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Toyota did an incredible job designing the 4Runner. It’s durable, reliable, and full of options from the factory. If we have to be picky, there is a big part that the 4Runner is lacking in from the factory, and that is lighting.

If you do any type of off-roading, live in a place where street lights are forigen, or maybe you just want better or unique looks, there are options for you! With this ultimate lighting guide for Toyota 4Runners, hopefully we can shine some light on your lighting needs and questions! Hopefully you were bright enough to catch that pun. Okay… I’ll dim the puns down.

What are LED Lights & How Are They Different Than Halogen?

Let’s first get some basics out of the way. What exactly makes these two types of lights different, what are the benefits, and so on… First off, a “light-emitting diode” (or LED) is a semiconductor in an enclosure that emits light when electricity passes through it. Sounds fancy, but in most basic terms, power passes through a small chip or electronic material, and it lights up when it does.

Sounds great, but what’s the difference? Basically we are talking about analog and digital forms of light, so to speak. A halogen is an updated version of the classic incandescent bulb first designed in 1879. While halogen bulbs are using much higher grade material compared to their historic counterparts, the operation is the same: electricity heats up a filament that interacts with the gas in the bulb, and you have light.

In the case of a halogen, we’re talking about a heated tungsten filament interacting with halogen gas. This will make a much brighter light compared to the bulb in your grandpa’s attic, but all analog mediums have a shelf light. The filaments can degrade over time, they can physically break, and the heat emitted can cause premature failure if the glass of the bulb was contaminated by something such as oily fingers during installation. This will have them fail before LEDs will. Since we’re talking about one type of metal and one type of gas interacting, you’re going to get one color and brightness of light.

While the invention of the LED is a bit dated too coming into light in 1962, when we think of it in terms of a “digital” device, we can definitely imagine how much it has improved since then! An LED light is going to give you an instant on/off light stream, better control of the color, and different brightness levels that halogens simply cannot do.

One easy way to imagine this is to think about buying a phone. Every phone these days is going to do the same thing. Some just do them better, and that usually depends on the cost. LED lights are the same: they all light up, but the amount of technology in them will allow them to be different.

Here’s a quick chart to explain some differences:

What Kind of LED Lights Are Available For 4Runners?

I hope you didn’t forget why you’re here: 4Runners! Now that you should be convinced that LED lighting for your 4Runner is the way to go, what is actually available? Thankfully since LEDs and Toyotas are both so popular, the short answer is everything!

4Runner Headlights

4Runner headlights are easy to get in either replacement bulbs, and entire housing assemblies. Bulbs are easy plug and play replacements that simply take the place of your factory bulb. Replacing the entire housing with a completely built aftermarket headlight assembly will be more costly, but are still pretty straightforward to install, and don't require any modification. A complete assembly will generally give you a complete style overhaul with new features (such as sequential turn signals) over a standalone bulb.

4Runner Fog Lights

Fog lights generally get overlooked, but are easy and inexpensive to replace. In most cases, to get the best performance from your fog lights, you’ll want to replace the whole factory pod with an aftermarket LED one. While it sounds like a daunting task, it’s easy!

4Runner Ditch Lights

Ditch lights are not something you get from the factory, so these would have to be aftermarket. These lights mount behind your hood on either side, and when installed properly, cast extra lighting off to the sides of where your headlight’s field of view stops. These are great when you’re off on the trails or off-roading at night as they will generally light up the sides of the road you can’t normally see. They will keep you safe in the dark, and don’t require any permanent modification.

4Runner Light Bars

Light bars for the ultimate in off-road looks and low lighting performance, you can’t go wrong with an LED light bar. These generally mount either on your roof, in, on, or behind your front grille, or on your bumper (but for that last one, generally only if you have your bumper modified or replaced). They are simply a robust row (or two) of bright LEDs designed to make sure you see everything in front of you. There are different types, so let’s get into them!

What are Light Bars Used For?

In short, light bars are used for extra illumination. While high-beams can offer better light in darkness, light bars allow for a more customizable line of sight in the dark from the different size and mounting abilities. Light bars are mainly for off-road use and most are generally not allowed to be used on public roads. So keep that in mind when you think about getting one.

What Are The Different Light Bar Sizes?

Single Row Light Bars

For the most part, a single row light bar is going to have a single row of LED lights that produce a more focused beam of light. Think in terms of a spotlight. Generally this is best if you want to light up a longer distance.

