5th Gen 4Runner Roof Rack

5th Gen 4Runner Roof Rack Review

One of the most crucial things for your off-road vehicle is a strong and reliable roof rack. It lets you store more things on it for those longer overlanding trips and allows you to carry things that cannot fit inside your vehicle such as kayaks, bikes, or even that extra cargo.

Today we are going to talk about roof racks for 4Runner, 5th Gen 4Runner roof racks to be specific. We will go over some racks that we think are among the best ones on the market today and hopefully, by the end of this article you will find a 4Runner roof rack that best suits you.

So, without further ado let’s begin. 

Best 5th Gen 4Runner Roof Rack Models

Front Runner 2023 4Runner Roof Rack

The rack itself is constructed from durable T6 aluminum, and stainless steel, and has a black epoxy powder coated to prevent erosion. This roof rack is also lightweight at only 80 lbs., but it is strong enough to support the weight of pretty much anything you put on it, including kayaks, motorcycles, additional baggage or gasoline, or even a roof top tent.

This roof rack's 660 lb. static weight capacity is more than sufficient to transport anything you can think of. The cool thing about this rack is that when it is mounted, there is space underneath it to store some other items, like a camping table or pretty much anything else of a similar size.

This 4Runner roof rack can be equipped with a wind deflector to improve aerodynamics and minimize noise, or an LED light bar which would help illuminate any roadways at night. It is simple to install, and all you have to do is follow the instructions and make use of the provided hardware. This is a great addition to your 5th gen 4Runner and we highly recommend that you check this one out.

Why we like it?

• Very sturdy & reliable build
• High weights capacity
• Lightweight

Prinsu Roof Rack 4Runner

Another great 4Runner roof rack on the market right now is the Prinsu 5th gen 4Runner rack. It is one of the lowest-profile racks that you can find. It is also one of the lightest ones out there and another cool thing about it is that it is a non-drill roof rack. So, let’s see what other things make these racks so great.

The roof rack itself includes two 1/4′′ 5052 aluminum plate side rails that were laser cut, and it is also coated in black powder to prevent rusting or degradation in any weather. You may choose how many crossbars to put on this 9-crossbar 4Runner Prinsu rack based on how much weight your load will be. Alternatively, you can install all nine of them if you want to attach a roof tent on top of it. The more crossbars you have, the bigger the weight capacity this roof rack will have.

Although this is a lightweight roof rack that weighs only 50 lbs when mounted, it is incredibly strong and solid and has a static weight limit of more than 500 lbs. It also has a very low profile, which means it won't cause as much of an influence on your gasoline tank or create as much noise when driving. You don't have as much room to keep anything underneath it as you did with the previously mentioned rack.

It is quick and simple to install, and it can take you about an hour to complete. On this 4Runner roof rack, you can also put a 42" LED light bar. This rack will undoubtedly be a terrific addition to your upcoming off-road journey and is compatible with all 5th gen 4Runner models from 2010 up to the present. This is one of our top picks for 4Runner roof racks so feel free to check it out! 

Why we like it?

• Low profile
• Very lightweight
• Sturdy build
• Non-drill roof rack

Sherpa Low Profile 5th Gen 4Runner Roof Rack

This Sherpa-made 4Runner roof rack is yet another very low-profile roof rack that is very sturdy yet lightweight. This is a full-length aluminum roof rack that is made to fit the 5th gen 4Runner from 2010 up to the current model. So let’s talk a bit more about it and see all of the features it has to offer.

Let’s start by saying that this 4Runner roof rack has ¼” thick aircraft-grade aluminum side panels and stainless-steel hardware which makes this 5th gen 4Runner roof rack both incredibly light as it weighs only 50 lbs, and incredibly durable, making it one of the lightest and sturdiest roof racks on the market at the moment.

It comes with 9 crossbars and if you decide to mount all of the then the static weight limit would be more than 700 lbs and the dynamic weight limit would be more than 300 lbs. This roof rack has a black powder coat finish so as to not erode in muddy or rainy environments. This is one of the lowest profile roof racks there is and with that, it is one of the most aerodynamic racks.

