Top 20 5th Gen 4Runner Roof Racks: Buyers Guide (Updated 2025)

After years of running different setups on my 4Runner, I wanted to put together an overview of some of the top (most common) roof racks that every 5th Gen 4Runner owner should consider.

I’ve personally run many types of racks. Some of those include KC M-Racks, Yakima Baskets, the Rhino Pioneer, Prinsu, ARB Base Rack, many types of crossbar systems, and most recently, the Backwoods Adventure Mods DRIFTR.

Whether you’re an avid off-roader who is looking for extra space, an occasional thrill-seeker, or a weekend warrior, below is a good resource to help you consider the platform that is right for your needs. From the affordable baskets like the Yakima to the more expensive options like Gobi, Prinsu, Front Runner, and many of the top CNC roof racks on the market, we’ve tested most of the most popular options on the market.

Do you need a Roof Rack?

DRIFTR Rack from Backwoods Adventure Mods

General Gear: There are hundreds of general items you can throw on a rack. We have seen several 4Runners with storage boxes, gun cases, recovery gear, bikes, kayaks, snowboards, skis, recovery boards, camping gear, travel gear, overland gear, fuel storage, water storage, off-road jacks, shovels, and, of course, the Rooftop Tent.

Lighting: Most rack companies accommodate pod-style light bars, slim light bars, chase lights, scene lights, and so much more.

Extra Tire: If your 4Runner has a larger tire that can no longer fit in the spare location, you can place a spare tire on your rack.

Dirty Gear: With dirty gear, it’s nice to have the option to throw stuff on top of your 4Runner instead of the rear cargo area. If you need to transport firewood, racks are fully capable of holding large amounts of this and other items that may get your cargo area dirty.

Family Needs: We have used our current system for things like our Christmas Tree, daughter’s tree house, bikes, sleds, kayaks, camping gear, and numerous Home Depot trips. You name it. You would really be surprised at how much you will use a rack after you have one installed.

Rugs, Lumber, and oversized Items: Have you ever seen an SUV with 16 pieces of lumber sticking out the back window? Yeah, don’t be that person. This is also incredibly sketchy and can damage your interior pretty quickly. Do yourself a favor and get some type of rack or crossbar system if you plan on carrying around oversized items.

This is not a list from best to worst. Nor is this a list of the “best” options out there. This is a general list of common racks. Most of the full-length and 3/4-length options are at the top. All of the small basket styles are at the bottom.

1. Cali Raised LED: Full-Length

Cali Raised gives us two similar options: Premium and Economy. The main difference between the premium and economy is the adjustable fairing. The Premium features a unique adjustable wind fairing for the 40″+ LED bar and the 360-degree scene lighting cutouts. The Economy does not feature the adjustable fairing – it’s just a simple rack with or without a lightbar cutout. As for weight ratings, most racks are designed for around 500 lbs, while Cali Raised racks are over-engineered to handle over 1,000 lbs!

Cali Raised sells complete in-house lighting packages for both the Premium and Economy. From the lights to the harnesses and OEM-style switches, these guys have you covered, and it’s all guaranteed to fit right the first time. No piecing together multiple brands.

Shipping and lead time are also huge benefits here, as they often have everything in stock, and they ship the next day. Cali Raised offers fast shipping and killer customer service. Their products have a high level of QC, and their prices are very competitive compared to other similar options.

The downside to their racks is a lack of secondary accessory options, as they only offer one in-house, the RTT mount. Another potential downside is the look. It’s a very basic-looking rack. If you’re looking for more of a custom “boutique” looking rack, you might consider Backwoods Adventure Mods, Sherpa, or upTOP Overland.

Find it online:

• Premium & Economy: Check Prices

Pros

• Premium + Economy options
• 360-degree lighting package
• Adjustable wind fairing
• No drilling
• Made in the USA/ 2-year warranty
• Affordable
• Great customer service

Cons

• Minimal accessory add-ons
• Simple-looking rack

2. Backwoods Adventure Mods: Full-Length

The DRIFTR is modular, low-profile, durable, and customizable. With a quick installation, affordable shipping, and unique lighting options not found on many other racks, this one might be for you.

