4th Gen vs 3rd Gen Toyota Tacoma Upgrade Differences | Cali Raised LED

3rd Gen Tacoma , 4th Gen Tacoma

4th Gen vs 3rd Gen Toyota Tacoma: How the Upgrades Differ

Jul 28 2026 0 comments

Toyota released the 4th Generation Tacoma for the 2024 model year, bringing significant changes to the truck's dimensions, frame, and trim lineup. If you're coming from a 3rd Gen (2016-2023) Tacoma and wondering which of your favorite CRL accessories carry over — or if you're new to Tacomas and trying to navigate fitment — this guide breaks it all down.

What Changed Between Generations

The 4th Gen Tacoma got a new frame, a turbocharged 2.4L i-Force Max hybrid powertrain option, revised dimensions, and an updated body structure. These changes matter for accessory fitment because rock sliders, skid plates, and roof rack mounts all tie into the frame, rocker geometry, and roof rail dimensions.

Key dimensional changes affecting accessories:

Slightly wider track and different rocker profile — 3rd Gen rock sliders do NOT fit the 4th Gen
New roof rail dimensions — 3rd Gen roof racks do not transfer over
Updated A-pillar and hood hinge geometry — ditch light bracket fitment changed
Different front skid plate mounting points due to revised front subframe

Rock Sliders: Generation-Specific Fitment Required

This is the big one. The 3rd Gen and 4th Gen Tacoma have different rocker panel geometry and different frame rail positions at the pinch weld. Cali Raised LED makes dedicated rock slider kits for each generation — they are not interchangeable.

For the 3rd Gen Tacoma (2016-2023), CRL offers rock sliders with bolted mounting brackets that tie into the 3rd Gen frame. Both Trail Edition (tube step) and Step Edition (plated) are available, with kickout or no-kickout ends.

For the 4th Gen Tacoma (2024+), CRL has engineered new brackets to match the updated frame geometry. The same style options exist — Trail vs. Step Edition, kickout vs. straight — but the mounting brackets are completely different. If you're upgrading trucks, you'll need to purchase new sliders, not just reuse your 3rd Gen ones.

Ditch Lights: Brackets Are Different, Pods Are Interchangeable

The ditch light bracket kits are vehicle-specific because they mount to the hood hinge area, which changed between generations. You'll need the correct bracket kit for your year. However, the LED pod lights themselves (3" cubes, 4" cubes, etc.) are universal and can transfer between trucks if you're upgrading.

The 4th Gen Tacoma's higher and more upright hood geometry actually gives a slightly better ditch light angle for illuminating the trail edges, which 4th Gen owners appreciate.

Roof Racks: New Mounting Points, New Racks

The 4th Gen Tacoma has different roof rail dimensions and mounting locations than the 3rd Gen. Cali Raised LED's 4th Gen-specific roof rack kits are designed to fit without modification. Do not attempt to adapt a 3rd Gen rack — the fitment dimensions are different enough that it won't sit correctly.

The good news: both generations use a similar installation process (bolt-on, no drilling), and the adjustable wind fairing works across both generations once you have the right rack mounted.

Skid Plates: Different Front, Similar Rear Logic

The 4th Gen's front subframe and engine bay layout changed with the new powertrain options, which means the front skid plate mounts differently than the 3rd Gen. The iForce Max hybrid models have additional underbody components that require attention to clearance.

CRL's 4th Gen skid plate kits are designed specifically for the new chassis, with proper clearance for both the standard 2.4L and the hybrid iForce Max drivetrain. Transfer case and transmission skids follow similar logic to the 3rd Gen but with updated mounting templates.

What Carries Over Between Generations

Some things are universal:

LED pod lights — If you're moving pods from a 3rd Gen to a 4th Gen, the lights themselves transfer. Just need new vehicle-specific brackets.
Light bars — A 52-inch bar from your 3rd Gen rack works on a 4th Gen rack. Wiring harnesses can typically reuse as well.
MOLLE panels — Depending on interior layout, some cab MOLLE panel configurations are similar enough to transfer.

Bottom Line

If you're upgrading from a 3rd Gen to a 4th Gen Tacoma, plan to repurchase your rock sliders, roof rack, ditch light brackets, and skid plates. The structural accessories that tie into the truck's frame or body are generation-specific. Lights, wiring harnesses, and accessories like MOLLE pouches can often carry over.

CRL's product pages note generation compatibility for all structural accessories. When in doubt, reach out to the team with your specific year and trim — they'll confirm fitment before you order.