How I Tested the 4Runner Black Out Edition: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first came across the concept of a “4 Runner Black Out,” I was immediately intrigued by the bold transformation it promised. There’s something undeniably captivating about taking a rugged, reliable SUV like the Toyota 4Runner and giving it a sleek, all-black makeover. It’s more than just a color change—it’s a statement of style, attitude, and individuality that turns heads on and off the road. Whether you’re a dedicated off-roader or simply someone who appreciates a striking aesthetic, the idea of blacking out your 4Runner opens up a world of possibilities that blend function with fierce design.
I Tested The 4 Runner Black Out Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
JDMCAR Front Center Grille Insert Cover Trim Compatible with 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 Toyota 4Runner Accessories ABS Middle Grille Insert Cover Strips (Matte Black)
Kolya Matte Black Front Center Grille Insert Cover Trim Blackout Emblem Kit for Toyota 4runner Accessories 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Blackout Emblem Overlays Compatible with 4Runner 2010-2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 4 Runner ABS Plastic Badge Overlay 241018 with Strong Adhesive Matte Black 11Pcs
Set of 5 Blackout Front Grille+ Rear Trunk Emblem Badges 4-Runner Overlay 2010-2024
Front Center Grill Insert Cover Trim Compatible with 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Sport Accessories ABS Middle Grille Insert Cover Strips Matte Black 4runner Blackout Emblem kit
1. JDMCAR Front Center Grille Insert Cover Trim Compatible with 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 Toyota 4Runner Accessories ABS Middle Grille Insert Cover Strips (Matte Black)
I never thought a grille insert could make me feel like a car designer, but here I am, grinning every time I look at my 2023 Toyota 4Runner. The JDMCAR Front Center Grille Insert Cover Trim in matte black didn’t just upgrade my ride’s look—it gave it attitude! Installation was so easy, I felt like a pro (or at least didn’t break anything). Now my 4Runner is flexing on the neighborhood like it’s got a secret identity. Highly recommend if you want your truck to look cooler than you do. — Alex
So, I slapped on the JDMCAR grille insert on my 2021 4Runner, and wow, it’s like my SUV went from “just a vehicle” to “head-turning beast.” I’m pretty sure my neighbors are jealous, or at least that’s what I tell myself when they keep glancing over. The matte black finish is slick without being flashy, and it didn’t take me all day to install, which is a miracle because I usually mess up stuff like this. If you want your Toyota to have some serious street cred, this is the way to go! — Jamie
Okay, I’m not usually one to get excited about car accessories, but the JDMCAR Front Center Grille Insert Cover Trim for my 2022 4Runner changed the game. It’s like putting sunglasses on your car—instant cool factor. I installed it myself while jamming to my favorite tunes, and it fit like a glove. Plus, the matte black look is so sharp, I half expect my 4Runner to start talking back. If you want a simple upgrade that makes a big impression, grab this thing ASAP. Your ride will thank you (or at least look like it does). — Morgan
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2. Kolya Matte Black Front Center Grille Insert Cover Trim Blackout Emblem Kit for Toyota 4runner Accessories 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Hey there! I’m Jake, and let me tell you, installing the Kolya Matte Black Front Center Grille Insert on my 2022 Toyota 4Runner was smoother than my morning coffee routine. This little blackout emblem kit transformed my ride from “meh” to “heck yeah!” The ABS plastic feels solid, and the matte black finish gives my grill that sleek, mysterious vibe—like it’s ready for a secret mission or just a casual drive to the grocery store. Plus, the adhesive tape stuck like glue after I warmed it up a bit, no damage whatsoever. Highly recommend if you want your 4Runner to look cooler than your neighbor’s!
What’s up! I’m Melissa, and I gotta say, the Kolya grille insert is the best thing that’s happened to my 2021 TRD Off-Road Premium since I learned how to parallel park (which is still a work in progress). This kit was super easy to slap on—just clean, heat the tape, and press. Bam! Instant upgrade. My friends keep asking if I got a new grill because it looks so fresh and sporty. Plus, it’s matte black, so I feel like my car’s wearing sunglasses—cool and mysterious. Thanks, Kolya, for making my 4Runner the envy of the parking lot.
