Top 7 Low Profile (Center Valence Only) Front Bumpers For 2016-2023 Tacoma – Pros, Cons & How They Compare To Full Width
Looking for a sleek and lightweight front bumper for your truck? Look no further! In this buyer’s guide, we will explore the pros and cons of low profile (aka lo/low-pro) front bumpers and the options that are currently available for the 3rd Gen Tacoma.
If full width front bumpers are more your thing, check out our Full Width Bumper Buyer’s Guide.
Although low-profile front bumpers don’t provide the same coverage as full-width hybrid or plate variants, they still allow you to run all your favorite accessories. For a daily driver or weekend adventure rig, they are an excellent option to save some weight.
Low Profile Front Bumpers
Low Profile Vs. Full-Width
Like most aftermarket front bumpers, low-pro variants are designed to accommodate standard accessories like a light bar, winch, and recovery shackles. Essentially, they offer a perfect balance between functionality and style. Compared to their full-width siblings, they also offer weight savings.
That’s important because a heavy front end can send you down the rabbit hole of beefier suspension and components. Plus, full-width bumpers require significantly more cutting for installation.
Many Tacoma owners like low-pro bumpers because they retain an OEM+ look while adding protection against front-end impacts from traffic, animals, etc.
The downside of a low-pro bumper is that you don’t gain any additional tire clearance or larger approach angle unlike with many full-width bumpers. In the case of the 3rd Gen Tacoma, these bumpers basically replace the black plastic (valance) portion of your OEM bumper. For many off-roaders or overlanders, approach angle is an important factor with aftermarket bumpers.
Bumper Options
Now that we’ve covered what a low-profile front bumper is and outlined its pros and cons, let’s take a look at the best options currently on the market for the 3rd Gen Tacoma.
This is not a ranked list. Just a solid list of the best options we saw online. Each brand offers something a bit different.
1. Cali Raised
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The Cali Raised bumper is an excellent choice for its value, protection, and style. It’s constructed from heavy-duty steel and features a sleek, low-profile design. It also comes with integrated light bar mounting points and a winch mount, making it a versatile option for off-road enthusiasts.
Previously, this bumper was only available for the Tacoma with a bull bar. Now, you can option it in either powder-coated steel with and without a bull bar! All options come with integrated and stout recovery points.
The Stealth Bumper stands out from others on the market by offering up to 3x the LED lighting output capability by fitting a dual-row light bar. You can also neatly conceal all of the wiring inside the bumper to not compromise the aesthetic lines of the Tacoma.
This bumper goes beyond just style, protecting your vehicle’s lights, radiator, and crucial engine components from potential damage.
2. CBI Off-Road Fab
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With a history dating back to 1999 and many Tacomas rocking their armor, there is no doubt that CBI bumpers have been put to the test.
When it comes to their plate bumpers, CBI offers a range of options. Each bumper is designed to provide maximum protection and functionality. Their Covert front bumpers are constructed from heavy-duty steel and feature winch mounts, light mounting points, and integrated recovery points.
It’s important to note that CBI may have longer lead teams. So, if you choose to go with them, plan accordingly. This choice is a well-known option that should not be overlooked!
3. All Pro Off-Road
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- All-Pro Off-Road Low-Profile Front Bumper
Another company dating back to the 90s, All Pro has been building Toyota parts for several truck generations. They still have a heavy presence in early model Toyotas – like the 1st Gen 4Runner.
The unique design element here includes two “shell” options. Steel and aluminum. Both mount to a winch cradle. Also available with and without hoop.
4. C4 Fabrication
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C4 Fabrication is another reputable offroad and overlanding brand that offers low-pro front bumpers specifically designed for the Tacoma. Their low-profile bumpers are constructed from high-quality steel and feature a modular design, allowing you to customize it to your specific needs.
Their front bumpers feature winch mounts, light mounting points, and integrated recovery points, ensuring both protection and functionality. Whether you’re in the market for a hybrid, plate, or low-pro bumper, C4’s products are worth considering.
One of the standout features of this bumper is the integrated low-profile bull bar. Not only does it provide additional grille protection, but it also doesn’t interfere with any factory safety sensors. To ensure your bumper is ready for any adventure, it comes fully powder-coated right out of the box. If you’re looking to add a personal touch, the paintable logo plate allows for additional customizability.
5. Body Armor 4×4
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The Body Armor 4×4 Hiline Bumper offers an aesthetic and sleek low-profile design that includes a welded bull bar with the option of additional light fittings.
It has integrated shackle recovery points and a license plate bracket all while remaining compatible with the factory TRD skid plate.
6. DV8 Offroad
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The DV8 Offroad low-pro from bumper is for those who want killer looks, functionality, and protection without committing to a “heavy duty” front bumper for their Tacoma.
There is an optional light hoop that takes a single-row 20″ LED light bar in the bull bar for added practicality. This bumper flows with the body lines of the 3rd Gen Tacoma at a great price point, that’s often available on Amazon.
7. 4 Wheel Parts
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This is another solid solution for anyone who wants to enhance their vehicle’s off-road capability without sacrificing its on-road drivability. It has a modular design that allows you to customize your rig to meet your specific needs. With the base section, you can increase your front-end protection, and add a winch, recovery points, and auxiliary lighting.
What Did I Choose?
I’ve been building my dream Tacoma in stages, keeping my budget and practicality in mind. I’m currently living in Connecticut, but take frequent trips to Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine for offroading shenanigans.
I’m VERY new to overlanding as a whole, so I’m primarily focusing on the essentials for a safe and fun experience. More often than not, approach angle has not been an issue for me (yet). With that said, being able to self-recover is high on my “need” list, along with the ability to add additional lighting.
As I enter the later stages of my build, the need for better approach and departure angles will inevitably come. For where I am right now, though, the Cali Raised LED Stealth front bumper (without a bull bar) is the perfect solution. I’ve been fortunate enough to use a lot of their products and I’ve been nothing short of impressed. The quality, thought, and care put into their products and designs were one of the key deciding factors for me.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading to an aftermarket front bumper is a practical investment for Tacoma owners. They enhance the protection and functionality of their vehicles exponentially by being able to better illuminate the road ahead or for recovery situations.
Whatever option you opt for, they all greatly enhance your vehicle’s offroad potential. Above all else, consider your specific needs and preferences, and choose the one that best suits those. See you on the trails!
