Exit Off Road

Gas Tank Skid Plate - Courtesy of Victory 4x4

Lower Control Arm Skid Plate - Courtesy of RCI Off Road

Rear Shocks Skid Plates - Courtesy of Trail4Runner

Rock Sliders - Right here on Empyre Off-Road

Brush Guard - Courtesy of Aries Automotive

Bumper - Right here on Empyre Off-Road

If you’re in the market for a new truck, Toyota is definitely a manufacturer to consider. They are tough, reliable, and long lasting. However, you have two very impressive trucks to choose from: Tundra and Tacoma. Which is right for you? Obviously there are plenty of factors to keep in mind from MPG to towing, but let’s take a dive into each category to see where each one falls.

To keep things consistent, let’s take a look at the 2022 models for each. There are plenty of trim levels and optional packages for each truck, but let’s cover the ranges of each category for this chart, and we can break things down later.

Specs are just numbers. While they can tell you a lot, what do they actually translate into?

Price

Price is a big factory for anyone looking into a vehicle, and that’s a big difference for the Tacoma and Tundra. The base model SR for each is going to be your “no frills” type of truck. This is your best option if you plan on using a truck for more utilitarian or work purposes. The Tacoma starts at $28,485, while the Tundra is almost ten grand more at $37,745! Yes, you’re getting a much bigger truck with different specs, but that’s a lot of cash.

The trend continues as the trim levels go up… The SR5 is $13,000 more and the highest trim Tacoma level known as the Nightshade is $41,670 while the Capstone Hybrid trim for the Tundra is $76,025. That’s an over $35,000 difference. You can buy two Tacoma SR5s and still have money left over for the price of one Capstone Tundra.

This is common across most car manufacturers. The bigger and “fancier” the vehicle, the more it costs. However, with inflation causing a mess for every person on the planet, make sure you double check all the options and features to make sure you can justify the cost to yourself.

Trim Levels

Both trucks offer work, off-road, and luxury models. The SR for both models is generally your work truck. They have what you need, and not much else. They are designed for you to use, abuse, and get stuff done. The SR5 is where you start getting into all of the options to pretty much build a custom truck the way you want. Both Tacoma and Tundra are pretty similar here for both of these trims in terms of features; just the truck itself is different.

After this is where these different trucks start to take their own unique identities. While both trucks have luxury and off-road options, the Tacoma is where you’re going to get most off-road abilities. The TRD Off Road and Trail Edition will give you the most bang for your buck for a factory Tundra off-road. While the Tundra can also tackle the outdoors, your only “dedicated” trim level would be the TRD-Pro.

Both trucks offer a Limited trim, which will be your entry level luxury model.  The Tacoma has the Nightshade, which is your luxury model, but also blacked out. That makes it pretty darn unique. However, the “bigger is better” motto fits the Tundra well, as luxury is key here with this truck. The Limited, Platinum, 1794, Capstone, and the hybrid versions of each are all focused on luxury. 

To sum it up… If your focus is more trails, off-roading, and overlanding, the Tacoma might be your best option. If you need a larger and more luxurious truck, the Tundra could be for you.

Engines, Power, and Economy

Both the Tacoma and the Tundra have limited their engine options over the generations. For the first time, the Tundra has dropped its V8 for a more powerful and efficient 3.5L twin turbo V6 with a hybrid version available as well. That does seem to be the trend with all vehicles these days. How does that work for you though?

The Tacoma offers a 2.7L inline four cylinder that makes 159 horsepower and 180 foot pounds of torque. For more power, you can go with the 3.5L V6 that makes 278 horsepower and 265 foot pounds of torque. Many claim that by modern standards, both engines are a little weak. However, they are very reliable and capable in the Tacoma.

While miles per gallon are not the main thought when getting a truck, it’s still important in today’s economy. The 2.7L will get you 19 city and 24 highway miles. For a truck, that’s not too bad. The 3.5L will get you 20 in the city and 23 on the highway. Honestly, there is not much of a difference, so why not go for more power?

