Your headlights let you drive your 4Runner safely and confidently at night and in low-light areas. Unfortunately, your 4Runner’s headlights can burn out or require replacement due to collision damage. Because it’s dangerous to drive with faulty headlights and illegal to drive without them, you should replace them immediately once they start failing.
Types of Toyota 4Runner Headlights
There are three common types of headlights: halogen, LED, and xenon. When choosing new headlights, you should refer to your owner’s manual to determine the best type for your 4Runner.
Halogen Headlights
Halogen headlights use halogen gas mixed with tungsten-halogen filaments to generate light. They are the most popular type of headlights because they are cheaper than LED and xenon headlights. One downside of having halogen headlights, however, is that they have a shorter lifespan compared to other headlight types.
LED Headlights
Newer vehicle models usually have LED lights installed. LED headlights are more expensive than halogen headlights, but they are energy efficient. High-quality LED headlights can last years without the need for replacement, and they’re also easy to retrofit and upgrade.
Xenon Headlights
Xenon or high-density discharge (HID) lights do not use a metal filament to produce light. HID lights are filled with xenon gas which ignites to make a white or bluish shade of light. They are usually found in high-end vehicles. Xenon headlights can last for years because they have no filament that can burn out.
Do All Toyota 4Runners have LED Headlights?
In 2020, Toyota announced that all new 4Runner vehicles will have LED headlights as standard equipment.
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner comes equipped with LED lights at all trim levels. These include LED low beam headlights, fog lights, and tail lights. LED high beams are only available on specific 2021 trims (Limited, Nightshade Edition, TRD Pro).
Are LED or Halogen Headlights Brighter?
LED headlights are brighter than halogen headlights. They also cast a wider pattern, use less energy, and last longer. While both types of lighting depend on the electricity from the vehicle, how they emit light differs. Halogen bulbs use a filament made of tungsten, while LEDs use semiconductors.
Are 4-Sided LED Headlights Better?
No, 4-sided LED headlights are not particularly better than other headlight types. Multi-sided LED headlights can become misaligned with the polished surfaces of the housing, affecting how the light is cast.
When shopping for headlights, you should look at their maximum luminous flux. This is the intensity of the light source as it hits or passes through a surface. You should also prioritize bulbs that allow for precision alignment and come with a focused and clear narrow beam pattern.
Things to Consider When Shopping for Toyota 4Runner Headlights
To help you narrow down your options, here are some factors to consider when shopping for replacement Toyota 4Runner headlights:
Application
The new headlight should be compatible with your Toyota 4Runner’s model year. Older Toyota 4Runner headlights have HID or halogen headlights, while succeeding models feature LED headlights.
Keeping these specifications in mind will help you find replacements that guarantee a snug fit and easy installation.
Quality
Choose a brand you trust when looking for a headlight replacement for your Toyota 4Runner. Headlights are crucial to your Toyota 4Runner’s overall operation, so the replacement should be durable and made from high-quality materials.
Cost
The cost of a new Toyota 4Runner headlight depends on its brand and design. Individual OE replacement Toyota 4Runner headlights can cost you $50 to $250 each, while a performance replacement can set you back by over $150.
4 Best Toyota 4Runner Headlight Brands
With the surplus of aftermarket Toyota 4Runner headlights available today, finding the right replacement can be hard. To make it easier for you to find the perfect headlights for your ride, we’ve listed down the four best brands on the market:
Replacement
Replacement manufactures a wide range of top-notch OE replacements for 4Runner headlights. Replacement uses high-grade materials to create Toyota 4Runner headlights that offer the same superior performance as stock components without breaking the bank.
Anzo
Anzo offers high-quality headlights that boast innovative styling at competitive prices. Anzo uses only the most advanced technological methods to manufacture its OE-grade Toyota 4Runner headlights to guarantee they’re built to last.
Dorman
Dorman offers replacement Toyota 4Runner headlights that match their stock counterparts perfectly in terms of quality and performance. 4Runner headlights from Dorman are built to last and come with different light sources in a wide array of colors and finishes.
ReplaceXL
ReplaceXL has an extensive selection of headlights for various makes and models, among other replacement parts. Its Toyota 4Runner headlights are made of high-quality materials to ensure they would deliver outstanding performance at prices that won’t break the bank.
Finding the perfect replacement headlights for your 4Runner should be easy as long as you check out brand reviews and follow the tips listed above. You should be able to choose the right headlights for your SUV as long as you remember to check your vehicle specifications or consult your trusted mechanic.
How Much Do Toyota 4Runner Headlights Cost?
The exact price of 4Runner headlights can vary depending on several factors, such as the brand and type. On average, however, you can expect to spend anywhere from $30 to $1,330.
Do All Toyota 4Runners have LED Headlights?
In 2020, Toyota announced that all new 4Runner vehicles will have LED headlights as standard equipment.
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner comes equipped with LED lights at all trim levels. These include LED low beam headlights, fog lights, and tail lights. LED high beams are only available on specific 2021 trims (Limited, Nightshade Edition, TRD Pro).
Are LED or Halogen Headlights Brighter?
LED headlights are brighter than halogen headlights. They also cast a wider pattern, use less energy, and last longer. While both types of lighting depend on the electricity from the vehicle, how they emit light differs. Halogen bulbs use a filament made of tungsten, while LEDs use semiconductors.
If you plan to go for 4Runner LED lights, be sure to get one that meets the safety regulations set by the Department of Transportation (DOT). High-quality LED headlights should also have sturdy housings with efficient heat sinks, ensuring that they last long.
Are 4-Sided LED Headlights Better?
No, 4-sided LED headlights are not particularly better than other headlight types. Multisided LED headlights can become misaligned with the polished surfaces of the housing, affecting how the light is cast.
When shopping for headlights, you should look at their maximum luminous flux. This is the intensity of the light source as it hits or passes through a surface. You should also prioritize bulbs that allow for precision alignment and come with a focused and clear narrow beam pattern.
Can I Just Put LED Lights in My Car?
It’ll depend on the exact year model of your Toyota 4Runner, but you can typically install LED lights as long as you find ones that are compatible with your ride. When it comes to installing new headlights, it can be a bit complicated, considering how an LED bulb has a different light pattern than other types of headlights. You’d need to replace the housing as well to accommodate the new LED bulbs.
Most people recommend buying used stock units from owners who upgraded their Toyota 4Runners, but it ultimately depends on your preference and budget.
You can also upgrade your interior lighting with interior LED kits for an improved off-roading experience. The exact contents of these kits can vary, but they typically contain LED replacement bulbs for map lights, dome lights, and other interior lights.
Where to Get New Headlights for Your Vehicle
Not only is driving with a broken headlight illegal, it’s also very dangerous. A busted headlight means reduced visibility at night. You’re also less likely to be seen by other drivers, which increases your risk of getting into an accident. For your own safety, it’s best to replace your broken headlights as soon as possible. Luckily, getting replacement headlights is fast and easy with CarParts.com.
CarParts.com offers a wide selection of headlights, all sourced from the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. Whether you’re looking for halogen, LED, or xenon headlights, you can easily browse our part catalog with the help of our vehicle selector and search filters. CarParts.com also guarantees fast shipping, thanks to our strategically located warehouses. Order by 12 p.m. ET, and you can even expect your brand-new headlights to arrive in as fast as two business days.
Don’t wait until you get into an accident before replacing your damaged headlights Check out our high-quality headlights at CarParts.com today!
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