When I purchased my 2022 extended cab Toyota Tacoma, one of the first things I noticed was how blindingly bright it was inside the cab. Seriously, we’re talking surface of the sun here.
Me, trying not to get a sunburn.
Since Beatrix and I are planning lots of road trips, I knew I had to do something to control the temperature inside the truck and reduce the glare. Tinting the windows seemed like the perfect solution: cooler temps, more comfort, and some added privacy. So, I started researching Toyota Tacoma window tinting. First, I had to decide how much tint I needed. Car window tinting is measured in visible light transmission (VLT) percentage. These are the most common percentages to think about if you’re considering your Tacoma window tint options:
How Dark Should You Go?
70% VLT: 70% of light passes through the window tint. A super light tint that’s barely visible.
50% VLT: 50% of light passes through. It’s noticeably darker, but still pretty mild.
35% VLT: 35% of light passes through. This is ultimately what I went with; dark enough to reduce glare and heat, but not so dark my vision at night is obstructed.
20% VLT: Only 20% of light passes through, so this one is very dark. Think, tinted enough to make you feel mysterious.
5% VLT: Only 5% of all light passes through. This is limo tint and you can’t see in at all. Kind of tempting for privacy, but I knew I’d have a hard time seeing at all at night!
Be sure to check your state laws regarding window tint percentages, as every state is different in what is allowed!
Why 35% VLT was the Best Tint for My Tacoma
After some back and forth, I decided that 35% was the sweet spot for my Tacoma. It reduces heat and glare, adds privacy, and I’m not gonna lie, makes the truck look pretty sick. I considered going darker for privacy, but I wanted to make sure I could still see out at night without feeling like I was driving blind.
My Toyota Tacoma, Before and After Tinting
Here’s the truck before:
You can see all the way through the front windows! Less than ideal for sneaking snacks at a red light.
Here’s the truck after:
Now we’re in stealth mode.
My Final Thoughts
I’m thrilled with how it turned out! Choosing 35% tint was the perfect balance between comfort, style, and visibility. If you’re considering Toyota Tacoma window tinting or wondering which tint level to choose, 35% might be the sweet spot for you too. No more squinting, and the cab feels way cooler (literally and figuratively). And most importantly, it’s Beatrix-approved.
Thinking about tinting your Tacoma? Drop a comment with your VLT choice or any questions! Do you think I made the right call?
Just Get Outside! 