TRD Pro Tacoma Grille: $100 Knock-Off vs Genuine OEM… same thing?
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- čas přidán 28. 06. 2024
- In today's video, I compare a knock-off TRD Pro Tacoma Grille to a genuine OEM one! What are the differences and how well does the knock-off compare to the OEM?!
- Genuine OEM TRD Pro Grille: parts.toyota.com/p/Toyota__/T...
- Fake TRD Pro Grille: amzn.to/3UbhQzi
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🌮 MY TACOMA: 2019 TRD Off-Road, Silver Sky Metallic DCSB 🌮
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0:00 - Introduction
2:24 - Unboxing and Assembling the Knock-Off
6:20 - Genuine OEM vs Knock-Off
17:44 - Fitment: Knock-Off Grille
19:29 - Final Thoughts
#Toyota #Tacoma #Mods - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Watching Chloe install the letters with the outside of the grill sliding against a bare floor...raised my blood pressure to hypertension levels...
You're ridiculous 😂
I paid $125 shipped for my knockoff grille a little over a year ago. Still looks brand new!
Yeah mine looks great too
You remember where you got it?
Same here.
Same
I like the flat finish on the fake one over the real one
I did an aftermarket Pro grill on my 2nd gen Tacoma and it's holding up quite nicely. It fit with no problem, my main concern was how long it would last but after 5 years it still looks as good as new.
Link for it? I want one for my '08
Thanks for the awesome video Chloe. The aftermarket isn't that bad when not compared to OEM side by side
Great review. And great perspective from an engineer. Thank you for being so detailed...waiting on my Tacoma.
Thank you for all of your videos. I was an suv guy until I just made up my mind and decided to get a Tacoma. It should get here some time next month and I can say that all of your videos will be very helpful for me when it comes to taking care of it plus getting some goodies for it, haha.
I have a 21 sport and I've been eyeing these grills for a while. Appreciate another awesome video
I'd agree Chloe. I found a cool OEM grill for a good price, but went with a highly reviewed sensor cover because the Toyota price for that was ridiculous... and the Amazon knockoff works perfectly. Best of both worlds!
Same here! The OEM sensor cover is stupid high $$
@@MPGunther1 yes $400.00
Mahalo Chloe, found myself in this situation and appreciate you taking the time to make and put out great vids 🤙🏽🙏🏾
Thanks for the Video Chloe .. its good information.. have a great week
I've had the knock off grill on an '18 for about 3.5 years now. Still looks new and was able to mount the sensor with an OEM sensor cover on the front without issue. If it rains a ton, some water will penetrate the sensor cover, and you can't use the adaptive cruse control, but this has been a super rare occurrence.
that happens with oem too, it happened to me with a lot of rain...
Great topic. Happy Holidays. Tks. 👍🏾
Yotaverse for the win. Theirs has the whole letter plate and not individual letters. And yes, you can remove the blank garnish and swap your sensor over.
Yep. I bought the Yotaverse grille for my '19 SR5 a year ago and still looks great! I installed a .100" thick #10 washer under the sensor's top mount and screw to slightly angle the sensor upward. I did this on the bench before installing my grille based on research I did with regards to changing the sensor's mounting location. Cruise control and collision avoidance work fine.
Yotaverse has the best aftermarket grille imo. In the past, they had this type where you had to screw in each letter. But now, the whole plate is just easier.
@@TiSilver330Ci do you need to buy the "third gen garnish"? or is the one that comes with it ok?
I’m glad this video was made. I personally would love to have an OEM but the cost obviously is too much. Glad to see a knockoff that is somewhat decent so I will buy that one instead.
Great video. I paid a little over $200.00 Canadian for my fake grill but it sure looks a lot better quality than the one you have, and the finish is closer to my OR grill, but the letters are the same as the one you have. The sensor cover popped out and the factory OR sensor fitted perfectly. I appreciate all your videos
The biggest issue with getting an OEM TRD Pro grille is having a VIN number for a TRD Pro. All the vendors of OEM parts require a correct VIN to purchase. I found my knockoff from R4T, and it’s not too bad.
True-the VIN thing is another thing to consider!
Not necessarily, they usually come with a warning that you should provide a VIN number for proper fitment, but I haven't had any issues with ordering any parts from any of my local dealerships without it.