You won’t hear any noise when driving on road and it would make almost no difference to your fuel tank. Installing this rack is really easy as it doesn’t require any drilling whatsoever. It also comes with a lifetime warranty which means that if anything goes wrong the manufacturers will fix it for free. This is a bit more expensive rack, but it is worth every penny. Be sure to check it out!

Why we like it?

• Low profile
• One of the lightest racks out there
• Non-drill roof rack
• Built-in handles & tie-down points

Eezi-Awn K9 5th Gen 4Runner Roof Rack For Roof Top Tent

This is a slick, low-profile, lightweight, platform 5th gen 4Runner roof rack made by Eezi-Awn. This one Is a full-length rack however they do come in more sizes such as the ¾ rack and even the half-size rack. They also come in a couple of different heights to fit all of your needs. This 4Runner roof rack is one of the strongest racks on the market right now. It has a static weight capacity of 1000 lbs and a dynamic weight capacity of 500 lbs. There are more great features about this roof rack so let’s get to it.

Let’s start by saying that this 5th gen 4Runner rack has a fully welded 1-3/8”H low-profile platform that I constructed out of aluminum. All of its components are anodized and have a matte black powder finish to them so that they won’t erode in muddy environments. It features 5-1/8” wide M8 T-slot slats which run from the front to the back of the rack.

It also has M6 T-slots around the top perimeter with a rounded top edge. This 4Runner roof rack also has semi-elliptical bottom cross braces which help reduce noise when driving on the road. What’s amazing about this K9 roof rack is that you can mount a variety of accessories such as jerry cans, axes, shovels, Max Trax, an awning and especially any roof top tent. The great weight capacity, the smart design and dimensions of the rack, make it ideal to mount any rooftop tent, from hard shells to softshells, they will all fit well.

Installation is very simple and easy as this is a non-drill roof rack. Alongside the rack, you will receive instructions and the necessary installation hardware. Here’s another thing that makes this roof rack unique. It is the only 4Runner roof rack that is compatible with the existing Thule or Yakima sports bar mounts for bikes, kayaks, etc. Be sure to check out this amazing 4Runner roof rack as it would be a great addition to your next overlanding adventure. 

Why we like it?

• 1000 lbs weight limit
• High-quality materials used
• Non-drill roof rack
• Compatible with Thule & Yakima sport bar mounts
• Comes in different lengths & heights

Prinsu 5^th Gen 4Runner Roof Rack

 Another outstanding roof rack is this Prinsu 5^th Gen 4Runner roof rack, which differentiates from the previous one in this list, because it’s a ¾ platform roof rack, meaning it just covers ¾ of your vehicle’s roof. It still has a low profile design that barely does any noise or offer any wind resistance, as well as having a modular nature, meaning you can add or remove slats or crossbars depending on what you need.

Made in USA from powder coated aluminum, the quality of the rack is excellent. Installation is a breeze as it doesn’t require any drilling and it bolts directly to the existing factory mounting points on the 4Runner’s roof. Plus, a 500 lbs load rating means it can carry from roof top tents to even other heavy cargo.

An advantage of this ¾ platform roof rack is the fact that you can fully open the sunroof if you want, and the rack won’t ever interfere with it. It’s still a long enough rack to carry larger items such as kayaks, canoes, boards or roof top tents. Just keep in mind that any light bars added to the front of the rack won’t be as well positioned for your use as those on a full roof rack. 

Given it’s a Prinsu roof rack, it comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty and there is a large amount of aftermarket rack accessories made by Prinsu which you can use with it. All in all, an excellent option for anyone looking for a 5^th Gen 4Runner roof rack.

Why we like it?

• Made in USA
• 500+ lbs load rating
• Modular design
• Covers only ¾ of the roof

Front Runner ¾ 5^th Gen 4Runner Roof Rack With Sunroof

The ideal roof rack for any 5^th Gen 4Runner owners that want to use their sunroof or panoramic roof. Why? Simple, this Front Runner 5^th Gen 4Runner roof rack covers only ¾ of your roof, leaving the extra space on the roof available to open the sunroof. Essentially, the roof rack doesn’t interfere with the sunroof at all.

