Best Aftermarket Grilles for Toyota Tacoma

Aftermarket Grille Benefits

While aftermarket grilles may seem like nothing more than aesthetic modifications, they offer far more than meets the eye. Before we get into our top picks, let’s cover the multiple benefits of aftermarket grilles.

Enhanced Styling

First, we have to reference styling. Your Tacoma’s front end is the area most other drivers notice first and, as such, should make a lasting impression. Aftermarket grilles accomplish just that, especially those featuring precision laser-cut designs, like 300 Industries Grilles.

Enhanced Functionality

Next, we have improved functionality. Now, functionality may mean different things to different people, such as enhanced protection, enhanced visibility of your Tacoma’s front end, and enhanced visibility of the road. Fortunately, aftermarket grilles can offer all these features and more. 

From impact and puncture-resistant alloy grilles, like the T-Rex Laser X-Metal Grille, to grilles with integrated LED lights, like the Vision-X VX Series Grille, aftermarket grilles can do way more than look good.

Grille Variances

Grilles aren’t a one-size-fits-all accessory. Every enthusiast has different needs and preferences, and as a result, manufacturers produce several different grilles. This section covers key differences you’ll spot while shopping for aftermarket Tacoma grilles.

Grille Styles

The first variance you’ll encounter is grille styles. At RealTruck, we offer several for the Tacoma, featuring different aesthetics, characteristics, and functionality. Our most popular include: 

• Bar Billet Grilles: Classic, early-2000s-inspired grilles manufactured from vertical or horizontal billet aluminum strips. These grilles typically feature a mirror-polished finish for a lustrous appearance. 

• Bumper Grilles: If the cutouts in your Tacoma’s bumper look too empty, consider installing a bumper grille for some much-needed detail. 

• LED Grilles: Aftermarket grilles featuring recessed LED auxiliary lights or market lights. Whether you’re looking to increase other driver’s visibility of your Tacoma or your visibility on the road, LED grilles have you covered. 

• Mesh Grilles: Sleek, sporty grilles featuring interweaving mesh inserts. Mesh grilles come in alloy and plastic constructions. 

• Punch Billet Grilles: Durable, stylish, what more would you want? Punch billet grilles feature plate steel construction with numerous holes punched throughout for airflow. 

• Specialty Grilles: If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, check out our selection of specialty grilles. This style includes unique and unorthodox products that'll surely set your Tacoma apart.

Grille Materials

Next, we have grille materials. Grilles come in several material constructions, ranging from alloy mesh to molded plastic. Some of the most popular include: 

• ABS Plastic: This robust, synthetic material offers exceptional impact resistance, durability, and strength, all while retaining a low weight and impressive flexibility. 

• Aluminum: Lightweight, strong, and naturally corrosion-resistant—there isn’t much to dislike about aluminum. 

• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel offers exceptional strength and durability, much like conventional steel. However, the alloy's high chromium content offers far better corrosion resistance than traditional carbon steel.

• Carbon Steel: While carbon steel is highly durable, it’s also prone to rust and oxidation. As a result, we recommend using carbon steel grilles only when treated with a premium powder coat or chrome plating. Traditional paint finishes may lead to chipping and unsightly rust spots.

Finishes

Lastly, let’s cover grille finishes. Grilles come in several distinct coatings and platings that directly impact the product’s appearance and corrosion resistance. Some of the leading colors/finishes include:

• Black: Black grilles are sleek, stealthy, and aggressive, making them the ultimate addition to an off-road-inspired Tacoma build. Black grilles may be powder-coated or painted. 

• Polished: Polished grilles are manufactured from aluminum or stainless steel. The alloy has been diligently sanded and polished to a mirror-like finish. This lustrous appearance perfectly complements chrome wheels, bumpers, and accents.

Top Toyota Tacoma Grilles

With benefits and variances covered, it’s time to get to the article's main topic: our expert’s top picks. Our experts have carefully selected each of the five products on this list to offer the best blend of durability, fit, and finish.

Paramount Impulse Grille

The Paramount Impulse Grille is a rugged yet sporty addition to any Tacoma. This honeycomb-patterned grille features a minimalist design consisting of a honeycomb mesh with a sleek, satin-black frame. Three Raptor-style amber LED lights are positioned within the grille, serving as auxiliary markers.  