DRIFTR was designed with the end user in mind. Unlike many other racks with 1X2 crossbars, you get 1X3 crossbars (7 total) in addition to the front fairing and rear fairing (technically 9), pulling it all together. The 1X3 crossbars make this rack extremely stout and also offer more configurable mounting solutions, as you have more t-nut slots to choose from. You can really fine-tune your accessory placement with this rack.

Along the side rails, you will find 6 total handle cutouts for Agency6 grab handles or light cutouts (whichever you prefer) for ultimate side profile customization. On the rear fairing, you have two optional cutouts for Baja S2s or KC Cyclones (which I opted for). The front fairing is adjustable at multiple heights and can be configured to position multiple height light bars.

Backwoods offers great customer service and has been in the outdoor parts manufacturing business for decades. This is an industry-trusted, very reputable brand you can lean on for product support and knowledge.

Find it online: 

• DRIFTR: Check Price

Pros

• USA made
• No drilling
• 1/4″ thick aluminum
• Optional chase light cutouts
• Side rail handle cutouts
• 1×3 triple-slotted crossbars
• Adjustable front fairing
• Universal light mounting
• Includes T-nuts for accessory mounting
• Pre-drilled holes for extrusion bars

Cons

• Minimal accessory add-ons

3. KC: Platform One

If you’re looking for one of the most advanced roof racks on the market, the KC Platform One stands out as one of a kind. It features a hybrid design with built-in lighting integration, which means all your wiring is built right into your roof rack from the factory. Take the integrated wiring and top that modular mounting, and you can attach and wire solar panels, rooftop tents, camp lights, recovery boards, and more.

A major highlight is the factory light combo kits. KC offers the Platform One with lighting options right out of the box. They provide options such as KC Gravity Light Bars, flush-mounted side panel lights, and rear chase lights. Combine this with the integrated Power-Ready wiring channels, and these kits make the rack ready to go as soon as it hits your door.

On top of the lighting, the Platform One features a non-drill design made specifically for the 4Runner, providing convenient installation all across the board.

Find it online:

• KC Platform One Roof Rack: Check Prices

Pros

• Hybrid design combining utility and styling
• Integrated wiring channels into the rack itself
• Made in the U.S.A
• Bolt on, no drill installation
• Optional Light Combos

Cons

• Higher price point ($1,999 for base rack)
• 2-4 week lead time

4. All-Pro Off-Road: Full-Length

A well-established company, All-Pro has been building parts for the Toyota aftermarket scene for almost 3 decades. Made in America, with a solid reputation and a unique approach and design, this roof rack is worth checking out.

While many racks in the aluminum, low-profile category use a standard-sized 1X2 extrusion bar, All-Pro stands out with a custom-formed 5052 aluminum crossbar. This is not your average 1×2 aluminum extrusion. What’s most impressive here is that you get 9 crossbars in addition to the fairing. That’s an insane amount of strength, which reinforces the siderails and leads to virtually no rattling. The crossbar MOLLE design gives you many opportunities to mount accessories and eliminates areas where debris can build up on traditional aluminum extrusions. Your options for mounting gear on the top of the bars or to the sides of the rails are virtually endless; however, one of the downsides to All Pro is that they don’t offer many in-house accessory add-ons.

Furthermore, you can opt for a standard fairing or a light bar cutout.

All-Pro typically has low to no lead times for many of their products and offers a solid 1-year warranty.

Find It Online

• All-Pro Overland Rack: Check Price

Pros

• USA Made
• No drilling
• 13 mounting holes on side rails
• Adjustable crossbars
• Strong crossbar design X 9
• MOLLE-style crossbar
• Low lead times
• 12-month warranty

Cons

• Minimal accessory add-ons
• Higher price than other similar options

5. Prinsu: Full-Length & 3/4

The Prinsu (now owned by CBI Off-Road) rack is a low-profile, aggressive-looking platform that was the first CNC rack introduced to the market.

Prinsu comes in two options: a 3/4 length version and the standard full-length version – neither option requires drilling. The design is made up of 2 1/4″ 5052 aluminum laser-cut side rails with default 1X2 crossbars and multiple top/bottom-facing channels with one powder coating option. The kit comes with all of the mounting hardware and options to upgrade crossbars. For the fairing, you can choose between black, bare, grey, or white, and then choose between a 30″ and 40″ light bar cutout. They also now offer fairing decal kits, which can help you stand out from the sea of basic overland rigs. For additional add-ons, Prinsu has an extensive lineup of accessories – the largest in the industry when it comes to aftermarket accessory add-ons.

