I bought another 4Runner. This time, I bought a 2024 Underground TRD OR non-Premium. We already have a pretty modded 2023 4Runner with portal axles, so this will be our daily driver for the foreseeable future. We wanted to keep this one simple, clean, lightweight, and all the while capable enough to hit the trails if needed.
For the front bumper, we went with CBI Off-Road this time around. After browsing through a multitude of low-profile bumper options, we settled on the CBI because it really does offer everything you would want in a low-profile design. Some of the features include a 30-inch single-row light bar cutout, gusseted winch mount plate, removable winch cover plate for easy installation, four light pod mount locations on top of the bumper, 3/4″ recovery points, and reinforced mounting points on the frame.
Beyond functionality, the bumper looks super aggressive. The top lip wraps around the lower valance mesh for a perfect fit and finish, and the removable winch cover plate with CBI lasered design just takes it to another level.
My favorite part about this bumper, and one thing I have not seen on other low-profile options, is the removable winch cover plate. This makes the installation of a winch incredibly fast and simple because it provides a wide open space for accessing the winch plate bolt locations. Most other options cover the bottom with a welded plate, making the installation of a winch quite the process.
Find It Online
- CBI Covert: Check Price
Table Of Contents
Video Overview
Just a quick look at the highlights, features, benefits, specs, and how it mounts up to the 4Runner.
Correction: I measured the recovery points. They are 3/4″, not 1/2″.
Trail Testing
We recently spent a week in the desert with the Dirt King boys, testing their new shocks, and alongside that, we tested all the other parts on the new build.
The Covert took some hits in a few places. On the first day out, we were doing about 75 mph through a wash in Ocotillo and ended up in a massive pile of brushed caused by an unseen rock in the dusty desert powder. The brush mangled the paint on the front end and was even enough to leave marks on the steel, but thankfully, the bumper took the brunt of the hit, and there’s not that much to show for it other than some paint scratches on the front clip. These low-profile bumpers are a nice piece of added protection for moments like this. You don’t ever plan on hitting a pile of bushes in Ocotillo, but when you do, hopefully, you have some armor to protect your front end.
Design & Aesthetics
The low-profile construction follows factory lines incredibly well. As mentioned above, I really like how the top portion of the bumper lip wraps up to the lower mesh. The lightbar cutout is designed for a Baja 30″ S8, which is on the slim side, so the opening is pretty small (exactly 1″) and limits your options for running larger light bars. This is probably the only downside of this bumper and my only real complaint. I wish more companies would make larger light-bar openings for other brands of bars, like Heretic and KC Lights, for example. The winch access ports could also be a little bigger.
When accessing winch power or the winch clutch to free spool, sometimes these tight spaces can put a strain on your wrist and forearm – not a huge deal, just something to consider. Almost all low-profile bumpers that I’ve tested are like this, though, not just CBI. It would be nice to see more companies start to widen this spot, making access to the winch easier. I think the small access ports look better, but larger access ports are much more functional and offer less weight at the end of the day.
The removable winch plate gives the Covert a very distinct look, offering both form and function. Not only does it look aggressive, but it also makes for an easy winch installation.
All in all, the Covert might be one of the best-looking low-profile options on the market for the 5th Gen. The lines, plate bends, removable winch plate, and mount points on top of the plate all make for one heck of a design. I like the Covert design/build more than the C4 Fabrication Lo-Pro winch bumper I tested back in 2017 just because it looks a little more aggressive, however the low profile bull bar option on the C4 is nice.
Bull Bar Options
CBI offers an option for a bull bar as well with the Covert Baja, but their bull bar is full height only and covers the TOYOTA logo a little bit if you’re running a Pro grille. For me, that’s a no go. When I’m taking photos, I like to focus on the TOYOTA letters, and if anything is in my way, I feel like it ruins the shot. That’s why I choose to go with no bull bar.
Features & Benefits
Some of the most notable features and benefits include:Â
- Compatibility: 2014-2024
- Gusseted winch mount plate
- Integrated 30-inch single-row light bar
- 3/4″ welded recovery points, bow shackle and soft shackle compatible
- Direct frame mounting points
- Steel construction
- Weighs only 85 lbs. (without accessories)
- Black texture powder coat finish (included)
- Free shipping
- Limited lifetime warranty
Strength
The Covert features all the right strength specs for what you would want in a low-profile option:
- Gusseted winch mount plate for support and strength during recoveries
- 3/4″ welded D-ring (larger than industry standard 1/2″)
- Full 3/16″ plate steel construction
- Direct frame mounting with multiple support brackets
You also get front clip brackets that connect the Covert bumper to the OEM bumper, which is a huge plus if you’re looking to keep the factory front end. If you choose to do a viper cut, though, you will not be able to use those support brackets.
Winch Plate Design
I’ve installed and tested a lot of bumpers over the years, and this is the first time I’ve seen a removable plate for easy winch mounting access. This is a game-changing design when you’re installing a winch.
The actual winch plate itself fits most winches up to 12,000 pounds (non-integrated solenoid recommended). I mounted a Smittybilt X20 and had to move the solenoid off to the passenger side to clear a few components.
Lightbar Cutout Size & Compatibility
The covert features an integrated 30-inch single-row light bar mount designed for a Baja S8. The actual cutout is only 1″, though, so if you’re running a larger light bar like I am (KC HiLITES new Flex Era bar), then it will get cut off on the top and the bottom, which slightly reduces light output.
Light Pod Mounting Points
This is a killer feature. They provide four slotted holes for light pods or a light bar. I’m not currently using any of them, but it’s nice to have them there in case I decide to mount up some secondary fog lights or another light bar directly on top.
Installation Overview
Installation was pretty straightforward. You have to cut out the center lower valance. Check out CBI’s installation guide for all the details.
The hardware bag came with standard and Grade 8 hardware with multiple reinforcement brackets.
One of the support brackets attaches to the frame, and the other attaches to factory bumper plastics. The best part of the installation was how easy it was to mount the winch because of the removable winch plate. With every other bumper I’ve installed, it’s always a pain to reach each of the winch mount bolts.
CBI makes it incredibly easy.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Aggressive design
- Easy installation with removable winch cover plate
- Winch compatible
- Light bar compatible
- Included light bar mounting brackets
- Pod light or light bar cutouts on top of the bumper
- 3/4″ welded recovery points (larger than most 1/2″ recovery points)
- Bow shackle and soft shackle compatible
- Optional hoop with Baja variant
- Lots of reinforcement brackets increase strength
Cons
- Small lightbar cutout made for only Baja S8 (might prevent use with other options)
- Only 1″ light bar cutout
- Only one hoop option with Covert Baja
- No option for mid-height bull bar
- No option for high clearance wings if you want a viper-style
Final Thoughts
The CBI Covert is a killer option for 4Runner owners who want added protection, recovery capability, and a handful of light mounting options without committing to a full-width bumper.
The design, function, lighting options, and ease of installation are all there.
I don’t have any complaints about this one other than the ultra slim 1″ light bar cutout. But if you plan on running an ultra slim light bar, then don’t worry about it. It’s CBI – an industry-trusted brand for a reason. They don’t really miss!
