If you like the look of AlphaRex's NOVA headlights but want something a little bolder across the top of the light, the MK II is the one to look at. It keeps everything that makes the NOVA a strong upgrade over factory 3rd gen lights, and reworks the daytime running light into a bold LED tube running along the top edge of each housing.
The AlphaRex MK II NOVA-Series LED projector headlights fit every 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma. Each light uses four patented "Ice Cube" 3D projectors, all lighting up on low beam with the inner one doubling as the high beam. The top LED tube gives you a switchable white or amber DRL, and there is a sequential turn signal, an AREX logo reflector turn signal at the bottom and a light-up sequence each time you unlock. Per AlphaRex, the lights are built to SAE and DOT FMVSS 108 standards. There are two blacked-out finishes, Black and Alpha-Black, and a converter for whichever factory headlights your Tacoma came with.
Your Factory Headlights Decide the Converter
16-20 TRD with projector headlights use the standard converter. SR and SR5 trucks and 21-23 TRD trucks with full LED headlights need their own harness converter.
Not sure which lights your truck has, especially if you bought it used? A quick photo of the front end is usually enough for us to tell. Call 844-200-3979 and we can confirm it with you before you order.
Top Tube
Bold LED DRL
4
Ice Cube Projectors
2 Finishes
Black or Alpha-Black
2 Years
AlphaRex Warranty
MK II or the Original NOVA?
The two share the same projectors, lens and build. The main difference you will see is the DRL and the finish options.
| |
MK II NOVA (this one) |
Original NOVA |
| DRL |
Bold LED tube along the top edge |
LED tube running around the edge of the housing |
| Projectors |
Quad Ice Cube 3D |
Quad Ice Cube 3D |
| DRL color |
White or amber |
White or amber |
| Finishes |
Black, Alpha-Black |
Chrome, Black, Alpha-Black |
| Fitment |
2016-2023 Tacoma |
2016-2023 Tacoma |
Want a chrome housing or prefer the wraparound light tube? Take a look at the original AlphaRex NOVA headlights for the 3rd gen Tacoma.
Four Projectors on Low, One Pushing Further on High
Wide Low Beam
All four projectors in each light fire on low beam, spreading light across the road and the shoulders.
Dual-Duty Inner Projector
The inner projector also works as the high beam when you need more reach on an empty road or trail.
Clean Cut-Off
The beam pattern is designed with a cut-off line for US left-hand-drive roads.
AlphaRex list Osram Oslon Black LEDs for the low and high beams. Their feature text also mentions AlphaRex's own LUXX LEDs for the dual beam output, so the exact LED pairing is worth confirming if it matters to you.
Tacoma Amber Headlights or White? Your Call
The top LED tube is the MK II's signature, and it does more than look good.
-
Selectable DRL: run it in white or switch it to amber. There is a separate AlphaRex guide covering the amber switch.
-
Sequential turn signal: light flows from one end to the other to show which way you are turning.
-
AREX reflector: a clear reflector with the AREX logo at the bottom of the light also works as a turn signal.
-
Startup sequence: an activation light show when you unlock the truck or switch on the parking lights, depending on the setup.
Black or Alpha-Black?
| Finish |
Look |
Best On |
| Black |
Matte black housing with chrome accents |
Trucks that want a dark light with a little brightwork |
| Alpha-Black |
Gloss black housing with black accents, a full chrome delete |
Blacked-out builds with black trim, grille and wheels |
Both finishes use the same projectors and features. Choosing one is purely about the look you want for your Tacoma.
Choosing the Converter
| If Your Tacoma Has |
Choose |
| Factory projector lights on a 2016-2020 TRD |
16-20 TRD projector option |
| Factory halogen reflector lights on an SR or SR5 |
SR/SR5 option, harness required |
| Factory full LED lights on a 2021, 2022 or 2023 TRD |
21-23 TRD full LED option, harness required |
✓ One Headlight for Every 3rd Gen Year
Whether you drive a 2016 Tacoma or a 2023, the headlight itself is the same. Only the converter changes, so getting that right is all that matters for a plug-in install.
Made to Handle Weather and Time
-
Clear polycarbonate lens with an anti-fog layer and a coating that resists yellowing and oxidation
-
Polypropylene housing, which AlphaRex describe as resistant to heat and moisture
-
Nitto Denko TEMISH CAPSEAL vents that let trapped moisture escape to cut condensation
-
Manufactured to ISO quality standards, with AlphaRex citing ISO 9001 and ISO 17949
Installation
AlphaRex provide a PDF install manual, a step-by-step online walkthrough and an amber DRL guide for these Tacoma headlights. Ask and we will send them over so you can see the job before committing.
-
Double-check the converter against your factory lights first.
-
Disconnect the battery before working on the lighting.
-
Bag and label the trim clips as they come off so the front end goes back together cleanly.
-
Test each function before reassembly: low, high, DRL in both colors, turn signals and the startup sequence.
-
Aim the headlights after install so the cut-off sits where it should.
Specifications
| Vehicle |
Toyota Tacoma, model years 2016 to 2023 |
| Converter |
Matched to factory lights: 16-20 TRD projector, SR/SR5, 21-23 TRD full LED |
| Finishes |
Black (matte, chrome accents) or Alpha-Black (gloss, black accents) |
| Projectors |
Four Ice Cube 3D projectors per light |
| Beam setup |
Four on low, inner projector adds high |
| LEDs |
Osram Oslon Black |
| DRL |
Top LED tube, white or amber |
| Turn signals |
Sequential, plus AREX logo reflector |
| Activation light |
Startup sequence |
| Compliance |
DOT/SAE FMVSS 108 (manufacturer rating) |
| Lens |
Polycarbonate with anti-fog and UV anti-yellow coatings |
| Housing |
Polypropylene |
| Venting |
Nitto Denko TEMISH CAPSEAL |
| Warranty |
AlphaRex 2-year defect warranty |
What's Included
- Left and right MK II NOVA headlight assemblies
- Converter for your factory headlight type
Pros
- Bold top LED tube DRL in white or amber
- Four projectors on low beam for a wide spread
- Two blacked-out finishes for darker builds
- One part covers 2016 through 2023 trucks
Cons
- No chrome finish option on the MK II
- Lumens and wattage are not published
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the AlphaRex MK II and the original NOVA?
The MK II uses a bold LED tube along the top edge as its DRL, and comes in Black or Alpha-Black. The original NOVA has a tube around the edge and also comes in chrome.
Will these fit my 2017 or 2021 Tacoma?
Yes. They fit all 2016-2023 Tacomas. Pick the converter that matches your factory headlights.
Can the DRL run amber?
It can. The top tube runs white or amber, and AlphaRex supply instructions for changing it.
Are they DOT approved?
AlphaRex rate them as DOT and SAE compliant to FMVSS 108, and the beam is cut for US roads.
Do I need a converter for my SR5?
Yes. SR and SR5 trucks need the SR/SR5 converter, and 21-23 TRD trucks with full LED headlights need their own converter too.
Complete Your Build
Black or Alpha-Black?
Send us a photo of your current headlights and tell us your build, and we will confirm the right MK II finish and converter for your Tacoma.
844-200-3979