The only downside here is the 1X2 extrusions. They’ve been known to be weaker than other options and can cause your rack to rattle depending on the weight you carry.

Find It Online:

• Prinsu: Check Price
• Prinsu Pro: Check Price

Pros

• The first company to make a CNC rack
• Affordable
• No drilling
• Low profile design
• Lots of accessory options

Cons

• Not as strong as other racks

6. upTOP Overland: Full-Length

The upTOP Overland Bravo and Alpha are both popular options.

The Bravo is the more affordable option. It has a unique wind deflector unlike any of the other options. The wind deflector is not as “low profile” as the others, but it looks very unique when compared to the competition. The wind deflector has multiple light bar cutout options, varying from 10-inch bars to 40-inch bars. The rack measures 50″ wide and 96″ long. That’s larger than almost any other option on the market.

The Alpha is another low-profile option; however, it offers a massive footprint at 50″ wide and 98.5″ long. Unlike Bravo, it features internal rails that you can have color-matched to your 4Runner. The Alpha comes with the same scene pod knockouts as the Bravo, but it goes above and beyond adding 6 grab handles (included). Essentially, it’s a larger rack with more design features and comes with handles.

The KILO: They recently launched the KILO. It’s cheaper than the Alpha. The main difference here is the crossbars. Instead of the 1X2 aluminum extrusions you find on their other racks, they feature carbon steel mounting feet + all-new carbon steel crossbars with a MOLLE pattern (similar to All-Pro Off-Road).

Find it online: 

• upTOP Overland Options: Check Prices

Pros

• USA Made
• No drilling
• Unique design style
• Various light bar cutouts
• Scene pod knockouts
• Moonroof compatible
• Large floor footprint
• Built-in Handles

Cons

• Not as low-profile as some other racks

7. Sherpa: Full-Length & 3/4

Sherpa is another high-end CNC-style option on the market with somewhat of a cult following. They originally started with 3rd Gen 4Runner and quickly grew into the 5th Gen market due to their quality and attention to detail. Sherpa was likely the first brand to introduce 1/4″ aluminum into their design. Now, others, such as Backwoods Adventure Mods, are adopting that same level of build quality.

The load capacity is 300 lbs dynamic and 700 lbs static. They provide 9 extrusion crossbars, and the installation does not require drilling. You can order your wind fairing in a half-height (for single row light bar) or full height (no light bar) and then customize your finish in a black textured powder coat or bare processed aluminum. 

For accessories, they offer just about every option your average overlander or off-roader would need: universal adapt mounting plate, HD awning mount, antenna mount, QuickFist mount brackets, window MOLLE panel, waterport mount, ROTOPAX mounting kit, and more. The best part about their accessories, compared to Front Runner, for example, is that they’re actually reasonably priced.

Find it online: 

• Sherpa Crestone (Full-Length): Check Price

Pros 

• Industry-leading ¼” thick aircraft-grade aluminum
• Side cutouts for mounting gear or handles
• Side cutouts for scene lights/brackets
• 9 Extrusion crossbars
• No drilling required
• Adjustable Leveling Mounts
• Fairing with Edge Trim
• Tons of accessory mounting options

Cons

• More expensive than other racks

8. Front Runner: Full-Length & 3/4

The Front Runner is a T6 aluminum rack featuring a strong design and a satin black powder coating. They offer both full-length and 3/4 rack versions, and both are compatible with their large line of in-house aftermarket mods and accessories. For weight ratings, the dynamic and static load is around 660 lbs for both the full-length and the 3/4 system. There are too many options to list (60+ accessories to give you an idea). With Front Runner, just know that if you want to mount something, they offer a solution for it.

The downside to Front Runner is the price, overall. Not only is the rack itself expensive, but the accessories are as well. If you buy a Front Runner system, expect to pay more money for their hardware mounts and accessory options down the road, or just get creative.

