Toyota is known for quality vehicles from the factory. As you may have seen on our site, Toyotas like the Tacoma and Tundra are known for having many options from the factory and having a vast aftermarket. What if you need more doors and interior space over a conventional “truck,” and still want the Toyota reliability and customization? Enter the 4Runner. 

The first thing that everyone will see is that aggressive front end, but do you want your Toyota 4Runner grille to be the same as everyone else’s, or do you want something unique and custom? I have searched through the Facebook groups, forums, and talked to our customers to find out what some of the best aftermarket grills are for your fifth generation 4Runner. Let’s take a look at some options that should fit your style and budget.

TRD Pro Style Grille 

The TRD Pro is one of the highest trimmed Toyota 4Runner you can get. With it comes all the performance and style options you could desire. However, if you got your 4Runner used or just don’t want to pay the extra price for the TRD Pro trim, you can settle with just some of the parts you want like the TRD Pro Style grille.

For about $140, you can transform the front of your “basic” 4Runner to that of the fancy TRD Pro. You can add raptor lights in four different variations and you can customize with either Silver, Black, White or Red letters. You can buy these faux grilles here at Empyre Off Road.

4Runner Grille for 2014-2019 Models

4Runner Grille for 2020-2021 Models

Price: $180

Pros: Fits like stock, somewhat customizable

Cons: None

T-Rex Laser Torch Grille

If you want a grille for your 2014-2019 4Runner that is a bit more flash over the factory one, yet aggressive and demanding as well, T-Rex might have the grille for you. This three piece kit cut from steel comes with a 20 inch, double row LED light bar that blasts 7215 lumens. The steel construction, while heavier, is durable and strong. There is a three year warranty on the finish, and a lifetime warranty on the structure to ensure you feel confident in the grille.

The honeycomb pattern combined with the chrome studs against the black finish really allow this design to pop. All of the wiring and needed components are included, but there is some drilling to get this grille to fit where the stock one was. These are made in the USA, and they have a design that comes without a light bar, should you choose.

Price: $590

Pros: Great warranty, made in USA, includes a light bar, durable construction

Cons: Heavier construction, no customizable, cutting required, limited model years

T-Rex Billet Grille

If you want to go for an aftermarket grille, yet stay more budget friendly, T-Rex also offers its polished billet grille. Don’t let the lower price tag fool you. It’s a serious grille: serious style, and serious construction. These lightweight aluminum grilles not only give you a unique yet timeless look, but they are also backed by the same three year warranty on the finish, and lifetime warranty on the structure. Of course, they are also made in the USA.

You can get this grille either black or polished, and they easily install over your existing factory grille. All of the mounting hardware is included! All of this at a low price of under $200.

Price: $195

Pros: Great warranty, made in USA, fits over factory grille, lightweight

Cons: Limited options

Bullet Proof Fabricating Mesh Grille and Bumper Cap

This one is your least expensive option, but it does require you to get a bit crafty. If you’re tired of the boring stock upper grille and “T” badge in the front, this kit from Bullet Proof Fabricating will take care of that. This kit replaces the upper grill with a mesh one, and allows you to fill in the hole of the center bar after you take the stock front emblem out. You do have to have some skills with body filler and basic paint knowledge for the best results, but the end product is surely something unique.

While I do not recommend this product for someone looking for plug and play, or just something easy, if you like projects and have some basic body work skills, this kit will set your front end apart from the other 4Runners out there. They do have some helpful instructions, and you can find plenty of videos online about how to apply body filler and paint tips.

Price: $120 (for the full kit)

Pros: Inexpensive, truly custom

Cons: Requires heavy installation that is not easy to reverse, no lower grille

Cali Raised Raptor LED Light Kit

Okay, okay… This isn’t exactly a grille, but it is an inexpensive way to modify your stock grille! For about $65, you can add three amber or smoked amber LED lights to the top of your existing factory grille with this Cali Raised Raptor LED light kit. Installation is simple, and the unique look is backed up with functional lighting! What could be better? Everything you need is included (or can be added) to hook these up to your 4Runner in a matter of minutes.

Price: $65

Pros: Inexpensive, easy to install

Cons: I guess it’s not an actual grille…

While you may not have as many choices as the same model year Tacomas and Tundras, there are still quite a few grilles to choose from for your fifth generation Toyota 4Runner. From easy LED lights that pop in, to complete bodywork and customization, there is a grille for your 4Runner that matches your style and budget. I hope this guide was able to get you in the right direction. Now, go out there and make your 4Runner yours!

Image Credits

T-Rex Laser: Courtesy of T-Rex Truck Products

T-Rex Billet: Courtesy of T-Rex Truck Products

BPF Mesh Grille and Bumper Cap: Courtesy of Bullet Proof Fabricating

Cali Raised: Courtesy of Cali Raised

Header Graphic: Courtesy of Trail4Runner