Tacoma owners looking to add protection and style to the front end of their truck should consider installing a bull bar. Bull bars are tubular structures made of steel, aluminum, or synthetic materials that attach to the frame of pickup trucks. They serve as both a styling accessory and a protective buffer against collisions with animals or other objects on the road. For Tacoma owners, choosing the right bull bar involves checking factors like compatibility, construction, and design. This article will discuss the best bull bars for Toyota Tacoma, the benefits of bull bars for Tacomas, and important purchase considerations.
Why install a Bull Bar?
A bull bar is designed to attach to the front end of a truck, providing an armored buffer zone that can absorb impacts better than the factory bumper. Bull bars attach to the frame rather than the factory bumper for extra strength. Most bull bars completely replace the factory bumper.
While some bull bar designs feature a simple straight bar, others incorporate more complex tubing that loops up and around headlights. This extra tubing not only adds style, but also increases the protective area. Many bull bars integrate spots for auxiliary lights as well.
Best Bull Bars for Toyota Tacoma in 2023
#1. Tyger Auto TG-GD6T60028 Bull Bar for Tacoma (Best Overall)
The Tyger Auto Front Bumper Guard ranks as my favorite bull bar for the Toyota Tacoma. While it may not have the flashy looks of some competitors, this rugged bumper guard is all about performance and protection.
Made right here in the USA, the Tyger Auto bumper is constructed from thick 2.5” steel tubing. The heavy-duty frame provides serious impact resistance while the black E-coated finish prevents rusting. Pre-drilled holes make installing a front license plate a breeze, and the included integrated light mount gives you a spot to attach auxiliary lights or fog lamps.
Though the welded seams and boxy shape give it a utilitarian vibe, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. This bumper guard is built to take abuse, not win a beauty contest. If you want a burly bar that will shield your Tacoma from trail damage and deer strikes, the Tyger Auto bumper deserves your consideration. Just don’t expect any curvy lines or flashy styling. Protection is the name of the game here.
Pros:
- Constructed from heavy-duty 2.5″ steel tubing for superior impact resistance
- E-coated black finish prevents rusting
- Pre-drilled holes allow easy installation of the front license plate
- Integrated light mount provides a spot for auxiliary lighting
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Boxy utilitarian design lacks aesthetic appeal
#2. Westin 31-6005 E-Series Bull Bar (Editor’s Choice)
The Westin Automotive 31-5605 bull bar is a slick-looking chrome piece that will give your Tacoma an aggressive, rugged look. This popular bull bar boasts a number of nice features:
- The sturdy welded steel cross tube provides strength and durability to help protect your truck’s front end from minor bumps and scratches.
- The 3-inch steel tubing frame wraps around the edges for extra protection.
- The polished chrome finish looks great and resists rust and corrosion.
- The pre-drilled mounting surface makes for an easier install.
- It comes with a complete mounting kit to get it installed hassle-free.
- There are built-in light mounts if you want to add extra lights down the road.
Westin is known for well-designed, quality products compared to other brands. This bull bar keeps up their reputation, providing an aggressive front-end style at an affordable price.
However, while it looks rugged, it is made from thin steel so may not protect against major collisions. But if you want an aggressive look without breaking the bank, the 31-5605 is a great choice for your Tacoma. One drawback: the license plate relocator is not included, so you’ll need to pick one up separately.
Pros:
- Sturdy welded steel cross tube provides strength and durability.
- 3-inch steel tubing frame gives extra protection around the edges.
- Polished chrome finish looks great and resists rust.
- Pre-drilled mounting surface allows for easier installation.
- Comes with complete mounting kit for hassle-free install.
Cons:
- Made from thin steel so may not protect against major collisions.
#3. Auto Dynasty Tacoma Bull Bar (Best Value)
The 3-inch Chrome Black Push Bull Bar is crafted from polished 304 stainless steel, so it’s built to last while looking good. With seamless welding and tubing that’s 3 inches in diameter, it feels sturdy yet lightweight.
Installation is a breeze thanks to the complete mounting kit included. No need to pay extra or fumble with makeshift parts. Just bolt it on and go, no special skills are required.
It comes equipped with a removable skid plate to protect against scratches from debris on the road. And it’s pre-drilled for adding lights later if you want to customize the look.
Now it won’t withstand a high-speed collision or anything extreme. This is more of an accessory bar than a hardcore off-roading brute. You may need to trim it a bit for a perfect fit too. But overall, it’s a sharp-looking piece that’s easy to install and will hold up to normal wear and tear. Just don’t expect it to be a rugged tank.
Pros:
- Crafted from durable 304 stainless steel for longevity
- Seamless welding and 3-inch tubing adds sturdiness
- Complete mounting kit for easy, bolt-on installation
- Removable skid plate protects against scratches
Cons:
- Not built for hardcore off-roading or high-speed collisions
#4. ARIES B35-2000 Bull Bar for Toyota Tacoma
The Aries B35-2000 3-inch Black Steel Bull Bar packs a punch when it comes to strength and durability. Constructed from high-quality welded steel tubing with a thick 3-inch diameter, this thing is built to last.