Double Row Light Bars

A double row light bar is best for more of a floodlight, containing two rows of bright LED lights. If you want to light up a large area, a double could be better. This is just a basic principle, but things could change depending on which LEDs you use, the length of the row, placement, and so on.

What Are The Different Types of Light Bar Beams?

While the size portion above talked about what types of beams the number of rows generally produces, there are specific beams of light that you can look for: spot, flood, and combo. What you should get depends on where you plan on using them, and what you plan on using them for.

Spot Beam

Spot beams focus a narrow beam of light in a specific area. These are best for distance and a specific line of sight. If you are faced with long open roads without much vegetation, this could be an option for you. On a road like that, you could be going at faster speeds then you would be if you were in the woods. You will want a beam of light that can see obstacles in the road far before you reach them.

Flood Beam

Flood beams spread out light over a wider and taller surface area, but not as far as a spot beam. Something like this would be better in thicker vegetation where you need to see more around you, and light can’t travel that far of a distance in that type of an environment anyway (with all the trees). If you use the lights on your truck to light up a work site or something along those lines, this could be a better option too.

Combo Beam

What if you need both? Enter the combo light. This has the narrow throw of the spot beam, with a wide spread of a flood beam. This is generally accomplished with two light sources in the same fixture. Keep in mind that some combos may not shoot as far as a standalone spot fixture, but they are very versatile. Can you switch between modes on combo lights? Some bars allow that function, and that could make them the best between all three worlds.

Here's a nice little graphic to help you visualize the difference.

What Are The Different Light Bar Colors?

While there are technically many colors of LEDs you can get, there are laws about what color lighting you are allowed to use on public roads. The safest two options would be white or amber. Basically it comes down to preference. Amber lights have the same patterns as white lights, but are not as bright due to the filtered light. Some LED bars and bulbs offer both options. Shop around and find what’s best for you! Keep in mind your federal and state laws before you get too carried away with other colors.

Standard Light Bar Mounting Options

Thanks to the aftermarket world (and the large lower front grille of the 4Runner from Toyota), there are two popular ways to mount LED light bars on your 4Runner. Let’s assume you want them facing forward. While money and creativity can make almost any mounting location a reality, let’s take a look at the two main ways.

Roof Mounts

Roof mounts offer good function and style. If you want that off-roading look as well as serious illumination power, roof mounts are the way to go. While you may not be able to see directly in front of your front tires with the bar on the roof, you get a good line of sight, depending on the beam (spot, flood, or combo) that you choose.

Behind The Grille Mounts

Have you ever noticed how large the lower front grille on the newer 4Runners are? That allows for a lot of real estate to mount multiple light bars! The advantage of having them here is that your off-road appearance is more subdued. If having extra lighting is important from time to time, but you don’t always want to see a light bar on your roof, this conservative approach could be the option for you.

To Sum It All Up…

LED lighting is generally the way to go. They last longer, they are brighter, they are more versatile, and they just look so much better. With LED technology being so inexpensive now, the sky is the limit! Light up the night sky, or simply be the best looking 4Runner in the parking lot. Either way, I hope this guide has answered all of your questions regarding LED lighting for your Toyota 4Runner.

Image Credits

Beam Types

When driving around town or on the highway at night, headlights will do just fine, but if you’re doing any kind of driving off-road at night, LED light bars are a must. They will illuminate far more and in multiple directions. They are easy to install, can be inexpensive, and the options for size, intensity, and installation location are almost endless. Here is your guide for Toyota Tacoma LED light bars.

What are Light Bars Used for?

In short, light bars are used for extra illumination. While high-beams can offer better light in darkness, light bars allow for a more customizable line of sight in the dark from the different size and mounting abilities. Light bars are mainly for off-road use and most are generally not allowed to be used on public roads. So keep that in mind when you think about getting one.

Light Bar Sizes

Like many off-road upgrades, there are different options depending on what you need. The two most common “sizes” are double or single bars. A single row, as it sounds, has one horizontal row of LEDs, while a double has two. They both light up what they are pointing at, but go about it differently.

Single Row: For the most part, a single row light bar is going to have a more focused beam of light. Think in terms of a spot light. Generally this is best if you want to light up a longer distance.

