The 9 Best Roof Rack For 4Runner Models In 2023

2 comments Mar 09, 2023

Best Roof Rack For 4Runner Guide 

"I've been stressed out lately. I wanted to go to a quick weekend camping getaway, but I just can't get that enough storage space in my Toyota 4Runner. I need to bring all my overlanding stuff, gear and equipment and just relax, take a deep breath and meditate. Think for a while and enjoy nature."

Those were the exact words my brother told me, as I looked at him while we were having a pulled pork sandwich in my backyard. He needed a rack, but which one? Where do you start when you need a roof rack for your Toyota 4Runner 5th Gen? A great rig, deserves the best rack.

So I thought of making a research about his problem and the possible solution for it. And I found out that to be able to mount rooftop tents, overlanding gear and accessories, and anything essential for your outdoor trip, you want a reliable roof rack mounted to your vehicle. There were so many kinds of platform racks available in the market, and they all look similar! Then I thought, why not make a comparison of each roof rack?

Features To Consider In A 4Runner Roof Rack

Going back, these are the things I considered in choosing the right roof rack for my brother's Toyota 4Runner 5th Generation. I started taking the initiative to list all the features for a roof rack for Toyota 4Runner 2010 to current model, since his car was under this category. 

• Compatibility - Of course this is the utmost priority to the list. Buying something that isn't usable is a waste of money. Yes there are generic roof racks out there, but it is much safer, and lesser stress to buy something built for a Toyota 4Runner.
• Size - Yes! Size does matter! Different roof racks have different sizes and dimensions. These are sometimes not taken into consideration. There's a very big difference between a full-length roof rack, and those that covers just the half of your roof. 
• Materials - Would you have something that wouldn't last long? Well, you won't be satisfied definitely! Its composition, components and material structure should be considered definitely.
• Installation - There are roof racks that need drilling, for permanent usage. There are those that doesn't. Mount it up, screw it in and just trust the process and pray that your mount won't fall off!
• Additional Accessories - This one is kind of personal to me. Well, you'll probably won't use your RTT every time, right? What will you do with your rack in case there's no mounted tent? Can it mount a bike, let's say? How compatible it is to other roof rack accessories? I think, this is where you'll get your money's worth. 
• Price - well speaking of money's worth. This matter should not be taken lightly. You choose the roof rack that is cheap, you'll end up more stressed than ever. 

There are many more buying points to consider definitely. Color, package inclusion, style, etc. In a nutshell, if you don't research well, you'll end up buying the cheap, easy to break, hazardous roof rack. Of course, you would not want that. 

And so I started making a list of roof racks that can be used for his Toyota 4Runner. I found the best brands that are capable of being the solution to my anyone's rack "problem". Let's go and take a look at the list.

Best Roof Racks For 4Runner 5th Gen

Let us start listing out the off road roof racks that are available, compatible and perfect for Toyota 4Runner 5th Gen. I repeat, our ride is categorized under this specification, so I will list 5th Generation Toyota 4Runner racks. If you happen to stumble across this blog, looking for 4th Gen or 3rd Gen Toyota 4Runner, don't you worry! I will include some to help get you started.

Front Runner 4Runner 5th Gen Roof Rack

Let's take a look at a high-quality roof rack that we want to talk about, the 4Runner roof rack made by Front Runner. This Slimline II 4Runner roof rack is a full-size rack that is compatible with all Toyota 4Runner models from 2010 up to the current model. Keep in mind that this roof rack is available both with a drill and no drill mounting options.

Now the rack itself is made out of sturdy T6 aluminum as well as stainless steel and also black epoxy powder coated to keep it from eroding. This is another lightweight roof rack that weighs only 80 lbs but is sturdy enough to withstand the weight of pretty much anything you put on it whether that would be kayaks, bikes, extra cargo or fuel, or even a roof top tent.

The static weight capacity of this roof rack is 660 lbs which are more than enough to carry anything you might imagine. The cool thing about this rack is that when it is mounted you have enough room underneath it to store some extra things such as a camping table or pretty much anything similar in size.

A wind deflector could be mounted onto this 4Runner roof rack to increase its aerodynamics of it and reduce noise however you might opt for an LED light bar which will help illuminate any roads during the night. Installing it is easy and all you need to do is follow the given instructions and use the given hardware. Another great pick for your 5^th Gen 4Runner. Feel free to check it out.

Why we like it?

