Upgrading a Toyota Tacoma 3rd Gen (2016–2023) can boost comfort, convenience, and value without sacrificing reliability. This article highlights select upgrades designed for practicality, durability, and ease of installation. Each item is chosen for fitment with 3rd-gen Tacomas and offers a balance of style and function for daily driving, off-road adventures, and family trips.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Side A-Pillar Grab Handle | bgucar | OEM-style texture; enhances ingress/egress with a secure fit |
| Car Radio Upgrade (9″ HD Touch Screen) | iCarSEPTON | Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto; built-in GPS and 5G WiFi6 |
| Leather Seat Covers | Carlimeki | Fully covered, faux leather, waterproof and easy to clean |
| Phone Mount (Dashboard Clip) | iGoevo | Adjustable metal base; secure, one-handed operation |
| Interior Dome Lighting Upgrade | ZEN HON | Brighter 6000K LED; easy fitment and brightness control |
These products focus on improving daily usability while preserving the Tacoma’s rugged, factory-like appearance. Whether you’re upgrading for a cleaner interior, safer driving with better device mounting, or modern infotainment, the right accessories can make a noticeable difference without compromising reliability.
bgucar Driver Side A-Pillar Grab Handle
Enhancing entry and exit comfort, this driver-side A-pillar grab handle mirrors the passenger side in texture and color for a cohesive look. The OEM-style finish integrates with the Tacoma’s interior, maintaining a clean, factory appearance. Built with high-strength materials, it offers a secure fit and resists creaking even with frequent use. Installation is straightforward, with no complicated modifications required, making this a practical upgrade for both daily drivers and weekend explorers.
License Plate Light Covers for 2016-2023 Tacoma
These light covers are designed to reduce glare from license plate illumination and minimize reverse camera blinding in low-light conditions. The covers fit 2016–2023 Tacomas with minimal modification and include an OEM-like texture that blends with the bumper area. Proper fitment ensures clearer nighttime visibility when backing up, improving safety without altering the vehicle’s exterior styling.
GZSH Hidden Front Center Console Cover
The hidden center console cover creates a secure, discreet storage space within the Tacoma’s console. Made from sturdy ABS plastic, it protects valuables and supports a neat interior look. The lid uses a magnet for smooth operation, enabling quick access to stored items. This upgrade adds a touch of privacy and a practical storage solution without compromising the console’s original layout.
Carlimeki Leather Seat Covers
Carlimeki offers a full-coverage seat upgrade for the 3rd-gen Tacoma, compatible with double and crew cabs from 2016–2023. The faux leather is waterproof and durable, designed to handle everyday wear and weather exposure. An installation guide is available to assist with a step-by-step process, ensuring the original seats remain protected and the interior gains a refreshed, premium appearance. This upgrade balances luxury with practicality for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Kaishengyuan Car Phone Holder for Tacoma
This dashboard clip phone cradle is built specifically for the Tacoma’s 3rd Gen interior, offering an adjustable metal base and secure mounting that resists detachment on rough roads. The adhesive dash mount is residue-free and designed to reduce dashboard wear. Its one-hand operation and 360-degree swivel provide flexible viewing angles, contributing to safer, easier access to navigation, calls, and apps while driving.
iCarSEPTON 9-Inch NK Radio Upgrade
This infotainment upgrade for 2016–2023 Tacomas features a 9-inch HD touch screen with CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless connectivity, built-in GPS navigation, Bluetooth, and a rear camera input provide modernizing capabilities without sacrificing core Toyota aesthetics. The device supports 5G WiFi6 for fast app downloads and smoother streaming, making it a versatile upgrade for daily commuting and road trips alike.
ZEN HON LED Interior Dome Lighting
ZEN HON provides a 6000K pure white LED upgrade designed for interior dome lighting. The sheet-style LEDs fit the Tacoma’s lamp housings and offer a significant brightness boost, improving cabin visibility at night. The lights are engineered for efficient heat dissipation, helping to prolong lifespan while delivering a crisp, modern glow across the interior. This upgrade contributes to both safety and ambiance inside the cab.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
When choosing Tacoma upgrades, consider fitment accuracy, installation effort, and expected impact on daily use. For interior upgrades like seat covers or console organizers, assess whether the material (faux leather vs. fabric) aligns with your climate, cleaning routine, and how often you transport passengers or gear. For electronics and mounting accessories, verify compatibility with your model year, and ensure the product supports necessary features like CarPlay/Android Auto, GPS, or a secure mounting system that won’t damage the dash. Durability matters: select items with robust materials and positive long-term reviews. Finally, think about aesthetics—matching textures, colors, and finishes helps preserve the Tacoma’s factory-like appeal while delivering enhanced functionality.
Compared to stock configurations, mid-range upgrades typically offer meaningful improvements in comfort, safety, and convenience without significant cost. Prioritize items that provide clear, practical benefits you will notice during daily driving or trips—such as a more secure phone mount, a brighter interior, or a more robust infotainment system. If you must pick a single upgrade to start with, a modern infotainment system that supports wireless CarPlay/Android Auto can dramatically improve usability and reduce driver distraction on the road.