Find it online: 

• Front Runner Racks: Check Price

Pros

• No drilling on 3/4
• Low-profile flat design
• Durable
• Powder-coated
• Versatile overland/ expedition-style
• Plenty of accessories and add-ons

Cons

• Expensive
• Accessories are expensive
• Drilling Required on Full-Length
• Decreases Fuel Economy
• Increases Wind Noise

9. Eezi-Awn K9: Full-Length

Very similar to a Front Runner in terms of design, the Eezi-Awn K9 is an aluminum system with slotted grooves that are made to fit their own line of accessories and mounts. While this rack can still be outfitted with many other aftermarket accessories, the design allows for their accessory mounts to work much more easily. Eezi-Awn K9 has an adjustable height feature that allows you to adjust the brackets up and down. Many other systems do not offer a feature like this. If adjustability is important to you, then consider the K9. Although this system has an adjustable height, it still sits higher than most, even on its “lowest” setting.

The K9 features fully-welded joints (not bolts) and is made from extruded aluminum, which is incredibly light and comes with a flat black powder coating. The K9 is a universal expedition-style system that offers plenty of room for mounting accessories.

The design is aerodynamic, lightweight, and highly durable. The sizes range from 1.4m x 1250mm to 2.2m x 1250mm. As an overland-style system, the Eezi-Awn K9 is fully capable of storing anything you throw at it. Whether you are looking to mount a rooftop tent or store camping gear, this rack is more than prepared to handle what you throw at it.

When it comes to accessories, they offer a solution for pretty much every overland gear essential. Like the Front Runner, their mounting options and accessories are pretty pricey.

Find it online: 

• Eezi-Awn K9: Check Price

Pros

• Adjustable height
• Low profile, flat design
• No drilling required
• Powder-coated in satin black
• Versatile overland/ expedition-style
• Light-weight
• Plenty of accessories and add-ons

Cons

• Expensive
• Steel Design = Heavy
• Increases Wind Noise

10. Gobi Rack: Full-Length

One of the oldest, most well-established roof rack companies in the off-road industry is Gobi. While it comes in at a heavy price point, it’s also among the highest quality. They offer two unique looks, which are both quite stunning. The rack itself can handle a safe driving load capacity of 300lbs. In addition, the static load capacity easily holds up to 600lbs.

The first is the Stealth, which is built to be low profile while providing maximum functionality. Then there is the Ranger, which is built to be fairly low-profile but more for function. The Ranger outer bars are taller than the Stealth.

• The Gobi Stealth: The Gobi Stealth is a super low-profile, aggressive, fully capable, overland-style platform. With the stealth, you have options for LED bars or pod lights.
• The Gobi Ranger: The Ranger has a basket that sits a bit higher than the Stealth. Grab the Ranger if you plan on mounting gear and hardware at high heights.

Gobi also comes with two sunroof options: with a sunroof cutout or without. Also, for lighting, you have your choice of multiple light mounts or a single mount for a single light bar. Along with the roof rack, you receive the Gobi ladder, wind deflector, and two cross bars. There is also a tire mount, which is great for anyone who has larger than stock tires.

Gobi racks are black powder-coated with an anti-rust undercoat, which provides years of on/off-road utility. While the Gobi rack is pricey, it is worth every penny due to its being incredibly clean, functional, and strong.

Find it online: 

• Gobi Racks: Check Price

Pros

• Factory mounts (no drilling required)
• Low profile option & basket style option
• Powder-coated
• Versatile overland/expedition-style build
• Multiple mounting options & brackets
• Tons of documentation online for mods & accessories

Cons

• Long lead times
• Steel Design = Heavy

11. BajaRack: Full-Length & 3/4

Most of their options are full-length basket-style racks; however, BajaRack also offers a completely flat (Utility – shown above) option as well. If garage height is a problem, this would be your best option. The BajaRack, like the famous Gobi Rack, comes in multiple sunroof options, with and without the sunroof cutout. If your 4Runner has a moonroof, it is nice to know that Baja offers an option to accommodate your needs. All of the BajaRacks come with an epoxy primer (rust inhibitor) with a black powder coating.

BajaRacks are made to withstand all seasons and take the abuse of on and off gear. They are made of 1″, 3/4″, and 1/2″ steel tubing. They also have an optional mesh bottom, which adds strength. The load capacity is dynamic (while driving), 300 lbs, and static, 600 lbs.

If you are looking for a fully functional overland-style rack that’s a low profile with a clean design, BajaRacks might be for you.

