I just had that happen to my Gladiator, in the exact same spot, but above the taillight. Luckily the tailgate didn't have any damage. Cost about $500 to fix the corner and paint it.
I've driven in the rain with my soft top on and doors off, and I got pretty wet. At faster speeds, there's less of it, but you still get a bit wet. I think you'll be fine, as long as you pack some towels and a few presents to apologize with after the fact. :giggle:
Depending on the damage, a new tailgate costs about $300 unpainted. You may be able to find a used one, undamaged for a little more than that. A new bed unpainted costs $4,000. :headbang:
They didn’t have a rating up on the NHTSA website, but I expect it to be the same as the Wranglers 4 stars. Everything is pretty much the same, other than weight differences.
The 2019 Tacoma also got 4 stars.
The second picture has non-LED taillights. The first picture of yours does have the LED package which allows for the safety group, but that is a separate package that must be added. The sensors are already in the light, but you need the package to have them active.
I believe the safety package...