Perfect timing on this vid, as I was shopping around and wanted to see a side by side. The OEM definitely looks better, but... not $400 better to me. I managed to snag the knock off for $70, so it was an easier choice. I may do some paint touch up on the letter edges to tidy it up though. Love the channel, Chloe...
That crash damage pic is the best ad for the OEM grille
Hey Chloe, first off wanna thank you for making this video. I came across it today and the link provided to the OEM grill turns out is on sale form 289 to 200. Ended up ordering it as its something that I have REALLLLLLLLLLY wanted for my TRD Offroad.
I won my knock-off grille on a local bidding site. I can't complain. I won the grille for $6.59, letters were $40, and grille lights were only $28. Everything fit perfect. Just under $75 for everything.
Thank you for all your videos
I got the knock off and painted it with a matte black finish which has dark, dark grey cast and gives it a durable look. Perhaps is not as shining as OEM but holds up better for scratches. Otherwise, satisfied with knock off. Added lights and front camera to top it off. Have Had it a couple years and a solid purchase. I have 2 Toyota grill name plates (as a result of a scratch on the 1st one and they replaced it). Was planning to paint it red and maybe switch out. I have “quick sand” color with red accents. Nice truck. Have 2017 Sport.
Got mine from taco vinyl, was like 260 including raptor lights and the garnish and is honestly a perfect replica to the original down to the letters and everything. Also it came with the letters and garnish pre installed.
Chloe, any suggestions for any good additions to a 2023 4Runner off road premium?
Hi, have you thought about a horn upgrade for your Tacoma? Think I want to do one on my Tacoma. stock ones are not loud enough. What would you go with that is not crazy loud?
When did you install the light bar behind the grille. Kinda a must have in ca since our chp have been ticketing people for not having covers on their off road lights
Hi Chloe, great video! Based on your b-roll, I have some speculation for you.
I bet the knockoff grill was based on a 3d scan of the original part. A matt finish really helps with laser scans, so I bet an OEM grill was sand blasted on the front prior to scanning. That matt surface finish would have been projected onto the aftermarket's mold if they were lazy machininging it. The radius's would be larger too, especially if the laser scan's resolution could not pick them up. Since the back side of the aftermarket part has a glossier surface than the front side, I think they took more time to optimize and machine the bottom side of their mold to match their equipment. I bet both the OEM and aftermarket molds were formed with EDM. I think they used a similar injection molding for the ABS, but the different equipment involved would impact some of the seam lines and material-flash you're seeing in the aftermarket.
Ah, thank you for the information! I don’t have much of a background in manufacturing so this makes a lot of sense-appreciate the input 😊
The shine on the after market is duller, the letters are nice enough, but not as sharp as the OEM. It looks like that after market grille is bought from the same Amazon seller I got mine from. Did that after market comes with the raptor light? If it did, those lights only fit a certain way. The plastic does feel and look cheaper, but so far, the grille I got still looks good, no hazing or warping from the occasional 100 degree heat. Mine is 2016, so there is no need for the front sensor assembly. Great video.
I have had the same knock off grille for 5 years, it has stood through everything and still looks new...it the same case when someone buys a $600 over priced "offroad" jack. Believe me when that HF jack comes out I'm buying that knock off too
I like the one Taco vinyl has with the center (Logo) inserts that you can get various colors. They also have an optional front camera mount available. Some of the OEM sights want a VIN to order this part also. I definitely agree there is a visible difference. But for the extra 10HP you get for adding the grill who cares. HAHA
I'm interested in the wheels size and make that you have on your Tacoma
Agree ...first impression of 2 grills side by side made me love the look of the OEM ...the letters look cheap like something you find at a Michael's and spray paint.
you have great content.
The knockoffs are probably made in the same factory as the OEM 😆
nice video! Was on the fence about the two grilles. I honestly think the differences aren't that bad. I'll go with the knock-off
Im looking to buy a knockoff grill any good recommendations
Are you able to put a Pro OEM grill on an off road tacoma by chance?
Wow. A thought came to me. I wonder if you can get LED lettering for the Toyota emblem?
I would have no problem modifying a aftermarket one and if it fails. I’m ok with throwing away if it’s a fail.
It would be good if you mentioned if there's a weight difference.
I would like to see how the knock-off would resist a Canadian winter...
The aftermarket grill would be a better fit for the orange peel paint job on my 2022 taco.