When it comes to quality, Front Runner designs perhaps the toughest platform racks in the market and this one is no exception. It weighs 59 lbs when installed, and it does add 5” to the height of your 4Runner overall. It also includes a wind deflector and installation doesn’t require any drilling.

As all Front Runner roof racks, this 5^th Gen 4Runner roof rack with sunroof has a 660 lbs weight capacity, meaning you can literally mount anything you can think of over it. Yes, that also includes roof top tents, because despite the rack being a ¾ rack, it still has plenty of footprint to add a tent over it, even a hardshell. Like all Front Runner racks, the slats and side frames have channels and space to mount plenty of aftermarket rack accessories, from awning mounts, to LED lights, surfboard carriers and much more.

If you’re looking for a high quality roof rack for overlanding adventures on your 4Runner, yet you want something that still leaves you space for the panoramic roof, this is perhaps your best choice out there. And when it comes to aftermarket upgrades, this is the most flexbile brand in the market.

Why we like it?

• Allows you to use the sunroof
• Plenty of aftermarket rack accessories are compatible with it
• 660 lbs load rating
• Drill free installation

Westcott 5^th Gen 4Runner Roof Rack With Ladder

The perfect modular roof rack for your 4Runner 5^th Gen with the possibility of adding a rear ladder to it. The Westcott 5^th Gen 4Runner roof rack with ladder is a low profile, lightweight platform rack with an integrated wind deflector to reduce wind resistance and noise, as well as an integrated bottle opener on the side of the rack for those outdoors adventures where you want to open a cold one.

As mentioned above, this Westcott Designs rack gives you the option of purchasing a ladder to add to the rear of your 4Runner. That way you can easily climb up or off the roof of the vehicle to reach cargo, tie down accessories and more. The ladder is quite simple to install and goes quite well with the design of the rack. As to the platform roof rack itself, it’s modular, meaning you an add or remove slats according to your needs, but it was also designed to accommodate the 4Runner models with a panoramic roof. How? Well, to open the roof just remove the slats right above it.

When it comes to quality and durability, well this roof rack is made in USA from high quality aluminum. It barely weighs 46.7 lbs, being one of the lightest in the market and having a minimal impact on the fuel economy of your 4Runner.

If you are wondering, it can fit a roof top tent thanks to the 500+lbs load rating. On top of that, it gives you the option to add TRD Pro mounting bolts (purchased separately), as well as cutout ready options for 42” light bars, which do pair great with this roof rack.

Why we like it?

• Made in USA
• Only 46.7 lbs of weight
• Has the option to add a ladder
• Works with panoramic roofs

ARB 4Runner Roof Rack

ARB recently introduced their newest line of roof racks: the Base Rack. This is a durable, heavy duty and fully welded platform roof rack made of powder coated aluminum. It is lightweight, yet sturdy and capable of carrying over 500 lbs of weight when parked.

Thanks to extruded beams, the ARB 4Runner roof rack allows you to run electrical cabling through them, maintaining the sleek design of the rack intact, as well as protecting the cabling from the elements. You can remove all the corners of this 4Runner roof rack to introduce or remove the cables from any LED lights or other electrical accessories. Needless to say, it’s fairly easy to install and equip the Base Rack with aftermarket lights and electrical accessories.

The low profile design of this rack helps reduce any wind resistance and noise, as well as having a really minor impact on the fuel consumption. Thanks to a side mounting dovetail system it is really simple to attach any accessories to the rack itself, whether that’s awnings, shovel mounts and more. As to mounting a roof top tent or heavier accessories over the rack, it’s also easy and safe, not only since the weight capacity is excellent, but also because the sturdiness of the fully welded slats helps, and there are numerous tie-down points for straps and such.

Installing it over the roof of your 5^th Gen 4Runner is quite simple. The Base Rack is a fully welded platform with side rails that fit perfectly into the vehicle’s frame without the need of drilling. It might be a job for two people since the platform itself can be a bit large for one single person to handle, but it’s neither heavy nor complex to mount, making the installation process simple.