• Specifically engineered to suit the 4Runner
• Full-sized rack that covers the entire 4Runner roof! 
• Resists mild corrosion and wet abrasion. 
• Modular system that allows for customization based on your needs.

Prinsu Roof Rack 4Runner

Moving on, we have one of the greatest manufacturers of roof racks, Prinsu. They have been producing some of the highest quality roof racks on the market currently and this 4Runner Roof Rack is no different. This model is a non-drill rack to be specific and it is a full-length roof rack.

The roof rack itself has two side rails made of 1/4′′ 5052 aluminum plate that was laser cut, and it is also black powder coated to keep it from corroding or degrading in any weather. Depending on how much weight your load will be on top of this 9-crossbar 4Runner Prinsu rack, you can decide how many crossbars to put. Alternatively, if you wish to mount a roof tent on top of it, you can install all nine of them.

This is a lightweight roof rack, weighing 50 lbs when installed, yet it is very durable and sturdy and has a static weight capacity of 500+ lbs. It is also a very low-profile roof rack so it will not make noise on the road and it will not make as much impact on your fuel tank.

Installing it is very fast and easy and it could take you about an hour to do so. You can also mount a 42” LED light bar on this 4Runner roof rack. We also want to mention that this rack is compatible with all 5^th gen 4Runner models from 2010 up to the current one and it will certainly be a great addition to your next off-road adventure. We highly recommend that you check this one out.

Why we like it?

• The Prinsu full rack matches the Toyota 4Runner 5th Gen. easily. They are a great pair when it comes to outdoor adventure.
• The roof rack is made of lightweight aluminum and is designed to be strong and durable, making it ideal for off-road use.
• Installs easily without drilling into your vehicle, making it simple and quick to install.
• It is versatile and can be used for various activities, such as camping, overlanding, or carrying equipment for outdoor adventures.

Best 4Runner Roof Rack With Sunroof

Gobi Roof Rack 4Runner

This is a high-quality and sturdy rack made by Gobi. It is a fully welded stainless steel rack that has the option to come with a sunroof cutout. This 4Runner roof rack is also black powder coated to prevent erosion in muddy environments. But that's not all this rack offers. So, let’s take a look at some of the other features it has and see why this is one of the best 4Runner roof racks.

Even though this roof rack has a steel construction it is pretty lightweight, weighing 70 lbs. This rack is not as low profile as the previously mentioned one however it does come with a wind deflector which makes it more aerodynamic and thus makes less noise on the road. The cool thing about it is that you can also put a couple of things under the rack itself such as a camping table or anything similar in size.

This is a pretty strong roof rack as well. It has a static load rating of 800lbs and a dynamic load capacity of 300lbs which is more than enough to carry items such as kayaks, bikes, extra fuel, extra cargo, or even mount a roof top tent on top of it. Included with this Gobi roof rack is its bolt-on rear ladder that makes climbing up and down a vehicle so much easier.

Why we like it?

• The Gobi Stealth is perfect for installing LEDs using their racks, as this rack system has pre-installed light bar mount. 
• A full-sized rack that offers two variants. You can choose from the roof rack with sunroof, or the one without.
• Gobi produces a high-quality roof rack that is made in the USA. 
• GOBI Racks are 100% fully welded roof racks and use only the screws needed to secure the racks to the vehicle, making it noise and rattle free.

Best Roof Racks For 4Runner 4th Gen

BajaRack 4Runner 4th Gen Roof Basket

This is another low-profile, full-length 4Runner roof rack that is very sturdy and reliable and great for off-road or even overlanding adventures. It can support pretty much anything you put on it including kayaks, bikes, skis, ladders, lumber, or even a roof top tent. It is a sleek rack that is easy to install as it requires no drilling.

It is made out of steel tubing and is also black powder coated to prevent eroding in muddy environments. It is a pretty strong rack as well. It has a static weight capacity of 600lbs and a dynamic weight capacity of 300lbs while only weighing 71lbs.

It has a huge cargo area, 20.93ft² to be exact, and also has enough room underneath it to store a couple of extra items such as a camping table and anything similar in size. This 4Runner roof rack comes with an aluminum wind deflector but you can also mount an LED light bar to illuminate the road while driving at night.

As we already mentioned, installing this rack is a breeze as it is a non-drill roof rack. All the necessary installation hardware as well as the installation instructions will come alongside the roof rack. This is an amazing 4Runner roof rack and we recommend that you check it out!