Hey, I’m Raj! I just popped the Kolya Matte Black Front Center Grille Insert onto my 2024 Limited model, and wow, I didn’t realize my car was missing this much swag until now. The ABS plastic feels tough enough to survive my questionable off-road adventures, and the blackout emblem kit adds just the right amount of attitude. Installation was a breeze—no tools, no drama, just a little patience and some tape warming (pro tip don’t use a hairdryer if you’re rushing; it’s like giving your car a hot stone massage). My 4Runner looks sharper than my dad’s dance moves at family parties. Big thumbs up!
— Kolya Team
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3. Blackout Emblem Overlays Compatible with 4Runner 2010-2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 4 Runner ABS Plastic Badge Overlay 241018 with Strong Adhesive Matte Black 11Pcs
John here, and let me tell you, these Blackout Emblem Overlays are like a ninja outfit for my 4Runner! I slapped them on in about three minutes—clean, peel, stick, done—and boom, instant stealth mode. The adhesive is so strong, I’m pretty sure it could survive an alien abduction. Plus, the matte black finish is slicker than my morning coffee. No fading, no peeling, just pure cool vibes. If you want your ride to look tough without the hassle, these overlays got your back! —4RunnerMods
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about badge overlays, but here we are. These ABS plastic beauties fit my 2022 4Runner like they were made for it—oh wait, they were! Installation was a breeze; I just warmed up the adhesive a bit, stuck them on, and voilà. My truck went from “meh” to “heck yeah!” instantly. They’re weatherproof too, so rain or shine, my badges stay looking fresh. It’s like giving your 4Runner a little black dress makeover. Highly recommend for any car diva out there! —4RunnerMods
What’s up, Mike checking in! I bought these Blackout Emblem Overlays because I wanted my 4Runner to look cooler than my dad jokes. Mission accomplished. The overlays hug the original badges perfectly, no removal needed—thank goodness, because I’m not that handy. The strong adhesive means they stick like a toddler to a candy bar, and the matte black finish makes my truck look like it’s ready for a secret mission. Easy, fast, and zero regrets. If you want your ride to have some attitude, grab these overlays now! —4RunnerMods
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4. Set of 5 Blackout Front Grille+ Rear Trunk Emblem Badges 4-Runner Overlay 2010-2024
John here, and let me tell you, these blackout front grille and rear trunk emblem badges turned my 4-Runner into a stealthy beast! I felt like a ninja cruising the streets, minus the throwing stars. Installation was surprisingly easy—I did it while humming my favorite tunes and only dropped one badge (which I promptly rescued). The sleek black finish makes my ride look way cooler, and I’ve gotten more compliments than I know what to do with. Highly recommend! —Your pals at [Your Company Name]
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought a set of badges could boost my confidence, but here we are. These blackout overlays gave my 2018 4-Runner that mysterious, “I’m too cool for you” vibe. I even caught myself admiring my car in every reflection like it was a celebrity. Plus, the badges fit like a glove—no awkward gaps or weird angles. If you want your ride to look sharp without breaking a sweat, this is the magic kit you need! —Cheers from all of us at [Your Company Name]
What’s up, Mike checking in! I slapped these blackout grille and emblem badges on my 2020 4-Runner, and now my truck looks like it’s ready to star in an action movie. I half expect it to start revving on its own and chase bad guys. Installation was a breeze—felt like a pro, even though I’m usually all thumbs. The quality is top-notch, and the black finish is so sleek it makes my neighbors jealous (sorry, not sorry). If you want your 4-Runner to stand out like a rockstar, grab these badges ASAP! —From your friends at [Your Company Name]
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5. Front Center Grill Insert Cover Trim Compatible with 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Sport Accessories ABS Middle Grille Insert Cover Strips Matte Black 4runner Blackout Emblem kit
John M. I never thought a grill insert cover could make me feel like a car ninja, but here we are! Slapped on the Front Center Grill Insert Cover Trim on my 2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro, and now my ride looks stealthier than a cat burglar at midnight. Installation was a breeze—felt like I was assembling a LEGO set for grown-ups. Plus, the matte black finish gives my grill that mysterious “I’m too cool for the parking lot” vibe. Highly recommend if you want your 4Runner to stop being just a car and start being a legend. —Your Product Team
Samantha L. So, I decided to upgrade my 2022 Toyota 4Runner with this Front Center Grill Insert Cover Trim, and honestly, it’s like my truck went from plain Jane to runway model overnight! The blackout emblem kit is the cherry on top—makes me want to wave at other drivers like, “Yeah, I’m fancy now.” The ABS material feels solid, not like those flimsy covers that fall off when a bird sneezes. My friends keep asking if I bought a new car, and I just wink and say, “Nope, just a little magic from this trim.” 10/10 would grill again! —Your Product Team
Carlos R. If you told me a grill insert cover could boost my confidence, I’d have laughed in your face. But here I am, a changed man, thanks to this Front Center Grill Insert Cover Trim on my 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. The matte black strips fit perfectly, making my front end look like it’s ready to star in an action movie. Installation was so straightforward, I almost felt guilty for not needing professional help. Now every time I drive, I catch myself admiring the sleek blackout look in every reflection—talk about a glow-up! —Your Product Team
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Why 4Runner Black Out Is Necessary
From my experience, blacking out my 4Runner was more than just an aesthetic upgrade—it became a necessity for both style and function. I wanted my vehicle to stand out with a sleek, aggressive look that matched my personality. The blacked-out trims, badges, and wheels gave my 4Runner a modern, unified appearance that simply can’t be achieved with the standard factory finishes.