This grille features robust ABS construction, offering exceptional impact, abrasion, and UV resistance. The product's matte black raw finish blends perfectly with existing black plastic trim and accents, ideal for blacked-out themes and sport appearance packages. 

Paramount backs the Impulse Grille with a 5-year warranty. 

Features: 

• Full replacement for OE grille

• Durable ABS plastic construction

• Sporty honeycomb pattern

• Stealthy matte black finish

• Features three amber LED lights

• UV-resistant 

• 5-year warranty

300 Industries Grilles

If you’re looking to stand out, check out 300 Industries Grilles, featuring ornate designs laser-cut from rigid steel. Designs include American flags, skulls, Tacoma branding, and more.  

These grilles are manufactured from heavy-duty 16-ga. plate steel for exceptional strength. Whether you’re involved in a slight fender bender in a parking lot or tearing through thick brush on a back road, 300 Industries Grilles will protect your Tacoma’s front end.

300 Industries Grilles ship in a sleek, satin black powder coat finish. Not only does this finish look great, but it also protects against corrosion. 

300 Industries proudly manufactures its grilles in the USA and back each order with a limited lifetime warranty.  

Features: 

• Heavy-duty 16-ga. steel construction

• Satin black powder coat finish

• Various designs available

• Custom-fit design

• Simple installation

• Minor modifications may be required

• USA-made

• Limited lifetime warranty

APS Riveted Mesh Grille

Toughen up your Tacoma’s front end with a rugged APS Riveted Mesh Grille. This product features durable stainless steel construction for superior strength and corrosion resistance, guarding against unsightly rust and oxidation. APS offers this product in your choice of black powder coat or chrome-plated finishes, allowing further customization to match your Tacoma’s accents. 

This grille features a vehicle-specific design, though it isn’t exactly a direct fit. Some minor cutting and drilling are required, though each order includes thorough instructions and all necessary hardware for a straightforward job. 

APS backs the Riveted Mesh Grille with a limited lifetime warranty. 

Features: 

• High-quality stainless steel construction

• Black powder-coat or chrome-plated finish

• Vehicle-specific fitment

• Multiple styles available

• Cutting and/or drilling required for certain models

• Limited lifetime warranty

T-Rex Torch Grille

Boost front-facing visibility with the T-Rex Torch Grille: a rugged, steel mesh grille with integrated ZROADZ LED lighting. 

This grille features robust all-steel construction, including a rigid 12-ga. steel frame and steel mesh inlay. The entire assembly receives a matte black powder coat finish for added corrosion resistance. T-Rex allows customers to choose between chrome and black rivets for further customization. 

T-Rex includes all necessary hardware and wiring components for a straightforward installation. This product is proudly manufactured in the USA and backed by a limited lifetime structural and 3-year finish warranty. 

Features: 

• Heavy-duty 12-ga. steel frame

• Steel wire mesh inlay

• Choose from chrome or stealth black rivets

• 2-stage black powder coat finish

• Built-in ZROADZ LED lighting

• Includes removable X-metal logo

• Complete with wiring harness, relay, toggle switch, and all necessary hardware

• Get a matching bumper grille

• USA-made

• Limited lifetime structural | 3-year finish warranty

T-Rex Bar Billet Grille

Lastly, the T-Rex Bar Billet Grille is a classic, early-2000s-inspired grille made from multiple billet aluminum horizontal bars. T-Rex offers full-replacement inserts or overlays, depending on your preferred installation. 

This grille’s billet aluminum construction is both durable and lightweight. Aluminum also resists corrosion, ensuring years of reliable service aboard your Tacoma. Depending on your aesthetic preference, T-Rex offers Bar Billet Grilles in polished or black powder coat finishes.  

This product is proudly manufactured in the USA and backed by a limited lifetime structural and 3-year finish warranty. 

Features: 

• Durable billet aluminum construction 

• Sleek, street-inspired design

• Choose from a grille insert or overlay

• Choose from polished aluminum or black finish

• All hardware included

• Get a matching bumper grille 

• USA-made

• Limited lifetime structural | 3-year finish warranty