For Accessories, they have you covered. Baja has awning mounts, axe/ shovel mounts, fuel can holders, Hi-Lift jack mounts, plenty of LED light mounts, and much more.

While they start out pricier than some other racks, BajaRacks are a great choice if you want a dependable rack with plenty of options.

Find it online: 

• BajaRack Official: Check Price

Pros

• Factory mounts (no drilling required)
• Low profile and basket style
• Quality fabrication
• Powder-coated
• Versatile overland/ expedition-style
• Hidden SPY light LED bar feature

Cons

• Expensive
• Steel Design = Heavy
• Decreases Fuel Economy

12. Martin Off-Road Full-Length

The Martin Offroad Roof Rack is a durable, lightweight, and affordable option made from 1/4″ 5052 CNC-cut aluminum. Priced at only $975, it offers similar quality to higher-priced options, making it an excellent choice for owners seeking both style and traditional flat rack utility. The rack comes with 9 crossbars, and the rear crossbar attaches vertically, not horizontally, to support the tail-end of the side rails. This is a very cool design that adds additional strength and rigidity.

It features a low-profile, no-drill design with a textured satin black powder coat, providing a sleek and rugged look. The rack is easy to install, highly functional, and customizable with various mounts for tents, awnings, and recovery boards. Our staff said the powder coating remained intact after extensive use, showing no signs of chipping or fading.

The curved front wind fairing reduces wind noise, and the rack’s design follows the 4Runner’s body lines closely.

Find It Online:

• Martin Offroad Full-Length: Check Price

Pros

• CNC cut 1/4″ 5052 aluminum
• Powder coated in satin black
• No drilling required

Cons

• Fewer accessory options than other brands

13. AL Off-Road Full-Length

If you’re looking for one of the strongest roof racks on the market, the AL Offroad Onyx Roof Rack stands out as a top contender. Engineered with oversized 3” T-Slot aluminum crossbars, this rack is built for extreme strength. With a 400 lb dynamic and 800 lb static load rating, it’s perfect for heavy gear. The no-drill installation and aerodynamic design make it an ideal choice for both function and style, while rustproof aluminum ensures longevity. This roof rack is crafted for those who demand extreme weight on top of their roof.

Find It Online

• AL Offroad Roof Rack: Check Price

Pros

• Larger 3-inch “Wumbo” T-Slot aluminum bars (1.5” x 3” x 50”)
• Made in the U.S.A. (Greenville, TX)
• Rustproof (aluminum components with stainless steel hardware)
• Noise-proof aerodynamic design
• No drilling required

Cons

• Huge wind fairing might steer people away
• Longer Lead Times

14. Westcott Designs Full-Length

Westcott Designs, based in Phoenix, Arizona, brings innovative solutions to the off-roading community with its modular rack. This rack is unique in its ability to convert from a standard platform to a basket-style rack, offering versatility that stands out from competitors. Made from high-quality materials with a focus on low wind noise and durability, it features practical elements such as a built-in bottle opener and a unique MOLLE-style roof platform. Westcott Designs delivers both quality and convenience at an industry-wide level.

There aren’t too many complaints about Jeff and his products or services anywhere in this industry. Founder Jeff Westcott provides highly responsive and personalized customer support, ensuring that all questions are answered thoroughly, even on weekends, which is a significant advantage in this industry.

Westcott Designs boasts extremely fast production and shipping times, often much quicker than competitors. Our staff said that their rack was ordered, shipped, and delivered within a week.

If you like the look of this rack, you’re in good hands with Westcott.

Find it online: 

• Westcott Roof Rack: Check Price

Pros

• Industry-leading universal plate system
• Lightweight
• Solid Industry Reputation
• Low Profile
• 9 crossbars

Cons

• More Expensive

15. Victory 4×4 Full-Length & 3/4

If you’re looking for an affordable roof rack, Victory 4×4 stands out as a top option – but there are some items to consider.

Known for its transition from Jeep to Toyota accessories, Victory 4×4 has developed a reputation for mass-produced overland gear. This is not a boutique shop making the highest-end products on the market. Victory 4×4 has been known to struggle with product quality and customer service over the years. Recently, they have gotten a lot of pushback on Instagram and throughout forums for not refunding customers or simply not responding to customers.

