The wrong choice of a roof rack for your car could potentially damage your vehicle and lead to a costly repair bill. A poorly fitting or incompatible roof rack can also make your car less aerodynamic and compromise its stability on the road.
To ensure that you make the most of your 4Runner’s capacity for hauling cargo, we tested dozens of models and came up with the list of the 9 best roof racks for 4Runner. The YAKIMA LoadWarrior Rooftop Cargo Basket became our Editor’s Choice. When choosing one, consider the design and material used in its construction: robust materials such as aluminum and steel are usually more reliable and long-lasting. Also, look out for adjustable crossbars that are easily customizable in order to fit various types of cargo. Finally, make sure the roof rack you get is designed to minimize wind noise and drag so as not to disrupt your vehicle’s aerodynamics.
More features: weather-resistant, custom wind fairing, limited lifetime warranty
We picked the The Yakima LoadWarrior to be our top choice for the best roof rack for 4Runner because of its durable construction and versatility. The rack is made from sturdy alloy steel and can carry various kinds of gear. This cargo basket is very robust and withstands the harshest weather conditions. It is spacious enough for carrying a lot of gear and you can use it on any kind of terrain all year round. The rack comes with 1/8-inch front and rear load bars, so it is compatible with the majority of Yakima gear mounts. You can transport bike, kayak or any piece of furniture. We were impressed how easy it is to install and that it comes with a generous, lifetime warranty.
The Yakima Loadwarrior is pretty similar to the Yakima Megawarrior. They are identical in design, except Megawarrior is longer and wider. The Loadwarrior is the better option if you have a smaller car, and the Megawarrior is the best choice if you have a medium to large-sized car and you need to go on an adventure with many people.
More features: unique bolt-on design, permanent mount, modular, corrosion-free, limited lifetime warranty
This is a lightweight yet strong roof rack kit made from high-quality alloy steel and aluminum. It is a low-profile rack that blends well with your car’s design. It is very easy to install and remove from your vehicle thanks to a unique bolt-on design. In addition, it features a wind deflector that adds extra protection from the elements. What is more, the Front Runner Slimline II comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which proves that it is well worth investing in.
In our opinion, the Front Runner Slimline II 3/4 Roof Rack Kit compares well with other premium options like the Rhino rack pioneer. The Slimline II is pricier than the Rhino rack pioneer, but its accessories like sunseeker cover, tie-downs, and jerry can holder are much cheaper. Plus, Slimline’s design is more attractive. If you want to add more stuff to the rack, like a tent, Slimline is a more promising option.
More features: clamp mount, 165 lbs. load capacity, low wind noise, 12-month warranty
The TUNTROL OE Style Crossbars are the best crossbars for the Toyota 4Runner. They boast high-quality T6061 aluminum alloy construction and can hold up to 165 lbs. of cargo. At the same time these crossbars are extremely lightweight. They are quite easy to install since they come with a clamp mount system. Thanks to its low wind noise design there won’t be any irritating whistling sounds during your drive. And for your peace of mind, the rack is covered with a no-hassle 12-month warranty.
The CONTROL OE Style Crossbars Roof Rack stacks up well against other popular roof rack crossbars like StayThere. StayThere has equally incredible features like an elliptical design and top groove design for less wind noise and resistance. The only difference we found is it has a higher load capacity of 200 pounds. However, the TUNTROL OE Style Crossbars Roof Rack is a better option if you care for a reliable quality.
More features: 130 lbs. load capacity, 2-piece construction, rough-coat finish, adjustable brackets
The ROLA 59504 V-Tex is a durable, high-quality rooftop cargo basket that is designed specifically for 4Runner vehicles. This is a two-piece rack with adjustable brackets, which you can use even in the harshest conditions thanks to its rough-coat finish. It provides a lot of space for any gear you need to carry. It comes with an easy-to-fit custom air deflector that reduces wind resistance and noise.
