I Added Something That Might Be as Controversial as Installing Raptor Lights On the Front of My Toyota Tacoma, Should it Stay?

Should it stay, or should it go?

Chloe Kuo (@chloekuotaco), a passionate Toyota Tacoma and off-roading enthusiast like many of us, recently shared a video on TikTok showcasing the latest modification on her 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road. 

She wonders if it's worth it and asks, "Should it stay?"

Your opinion matters, so share it in the comment section below. But before you do, let's check out this new upgrade that Chloe has installed on her new Tacoma. 

Imagine buying a 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road, and you want it to improve its aesthetics. You check out the factory upgrades Toyota offers for your new truck and run across a light-up Toyota logo for the grille. You think, "That might look good."

However, when you show it to other Tacoma truck enthusiasts, they aren't sure it improves its aesthetics. Some say it makes the truck look gaudy and comical. Others like it. It didn't take you that long to install, so it's easy to take back off and reinstall the original logo. What should she do?

Here is Chloe's dilemma.

Kuo begins her video by holding a light-up grill emblem beside her 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road in Underground exterior color. She also owns a Gen 3 Tacoma, which she will keep. So, now she's upgrading her new $55,000 TRD Off-Road. 

She's already upgraded and added new hood struts that open automatically instead of using the factory hood prop. The upgrade (not from Toyota) is perfect for shorter people like her. It's a great new upgrade. No one would argue with that. 

But what about the new lighted Toyota emblem displayed prominently on the front of your truck? It can be seen at night between your headlights. 

Here is what Chloe says, and then we want your opinion.

Chloe begins, "I need your help, guys; today, I'm adding something that might be as controversial as installing Raptor lights on the front of my Toyota Tacoma." 

Kuo explains why she thinks the new install on her Tacoma is controversial. 

Except Raptor lights serve the purpose of number one, helping others see the truck's width. And two, they add to the aesthetics. 

However, what I have here for my Tacoma is just for the aesthetics. 

She begins her lighted logo install. "Ok, to install it, I need to pry out the front logo, and thankfully, I didn't break any of the clips, just in case I want to reinstall it later on." 

"I wrap this wiring harness that camera in the kit and tap it into the daytime running lights. I plug my new logo in, snap it in place, and turn on the headlights for the full reveal." 

"It's a light-up grille emblem," she says with a big smile. "I was partially intrigued by this since it's a part you can buy from the Toyota dealer. So, it's supposed to have a factory look and finish." 

"And I think it does. But I want to hear the consensus on this one. Should it stay?"

What do you think?  

The MSRP for the Tacoma Illuminated Front Emblem from a Toyota dealer is $255. That's just for the part. You have to install it yourself, which does not look too complicated, or you can have a Toyota dealer do it. 

It likely took Chloe about an hour to install the Illuminated Front Emblem on her Tacoma, so she saved herself around $100 to $150 for the labor to have the dealer's service department install the lighted logo on her truck.

The factory-lighted logo is available on Toyota's website. 

Toyota says, "Add a touch of style to your Tacoma with the Illuminated Front Emblem. Whether navigating city streets or tackling rugged trails, this emblem will make a bold Toyota statement wherever your adventures take you. It's been  tested against harsh UV exposure to resist fading, ensuring long-lasting brilliance, and it provides a polished finish to elevate your vehicle's front grille."

This Toyota product fits 13 vehicle variants and two Tacoma and Tundra models between 2023 and 2025. 

Chloe says some have compared the lighted logo with installing Raptor lights on her Tacoma TRD Off Road. 

What are Raptor Lights?

Motor Trend says, "Officially, they're "identification lamps," but whatever you call them, the three small amber lights in the grille of a truck have become a styling cue for off-road trucks." 

"The F-150 Raptor wasn't the first truck to wear them, but it definitely started the trend, hence why enthusiasts and the aftermarket often use the term "Raptor lights" regardless of what truck they're on."

Purists say that your Tacoma should not have Raptor Lights.

MT says it's simple: "Your midsize Tacoma truck is not wide enough to leave the factory with Raptor lights, and pressing any number of orange LEDs into your grille won't add inches to your vehicle's girth." 

"Notice that neither the new 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter nor the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor are fitted with these orange telltales, although you can imagine the marketers certainly wish they were."

"The legality of adding aftermarket Raptor lights to your rig will come down to local laws, but vehicle lighting is heavily regulated. Unless you've installed fenders that push the body beyond 80 inches, adding exterior lights to your vehicle could earn you a ticket from a knowledgeable and ornery cop. When in doubt, refer to your local vehicle code."

Why are the lights allowed on the Ford Raptor?

MT says the three small, amber lights on the grilles are all about style. However, they're tied to the Ford Raptor because the truck was so wide that U.S. regulations required added lighting.

However, midsize trucks like the Toyota Tacoma are not considered wide enough to really need them. In other words, purists see it as posturing. "Like wearing a Carhart jacket to a desk job," says MT.

Conclusion.

I'll ask the same question as Chloe. Some have compared the lighted logo she installed on her 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road with installing Raptor lights on the midsize truck. Is the lighted Toyota logo just posturing and dramatic, or a touch of style and a bold statement like Toyota says?

What do you think about the Tacoma lighted logo? Should it stay, or should it go? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my Toyota Tacoma story titled; Toyota is Desperately Trying to Stop Their Brand Image From Taking a Straight Dumpster Dive, Now The Tacoma Transmissions Are Failing

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Chloe Kuo