What I did I bought mine knock off and went to Walmart and bought a spray-paint semi gloss black and a clearcoat semi gloss spray can and spray painted the trd grill and it looks nice.
Definitely recommend going OEM if you can. Best fitment, and looks a better. And if you have the front camera, the OEM camera bracket and placement is MILES better than the ones I have seen on the 3rd party grills. Usually the 3rd party grill brackets set the camera too far back. I had a 3rd party one, regretted it and ended up getting an OEM one a few months later.
Id suggest putting a blanket on the floor or workbench when you are working on the grilles. They will scratch.
i bought the Heritage Trail Edition Grill.. which is cheaper than the Pro grill..
If fake grille how can put install TSS sensors? Hard tell in videos.
I have a 2022 Tacoma TRD 4x4 sport and Iwent to a local Toyota dealer and bought a heritage grill for my truck I went home and installed it well to my surprise first the grill did not come with the sensor guard and the old one had 10 screws that went along with the clips new one did not so I went back and asked for the cover guard for the sensor they said I would have to buy it separately and it was 300.00 and said that my ven. Number call for that grill. My new grill has only 2 screws can someone please help me and let me know where I went wrong. This is my 3rd Toyota truck and never ran into this problem.
the finish is more a factor of the mould, rather than the quality of the ABS. One of the effects of the desire for TRD Pro grills, is that OEM grills from other trim levels are readily available on resale sites. I didn't care for the TRD Off Road grill on my '18 Tacoma, and found a '20 TRD Off Road grill take off for $60...I like it much better.
I have a fake one and it looks great. Plus that HorsePower boost... Oh excuse me... HERSSPURRSS boost is off the charts.
I remember when you put an OEM headlight assembly on that truck. It was like $800 bucks! That's definitely a dig in the wallet 😀. ♥️🌮🐶🐾
Yes, those were $$$ but they’ve held up so well and I think was worth it! 😊🐶
@@ChloeKuo absolutely Chloe! I always go with OEM parts. This video will get a lot of views. You did a great job of comparing the two products 👍. ❤️🌮🐶🐕
do you have the part number w the camera?
i got the $150 china looks good held up these last 2 years . i think paying $400 for a grill is stupid
Chloe you can tell you are an Engineer. Excellent review of the product. Someone commented that their blood pressure spiked to see you assemble it without some form of protection on the floor. It is a cheap knock off, and I don’t think you will actually be using it. I really didn’t like the lettering, I didn’t care for the flat black on the knock off, and I’d would need to add the factory sensor, so I would go for the factory model.
But..thank for your videos..help me.a lot with my tacoma..
First, I noticed right away the letters didn't look genuine and I only have a '17 TRD sport. The fact that your grill withstood that hit says a lot about the quality. Also, the same type of plastic can have multiple coats, colors and finishes. It's just small changes to the recipe be for the injection process. I used to pick up brand new recycling bins and deliver across the US. In right with you OEM! Best wishes to you all.
People may get butthurt about calling them knockoff. I call them Pirated. And imho, pirated parts are a thrill to own. Even the cloned ones like the grille you have. I always like things that are slightly askew. It's fun!
I spent 165 on a grill from kok and I havent gotten to see it yet bc im out of town but honestly I don't think it really matters where you get it as long as it isn't like fragile and or just looks nothing like what you ordered
heads up your knockoff link is going to a sensor cover now
The aftermarket grills fade much faster
Why you got a salvage Tacoma ?
Funny thing about the so-called “knocked off. “They are everywhere and I mean everywhere. Most of the time the OEM’s are celebrated but not on all occasions.
I bought a Yotaverse grille for my Tacoma, but when researching, a lot of people on forums say that Toyota won't sell you a TRD grille unless you can give them your VIN to prove you have a TRD Pro.
Can anyone confirm or deny this? If so, you're forced to go aftermarket if you don't have a TRD Pro.
Yes I noted that the letters right away look cheap. You should have weighed them.
There is a difference in the TSS Garnish covers as well, the OEM is higher quality than the china knock offs, another difference is the two posts on the China knock off garnish are 5/16 in diameter while the OEM garnish the two posts are 1/4 inch and use a smaller push lock washer that is easier to install. The OEM Toyota TSS garnish is made in America.