Double Row: A double row light bar is best for more of a floodlight. If you want to light up a large area, a double could be better. This is just a basic principle, but things could change depending on which LEDs you use, the length of the row, placement, and so on.

Types of Light Bar Beams

While the size portion above talked about what types of beams the number of rows generally produces, there are specific beams of light that you can look for: spot, flood, and combo. What you should get depends on where you plan on using them, and what you plan on using them for.

Spot Beam: Spot beams focus a narrow beam of light in a specific area. These are best for distance and a specific line of sight. If you are faced with long open roads without much vegetation, this could be an option for you. On a road like that, you could be going at faster speeds then you would be if you were in the woods. You will want a beam of light that can see obstacles in the road far before you reach them.

Flood Beam: Flood beams spread out light over a wider and taller surface area, but not as far as a spot beam. Something like this would be better in thicker vegetation where you need to see more around you, and light can’t travel that far of a distance in that type of an environment anyway (with all the trees). If you use the lights on your truck to light up a work sight or something along those lines, this could be a better option too.

Combo Beam: What if need both? Enter the combo light. This has the narrow throw of the spot beam, with a wide spread of a flood beam. This is generally accomplished with two light sources in the same fixture. Keep in mind that some combos may not shoot as far as a standalone spot fixture, but they are very versatile. Can you switch between modes on combo lights? Some bars allow that function, and that could make them the best between all three worlds.

Standard Light Bar Mounting Options

There are different ways to mount your light bars. Each has a different advantage or disadvantage. For this section, let’s assume that you want them to point forward and illuminate what’s in front of your Tacoma.

Bumper Mounts: Bumper mounts are a popular option. They do a great job at illuminating what is directly in front of you, including the immediate road. They have a more flush and streamline look over other options, especially with our Tacos. The lower grill is practically designed at allow a bar to fit snuggly in the bumper with little to no protrusions. One bigger downfall could be that they could get damaged or misaligned if you are doing some serious off-roading or rock crawling where the front of your truck is subject to scraping against the environment.

Roof Mounts: Roof mounts offer good function and style. If you want that off-roading look as well as serious illumination power, roof mounts are the way to go. While you may not be able to see directly in front of your front tires with the bar on the roof, you get a good line of sight, depending on the beam (spot, flood, or combo) that you choose.

Behind The Grille Mounts: If you want a more subtle option, you can look into mounting a bar behind your grill. Most generations of the Tacoma have a large grill, so there is room for a bigger light bar. They keep the look of your truck more “professional”, as the lights are not as easily visible. The throw and intensity of the light are generally not heavily affected by the grill.

Other Types of LED Lights

Headlights: While the factory headlights are good, you’ll be surprised just how big of a difference a good aftermarket set of headlights can make. Not only can you drastically improve the visual styling of your Tacoma, but the amount of light that can come from them is unbeatable. The best part? They are generally plug and play. No need for drilling, no messy wiring, and no hassle.

Take for example the Nova Series LED Projector Headlights for 2016 to 2021 Toyota Tacomas. The quad project design will instantly turn heads compared to the (now obviously) boring stock ones, but you can see the difference for the extra amount of lumens pumped into the night. Aftermarket headlights give you more “cool” features too, such as the sequential turn signals, and a lighting sequence for when you lock and unlock your doors you get with the ones linked above.

Tail Lights: Since most people will be cowering in fear behind your mighty Tacoma when you are tackling the trails, you want to make sure you give them something good to look at. Tail lights, much like headlights, not only do they improve the visual styling of your truck dramatically, but they are even easier to install!

Toyota did a decent job on the factory ones, but options like the Pro-Series LED Tail Lights offer better looks paired with a brighter and cleaner lighting profile. While looks may be subjective, the multi-tube LED lights featured on these units that will outlast the stock incandescent bulbs by a long shot, all while bringing your truck into the modern world are not.

Ditch Lights: LED ditch/pillar lights are options for those of you that want an even wider spread of light beyond what a flood beam on a bar can do. Ditch lights are mounted on or near the A pillars, and are generally pointed outward at a 45 degree angle. They add a wider range of light to help you see things like ditches, hence the name.

Fog Lights: LED fog lights are good options as well. While Tacomas have good fog lights from the factory, it’s never a bad idea to upgrade to LEDs. Some companies offer complete kits that change the entire housing, and some offer just a new bulb. LEDs generally offer a brighter and longer lasting light over conventional incandescent bulbs.