If you really need more power, then you’ll have to go with the Tundra. The Tundra’s 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 is tuned for different levels depending on which trim level you have. The lowest power you’ll get is 348 horsepower and 405 foot pounds of torque. That’s already 70 more ponies and 140 more foot pounds compared to the highest output of the Tacoma.

If you go for the higher-end hybrid, you’ll be getting 437 horsepower and 583 foot pounds of torque. In other words, you get ALL the power! Obviously the Tundra is your only option if you want to go hybrid. However, here is the kicker: you only get two more miles per gallon in the city. Your standard engine will get you 18 city and 24 highway, while the hybrid will get you 20 city and 24 highway. Clearly it’s not a massive difference, but it could be worth getting if you want more power. Keep in mind you’ll use far less fuel if you idle a lot too with a hybrid, so there’s that as well.

Both Tacoma and Tundra are basically tied with fuel efficiency. However, if you want power, the Tundra is the clear winner. In a truck, power translates into performance, which leads me to the next topic…

Towing and Hauling

One of the main reasons anyone gets a truck is for towing and hauling. Both trucks do this very well for their size, but let’s get into some numbers. At the lowest, the Tacoma can tow up to 6500 pounds, and 6800 at its best. If you have a two wheel drive model with the four cylinder, you’ll have the maximum payload capacity of 1685 pounds, but the four-wheel drive and V6 will only allow 1050 pounds.

The Tundra is a massive difference. Depending on trim level and options, the Tundra can pull from 8300 to 12000 pounds. The payload ranges from 1575 to 1940 pounds. Clearly that is substantially more than its little brother, but it’s a much bigger truck with much more power.

If you plan on towing and hauling heavy loads, the Tundra is going to be best for you.

Sizes

As established, the Tundra is a bigger truck, so how much bigger is bigger? In terms of overall size, the Tacoma is 6.2 feet wide and 17.69 feet long. The Tundra is 6.68 feet wide and 19.47 to 21 feet long. That’s about half a foot wider and up to 3.31 feet longer!

The Tacoma offers two bed options: 5 and 6 foot. The Tundra offers three different options: 5.5, 6.5, and 8.1 foot beds. For both trucks, these options may change the cab sizes. Speaking of which, the Tacoma can seat up to five people, and the Tundra can sit up to six. While you probably don’t want to reach that maximum seating for either truck on a long road trip, the Tundra can probably handle it more comfortably.

Keep in mind that bigger is not always better. If you live in a city or in an area of town with tight parking, you’re not going to want that extra length.  Chances are you’re not towing much either, so a larger truck may not be needed. When it comes to off-roading, the Tacoma tends to be more nimble and easier to get around in tight spaces. On the flip side, the longer wheelbase in the Tundra can give you a bit more stability in certain terrains.

To sum up this section, unless you’re going for the 8.1 foot bed, there is not much difference with the other bed sizes. Six people in a pickup isn’t the most common thing, even on the worksite. Off-roading really depends on where you find yourself most. All in all, the Tundra is bigger, and if you need the little bit extra you get from it (besides the one substantially larger bed option), then go Team Tundra!

Aftermarket

If you buy your truck with the goal of modifying it, both trucks have a pretty healthy aftermarket available. Bumpers, bedracks, sliders and steps, lights, roof racks, and more are all easy to find. Since the Tacoma is a bit more geared to off-roading, you can generally find more parts for the Tacoma. However, there is no shortage for the Tundra either. Basically both have a wide selection of parts available to build your dream truck.

Conclusion

There are plenty of reasons to argue for each truck. Clearly it comes down to being super subjective depending on your needs and budget. Here’s a little recap…

Now that you have a better understanding about which is better for you, go out there and get yourself a Toyota! When you do, don’t forget that Empyre Off-Road has the parts that you need to help you build the Tacoma or Tundra of your dreams. Thanks for stopping by!