Why we like it?

• Fully welded makes it sturdier
• High quality aluminum construction is lightweight and durable
• Excellent side mounting dovetail system
• Wiring and cabling can go in the rack and remain hidden

Gobi Roof Rack 4Runner 

Gobi is a brand that specializes in producing durable, high-quality, and good-looking roof racks using some of the highest-grade materials. Their roof racks are very sturdy as they are made out of stainless steel. This Stealth 4Runner roof rack is also powder coated to prevent it from eroding in muddy environments. One feature that distinguishes this rack from the rest is that it doesn’t have crossbars where the sunroof opening is so that it doesn’t obstruct it. Let’s see what else makes this Stealth rack so good.

Well as we already said, Gobi makes their roof racks out of stainless steel and this one is no exception. You might think that because of stainless-steel construction, this rack would be heavy but that is not the case. This rack weighs only 70 lbs. It is also low profile and comes with a wind deflector which makes it even more aerodynamic and lowers fuel consumption.

This is a really strong 5th gen 4Runner roof rack and it has a static weight limit of over 800 lbs. That is more than enough to fit pretty much anything you can think of. You can even mount a roof top tent on top of it. It also has a dynamic weight limit of about 300 lbs. You could mount a variety of accessories on it, and one of the most popular ones would be the 40” LED light bar that will help you illuminate the road when driving at night.

Installing this 4Runner roof rack is easy as it is a non-drill rack. All you need to do is follow the instructions and use the hardware that is provided alongside the rack. The great thing about this rack is that underneath it you have some space to put a few extra things such as a camping table or anything else that is similar in size. Feel free to check this roof rack out.

Why we like it?

• Very durable build
• Sunroof is not obstructed
• 800+ weight capacity
• No drilling required

Baja Rack 5th Gen 4Runner Roof Rack Basket

Built with US-Made, cold-rolled steel tube, this long, low-profile Toyota 5th Gen 4Runner roof rack features a sunroof cutout. This 4Runner roof rack made by Baja is a basket roof rack. It is a standard long rack that will add much-needed cargo space to your vehicle in order to tackle your next adventures. It was designed around 4 factory mounting positions on the roof without obstructing the operation of the sunroof. Thanks to that cutout, interference with the antenna is also avoided.

This 5th gen 4Runner roof rack has 1” thick steel tubing construction with an epoxy primer, and a black powder coat finish to it so as to not erode. It also comes with a 5050-H32 aluminum wind deflector which makes this roof rack more aerodynamic. This is another lightweight roof rack that weighs only 65 lbs while being sturdy enough to handle pretty much anything you put on it. It has a static weight limit of around 600 lbs and a dynamic weight limit of around 300 lbs.

When mounted, this 4Runner roof rack has a bit of space underneath it to put a few extra things and accessories you might need on the road. Of course, you can also mount a variety of accessories to the rack itself such as a LED light bar which will help you when driving during the night. This rack is also ideal to carry things that cannot fit inside your vehicle such as kayaks, skis, ladders, and lumber, or even mounting a roof top tent on top of it.

Installation of this Baja 4Runner roof rack is easy and it doesn’t take as long because this rack doesn’t require any drilling. All the necessary instructions and mounting hardware will be included with the rack. This will surely be a great addition to your 5th gen 4Runner so feel free to check this rack out!

Why we like it?

• Big cargo area
• Has an option for a sunroof cutout
• Non-drill roof rack
• Lightweight and sturdy construction

5th Gen 4Runner Roof Rack Cross Bars

Rhino Rack 4Runner 

Let’s talk about these Vortex Rhino Rack 4Runner cross bars. They are very reliable and easy to handle and they perfectly fit the 5th gen 4Runner from 2010 up to the current model. They are designed with superior aerodynamics, practical ruggedness, and great looks. They are meant to fit your raised railing with ease.

They are easy to install and remove and they come with security hardware that protects your racks from theft. These are strong and lightweight cross bars that are suitable for off-road use and are meant to last. They are 50” long and come in black color.