The ROLA 59504 V-Tex Rooftop Cargo Basket has a lot in common with its equally popular brother, Rola 59043. The only differences are that the ROLA 59504 is made with alloy steel while the ROLA 59043 is made with aluminum, making it lighter. Also, the ROLA 59043 has a larger load capacity of 160 pounds. All considered, the ROLA 59504 is a more durable and versatile option, but if you want to carry more stuff, we recommend that you choose the ROLA 59043.
More features: fits 10-21 Toyota 4 Runner SUV, 150 lbs. load capacity, modular, 5-year finish warranty
The N-FAB T102MRF is an aluminum modular rack that is compatible with most 10-21 Toyota 4Runners. The adjustable design allows you to carry different kind of cargo from sports gear to camping supplies. The rack is quite durable and it can hold up to 32.9 lbs. What is more, it includes all the necessary hardware, so the installation is really a breeze.
The N-FAB T102MRF Roof Rack is just as good as high-end roof racks that can be used on 4 runners with a sunroof like Thule Aeroblade Edge Roof Rack TH460R. They both offer lifetime workmanship and great load capacities, though the Thule rack has a higher load capacity of 165 pounds. Also, we think the Thule rack is a better option if you want to open, vent, or retract the roof while the rack is still mounted.
More features: crossbar mount, rubber caps, easy-to-use U-bolts, corrosion-resistant
This sturdy and reliable alloy steel rack comes with the U-bolts necessary for its installation and can be attached to most crossbars. The rack comes with the rubber caps that protects the car from being scratched. The MaxxHaul 70115 is powder-coated that makes it corrosion-resistant and allows you to transport your cargo in harsh weather conditions. We also liked how easy it is to assemble and install on your vehicle.
Compared to other versions like the MaxxHaul 50506 Roof Rack, the 70115 is a great buy for the money. It offers nearly the same features as the large and heavy-duty MaxxHaul 50506 at an incredibly lower price point. However, we think the MaxxHaul 50506 is a better option for hauling huge cargo bags, furniture, luggage, and camping equipment.
More features: 150 lbs. load capacity, weather and rust-resistant, steel wind fairing
The ARKSEN universal roof rack is 64-inch long, which is quite enough for your 4Runner. It is constructed from heavy-duty steel which proves to be very durable and the black powder coating makes it rust-resistant. It attaches securely to your vehicle thanks to the bottom metal bars and side rails. It also features steel wind fairing which prevents wind damage. It fits well onto the most standard crossbars and installing it doesn’t take much time.
The ARKSEN 64 Inch Universal Roof Rack is not significantly different from its smaller version, the Arksen 43. We liked that they are both easy to install, are versatile, and offer extra security for items during travelling. They also offer the same load capacity of 150 pounds. However, the Arksen 64 is a worthy upgrade if you need a larger space for hauling more items on your car’s roof.
More features: 150 lbs. capacity, durable black powder coating, 1″ outside diameter tube steel frame
This is an upgraded roof rack from Leader Accessories that will be installed on your 4Runner just fine. The durable alloy steel construction allows it to hold up to 150 lbs. of cargo. It is also powder-coated for extra longevity and weather-resistance. The rack is 64” x 39” x 5” in size, so as you can see, it’s quite large and provides a lot of space for your gear. It can be installed on 4.6″ wide x 1.4″ thick square crossbars.
The only difference between the Leader Accessories Upgraded Roof Rack and the original version we could find is their design. The upgraded version has a new shape design with a heavy-duty 1-inch outside diameter tube steel frame. Surprisingly, the upgraded version is cheaper than the original version. However, the original version comes in packages that have other items, offering better value for money.
More features: For 2007-2022 Toyota 4Runner, 260 lbs. load capacity, clamp mount, anti-theft, noise resistance
Our Budget Pick is the Autekcomma heavy-duty roof rack crossbars. These crossbars can last for long due to their aircraft aluminum construction. There are also soft rubber pads that prevent your car paint from damage and a crossbar clamp mount that allow for easy installation. The weight capacity is incredible. It can hold up to 260 lbs. of cargo. They also provide decent wind and noise resistance thanks to their 2mm thickness. What we appreciated a lot is its anti-corrosion finish and a sturdy die-cast metal clamp.
