5th Gen 4Runner Headlights Guide (2014–2024): Which aftermarket setup suits your rig?

When the sun drops and the trail turns to shadows, good lighting isn’t a luxury, it’s control and safety. For 5th gen 4Runner owners, swapping to a modern LED headlight assembly upgrades night visibility, tightens the beam pattern, and gives your rig the tough, modern look that matches the rest of your build.

Below I break down the four big options we’re asked about most—AlphaRex NOVA‑Series MKII, Morimoto XB EVO Dual DRL, Diode Dynamics / FORM Lighting Sequential Projectors, and our FS6 Pro Black—with real specs, warranty details, and who each one is best for.

The short list (what’s what)

AlphaRex NOVA‑Series MKII (2014–2024)

• Tech: Quad 3D “ice‑cube” projectors, selectable white or amber DRL, sequential turn signal, activation light show
• LEDs/Optics: Osram Oslon Black Flat chips, DOT/SAE compliant
• Notes: 2021+ 4Runners require a converter harness (add-on)
• Warranty: 2 years
• Typical price tier: Mid‑High
  Source: AlphaRex product/warranty pages (quad projectors, selectable DRL, activation light, DOT/SAE; 2‑yr warranty). AlphaRexx

Morimoto XB EVO Dual DRL (2014–2024)

• Tech: Dual high‑output DRL bars, sequential turn, modern OEM‑grade housings
• Compliance: DOT/SAE
• Warranty: 5 years
• Typical price tier: Highest
  Source: Morimoto fitment + feature pages and retailer listing (5‑yr warranty, EVO family fitment). Morimoto

Diode Dynamics / FORM Lighting Sequential Projectors (2014–2024)

• Tech: Projector low/high beams, sequential amber turn signal, plug‑and‑play
• Power draw: ~42W per light (assembly)
• Compliance: DOT/FMVS S108
• Warranty: 2 years
• Typical price tier: Value
  Source: Diode Dynamics product page (specs, wattage, price, DOT, warranty). Diode

FS6 Pro Black (5th Gen 4Runner)

• Tech: Triple‑beam projectors, white DRL with sequential turns, red demon‑eye accent
• Use: Off‑road/show use only (not DOT)
• Warranty: 1 year
• Typical price tier: Budget
  Source: 4R Customs FS6 Pro Black product listing. 4R

Side‑by‑side comparison

Real‑world takeaways (how they drive & why owners pick them)

• Beam quality & output:
  All three DOT options throw a tighter, more controlled hot spot than tired halogens. AlphaRex leans into a sharp, modern cutoff with a vivid DRL signature; Morimoto’s beam feels very OEM‑lux with excellent uniformity; Diode Dynamics delivers a strong step‑up from stock at the best price point. (Specs and compliance per brand pages.)
• Durability & weather:
  Polycarbonate lenses with anti‑fog/anti‑yellowing coatings are now standard at the top end. AlphaRex calls out anti‑fog + oxidation protection and uses Nitto Denko breathing vents to help purge moisture. Morimoto housings are known for OEM‑level seals. Diode Dynamics assemblies are DOT/FMVS‑compliant and designed for daily use. 
• Warranty confidence:
  If you want the longest coverage, Morimoto’s 5‑year policy stands out. AlphaRex and Diode Dynamics / FORM run 2 years. FS6 Pro is 1 year because it’s a show/off‑road piece. 
• Value & price:
  Current retail snapshots put Diode Dynamics as the value leader (often close to or just over the $1k mark), AlphaRex in the mid‑$1.4k range, and Morimoto EVO at the premium end. FS6 Pro typically sits under $1k. (See live listings for exact pricing.)
• 2021+ owners: AlphaRex MKII requires a converter harness on 2021–2024 4Runners; add it at checkout. Morimoto and Diode Dynamics list plug‑and‑play fitment across 2014–2024. Always check the specific product page for your trim. 

Which one should you run?

• Weekend warrior + daily driver (balanced build):
  Go AlphaRex NOVA MKII for selectable white/amber DRL, quad projectors, and that activation light that just feels right when you walk up to the rig. It’s the best blend of tech, style, and street‑legal performance. AlphaRexx
• Premium overland build (max warranty + OEM vibes):
  Choose Morimoto XB EVO Dual DRL if you want the longest warranty in the game and a refined, factory‑plus look with bold DRL bars. Great pick for long‑haul highway runs, mountain passes, and desert trips where you want zero drama. MoriMoto
• Budget‑smart daily (solid upgrade, lower spend):
  Diode Dynamics / FORM is the value winner. You get a proper projector assembly, sequential signals, DOT compliance, and an easy install—without nuking the budget for the rest of your suspension or armor plan. Diode
• Show rig / trail toy (style first):
  FS6 Pro Black lights bring the triple‑projector look with a red demon‑eye accent for the meet‑up crowd and night photo ops. They’re off‑road use only—perfect for a second rig or a build that doesn’t need DOT. 4R

Buyer checklist before you order

• Trim & year: SR5, SR5 Sport, TRD Off‑Road, TRD Pro, Limited—verify your year, and if your 4Runner is 2021+ confirm whether a converter harness is required on the brand page. 
• Compliance: If your rig sees street duty, stick to DOT/SAE options (AlphaRex, Morimoto, Diode Dynamics).
• Warranty vs. budget: Morimoto wins on term length; Diode Dynamics wins on price; AlphaRex splits the difference with the most “feature‑rich” look.
• Install: All three DOT sets are designed as plug‑and‑play replacements with factory connectors; always review the product page for any trim‑specific notes.

Our verdict

• Best overall for most 5th gens: AlphaRex NOVA‑Series MKII—hard to beat the combo of quad projectors, selectable DRL, activation light, and price‑to‑feature ratio. 
• Best premium / longest coverage: Morimoto XB EVO Dual DRL—pay more, get 5 years of peace of mind and a super clean, OEM‑plus vibe.
• Best value: Diode Dynamics / FORM—keeps the budget in check and still delivers a legit, street‑legal upgrade.
• Best show look (off‑road use only): FS6 Pro Black—wild styling for the meet‑up crowd and trail rigs that don’t need DOT. 

Sources & further reading

• AlphaRex MKII NOVA‑Series tech/features & warranty. 
• Morimoto XB EVO Dual DRL overview & warranty. 
• Diode Dynamics 4Runner Sequential LED Projectors—specs, wattage, warranty, pricing.
• FS6 Pro Black headlights at 4R Customs—features, warranty, use case.
• AlphaRex MK II LUXX-Series LED Projector Headlights Alpha Black for 2014–2024 Toyota 4Runner 
  
  Shop all 5th gen toyota 4runner headlights we carry here.