9 Best Roof Racks for 4Runner to Help You Haul Any Type of Cargo (Fall 2023)

We have tested and reviewed the best roof racks for Toyota 4Runner that you can find on the market today.
By
Gloria Bussey
Gloria Bussey
Product Research and Writer
Gloria is a talented writer based in Chattanooga, TN and enjoys kayaking and mountain biking. She graduated with a business degree in 2007 and is now working on a master's i read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Steven Martin
Steven Martin
Vehicle Fit Expert and Consultant
Steven is a skilled car mechanic based in Denver, CO. He's a passionate hiker, devoted backcountry camper and his mechanic expertise allows him to maximize space in any vehi read more
Last updated: August 08, 2023
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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.

Quick Summary

Top 9 Roof Racks for 4Runner Review 2023

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Features
  • Material: alloy steel
  • Dimensions: 40 x 39 x 6.5 inches
  • Weight: 25 lbs.

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.

    What are its best features?
  • Sturdy frame
  • Nice-looking design
  • Easy assembly
  • Can be installed on cars with antenna or a hatch
  • There is an optional extension for carrying larger cargo
  • Works for transporting a wide variety of gear
    What could be improved?
  • The joints are prone to wear
  • Doesn’t provide much noise reduction
  • You need to tighten and check the adjustment knobs regularly
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Features
  • Material: aluminum, alloy steel
  • Dimensions: 61.4 x 49.4 x 5.7 inches
  • Weight: 69.07 lbs.

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.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Reduces noise
  • Lightweight
  • Can be attached directly to the body
  • Sturdy
  • You can get a lot of extra accessories with it
    What could be better?
  • You’ll need to drill holes in your roof
  • Slats are rather flexible
  • The rack is prone to leaking
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9.3
9.5
3
Best Roof Rack Crossbars for 4Runner

TUNTROL OE Style Crossbars Roof Rack

Features
  • Material: T6061 aluminum alloy
  • Dimensions: ‎40 x 5 x 4.3 inches (package)
  • Weight: 8.48 lbs.

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.

    Why are we impressed?
  • It’s covered with a one-year warranty
  • Installation is a breeze
  • Sutrdy and durable
  • Stylish design
  • Safe to use
  • Can be used for many purposes
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Installation instructions are a bit complicated
  • The catches are not wide enough?
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Features
  • Material: alloy steel
  • Dimensions: 48 x 37.5 x 5 inches
  • Weight: 38 lbs.

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.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Lasts for a long time
  • Attractive design
  • Easy installation
  • Rust-resistant and scratch-resistant
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • It isn’t compatible with any car make
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5
Best Roof Rack for 4Runner with Sunroof

N-FAB T102MRF Roof Rack

Features
  • Material: aluminum
  • Dimensions: 21 x 21 x 12 inches
  • Weight: 32.9 lbs.

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.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Compatible with most of 4Runner models
  • You don’t need to drill when installing it
  • Reduces wind noise
  • The warranty is excellent
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • The rack is heavy enough
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9.1
Customer Feedback
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8.6
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8.9
9.1
6
Best Value for Money

MaxxHaul 70115 Roof Rack

Features
  • Material: alloy steel
  • Dimensions: 46 x 35 3/4 x 4 1/2 inches
  • Weight: 25 lbs.

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.

    What do we love it for?
  • Can be installed quick
  • Durable and reliable
  • Good weight capacity
  • Stylish look
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Requires some assembly
  • The assembly screws could be bigger
  • Even though it is powder-coated, you’d better take some extra protective measures
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Customer Feedback
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9.0
7
Best Roof Rack with Extension

ARKSEN 64 Inch Universal Roof Rack

Features
  • Material: alloy steel
  • Dimensions: 64 x 39 x 6 inches
  • Weight: 8.03 lbs.

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.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Durable construction
  • There is a strong safety net
  • Eliminates wind noise
    What could be better?
  • Some people complain they found gaps in metal welding
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8.7
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8.7
8.8
8
Best Upgraded Roof Rack

Leader Accessories Upgraded Roof Rack

Features
  • Material: alloy steel
  • Dimensions: 64 x 39 x 5 inches
  • Weight: 34.8 lbs.

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.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Corrosion-resistant
  • Allows you to carry large gear
  • Comes with wind fairing
  • Nice weight capacity
    What could be better?
  • Expensive enough
  • Rather heavy
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Features
  • Material: aircraft aluminum
  • Dimensions: 44.75 x 7.4 x 4.25 inches (package)
  • Weight: 12.8 lbs.

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.