Bed Lights: So many people upgrade all the lighting up front, but trucks are designed to haul. If you’re in the middle of nowhere, you may need your bed illuminated. There are plenty of inexpensive bed lighting options as well. I covered this in a previous post about the top 25 inexpensive mods for Tacomas.

LED Light Bar Colors

While there are technically many colors of LEDs you can get, there are laws about what color lighting you are allowed to us on public roads. The safest two options would be white or amber. Basically it comes down to preference. Amber lights have the same patterns as white lights, but are not as bright due to the filtered light. Some LED bars and bulbs offer both options. Shop around and find what’s best for you! Keep in mind your federal and state laws before you get too carried away with other colors.

Conclusion

If you drive off-road at night, you might need extra lighting. There are tons of options depending on your needs. It all ends up coming down to what you want, where you will be using it, and how much you want to spend. Keep it lit. 

Image Credits

Roof Light Bar – PureTacoma

Beams – Maintain Your Ride

Toyota Tacomas are built tough and built to last. However, if you plan on doing any serious offroading or rock climbing, damage will happen. Body panels will get dinged and the undercarriage and other components under can get damaged. Thankfully, there is a massive skid plate aftermarket to armor your Taco to take a beating.

What Is A Skid Plate?

Skid plates are panels made of a tough and abrasion-resistance material that are bolted (usually) onto the bottom side of a vehicle to prevent damage from occurring to the underside of a vehicle when it makes contact with the ground.

For a Tacoma, the biggest place you’re going to want to protect would be under the engine and your front suspension. You can get carried away and cover other suspension components and beyond as well. Prices are going to range from around $100 up to over $1000. Your average price will be around $200 for just the front cover. This is very inexpensive considering what you’re protecting. Let’s get into some examples.

Different Types of Skids Plates

Now that you’re an expert on what a skid plate is, where does it actually go? What exactly does it protect? How much of my truck can I protect? These are all valid questions! There are plenty of expensive and important components under our Tacomas that, while designed to be durable, shouldn’t have mountains scraping against them. Thankfully, there are a family of skid plates designed with this in mind.

Front Skid Plates

These skid plates mount directly behind your front bumper and offer a front line of protection from whatever you throw your truck into. Generally they make use of your truck’s existing mounting points, so no extra drilling is required.

Even mild off-roaders can benefit from a front skid plate. These offer a level of armor to parts such as radiators, A/C condensers, oil pans, engine accessories, and more. These are one of the panels that can be easily seen from anyone outside your truck (even if your Tacoma is not lifted), so it’s also a great opportunity to get something that looks good as well to show off that you mean off-roading business! You can check our our front skid plate here.

Transmission Skid Plates

No one likes transmission issues. They are expensive, and any issue with them will render your Tacoma undrivable. While Toyota does make a very robust transmission, you don’t want to take advantage of that and come crashing down on a bolder. Enter the transmission skid plate. 

Designed to secure the transmission from the wild trails, a transmission skid plate will generally also mount up underneath your Tacoma with no extra drilling required. While great on their own, they are even better when paired with a front skid plate and transfer case skid plate. Adding all three together will effectively armor the whole front and mid section of your Tacoma in one (almost continuous) go. You can check out our transmission skid plate here.

Transfer Case Skid Plates

Your transfer case is designed to provide power as needed to your front and rear wheels. It is an absolute must to keep this crucial part protected during your off-road adventures. Directly behind your transmission (and transmission skid plate, if you get one), this skid plate will mount to existing factory mounting points.

While best to pair with a front and transmission skid plate due to its small size, this plate will ensure a better chance of survival of your transfer case during your next rock climb. You can check our our transfer case skid plate here.

 

Lower Control Arm Skid Plates

 

Lower control arms are basically responsible for “holding your front wheels” in place. You can imagine the bad day you could have if you get these hung up on a rock. Thankfully there is a skid plate for that! These are designed to effectively enclose the exposed bottom and sides of your lower control arms to take the brunt of any impacts.

When shopping around, you do want to take note about fitment. Many manufacturers have special notes such as not being able to fit TRD Pro models, or models with a TRD front skid plate. Do your research before you buy! You can check our our lower control arm skid plates here.