The Autekcomma roof rack crossbars compare favorably with other popular crossbar racks like the TUNTROL OE Style crossbar racks above. They have a larger load capacity than most racks on this list, are much lighter, and easier to install. Even their build quality is a tad better. Plus, they have an anti-theft feature which the TUNTROL OE Style crossbar racks and many others within their range lack.
There are a lot of advantages to using a roof rack on your Toyota 4Runners. Firstly, it ensures you safely transport any cargo on the car roof. This is especially helpful for going on camping trips or long road travels since you get plenty of room for your supplies and gear. At the same time, with a roof rack you can also improve your car’s aerodynamics and consequently reduce the consumption of fuel.
After we listed the benefits of roof racks, we should jump to the actual process of choosing the best roof rack for your Toyota 4Runner. There is a number of factors you should consider when making your selection:
There are plenty of options you’ll find in the market these days: from simple and compact cargo baskets to very large rooftop racks that allow you to carry kayaks or bikes. So, first you have to understand which type of rack you need. For occasional transporting large size cargo, a basic carrier will be enough. But, in case you travel long distances quite often or travel off-road, go for a more heavy-duty rack like roof-mounted cargo basket.
We have made a nice selection of best kayak roof racks and best double kayak roof racks you might be interested in if you go kayaking a lot. The racks we listed will fit various car makes and models including Toyota 4Runner.
Compatibility
If you have an SUV and need the rack that will fit it well, make sure you pay attention to it compatibility with the exact model and year. Also, it is vital to take into account how wide your 4Runner’s factory crossbars are.
If there is an aftermarket roof rack system installed on your 4Runners, then you might need to acquire a special adapter kit for installing a different brand of roof rack.
You’d better mount your roof rack on the factory crossbars of your 4Runner SUV. The crossbars are designed to be able to endure the weight of the roof rack and its cargo. In case your 4Runner has no factory crossbars, you can install aftermarket crossbars or towers on it before attaching the roof rack.
Undoubtedly, the material a roof rack is made from should be durable and long-lasting. Make sure you chose the rack with a high-quality frame. Aluminum is your best bet since the aluminum rack are string and lightweight as well.
If you want to get the best roof rack for a 4Runner SUV, you need to buy one that can carry at least 150 pounds of cargo. Thus, you will be sure it won’t bend or break.
Another factor to consider when choosing a roof rack for your car is the dimensions of the rack. You need to pick one of the appropriate width to accommodate everything you need to transport. It’s no fun when you have your gear overhanging onto the sides of the vehicle.
Go for a rack that has some built-in security features if you want to transport cargo on the roof of your car as safely as possible. They can be locks or straps with which you will be able to secure the gear you are going to be carrying.
Even though in the case of a roof rack function seems a bit more important than look, you will still want to acquire a model that is stylish and looks good on your car. There are plenty of racks that are available in a variety of colors and styles. Choose one according your personal preferences.
One more important feature of a great roof rack is its aerodynamics. Such rack will reduce the wind noise while you are on the road and it will also improve fuel efficiency. If you are concerned about aerodynamics, you will find our post on how to make roof racks more aerodynamic quite useful.
If you want to install a roof rack on your car properly, you might need some extra accessories like straps, clamps or brackets. Take these items into account when planning your budget.
You can get a roof rack at the price of $100, $1,000 or more. Decide on the budget before you start looking for a rack in order to narrow down your options.
An addition to the pointers we gave you on how to choose the best roof rack for 4Runner, we will instruct you on how to install your newly bought rack onto the car. It is quite simple. Here’s what you need to do:
Our first choice is the YAKIMA LoadWarrior cargo basket. This is a high-quality rack that provides plenty of space for your gear, and is very easy to assemble. It is durable, weather-resistant and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Second comes the Front Runner Slimline II, which is our Premium Pick. This complete kit is quite lightweight and you can attach it directly to the roll cage or a body of your car.
Our third pick for the best roof racks for 4Runner is the TUNTROL OE Style. This is a very durable rack with an attractive design. It is constructed from T6061 aluminum alloy and is covered by 1-year warranty.
Whichever rack you choose, rest assured your cargo will be well secured and you can transport it safely.