Another cool thing about them is that you can mount a variety of Rhino Rack accessories to them making your next overlanding adventure a whole lot better. Alongside the cross bars, you will get the necessary installation instructions as well as the needed hardware.

They were tested in the Australian environment and approved to their standards so you can be sure that they can withstand pretty much anything you put them through. In order to prove that, Rhino Rack gives a lifetime warranty for these 4Runner cross bars. Be sure to check them out!

Why we like it?

• Lifetime warranty
• Sleek design
• Easy installation
• Good for off-road use

Thule 5th Gen 4Runner Roof Rack Cross Bars

This is a high-quality, sleek, multi-purpose, and reasonably priced cross bar made to fit the 5th gen 4Runner from 2010 up to the current model. Thule has been making high-quality equipment for a very long time now and this bar is no exception. In order for this cross-bar kit to work you will need to have a 4 Runner that comes with the OEM roof rails.

The Thule EVO WingBar cross bars are their new version of their old AeroBlade bars which were updated to have an even bigger loading area while being more aerodynamic and making less noise when driving your vehicle. The cool thing about it is that it will not interfere with the sunroof and could even be used to carry things such as kayaks, bikes, ladders, cargo carriers, and more.

This is an exceptionally strong bar that has a dynamic weight capacity of 220 lbs when the weight is evenly distributed. The length of these cross bars is 53”. They have been tested in some of the harshest environments to make sure that they can withstand pretty much anything you put them through. That’s why they are perfect for any off-road adventure.

Installing it is very simple and you do not need a lot of time to do it. Alongside the cross bars, you will get the necessary installation hardware as well as the instructions. They also have a 5-year warranty! Be sure to check out these 5th gen 4Runner cross bars!

Why we like it?

• Reasonably priced
• Very strong design
• Aerodynamic & lightweight
• Simple & fast installation

4Runner Roof Rack Accessories

As we all know there is a tone of accessories with which you can upgrade your roof rack. But how do you know which one to get? Well, there really is no right or wrong accessory that you can get for your roof rack but there are some that are just a must. That would be a good and reliable light bar. So let’s mention a couple of them and see why they are so great.

4Runner Roof Rack Light Bar

First let’s talk about the Cali 42” Slim single-row LED light bar. This is perhaps the most popular LED light bar on the market right now and here’s why. This bar has 40 different LEDs and produces 20,000 lumens while having a lifespan of over 50,000 hours. It is a universal light bar meaning it will work on pretty much any rig.

It has durable polycarbonate lenses and integrated thermal management, and it doesn’t need a warmup period when turned on. Another great thing about it is that it has an IP rating of 68 meaning that this light bar can withstand dust, dirt, and even sand. It can also be submerged underwater up to a maximum depth of 1.5 m for up to 30 minutes!

Installing it is as easy as it gets and having it will be crucial for your next off-road or overlanding adventure, especially when driving at night.

Now let’s talk about the second best LED light bar which in our humble opinion is the KC C-Series LED light bar. Now, this bar has a lot of sizes to choose from. They go all the way from 6” in length up to 50” depending on your needs. They are also very affordable and will provide sufficient lighting that improves mobility during the night.

What’s great about this LED light bar is that they have a combination of spot and spread beam patterns, but both of them will give you great illumination. It is made out of a gore membrane barrier as well as extruded aluminum moisture and dust-resistant housing thus providing you with excellent durability.

They can withstand extreme weather conditions as it has IP67-rated housing. The 50” LED light bar gives 27,000 lumens and has a beam distance of over 1000m. It truly is one of the greatest light bars out there and we recommend that you check it out!

4Runner Bike Roof Rack

Let’s talk about bike carriers. As we all know having our load as well as equipment securely fastened to our car is crucial because we don’t want anything to slip off of our roof racks while driving on rocky terrains or even just roads. It would be dangerous for other drivers and your equipment will get damaged. That’s why when carrying your bike with you on your next off-road adventure you should have a sturdy and reliable roof rack bike carrier.