Why we like it?

• Despite its durability and cargo capacity, this rack is relatively lightweight, weighing only 71lbs
• Large cargo capacity. It's suitable for carrying a wide range of items, including camping gear, sports equipment, and luggage.
• Modular design allowing for a range of customization options. It also features a built-in wind deflector to reduce wind noise and drag.
• Designed for easy installation, without the need for drilling or modifying your vehicle.

Eezi-Awn 4Runner 4th Gen Roof Rack

This is a very sleek, strong, and aerodynamic 4Runner roof rack made by Eezi-Awn.  It comes in a couple of different sizes and heights. This 4Runner roof rack is possibly the strongest roof rack on the market right now as it has a static weight capacity of 1000lbs and a dynamic weight capacity of 500lbs. That means that you can mount pretty much anything on it including a big roof top tent.

Various accessories can be mounted onto this 4Runner roof rack such as jerry cans, axes, shovels, hi-lift, Max Trax, awnings, and so much more. It has a fully welded construction with anodized and powder-coated components to prevent erosion. It also has semi-elliptical bottom cross braces to reduce wind noise.

It is also compatible with Thule and Yakima sport bar mounts. Installing this rack is a breeze because it is a non-drill roof rack. All the necessary installation hardware as well as instructions will be provided alongside the roof rack.

Why we like it?

• Made of high-quality materials, including aluminum and stainless steel, to provide maximum strength and durability.
• The roof rack has a low profile design, which helps to reduce wind resistance and noise while driving.
• Despite its heavy-duty construction, this rack is relatively lightweight, which helps to reduce the overall weight of your vehicle and improve fuel efficiency.
• The roof rack is designed for easy installation, without the need for drilling or modifying your vehicle.

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Best Roof Racks 4Runner 3rd Gen

Sherpa Matterhorn

Like many other sherpa roof racks out there this is another low-profile, aerodynamic, and very durable 4Runner roof rack. It is a full-sized roof rack which is easy to install as it is a non-drill roof rack. It is very durable and can withstand almost anything you mount on it, even a roof top tent. It has a static rating of 600lbs and a dynamic rating of 200lbs.

It is made out of aircraft-grade aluminum as well as stainless steel, and it is very lightweight, weighing only 50 lbs. It also has a black powder coat finish to prevent it from eroding in muddy environments. It comes with 9 crossbars. If you want your weight capacity to be higher you should mount more or even all crossbars on it.

It also comes with a wind deflector which will make this rack more aerodynamic and less noisy on the road. However, you can also replace it with an LED lightbar which will help you illuminate the road when driving during the night.

As we already mentioned installing this rack is easy. All the necessary manuals and the installation hardware will be included with the rack. This is an amazing 4Runner roof rack and it will certainly be a great addition to your next overlanding adventure.

Why we like it?

• High-quality steel, which is durable and strong enough to withstand heavy loads and tough off-road conditions.
• This rack features a universal design, making it compatible with a range of accessories, such as roof rack rails, mounting brackets, and cargo carriers.
• Easy installation, without the need for drilling or modifying your vehicle.
• Low profile design, which helps to reduce wind resistance and noise while driving.

Prinsu 3rd Gen 4Runner Roof Rack

Prinsu has been making reasonably priced, reliable, and good-looking roof racks for some time now and this 4Runner roof rack is no exception. They are USA made and they come with a limited lifetime warranty. This 4Runner roof rack is one of the lightest racks on the market while still being very sturdy. It only weighs 54 lbs and has a static weight capacity of 600lbs+ and a dynamic weight capacity of 300lbs+.

They are built out of high-quality aluminum and are powder coated in satin black texture to prevent erosion in muddy environments. The crossbars on this 4Runner roof rack are made out of 1” x 2” black anodized aluminum extrusions and they have unique drop-in points for mounting accessories. The rack also comes with an aluminum wind deflector to improve aerodynamics.

It is a very modular rack that is designed to fit whatever lifestyle and hobbies you have, and a very low-profile one as well. Another cool feature about it is that to install it you do not have to do any drilling. That's right this is a non-drill roof rack which is super simple to install using the given installation hardware and instructions that come alongside the rack.

This is a very reliable rack to have on your next off road or overlanding trip and is one of our top recommendations so feel free to take a look at it!

Why we like it?