    Why are we impressed?
  • High-quality build
  • Quite thick structure
  • Comes with rubber pads to prevent damage to your car
  • Can be used for many purposes
  • Aerodynamic
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • The labeling and introduction sheet need some improvement

Things to Consider

If you want to get the best roof rack for your Toyota 4Runner, you should take into account its key features and the way it attaches onto your car model in particular. The things to consider are the rack’s weight capacity, if it is compatible with the factory crossbars on your vehicle and what extra accessories you might need for installation. In the guide below we will tell you everything in detail.

Benefits of Roof Racks

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.

How to Pick the Best Roof Rack for Toyota 4Runner

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:

Type and Use

9 Best Roof Racks for 4Runner to Help You Haul Any Type of Cargo (Fall 2023)
Roof racks prove extremely useful when hauling a large amount of cargo

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.

Mounting Location

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.

Materials and Durability

9 Best Roof Racks for 4Runner to Help You Haul Any Type of Cargo (Fall 2023)
The best roof racks are made of durable materials like alloy steel or aluminum

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.

Weight Capacity

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.

Dimensions

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.

Security

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.

Style

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.

Aerodynamics

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.

Accessories

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.

Cost

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.

How to Install a Roof Rack on Your Toyota 4Runner

9 Best Roof Racks for 4Runner to Help You Haul Any Type of Cargo (Fall 2023)
To install a roof rack on your Toyota 4Runner, you’ll need crossbars, a cargo basket, and clamps or brackets

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:

  1. Gather all the necessary tools and materials: a roof rack itself, mounting hardware, a drill, drill bits, screws and washers.
  2. Place the roof rack onto your car’s roof and, using the supplied bolts, temporarily attach it in position. Make sure that the roof-rack is properly centered and that each side sits evenly above each door frame or window opening. Make sure that parts of the rack do not obstruct any of the windows or doors.
  3. Use a drill to make pilot holes into each of the four corners of the roof rack and then secure it firmly with bolts, screws and washers. Check that all parts are properly tightened.
  4. Attach each endcap onto the sides of the rack using bolts and nuts provided in the kit. Make sure that you have correctly placed these pieces as this is essential for keeping water out of your vehicle’s interior if you are travelling in wet weather.
  5. Finally, tighten down crossbars and any additional hardware with a screwdriver. This way you will be sure that everything is securely attached to the roof and won’t become loose or detached during travel.

FAQ

Can I put a rack on without having it drilled?

Sure, there are a lot of racks for installing which you won’t need to drill any holes. This is quite convenient since it doesn’t require altering your car for good. Such racks are installed with the clamps or straps, which secure them to the car’s factory crossbars or aftermarket ones. Just make sure your rack is sturdy enough and it can hold the weight of cargo for years to come.

How can I best secure my cargo while it

You can secure your cargo in many different ways. For once, you may use locks or straps that come in a roof rack kit. There are also tie-downs or cargo nets. In case your cargo is particularly heavy, use ratchet straps that can be tightened with a ratchet.

Can I put a roof rack on my 4Runner if it doesn

In case your 4Runner doesn’t come with factory crossbars, there are other installation options. You may purchase aftermarket crossbars and install your rack onto them. Or you can mount the rack right onto the cars roof or doors. Check the specifications for your particular model.

How much cargo can the roof rack carry?

It all depends on your roof rack’s weight capacity and size. There are racks that can hold up to 150 lbs. and some can carry more than 500 lbs. The bigger and sturdier the rack is, the bigger weight capacity it features.

Can the roof rack be removed?

Typically, yes. It is quite simple process for most roof racks. If you want to remove a rack for your car’s roof, check out the instructions that came in the package. Basically, you will have to remove straps, clamps or brackets the rack was attached with.

How much does the roof rack itself weigh?

The weigh of your rack depends on its size and materials it’s made from. Most of the racks are designed to be relatively lightweight. The simplest models weigh from 10 to 20 pounds, whereas heavy-duty models can weigh a more than 50 pounds. It is also important to remember that extra accessories like baskets or bike carriers will add more weight to it.

Our verdict

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.

References

1.
Toyota 4Runner Prices, Reviews and New Model Information
Research Toyota 4Runner pricing and get news, reviews, specs, photos, videos and more - everything for Toyota 4Runner owners, buyers and enthusiasts.
2.
Automotive Roof Rack Market Size [2022-2028] to Reach USD
Key Players in Automotive Roof Rack Market are Thule Group, Magna International, Inc., Minth Group Limited, VDL Hapro bv, Yazaki Corporation, Yakima Products Inc, Atera GmbH, Sumitomo Electric, Rhino-Rack, JAC Products.
3.
4 Essential Things to Know About the Roof Rack on Your Car | YourMechanic Advice
A roof rack is on top of the vehicle and is used for extra storage space to carry large items such as kayaks, canoes, luggage, or big containers.
9,9
Total Score
YAKIMA LoadWarrior Rooftop Cargo Basket - Editor’s Choice
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