 

 

Images Credits:

Tacoma - Courtesy of Toyota

Tundra - Courtesy of Toyota

Rock sliders and steps are something you may have been debating about getting for your Tundra. However, each has a different purpose, and you need to know what your needs are before you make your purchase. Let’s dive into what the differences are, what each one is better at, and what are some options for your Toyota Tundra.

WHAT ARE STEPS?

Steps accomplish just what they are called: they are steps. Generally, these will bolt to the body of your truck to give you easier access to climbing into the cab or your Tundra. They are great if your truck is lifted, if you have a harder time getting into vehicles, or if you simply want a more aggressive and off-road look.

WHAT ARE ROCK SLIDERS?

Rock sliders are for the more serious off-roaders and overlanders who need some extra protection. Generally, rock sliders will bolt to the frame of your Tundra, and are designed to take the impact of your truck falling down onto rocks during your crawling expedition, and distribute the force evenly to protect your Tundra’s body from damage. As the name suggests, they are normally smooth and snag free to help your truck slide off rocks and obstacles.

CAN THEY BE THE SAME?

While they may look similar to the untrained eye, there is a big difference. Rocker sliders can have built in steps, which will make them steps as well. However, steps cannot be rock sliders. Sort of like the ol’ “a square is a rectangle but a rectangle isn’t a square.”

Mounting location and build quality make a big difference as well. Steps do not need to be made of the most durable materials because they are not designed for taking impacts. They just need to hold you. This can allow them to also be bolted to the body of your Tundra, making them easier to make and install, but your truck’s body should not be taking impacts. Steps that hang low can also get caught on rocks and obstacles.

Sliders are usually made of higher grade materials with more durable finishes. With the frame being the most durable part of any vehicle, mounting the sliders to them keeps your Tundra safest if you are to hit a rock. The smooth bottom design accomplishes the “sliding.”

STEPS - TYPES AND EXAMPLES

Now that you have the terms and the basic idea down, let’s go over some types and examples that work for your Tundra. This is not an exhaustive list. These are just some ideas based on what people are liking on Facebook groups, forums, and even our customers.

Hoops Steps and Nerf Bars

These terms are generally interchangeable. These are one of your more common types of steps. Hoops can come double or single, depending on your cab or which kit you purchase. In simple terms, they are a “hoop” that is a few inches shorter than your cab to act as a step. Single hoops may require drilling to fit depending on the kit. Double hoops are generally attached to one long bar that attaches to your Tundra. Since they extend a bit lower, they are great for an aggressive look!

Rough Country Nerf Steps

Rough Country has been making all sorts of truck gear for years. These steps for your 2007 to 2021 Tundra come with two steps on each side, all constructed of heavy duty steel. They are finished with a black powder coating with a zinc base for long lasting durability. If you have any doubts, they come with a lifetime warranty.

N-Fab Nerf Step System

These N-Fab steps are built tough with three inch steel. They have a patented drop down step to allow easy access into your truck. You can get them finished in a gloss or textured black finish with their unique three stage powder-coating process. There is even an extra step near the back to make access to the front of your bed a breeze. They are backed by a five year warranty and can be yours for $400 to $600, depending on the length of your truck and options.

Running Bars

If you want a sleeker approach, running boards could be a good option to consider. These are basically one long step that extends the length of the cab. However, unlike nerf bars/steps, these don’t generally drop down much. They are designed to allow passengers to hang on to the outside of the truck (generally while holding onto hopefully something like a roof rack). Since most people will not be doing this, we can just chalk it up to they help make your truck look cool! Due to the nature of the construction, it’s not uncommon to find the “board” made out of plastic.

Rough Country HD2 Running Boards

If you want to give your truck a more aggressive look, these bolt-on HD2 running boards from Rough Country will help you achieve your goal. Each run is a solid, one piece construction, and each step has two non-skid plates with a stamped “RC” logo for good looks and easy entry. Just like the nerf bars they offer, these also come with a lifetime warranty. They cost $350 for the pair, and will fit CrewMax cabs from 2007 to 2021.

