If you have been researching OLM tail lights for your WRX or STI and ended up more confused than when you started, you are not alone. The Evolution and the NB+R come up together constantly, but most people do not realize they are looking at two completely different products that do two completely different things.
This breakdown is for Subaru WRX and Subaru STI owners who want a clear answer before buying.
They Are Not the Same Type of Product
The OLM Evolution is a full tail light assembly. It replaces the entire rear light unit on both sides of the car. The OLM NB+R is a fourth brake light that installs in the rear fog light housing, the separate opening that sits below the main tail lights on the 2015+ WRX and STI.
These are not competing options. Many WRX and STI owners run both on the same car. The Evolution handles the main tail light assembly. The NB+R fills the fog light housing below it and adds brake and reverse light functionality the stock car does not have. Understanding that difference makes the decision straightforward. OLM builds both products specifically for the WRX and STI platform, and they are designed to work together.
What the OLM Evolution Tail Lights Do
The Evolution replaces the full OEM tail light assembly on both sides. It brings sequential turn signals, a custom bar design, and a significantly more aggressive rear end look compared to stock. The build quality is a step up from the factory units, and the sequential turn signal function alone is one of the most noticeable visual upgrades you can make to the rear of the car.
On the Wrench Masters site, the Evolution is available in two main configurations for the 2015 to 2021 WRX and STI. The OLM Evolution tail lights with clear lens pair a clear lens with a black base and red bar for a clean, modern look. The smoked lens Evolution tail lights go darker with a black base and white bar for a more blacked-out rear end.
The right choice between clear and smoked comes down to the look you want. Clear lens keeps the rear lighting bright and visible. Smoked lens tones everything down for a cleaner, stealthier appearance.
What the OLM NB+R and F1 NB+R V2 Do
The NB+R installs in the rear fog light housing on the 2015+ WRX and STI. Stock, that opening either has a fog light or sits empty depending on the trim level. The NB+R fills it with a purpose-built brake and reverse light that adds both function and a custom styling element to the rear of the car.
The original OLM NB+R F1 rear brake light is the entry point. The OLM F1 NB+R V2 is the updated version with a refined design and improved output. Both are available in clear and smoked lens options with white or red bar configurations to match or complement the main tail lights.
For owners who are not ready to replace the full tail light assembly, the NB+R is a lower-cost way to add a meaningful visual and functional upgrade to the rear of the car. It is also the natural first step before adding the Evolution later.
Can You Run Both on the Same Car?
Yes, and many owners do. The Evolution takes care of the main tail light housing on each side. The NB+R fills the rear fog light opening below. Together they create a complete custom rear lighting setup that looks intentional from every angle.
If you plan to run both eventually, the NB+R is a good starting point. It is the lower-cost upgrade and makes an immediate visual difference on its own. The Evolution is the bigger investment and transforms the rear end completely when added later.
Choosing Based on Your Goals
If you want to upgrade the look of the main tail lights and add sequential turn signals, the Evolution is what you need. For owners who want to add a brake light and fill the fog light housing without replacing the full tail light assembly, the NB+R or V2 is the right starting point. Running both together gives you the most complete custom rear end possible.
Budget is usually what drives the sequence. The NB+R gets you in the door at a lower price point and looks great on its own. The Evolution comes later when the budget allows and takes the rear end to another level.
Find the Right OLM Lighting Setup for Your Build
Both products are built for the 2015 to 2021 WRX and STI and are available in multiple lens and bar color combinations to match your build. Browse the full OLM tail light options for WRX and STI to compare configurations, or explore the complete OLM Performance lineup to see what else OLM makes for the platform.
0 Comments for “OLM Evolution Tail Lights vs NB+R: What Is Right for Your WRX or STI?”