• Made in the USA, ensuring high-quality construction and materials.
• Modular design, allowing you to customize the rack with a range of accessories.
• Made of high-quality aluminum, which is both lightweight and strong enough to withstand heavy loads and tough off-road conditions.
• Offers numerous solutions for tie-down options, cargo security, and the addition of accessories such as tool mounts or lighting.

Best Roof Rack Cross Bars For Toyota 4Runner

Rhino-Rack 4Runner Cross Bars

 These are strong, reliable, and easy-to-handle cross bars made by Rhino Rack. They are very aerodynamic and they look good. These 4Runner cross bars are easy to install and remove. They come with security hardware to protect them from theft and they are designed to be used on roofs that have rails. We want to note that Rhino Rack has cross bars for all 3 generations.

These cross bars are 50” long and there is enough space to carry a few things on there suck as kayaks, skis, extra luggage, or even mount a roof top tent. They are perfect for any off-road adventure as they were tested in some of the harshest conditions and are built to last.

As we already mentioned they are very simple to install. Alongside the cross bars, you will also get the installation instruction as well as the necessary hardware to do so. And also, another thing we want to mention is that this 4Runner cross-bar kit comes with a lifetime warranty.

Why we like it?

• The roof rack has a sleek black finish, which adds a stylish and modern look to your vehicle.
• It features an aerodynamic design, which helps to reduce wind noise and drag, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and a quieter ride.
• Made of high-quality materials, including aluminum and reinforced nylon, which make it strong and durable enough to withstand heavy loads and tough off-road conditions.
• Easy installation, without the need for drilling or modifying your vehicle. It comes with all the necessary hardware and detailed instructions.

Thule 4Runner Cross Bars

This is another well-priced, strong, and good-looking crossbar kit for 4Runner. It was made by Thule and it will only work if your 4Runner comes with OEM roof rails. They are an updated version of the AeroBlade bars and are more aerodynamic and made less noise when driving.

These cross bars go from front to back on the edges of the 4Runner roof and they do not interfere with the sunroof. They can be used to carry a variety of things such as kayaks, cargo carriers, bikes, ladders, and more. Thule also has cross bars for all 3 generations.

They are very strong and have a dynamic weight capacity of 220 lbs when the load is evenly distributed. They are also very reliable as they were tested in some of the harshest environments and can withstand anything you put them through.

Alongside the cross bars, you will also receive installation instructions and necessary hardware. They are easy to install and will not take a lot of time to do so. These 4Runner cross bars come with a 5 Year warranty and are one of the best cross bar kits out there. Feel free to check them out!

Why we like it?

• Compatible with a range of Thule accessories, such as bike carriers, kayak carriers, and cargo boxes, making it a versatile option for a variety of outdoor activities.
• Wind Diffuser technology disturbs airflow to reduce noise and drag for improved fuel economy.
• Upper T-track with QuickAccess interface allows smooth installation and removal of accessories.
• The selected load bar width, feet and fit kit are specifically adapted for your TOYOTA 4 Runner 4-dr SUV 2020.

Best Roof Rack For 4Runner FAQs

What is the weight capacity of each 4runner roof rack?

Weight capacity is different for each roof rack out there. Take into consideration both the static and dynamic weight capacity of roof racks before acquiring them.

How hard or how long does it take to install these racks?

It can usually take an hour or two to install a roof rack. Non-drill roof racks are easier and faster to install than ones that require drilling. If you have experience in installing roof racks it can even take you less time to do it.

Can my rack support a roof top tent? And what is the best 4Runner roof rack for a tent?

Well, that all depends on what is the weight capacity of your roof rack. You have to know what is the weight of the RTT you are trying to mount as well as the weight of all the campers that will use it. When you have that number, you have to find a roof rack that can support at least that weight but more would be recommended. A couple of the 4Runner roof racks that we would recommend are the Prinsu 4Runner roof rack, and the Front Runner 4Runner roof rack!

What is the best full roof rack for 4runner?

That all depend on your needs and activities, but one of the best 4Runner roof racks in our humble opinion is the Prinsu 4Runner roof rack. It is strong, reliable, low profile, lightweight, and well-priced. And also, it doesn’t require drilling!

What is the best kayak roof rack for 4runner?

If you want to mount a kayak on your 4Runner roof rack we recommend that you get the Front Runner roof rack as it has extra accessories. It is not only good for mounting a kayak but also for other things such as a bike, snowboards, skis, and many more.