2021 stock limited LED headlights and fog review

I recently traded my 19 limited for 21 limited, which includes stock LED unified low/high beam projector and LED reflector fog lights.

However, it has the same halogen DRL as before. Also, the signals and all other interior, exterior lights are still the standard incandescents as before, so I’ll have to switch all of those annoying bulbs out soon.

In the past, I’ve reviewed how lackluster drop-in LEDs from Morimoto and Xtreme LED pro were in the low beam projector.

I am happy to report that the new low beams are utterly fantastic. They are now finally as bright as the Corolla’s LED low beams !!!

The light throws very far and wide with good contrast to the human eye, unlike some LED bulbs that are too blue and reduce night contrast.

The LED reflector fogs are a new design vs the previous “high performance” OEM LED fog lights. I have no major complaints with them, except they don’t seem to shoot as wide as the previous OEM LEDs, and they don’t look as cool as the previous LEDs with the black bezel. They seem to not add much, only because the low beams are already so wide.

The new LED high beams seem to be less-high/weaker/less throw/less contrast than the halogen 9005 high beam, but I rarely use high beams anyway. The auto Hi-beam is awful. I wouldn’t use it ever. You’ll just piss people off.

Overall, the 2021 4Runner stock headlights are excellent and finally on par with the 2014 Corolla baby!

 

I, too, appreciate the new light tech on the 4Runner.

I’m eager to find a worthwhile replacement for the DRL/hi-beam bulbs... any suggestions?

 

On the limited and Pro models, they come with a bi-low/hi LED beam similar to a 9006 bulb. So my plan is to just drive with the low beams on at all times, since the light sensor automatically adjusts the brightness of the screen and gauges.

On the other models like yours, they come with only the led low beam and a halogen 9005 drl/hi beam. So I would recommend the Ddm tuning saber pro led 9005 with the 3000k yellow color. Or if you prefer white, get the 6000k. Since it runs at 55w, it doesn’t require a separate DRL ballast. Someone posted pics of the 3000k on this forum in the past. They look good and are available on Amazon or direct on their website.

The second option (and not recommended option) is xtreme led pro 9005, but they’ll charge you an extra $60 for the DRL ballast on top of the $120 for the bulbs, and these have been reported to have a noticeable flickering.

 

Nightshade. Nice.

 

Thank you for posting this review! For context, here is the IIHS report on the Corolla's LED headlights (spoiler: they're considered only "marginal" -- though that's better than the "Poor" rating for the 4Runner halogens!)

https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/toyota/corolla-4-door-sedan/2020#headlights

IIHS has yet to evaluate the 2021 4Runners.

 

thanks for the info. regarding the fogs, can you comment if this is the correct part number?

https://toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-fog-lights-led-black-finish-pt41342191

 

I don’t know how they evaluate. All I know is my own personal experience behind the wheel and with all kinds of aftermarket HIDs and LED bulbs.

In my opinion, the Corolla stock LEDs are fantastic. Nearly on par with aftermarket HIDs that I used in the past. Even the most expensive “premium” LED drop in bulbs were utterly awful compared to the Corolla.

 

The ones you linked were what I had on my 2019. They are sexy with the black bezel. Which is what I have in my hand in the pic below.

New stock 4Runner led fog is a led directional reflector with chrome mirror. Pic attached.

 

Okay so the top one is the led fogs from your 2021 limited

 

Yep. I was thinking about swapping the 2021 stock for the 2019 OEM LED fogs for looks alone, but I’m gonna leave it. Either way, the performance is about the same, and neither is really necessary since the low beams are already so good and wide.

 

I have the halogen fogs and want to upgrade to one of those two

 

I have been using in my 4 runner limited 2019 the xenon depot led in high beam including the Drl function and I haven’t been any problem.