So first let’s talk about the Front Runner Pro Bike Carrier. For many bike carriers out there, you would have to take off your front wheel in order to fasten it to your rack. But with this one, you don’t which is a time saver.

You can easily install it in just a couple of minutes and it is suitable for all bike sizes. This bike carrier is adjustable and able to secure most wheel diameters including road bikes, MTB, and fat bikes with tire widths ranging from 18mm/0.7" up to 132mm/5.2".

This carrier folds flat on your roof rack when you’re not using it and it is even constructed with the same weather-resistant stainless steel and powder coating as the Front Runner racks and their mounting systems. This bike carrier weighs 20 lbs and will surely be a great addition to your roof rack.

Now we also want to mention another great bike mount from Rhino Rack. It is their hybrid bike carrier that you can mount your bike on without taking off your front wheel. This carrier can be installed on the majority of racks out there and it will securely hold your bike in place while driving.

It features multiple locking systems and has an ergonomically shaped handle with a release trigger. It has an aluminum construction and fits bikes from 20” kids bike up to 29” mountain bikes. It also has a non-corrosive layer in order to withstand any outdoor elements.

This Rhino Rack bike carrier weighs 16.5 lbs and has a load capacity of up to 45 lbs. The minimum crossbar spacing for this carrier is 21” and the maximum is 39”. It also comes with a 5 Year warranty. Another great bike carrier that you should check out!

5th Gen 4Runner Roof Rack Comparison Chart

The following table organizes all the roof racks discussed in this guide. However, if you scroll all the way down you will find a lot more racks that we sell for the Toyota 4Runner 5th Gen. The fact we didn't include them in the guide is not because they aren't good, simply we preferred to simplify the process with the best selling racks. If you have any questions on other racks, please reach out.

* Please double check each warranty for each roof rack, as most are Limited Lifetime, or Limited for a certain number of years. The table displays the warranties in a summarized manner.

5th Gen 4Runner Roof Rack FAQS

5^th Gen 4runner roof rack weight limit

The 5^th Gen 4Runner roof rack weight limit will change from rack to rack, from one brand to another. For example, the Front Runner roof racks have a 660lbs weight limit, but other brands such as Gobi have an 800 lbs load rating. Much depends on the materials with which the roof rack was made, as well as the mounting or installation style, whether it was drilled onto the roof (which normally has a higher weight limit) or not. 

However, it’s important to remind everyone that what matters is that your 4Runner roof rack has a weight limit that’s at least a few pounds more than the weight of what you intend to carry over it.

How to remove 5th Gen 4Runner roof rack?

Well usually roof racks are bolted onto the car and all you need to do is simply loosen and remove the bolts and then remove the rack. It doesn’t take much time to do that. Pretty much all you need to do is the opposite of what you did when you installed the rack.

5^th Gen 4runner roof rack dimensions

The 5^th Gen 4Runner roof rack dimensions are different from one type of roof rack to another, and from one brand to another. However, if you get a full platform roof rack it’ll be slightly shorter than the length of the whole 4Runner roof.

How tall is a 4Runner roof rack?

Again, this is something that is different for each roof rack out there. Some of them are 2-3" tall some are 5-6" but there isn't a universal roof rack height. However, there are roof racks that are very low profile such as the Prinsu roof rack.

5^th Gen 4Runner roof rack installation

Installing your 5^th Gen 4Runner roof rack will be different depending on the brand you buy and the style of rack you get. The easiest racks to install tend to be crossbars, as they either clamp onto the existing side rails, or just bolt to the existing factory mounting points. 

When it comes to platform roof racks, some require drilling, which is not that hard of a task but it does require you strictly following the instructions from the installation manual and hopefully some knowledge with power tools. Others are drill free, and it’s as simple as bolting them to the existing factory mounting points, and these tend to be the most common ones such as Front Runner, Prinsu or Sherpa to name a few.

Can I install a roof top tent over my 4Runner rack?

The answer to that is yes! You can install almost any roof top tent on your roof rack but you do have to keep an eye on what is the weight capacity of your roof rack before doing so.

5th Gen 4Runner Roof Racks For Sale