OEM Running Boards

If you want to keep everything a little more “Toyota,” then why not pick up some OEM running boards. With OEM, you can be sure fitment will be perfect, and they will be built the way Toyota engineers know they need to be, and designed to flow with the lines of your truck. While they may not offer as much real estate for your feet as some aftermarket ones, you still can’t do wrong with the way Toyota intended. You can find these for about $420.

Retractable Boards

Retractable boards are going to be your most expensive option, but if you want to add some luxury and class to your Tundra, here you go. When you open or unlock your door (depending on the manufacturer), these will lower to allow you to use them as a step.  When you close or lock your doors, they will retract back up out of the way. These will of course take a little extra time and skill to install since there is an electronic component. While you will never want to use these as sliders or any type of protection, they will surely add to the luxurious feel.

AMP Research POWERSTEP

These running boards are designed to extend when you open your door, and retract when you close your door. They come with built-in LED lighting that shines down on the boards for visibility in any conditions. It’s American designed and engineered, and backed by a five year, 60,000 mile warranty. Prices vary depending on the model and cab size, but an average cost will be around $1450. While a little on the steeper side, that is pretty on par with most retractable steps.

Rough Country Retract Step Kit

Not to mention Rough Country again, but Rough Country has these retractable running boards for 2014 to 2021 CrewMax Toyota Tundras. They drop down six inches when you open the door and have an integrated LED light to make sure you can see your running board in any lighting. They are made out of aluminum and finished with a durable corrosion-resistant finish to allow for a long life. While the non-moving Rough Country steps and running boards have lifetime warranties, this one comes with a three year warranty.

ROCK SLIDERS

Unlike steps, there are not really different “types” of sliders. Of course each one may look different, but they accomplish the same thing: protect your Tundra. If you do see any with built in steps, they will resemble running boards. Keep in mind that “slide” is in the name. They are to help your truck slide off rocks, so hoop/nerf bar style of steps would do the complete opposite and get you stuck. Here are some options to consider.

Cali Raised ProBuilt Rock Sliders

These bolt-on sliders are made by a company that has been making all sorts of high quality off-road accessories for Tundras for years now. You can choose an optional kick out at no additional cost, and you can choose a black powdercoated finish, bedliner finish, or a raw finish for you to finish them as you please. Prices start at $1000.

Victory 4x4 Strike Rock Sliders 

I have featured Victory 4x4 on here before for some of their unique products. These sliders take into consideration daily drivers. You might not want something “super off-road looking” on your commutes to work, but love rock crawling on the weekends. These sliders offer the protection of sliders, but look like running boards. They are made in the USA, and do require some drilling for off-road use. Prices start at $1050.

RCI Off-Road Sliders

If you want something rugged but completely bolt-on, RCI Off-Road offers this kit. You can choose between CrewMax or Double Cab, as well as if you want a top tread plate or not, and a black powder coated finish or bare metal. They are made in the USA with prices starting at $1025.

CONCLUSION

Sliders and steps are definitely two different things. They both serve a purpose, and it’s up to you to figure out what you need on your Toyota Tundra and what your budget is. Hopefully this list was able to help you make your decision, or at least point you in the right direction. Now, get out there, and step up your Tundra’s game.  Get it?

Image Credits

Rough Country Nerf Steps - Courtesy of Rough Country

N-Fab Nerf Steps - Courtesy of N-Fab

Rough Country Running Boards - Tundras user “Mike’s Custom Toys”

Toyota OEM Running Boards - Courtesy of Toyota Direct

AMP Research Running Boards - Courtesy of AMP Research

Rough Country Retractable Running Boards - Courtesy of Rough Country

Cali Raised Sliders - Right here at Emyre Off-Road!

Victory 4x4 Sliders - Courtesy of Victory 4x4

RCI Sliders - Courtesy of RCI