Top 20 Easy Mods for the Toyota 4Runner

From shift knobs to skid plates, accessories will give you the driving experience you want. Aftermarket accessories are the finishing details that make your 4Runner unique. With aftermarket accessories, you can customize your 4Runner in so many ways. 

This list is not in any specific order; however, it goes from easy add-ons to installs to a bit more involved installs and builds. 

1. California 4×4 Trails Book

Not much of a performance mod, but this handy little book will give you great insight to all of the local trails throughout Northern and Southern California.

If you reside in California and are interested in moderate off-road trails or some advanced 4×4 trails, this is a must-own book. For everyone in other states, there are many state-specific 4×4 books that we suggest you invest in. These books come in very handy when you are doing weekend warrior research.

2. ARB Off-Road E-Z Deflator & Inflator

The ARB E-Z Deflator and Inflator are an essential pair of tire pressure tools for off-road trails. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, these tools will help make your off-road experience much more enjoyable.

Also, these tools are very affordable compared to some of these other overland accessories you can buy. We highly recommend grabbing these whether your 4R is lifted 4″ or completely stock.

3. Blackout Emblem Kit

The Blackout Emblem kit may be one of the easiest, coolest changes you make to your stock 4R. Alongside tinting a 5th Gen, the blackout kit will make you instantly stand out from the other stock models.

If you have the black valance on your model, you might want to check out the black emblems on the black valance. This will give you a better idea of what your model will look like with the emblem kit on top of the black valance.

Also, if you are blacking out your 4Runner, you should check out the process of plasti-dipping the factory roof rails.

4. AJT Design Key Fob

This is one of those must-have accessories. It is pretty affordable and can be purchased form AJT Design directly, or you can now find them on Amazon.

5. Rear Cargo Mats & Weather Mats

When you have so many options to choose from in the cargo mat department, it is hard to choose any one brand.

From Weather Stopper to Weather Tech and even factory cargo mats, the choices are endless.

This Weather Stopper Cargo Mat we opted to grab is a high-quality rubber mat for the rear deck. There is also a wide variety of floor mats to choose from. Whatever floor mat you choose, make it a quality one.

6. TRD Oil Caps & Radiator Caps

When you open up your engine compartment, do you feel a sense of TRD pride? You can with a TRD oil cap.

These caps are pressure cast and highly polished to a perfect billet style, and then given a high-luster coating for a gorgeous appearance.

They directly replace your original oil caps. 

7. TrailMade Shift Knobs

You touch your shift knob and steering wheel every time you drive. When you hop into your cabin and shift to drive, grabbing onto a nice shift knob is a pretty good feeling. Going from our stock knob to this new shift knob was an essential little detail. If you are rocking one of those super basic, stock, boring, dealership knobs, you should check out a TRD knob or an aftermarket design like the TrailMade shifters. 

TRD shift knobs are easy to install with direct-fit self-tapping sleeves. The fit is tight and stable, and the feel when you drive is solid. TRD shift knobs fit on any M12 x 1.25 metric Toyota shift lever. Take a look at the Trailmade.com shifters for a solid upgrade as well. 

8. ARB Differential Breather Kit

If you dream of crossing creeks and rivers at night, you need to install the ARB Diff Breather Kit. After this install, you can be at peace when you cross that first creek or river.

This breather kit stops water from entering your differential which can serious damages to your drivetrain. If you are serious at all about taking care of your 4Runner, grab one of these.

9. TrailMade T-case Dial Selectors

Upgrade your 5th Gen 4Runner (2010–2024) with the Transfer Case Dial Kit, featuring a blacked-out dial and matching bezel for a sleek, OEM-quality finish. The kit includes a removable top cap compatible with TrailMade shift knob caps, allowing for easy customization to match your style.

10. Fog Lights, Low Beams, and High Beams

There are a handful of really good options for fog lights, low beams, and high beam bulbs. Xenon Depot, The Retrofit Source, Rigid Industries, KC HiLiTES, and Baja Designs all make quality LED fog lights.

While Xenon Depot and The Retrofit Source are made for more on-road driving, KC HiLiTES and Baja Design fog lights are built for off-road performance.

11. Off-Road lights & Lightbars

Our The top pick for off-road fog lights would be the Squadron-R Pros or Sports.

The pros are top-of-the-line off-road UTV lights made for superior night performance. Whatever lights you are equipping your 4Runner with, you don’t want to go cheap. Going the cheap route with electrical components in your car is a recipe for disaster.

Another great option for off-road lights are the KC HiLiTES ditch lights along with the KC FLEX light bar. There are hundreds of options for off-road lights though.

KC HiLiTES and Baja Designs are just two high-quality brands on the market.

You can opt for light bars, upgraded fog and headlights, marker lights, reverse lights, spot lights, flood lights, and many others.

12. TRD Skid Plate

The TRD skid is one of those accessories almost everyone wants on their 4Runner. And, at such an inexpensive price, why not?

The TRD Skid Plate is easy to install and can be done in under an hour. If you are looking for a quick addition to your 4R, this is an awesome option at an affordable price. Whether you go with the TRD skid or any aftermarket skid plate, this is an essential off-road accessory.

13. Nerf Bars & Sliders

There are plenty of options when it comes to 5th Gen rock sliders and nerf bars.

The N-Fab nerf bars are a great choice for anyone looking for an awesome accessory that is super easy to install.

Whether you go with premium rock sliders, aftermarket running boards or a set of ner bars, you won’t regret it.

14. TRD Pro Grill Swap

If you are looking to remove the factory Toyota logo from your grill and replace it with the TOYOTA grill, you will not be disappointed.

Many owners have installed this grille and are quite happy with the end result. The TRD Pro Grille swap is a very popular mod that will give you that “PRO” look.

15. Exhaust

The Magnaflow Exhaust is a beast, while the Borla Exhaust is a bit more mellow.

Whatever your choice in an exhaust system, you should grab one. Performance exhaust systems for your 4Runner will add more horsepower and they sound much better than stock.

An exhaust is a must have performance accessory.

16. TRD Cold Air Intake (CAI)

When you purchase a 4Runner, you are buying a quality vehicle.

There are a few options out there for your 5th Gen as well. If you find that the TRD intake is not the right fit for you, take a look at the K&N as well as the aFe Intake. 

17. Leveling Kits

Spacer lifts and leveling kits come in all shapes and sizes.

All of these smaller kits are super affordable and will give your truck a drastic change in appearance. This is a great addition if you are looking for a more aggressive stance.

Just keep in mind that spacers do not offer increased ride quality or off-road performance. It is usually a better idea to spend more money on a better suspension system depending on your goals.

18. Tires & Wheels

When it comes to wheels, we have plenty of options to choose from.

Customizing your wheel setup is fun and exciting but remember to understand wheel specs before buying a set of wheels. Wheels and tires work together and buying the wrong wheel/ tire setup can go wrong very fast.

Everyone has different needs and there are different wheels out there for different applications. Do your research before buying a new set of wheels.

19. TRD Pro Suspension

When it comes to the TRD Suspension, you are looking at Bilstein shocks with a TRD logo. Simple as that. Those red coilovers are pretty but you can purchase a similar kit for much less.

The only difference is that you are not going to get a TRD logo on your suspension.

20. TRD Pro Alternatives

The Bilsteins are a great all-around affordable option for a suspension lift.

We have the Bilstein suspension going on the SR5. Whether you go with Bilsteins, OME, Toytec or any other mid-level suspension, you will be happy.

Check out this post on the Bilstein 6112s and 5100. This is a great universal suspension for our truck.