 

Fuel Tank Skid Plates

 

Obviously a hole in your fuel tank is bad. Not only do you risk spontaneous combustion, but running out of fuel and potentially being slapped with a fine from the EPA is bad too. While very durable, if you do some serious rock crawling and can afford the extra protection, you might want to look into one of these skid plates. I could go into further detail, but hey… Holes in your gas tank are not good. You can check our our fuel tank skid plates here.

 

Rear Shock Skid Plates

 

While not something you would normally think about protecting, your rear shocks are actually pretty exposed to everything. Protecting them can be a bit of a challenge since they are designed to retract and expand as needed, but there are a few options on the market for the serious off-roader who wants every bit of protection. For the reason above, most opt to protect one of the most crucial impact points: the bottom.

Scrapping and impacts to this part of the shocks are common during off-road use, and not only does this degrade the life of the shock, but it could make them challenging to remove when you go to replace them in the future if they get all bent and banged up. This may not be something to overlook! You can check out our rear shock skid plates here.

Other Awesome Brands of Tacoma Skid Plates

Our friends over at Tacoma World have voiced their opinions on what they like running on their trucks. I have mentioned Bay Area Metal Fab on here a couple times, and they seem to be a driver favorite. BAMF doesn’t have a wide selection on skid plate sections, but they do have a heavy-duty steel IFS (independent front suspension) skid plate.

At $325 with an option to have it powder coated for $90, this solid steel skid plate will offer protection and durability from a well-known name.

Mobtown Offroad is also a big fan favorite, and they offer the full selection of multiple panels and metal options. They have the front, transmission, fuel tank, and transfer case skid plates. If you get all of them, you’re looking around $1125, but it depends on if you get aluminum or steel. Their front skid plate is popular due to the oil cutout it has. This allows you to get your oil changed without having to take the skid plate off. Individually, each part is around $250.

RCI Off Road offers some great options for skid plates. Not only do they offer the variety of plates that Mobtown does, but also a rear-differential and A-arm skid plates as well. Instead of purchasing each piece, they also offer a complete package. Each part allows you to choose between black powder-coated steel, raw aluminum, or black powder-coated aluminum. Each part has a similar price to Mobtown’s prices.

If you want to go full Toyota, there is an OEM option. As with many OEM parts, it’s going to be more expensive over aftermarket, but you’re generally assured a good fit. Amazon offers a TRD front skid plate for Tacomas for about $454. It’s still an aggressive-looking part for factory, and it should perform well, but you don’t get any options. It’s one color, and it’s made out of aluminum.

Steel or Aluminum?

For a lot of these, you have the option of steel or aluminum? Which is better? Which should you get? This all depends on how you are using your truck. Steel is a very strong metal. It can take a beating and keep on going. If you are doing some serious rock crawling up the side of a mountain, you will want the protection of steel. The downside is that steel is very heavy. Weight affects the performance of your truck: gas mileage, acceleration, braking, balance, and so on.

On the other end, aluminum is very light. The tradeoff is that it’s not as strong. If you’re a weekend warrior who goes on a couple of trails that might have a hill or two, aluminum is the way to go. Weight will still be added to your truck, but far less than steel. Don’t be shy about protection: aluminum will get most jobs done the same way steel will, but depending on the thickness and how sharp the rock is that your truck just crashed down on, it could be the difference between a scratch, and a full puncture.

Like I’ve said with tires and other modifications countless times before on this blog: know your end goal, and buy accordingly.

Other Body Armor Options

Skid plates protect all the expensive mechanical and electronic stuff. What about the rest of your truck? While I have your attention, let’s take a quick look at some other options.

Brush Guards and Rock Sliders

I’m putting both of these together because I have separate posts about them that cover the parts and options in great detail. In short, brush guards do a great job at protecting the front of your truck and sliders protect the body and sides of the undercarriage. Here are the links to those posts:

Overlanding your Tacoma (Includes Brush Guards/Push Bars)

Rock Sliders vs Steps

Roll Bar

If you’re concerned about rolling over during your adventures, a full-on roll cage might be a good option, but if you want something that looks good, is cheaper, and still offers some protection, a roll bar is a good option. You can get them for around $500.

Bumpers

A very expensive option, but very durable if you’re serious about off-roading would be bumpers. Stock bumpers look great but offer no protection while rock crawling. Off-roading bumpers are heavy but designed to take a beating.