The letter font is different and very noticeable on the fake one
I prefer the matte finish on the ‘knockoff’
I was gonna get one for my 2014 Taco, mostly cause i hated the chrome on it; there is nothing uglier than brand new cars with chrome parts. Anywho i ended up spray painting the chrome black, because I actually like the way the grillb looks.
If you don't have a TRD PRO, are you posing with a PRO grill? I have a TRD Off Road and like the look but don't want to be a poser. Had a SR5 with an aftermarket grill, it looked good but had some front sensor problems.
How are you posing? I much prefer the TOYOTA design over the stock grille with the “T”. No one really cares and it looks a million times better.
It's not like slapping Cobra and 5.0 emblems on a V-6 Mustang, it's a styling preference.
Good enough for me
OEM grill from a dealer requires a PRO vin at least where I have inquired in Central CA.
I think a good comparison would have been including the best/most expensive knock off...🤔
Yotaverse’s comes with full letter plate of your color choice and it’s not individual letters. You can also get the garnish which swaps identical to OEM.
anything cosmetic go after-market, anything mechanical go after-market
Sometimes I find knockoff products to be better than the OEM products depending on situation and product.
Just fyi you have the wrong grill part number in the description. That one doesn't have the camera mount. PT228-35200-AA is the one with camera mount.
Cant you just put gloss coat on the plastic for knock off?
With the knock off grill , the letters could easily be painted any color if gray did not go good with your truck.
Nice comparison. Now lets try the most expensive knock off for comparison.
So I bought a 2019 TRD with 15,000 miles on it. It came with the TRD Pro grill that is now fading from sun damage. After watching this video, this must’ve not been an OEM part considering it’s a TRD Off Road and not a Pro 🤔
When buying aftermarket body parts look for CAPA certified parts. These are certified parts that will usually fit and look much closer to stock than those that are not.
You are very right, Chloe. I put that grilll on my 18 and 19 TRD OR 4x4. Did not need a Pro Vin for ordering. Just like you, I prefer OEM parts.
Nice comparison but I went with the knockoff because when I look at the grill on my truck it looks good and at the end of the day theyre both pieces of plastic. Id rather pay less for plastic for pretty much the same aesthetics.
The knock off is for non pro models to make it look pro just like everyone does on a 4Runner. No need for it to be perfect since it takes lots of abuse from the weather. As long as it fits well.
I bought a knock-off brand because OEM is not worth it, I ended up raptor lining it either way, same with the fender flares, the ride mirror caps, the rear bumper caps as well. Just little things here and there to match.
The reason why you buy knock offs is because unless you own a Pro your not able to by Pro oem parts at a dealership. .this is why everyone buys knock offs
At the end of the day, its all about personal preference. Some fit and finishes are better with third party. If you can pony up the cash for OEM, more power to you. This oem snobby attitude towards parts is not cool as there are some third-party that actually looks better than oem.
Aftermarket ftw
If they molded in the back of the letters into the grille, it would say “TOYOTA” and that would get them in trouble.
its cheaper to make the grill as 1 whole part then you just insert the letters. vs the OEM is multiple parts you put together.
Just got my knockoff in the mail today. Can’t wait!
Hey if you don't like the non-oem grille that you used in the videos I'll buy it from you. I am in the next state over.
There is a lot of variations as well in the aftermarket grilles. I have the @tacoclout custom grill and it looks great and it lights up. The garnish differences are for those Tacomas that don't have a sensor.
I really like that grille and just watched your video on it! It’s cool that tacoclout makes these custom!
OEM is the way to go!
Literally just take some gloss black do one coat and it's pretty much the same thing
And all honesty if all you wanted was a 50 to 100 or $200 Toyota front plate then this is fine you don't need to buy the OEM one
Mold quality, material, process, quality control, etc. for aftermarket is worse than oem, so the flat finish hides imperfections and makes it easier to produce.
Yes there is a difference in quality. The OEM grille is better quality materials and the OEM TSS garnish cover is higher quality than the aftermarket products. The OEM grille is made in America and and the OEM garnish is made in America, the aftermarket grilles and garnishes are made in china.
Buy what you can afford. Who cares why other people think
You can buy the cheap one 4x can the OEM once. I’d say go cheap.
Honestly i like the poor mans option. Color seems fine, better looking with the YO letters which is pretty neat, akd that sadtey sensor shit really does annoy tf outta me. Its a grille, doesnt do much other than letting air into the engine bay. Id go dollar general over name brand