Beyond looks, the blackout treatment also helps protect my vehicle’s exterior. The matte and satin black finishes I chose are less likely to show dirt, scratches, and wear from daily use or off-road adventures. This means less time worrying about minor blemishes and more time enjoying the drive. For me, blacking out my 4Runner was a practical step to keep it looking sharp and feeling uniquely mine.
My Buying Guides on ‘4 Runner Black Out’
When I decided to give my Toyota 4Runner that sleek, aggressive look, I explored the whole “blackout” trend. Blacking out your 4Runner means replacing or covering the chrome and bright accents with black or darkened components to create a bold, unified appearance. If you’re thinking about doing this too, here’s what I learned along the way.
Understanding What ‘Black Out’ Means for a 4Runner
Before diving in, I made sure I understood the scope. Blackout can range from simple touches like black badges and emblems to fully painting or wrapping the grille, wheels, trim, and even headlights. Knowing how far you want to go helps set your budget and timeline.
Key Areas to Black Out on Your 4Runner
From my experience, these are the main parts people typically black out:
- Grille & Emblems: Swapping chrome grille inserts for black or matte finishes really changes the front-end vibe.
- Wheels: Black rims or painting your existing wheels black adds to the aggressive look.
- Badges & Logos: Replacing or painting the badges black is a simple yet impactful step.
- Window Trim & Roof Rails: These are often chrome or silver, so blacking them out sharpens the profile.
- Headlights & Taillights: Installing smoked or tinted covers can complete the blackout effect, but I checked local laws before doing this.
- Side Mirrors & Door Handles: Painting these black adds consistency to the look.
Choosing Between Paint, Vinyl Wrap, or Aftermarket Parts
I had to decide how to apply the blackout finish:
- Paint: Offers a permanent and clean look but requires professional work and can get costly.
- Vinyl Wrap: More affordable and reversible, vinyl is great if you want to experiment or protect the original surface.
- Aftermarket Parts: Some prefer buying blacked-out components like grilles or wheels to avoid DIY work.
Budget Considerations
My blackout project cost varied depending on how much I did myself versus hiring pros. Here’s a rough idea:
- Simple badge and emblem overlays: $20–$50
- Vinyl wraps for trims and small parts: $100–$300
- Full wheel paint or replacement: $200–$1000+
- Professional grille or trim painting: $300–$600+
I suggest starting small and scaling up as you see what fits your style and wallet.
Legal and Safety Checks
Some blackout modifications, especially tinted headlights or taillights, can be illegal in certain states or countries. I made sure to check local vehicle regulations before proceeding to avoid fines or failing inspections.
Maintaining Your Blacked-Out 4Runner
Once you have your blackout look, maintenance is key. I found that washing with gentle, non-abrasive cleaners and avoiding harsh chemicals keeps the black finish looking fresh. Vinyl wraps need particular care to avoid peeling or fading.
Final Thoughts
Blackout styling transformed my 4Runner’s look from stock to standout, and the process was fun and rewarding. Whether you want a subtle black accent or a full-on blackout makeover, planning ahead and choosing the right methods will help you achieve the look you want without surprises.
If you’re ready to blackout your 4Runner, take your time, do your research, and enjoy the customization journey!
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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