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Toyota 4Runner 1996-2002: Aftermarket Headlight Reviews

In the market for some aftermarket headlights? There are a million to choose from, especially for a third generation 4Runner. Fortunately, given the age of the vehicle, a lot of owners have already tried out the various brands – below are three of the more popular lights to consider.

By Jeffrey Bausch - February 1, 2016

This article applies to the Toyota 4Runner (1996-2002).

If it’s time to replace the headlights on your 4Runner, you’d be best served to go with something a bit more modern. Today’s headlights offer a greater field of view and better technology to ensure the light’s not working too hard which, in turn, extends its lifetime. Per the latter point, where old headlights were guaranteed to operate for a few hundred hours (under ideal circumstances), today’s lamps now promise more than 2,000 hours! Before you begin browsing all of the many aftermarket headlight websites out there, check out these three brands—they’re the more popular types that 4Runner drivers go with.

Aftermarket Headlights
FX-R Stage III
G3 Bi-Xenon HID Projectors
FX-35 Bi-Xenon Projector, Retrofit
Price
 $300 $250 $125
Size
 3" lens 2.5" lens 2.5" lens
Performance
 Excellent Excellent Excellent
Lifespan
 2,000+ hours 2,500+ hours 2,000+ hours
Best Quality: G3 Bi-Xenon HID Projectors

Best Value: FX 35 Bi-Xenon Projectors, Retrofit

FX-R Stage III


Price – $300

Size – 3" lens

Performance – Excellent

Lifespan – 2,000+ hours

As can be surmised by the higher price point, FX-R Stage III bulbs are a high quality headlight to install on any car, less a 3rd gen 4Runner. No matter, should you consider going this route, you will not be disappointed—reviewers of this particular headlamp noted a night-and-day difference in illumination between what they were using compared to what the FX-R Stage III offered. Improved field of view and long lifespan are also some of the highlights associated with this particular brand.

Unfortunately, there is a downside. Retrofitting these headlights into your 4Runner is not easy. Some reviewers reported spending an entire day trying to get all the wires hooked into their truck. So, if you have time and money to spare, this is a good option to go with.

G3 Bi-Xenon HID Projectors

Price –$250

Size – 2.5" lens

Performance – Excellent

Lifespan – 2,000+ hours

It should be noted that the $250 price point is an average of prices across the Internet. There are numerous models available under the G3 umbrella, so depending on what you are looking for, you will either pay more or less. Either which way, this is a superb headlight that a lot of reviewers reported as being extremely high performing. What’s more, installation was a breeze, so they were able to save on the cost of bringing the truck into the shop.

These headlamps make for a smart purchase if you’re looking for a high quality product that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

FX 35 Bi-Xenon Projectors, Retrofit

Price – $125

Size – 2.5" lens

Performance – Good

Lifespan – 2,000+ hours

If you’re looking for new headlights that will do the job and not break the bank, check out FX-35 Bi-Xenon Projectors. This particular brand does a sound job at lighting up the driver’s field of view both during dusk as well as deep night situations. They’re also simple to install and affordable across numerous shops.

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