The benefit to Victory 4×4 is that they are cheap. They have always been the cheapest full-length rack on the market; however, that comes with a price. Suppose you’re looking to build your rig as cheaply as possible and are willing to take the risk with Victory, to each their own. Just do your research in Forums, Reddit, and browse through comments on their Instagram page, that is, if they haven’t been deleted already.

At the end of the day, Victory still makes a decent product, and many guys have been happy with their stuff here on the site. However, over the years, we have started to hear more and more complaints. It’s not getting better for them, but worse.

Find It Online:

• Full Length: Check Price

Pros

• Cheap

Cons

• Potential quality issues
• Customer service issues

16. Rhino-Rack: Full-Length & 3/4

The Rhino-Rack Pioneer SX Platform is another low-profile option that is highly durable and can be mounted in a wide variety of ways depending on your setup. The platform’s build quality is similar to that of the Eezi-Awn K9 and Front Runner, but slightly less expensive.

The 3/4 platform can be mounted on your factory roof rails, while the full option (backbone system) is an overland-style rack.

The Pioneer SX Platform is made from aluminum and comes powder-coated black. The measurements of this unit for the Backbone (full rack) system are Length 76″ x Width 49″x Height 1.5″. The measurements for the 3/4 platform are Length 60″ x Width 48″x Height 1.5″. You can mount the 60″ platform to the factory roof rails, or you can purchase the stronger Backbone system for the larger 76″ platform.

The backbone system can support a roof-top tent (without the basket) like many of the full-length options above, as well as many other common accessories.

The Rhino-Rack has endless options for mounting, but you will pay for their accessories. To give you an idea, the tie-down eye nuts are $50 for 4. The gear is outrageously expensive.

Find it online: 

• Rhino Pioneer Backbone Mount: Check Price
• Rhino Pioneer Backbone Platform (76″ x 48″): Check Price

Pros

• Factory mounts (no drilling required)
• Factory Rails (3/4)
• Factory Mounts (Backbone)
• Very low profile design
• Aluminum/ light-weight
• Powder-coated black satin

Cons

• Expensive Aftermarket Accessory Brackets

17. ARB Base Rack: 3/4 Rack

The ARB 3/4 Base Rack is a robust and versatile roof rack designed specifically for the 5th Gen 4Runner. Ideal for owners who frequently adventure and require additional storage capacity and functionality.  Made from high-strength corrosion-resistant steel, the Base Rack is built to withstand harsh conditions and heavy loads. The rack features a sleek, low-profile design that minimizes wind resistance and noise while maintaining a rugged appearance. One thing to note about wind noise is that if you do not have the fairing, this rack is very loud on the freeway at speeds above 60mph. Add another $100+ for that fairing.

With the additional fairing and a wide range of compatible accessories, it can be customized to suit various needs. The rack ships bare, but the good thing is that ARB makes quite literally every accessory you would ever need. The downside here is that ARB accessories are expensive. Very expensive.

Installation is easy. The rack is designed for straightforward installation, with a bolt-on fit that integrates seamlessly with the 4Runner’s existing mounting points.

We tested the ARB Base Rack over 6 months, and it performs well in off-road conditions, offering stability, reliability, and absolutely ZERO RATTLING. Its aerodynamic design helps reduce wind drag, contributing to better fuel efficiency compared to bulkier alternatives. This is where the Base Rack outshines some other CNC-style options. The large flat platform + side rails do not rattle at all. With some of the other CNC cut options listed here, you will find that over time, the aluminum sidebars can sway from side to side, causing an annoying rattle. This really depends on load weight distribution and crossbar count. The more crossbars you have, the less likely a rack is to rattle.

With the Base Rack, you will get a rattle-free rack with a ton of accessory options. Just keep in mind that this is not a rack designed for RTTs.

Find It Online:

• ARB Base Rack (66″ x 56″ x 3″): Check Price
• Mounting Kit (5th Gen 4Runner): Check Price

Pros:

• Heavy-duty construction for rugged use
• Low profile for reduced wind noise and drag
• Versatile mounting options for accessories

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to some competitors
• Not a full-length rack
• Not designed for a rooftop tent

18. ARB Flat Alloy Mesh Rack: 3/4 Rack

There are a lot of off-road companies on the market, but few have a name as well-known as ARB. Although ARB has made roof racks for many years, their flat alloy rack has been introduced to the market and might just be the rack you are looking for.