But it’s not just brute force – the sleek black powder-coated finish looks great on any truck, and the e-coating helps prevent rust and UV damage over time. No need to drill into your ride either – this bull bar allows for a custom no-drill installation to keep your truck mint.
With two pre-drilled holes, you can easily add lights to give your truck a customized nighttime look. And the removable stainless steel skid plate ensures protection from rocks, bugs, and other road debris.
Affordably priced with a manufacturer’s warranty, this bull bar provides the rugged durability you want without breaking the bank. Just be aware that some users report the bar can arrive slightly bent during shipping. But overall, if you need serious front-end protection for your truck, the Aries B35-2000 is a top choice.
Pros:
- Sturdy welded steel construction with 3-inch diameter tubing for strength and durability
- Black powder-coated finish looks great on trucks
- E-coating helps prevent rust and UV damage
- Custom no-drill installation keeps your truck’s exterior intact
- Pre-drilled holes allow you to add lights for a customized look
Cons:
- Some users report the bar can arrive slightly bent during shipping
Benefits of Installing a Bull Bar on Your Tacoma
There are several advantages to installing an aftermarket bull bar on a new or existing Tacoma:
Improved Protection
The main benefit is increased protection for the front end. A solid steel bull bar can take the brunt of an impact from a deer, branches, or even minor fender benders without damaging factory bodywork. This prevents costly repairs.
Aggressive Styling
An aftermarket bull bar transforms the look of a Tacoma, lending an aggressive, rugged appearance. The tubular design and matte black finish adds curb appeal.
Additional Mounting Points
Many bull bars integrate mounting points for auxiliary lights. This allows adding LED light bars or spotlights that complement the bull bar style.
Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bull Bar
While bull bars offer increased protection and style, choosing the right one for your Tacoma involves some important considerations:
Compatibility
Not all bull bars fit every Tacoma model and year. Carefully check dimensions and mounting locations to ensure an exact fit with no modifications needed. Look for bars made specifically for your Tacoma’s body style and generation.
Material and Construction
Steel bull bars offer the most protection, while aluminum provides a lighter-weight option. Synthetic bars made from polymers like polyethylene are even lighter. Make sure all mounting hardware is included and the finish is protected from rust and scratches.
Style and Design
Consider the shape and tube diameter you prefer based on appearance and level of protection. Look for bull bars that maintain access to tow hooks and integrate spots for auxiliary lights if desired. Avoid cheap designs that lack reinforcements and block access.
Conclusion
Installing a bull bar on your Tacoma delivers added protection, style, and utility. Carefully check compatibility, construction, and design to choose the right bull bar for your needs and budget. Leading options from Westin, Black Horse, and Go Rhino offer rugged designs made specifically for Tacomas. With the right bull bar equipped, you can drive with confidence knowing your truck’s front end is armored for the trail ahead.
FAQs
Do bull bars reduce gas mileage?
Bull bars can slightly reduce gas mileage depending on their design. Solid steel bars add more front-end weight compared to aluminum or synthetic bars. A heavier bar increases rolling resistance, reducing MPG by 1-2 on average.
Can a bull bar damage the Tacoma’s airbag sensors?
Improperly installed bull bars can interfere with airbag sensors mounted behind the bumper cover. Quality bars are designed to integrate with the sensor locations or come with relocation brackets.
How much protection does a bull bar actually provide?
Bull bars are designed to absorb minor impacts up to about 5 mph. They can prevent costly damage in low-speed collisions. However, they do not provide guaranteed protection in major high-speed crashes.
Will a bull bar void the Tacoma’s factory warranty?
In most cases, adding an aftermarket bull bar will not void the factory warranty. But damage directly caused by an improperly installed bar may not be covered under warranty.
Can I still use my parking sensors with a bull bar installed?
Many bull bars are compatible with parking sensors. But some designs do interfere with sensor function, so check before purchasing.
Do I need any special tools to install a bull bar?
Basic hand tools like wrenches, sockets, and Allen keys are usually sufficient. But having an extra set of hands can be helpful during bull bar installation.
Should I have a professional shop install my bull bar?
DIY installation is possible for mechanically inclined owners. But for many, having a shop install the bull bar properly is worth the labor charge. This also protects against any warranty coverage.
Can I remove my new bull bar without damage?
Quality bull bars can be removed without damage using simple hand tools. The mounting holes can be covered with trim pieces if reverting to a factory bumper.
When he’s not working his magic under the hood, Ethan Wilson is usually sharing his love for Toyota cars through his writing. Ethan’s got a special talent for breaking down complex car topics into easy-to-understand articles, making him a go-to source for Toyota enthusiasts everywhere.