There are plenty of options to protect your Tacoma when you’re battling the Earth. It all depends on where you’re going, and how hard you’re pushing your truck. Regardless, make the investment now so you don’t have to pay the price later to replace expensive components.

Image Credits

BAMF - Courtesy of BAMF

Mobtown - Courtesy of Mobtown Offroad

RCI - Courtesy of RCI Metal Works/Off Road

TRD Factory - Courtesy of TacomaWorld user tacopromatt

 

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

We all know by now that the Toyota Tacoma is built for almost anything that you can throw at it: the highway, off-road, work, and more. However, not everyone needs everything, and to appeal to the masses, modern day truck manufacturers leave off some stuff that could make your dream off-road truck a reality. Thankfully the aftermarket is to the rescue, and if you want a roof rack for your Tacoma, here is the guide to get you started!

What is a Roof Rack?

In the event you need some knowledge, let’s take a moment to learn about roof racks. It’s a rack that goes on your roof. No really! It’s as simple as that. A roof rack allows you to add extra storage space to an otherwise useless area (for storage). Some can connect to a bed rack and be the full length of your truck, and others simply sit above the cab.

Why do you need a Roof Rack?

“Need” is definitely a relative word. Roof racks do have plenty of benefits that could suit your needs. If you do a lot of off-roading or overlanding, a roof rack is a great place to put the stuff you don’t always need direct access to. Since it’s higher compared to your bed and generally full of points to tie gear down, it’s perfect for your spare tire, extra gas, your tent, and so on.

You don’t need to be a weekend warrior to make use out of a roof rack. If you use your truck for work and make a lot of trips to the hardware store, a roof rack will give you extra places to tie down your wood and PVC pipes. An extra bonus is that it will keep the materials off your paint, which can be a costy fix, especially if rust develops.

While they can definitely be used to carry stuff around, you can also mount plenty of lights to them: front light bars, surround lights, flood lights, and so on. Since the design of a roof rack allows it to sit flat, you can potentially have the ability for a perfect 360 degrees of lighting, should you want. No extra drilling into or leveling of your roof required!

Important factors to keep in mind!

While a roof rack is helpful, there are some things you do need to keep in mind. The roof is not designed to hold massive amounts of weight, so you’re not going to be hauling an engine up there. Check the specifications with the rack and vehicle you get to find out the limit. You are also increasing the overall height of your truck. While you’re not driving an 18-wheeler, you do want to be mindful about anything tall you might have strapped down there. Low tunnels and even tree branches could become a pain.

How are Roof Racks Installed?

The installation of a roof rack depends on what type of rack you get, and what type of vehicle you have. Thankfully Toyota made this easy for us Tacoma owners. While some people have to mount racks with awkward attachments or even drill into their roof, Tacoma owners simply need to pull back some covers, and the pre-drilled mounting points will appear!

Take a look at this section of a video showing where the mounting holes are on this third generation Tacoma: https://youtu.be/MvRHo8CyDNc?t=77

Top 10 Roof Racks for the Toyota Tacoma

Now that we got all of the boring stuff out of the way, let’s get on to the stars of the article! Here are some of the top roof racks for your Toyota Tacoma. These top ones are what is popular on the Facebook groups, forums, and our customers. Keep in mind that not all of these may work for you. As I say with all our top product articles, take a look at each one to find out what works for your needs and your budget. Enough talk… Let’s “rack and roll.”

Cali Raised

Let’s start off with one of our favorites. Cali Raised LED makes some great products featured on many Tacomas in the wild.  Their roof racks are no exception! Their premium roof rack allows the addition of some of their industry leading LED light bars! They also have a cover that you can lower over the LED light bar when you’re not using them to improve aerodynamics and help protect the lights from flying rocks. Fully decked out, this kit can cost you over $1070, but it can start at around $750.

If you don’t need all the flair, but still want the same great quality, you can go for their economy version. Don’t let the name fool you. You’re still getting greatness. You can get these with or without an LED light bar, and these will run from $650 to about $940. No drilling is required.

KC M-Rack

KC is a name that has been associated with all types of off-road trucks, and much like Cali Raised, they are known for their lighting. The KC M-Rack comes with an integrated 50" KC Gravity LED Pro6 Light Bar and four Side Blackout Plates. That’s going to blast out 18,400 lumens! The extremely lightweight, aluminum construction gives a total weight of around 25 pounds. The horizontal cross bars can be adjusted to meet your needs for what you are carrying. While impressive, this kit will set you back about $2600, making it the most expensive on our list.