There are several features that distinguish the ARB roof rack from other brands. The first is that the ARB flat mesh rack is made of alloy, making it extremely strong but also lightweight…significantly lighter than other racks on the market (under 50 pounds). The rack is also very low profile, providing a sleek and refined look for your 5th Gen 4Runner. The flat design helps out with the slim profile but also allows a user ample options for storing equipment on the rack.

If you don’t want to drill into your roof for an aftermarket platform, this is a great option as the ARB rack utilizes the factory roof rack mounting locations. This does mean you won’t have a full-length rack and more so a ¾ or 7/8 length rack, so depending on your needs, this may be a positive or a negative aspect.

Lastly, this rack is very strong. With a dynamic load rating of 300 pounds and a static load rating of 600 pounds, the ARB Flat Alloy Roof Rack is capable of holding gear such as kayaks or paddleboards, but also a rooftop tent that can hold two people on board. This alloy rack features a mesh top to help you organize your gear and provide more options for transporting equipment.

Options

The Flat Alloy Roof Rack comes in a 70” x 44” platform, but steel options are available in other sizes. It is important to mention that only the alloy rack comes with a mesh floor, as the flat steel options only come with crossbars.

Find it online: 

• ARB Mesh Flat Alloy Rack: Check Price

Pros

• Alloy/ lightweight
• Low profile
• No drilling required
• Strong
• Excellent quality
• Flat design
• Powder-coated
• Lots of mounting options
• Very versatile

Cons

• Steel Design = Heavy
• Decreases Fuel Economy
• Increases Wind Noise

19. Nfab: 3/4 Basket

While being one of the cheapest complete racks on the list, that does not mean it is of poor quality. The N-Fab rack is actually one of the most cost-effective options on the list. It has a full aluminum design, so it is lightweight but still strong. While you may not want to set up a tent on this rack, it is capable of holding plenty of gear, or even a spare oversized tire.

The Nfab rack comes with a textured black powder coating that has a 5-year warranty. N-Fab itself has a lifetime warranty, which makes this rack rank above most in a sense. Featuring a low-profile design while still showing elements of a basket, this is an option to consider if your budget is limited or you are looking for something small and compact. This option will hold gear securely with side straps as well.

This option is the perfect choice for anyone who hits trails, needs a platform for weekend trips, or for general use, but does not want a rooftop tent. Compared to other $1000 options, this choice covers many areas of importance and need.

Find it online: 

• Amazon: Check Price
• RealTruck: Check Price

Pros

• Factory mounts (no drilling required)
• Affordable
• Strong design
• Mild basket design
• Powder-coated

Cons

• Not a full rack
• Decreases Fuel Economy
• Increases Wind Noise

20. Yakima: 3/4 Basket

The Yakima MegaWarrior and LoadWarrior cargo baskets are dependable options for those who want to have additional storage space. It may not look as low profile as some of the other full-length options, but the price is great, and the installation is very easy.

The Yakima MegaWarrior Cargo Basket (the larger version) is a durable all-steel basket with a black finish. Its dimensions are length 52″ x width 48″ x Height 6.5″ with an optional Length of 22″ extension. There are no included accessories that come with the Yakima. However, the basket comes with a built-in wind deflector, which is necessary due to its elevated position.

Find It Online: 

• Yakima LoadWarrior: Check Price
  • Dimensions: 40″ x 39″ x 6.5″
  • Weight: 25.00 pounds
• Yakima MegaWarrior Basket
  • Dimensions: 52″ x 48″ x 6.5″
  • Weight 43.8 pounds
• Yakima MegaWarrior Extension
  • Adds 22″ (40%)

Pros

• Uses factory roof rails (no drilling required)
• Cheap
• Durable and functional
• Steel Design

Cons

• Painted not Powdercoated
• Taller than most racks
• Decreases Fuel Economy
• Increases Wind Noise

Which Rack is for You?

Overall, every one of these roof racks has great benefits. While some may look good, they may not be built for function, though. Whatever option you choose for your 4Runner is based on what you are looking for and your adventure plans.

You may prefer a low-profile design that’s super clean, rather than a large rack with multiple functions. There are many factors when choosing the style, functionality, color options, storage, and most importantly, mounting options.  We hope this guide helps you choose the perfect roof rack for your next adventure.