WeatherStopper Rear Cargo Mat Review

Cargo liners are essential for protecting your carpet from spills and messes, making cleanup easier and preserving your SUV’s interior. They’re especially handy for families dealing with accidental spills or sticky treats.

There are three cargo area configurations to consider: third-row seating (with a slanted floor), no third-row seating (flat floor), and the sliding cargo tray (also flat). Choose a liner that fits your specific setup.

Find It Online: 

• WeatherStopper – Check Price
• WeatherTech
• Husky Cargo Liners
• OEM
• MAXTRAY Cargo Liner
• BDK Heavy Duty
• Motor Trend

Why WeatherStopper?

We chose the WeatherStopper Mat for its unique raised lip along the edges, a feature lacking in most all-weather mats. While Husky Liners have taller sidewalls, they are liners, not mats. Many “heavy-duty” mats lack any significant lip for spill containment.

The WeatherStopper stood out for its ability to hold liquid and debris securely, preventing spills from seeping into hard-to-clean areas during sharp turns. This was especially important for us, as we often transport plants and loose materials like soil and bark. Its design seemed best suited to keep messes contained, making it a practical choice for our needs.

With Sliding Tray

The WeatherStopper rear cargo mat looks great on the 4Runner’s sliding cargo tray, but there’s a downside when using the tray.

In my 4Runner, I keep a heavy EDC bag filled with tools, jumper cables, recovery gear, and other essentials. When I pull the tray out, the bag dips into the empty space below, dragging the tray with it. This could also happen with ice chests, camping gear, or other heavy items.

This mat may not be ideal for a cargo tray if you frequently pull the tray out or have items pressed against the seats. However, if your setup doesn’t involve heavy items resting on the mat, it should work without issue.

U-Haul Blanket Alternative

For now, I’ll stick with my U-Haul blanket to cover the back area. It sticks to the carpet nicely (occasionally wrinkles, but it’s easy to straighten) and has saved the carpet from some pretty messy spills. It’s not a purpose-built cargo mat, but it works surprisingly well for what it is.

My EDC bag still dips down when pulling the tray out, but the blanket wasn’t intended to function as a cargo mat—it just gets the job done. You can pick one up at U-Haul or snag one from your next move. Mine came from a guy who gave it to me when I bought a piece of furniture he made. Since then, it’s lived in the back and served my Trail 4Runner well. Let me know your thoughts!

With Third-Row

For 4Runners with third-row seating, choosing between a cargo mat or liner can be tricky. Liners like the Husky Liner offer more protection with their “laser-cut” precision, while mats are more universal.

The challenge with the third-row is the slant in the rear cargo area. Without cleats, most mats or liners will slide down. The WeatherStopper mat, pictured above, works well for third-row 4Runners due to its lip, which helps prevent spills from damaging the carpet.

Overall, it’s a solid choice for 4Runners with third-row seating or SR5 models without the third-row or cargo tray. Even with the cargo tray, it’s still a viable option, but keep a few things in mind before buying.

1 Year Update

After a year of use, the mat has held up well. The only issue is slight sagging on the edges. We’ve had some major spills, but the mat is easy to remove and clean.

I didn’t clean it for the photos, but it still looks fine. It tends to slide down a little in the third row due to the slant, but for the price, it’s a solid option for rear cargo.

Lifting up the mat, the carpet underneath is in good shape with no stains or marks. Overall, it offers good protection and peace of mind when loading gear.