Warrior Products Platform

Many of you may be on the lookout for a roof rack that is tent friendly. For that, you’ll want something strong and something with a stable and firm base. Warrior Products has you covered. This rack makes it easy to be compatible with their other products such as their different mounts, and are friendly to aftermarket lighting as well.

While the multiple crossbars are not adjustable, there are plenty to give you multiple tie down and mounting points for whatever you are carrying. They also help give you a more comfortable and supportive base for a rooftop tent. For just under $740, it is a great option! 

TMT Skyline

Another sleek option comes from TMT 4X4 with their Skyline roof rack for Toyota Tacomas. The rack kit comes with a wind deflector, two side-beams and five crossbars. Unlike some of the other racks that have the crossbars fixed in place, this rack has lateral slots that allow you to place the bars where you need. The steel construction of the rack ensures long term durability, despite the extra weight.

You do have some options with TMT as well. You can get the rack powder coated in black, or bare metal so you can finish it in the color you want! You have the option of three different aerodynamic deflectors: one for no light bars, one with cutouts for two 10’’ LED bars, or one cutout for a 40’’ LED light bar. All this will be one fixed price of $670, and no extra drilling is required!

Front Runner Slimline II

This lightweight, aluminum option from Front Runner will leave you getting more and more from their site. While their rack is good, they have plenty of mounting and other toys built to work well with the Slimline II, such as tables. Where can you store those? Well, these racks come with vehicle specific foot rails that allow for storage under the rack! While these are a little more on the bulky side compared to others, it does come with a deflector for improved aerodynamics.

The wide and flat crossbars offer plenty of mounting real estate, and can be very supportive for a rooftop tent. All of their racks are backed by a lifetime warranty. Their accessories carry a three year warranty. The rack itself will cost you $1025, and of course, no extra drilling is required. No other accessories can be added as options though. You will have to buy them separately.

ARB

While not generally as sleek and aerodynamic as some of the other racks on the market, ARB delivers a true utilitarian and off-road rack. They offer four different models to fit your needs, most of which include a basket or cage of some sort. A unique feature is that while the mounting rails are designed to be “permanently” attached to the factory Toyota Tacoma mounting locations, the rack itself is built to be quickly detached from the ARB mounting rails. This allows you to easily take the roof rack off when you don’t need it.

Most of the rack is constructed out of zinc-plated steel, then powder-coated millennium grey. The fittings are stainless steel for added protection. While this kit won’t win for aerodynamics or slim appearance, if you need that “safari style” utilitarian roof rack, ARB could be your choice. The kits range in price from $179 to $700, so you’re not breaking the bank.

DV8 Off-Road

Slim, sleek, and light: that is the DV8 roof rack. While only for 2016+ Tacomas, this rack offers some flexibility to allow you to mount what you need. The kit comes ready to mount lighting almost anywhere you can think of. The sides can accommodate up to four 6 inch slim led lights, while the front is ready for a 45 inch light bar, with brackets available for a 40 inch bar. There are multiple mounting locations for the cross bars to make mounting what you need easier.

Of course no drilling is required, and the added air deflector and lightweight construction help keep the drag low and MPGs high. The cost is $500, which makes it one of the lower priced options on the list.

Uptop Overland

Uptop Overland realizes that everyone has different prices and needs, so they offer a few different models to get you what you need. Each model comes with even more options to choose from. For example, the Alpha model allows for eight different light bar cutouts depending on the size and brand you want to go with. You can also color match the rack to the factory Toyota color of your truck! The Alpha model can be up to about $1350.

The Bravo options are a bit more limited, but still give you the same great construction and durability. They start at $599 and can go beyond that. Uptop also carries plenty of bed rack options as well that can be integrated with the killer roof racks!

The aluminium construction and stainless steel hardware allow for the best combination of lightweight and durability. All are built to order and do take some time to get to you.

Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform

This is definitely a sleek rack made specifically for your Toyota Tacoma. They have different models for different year trucks and cab sizes, so make sure you’re getting the right one! The black powder coated aluminum makes these lightweight and durable, and they market themselves as the “most versatile and modular full rack on the market.”  

The planks, as they call them, are flat, wide, and can be placed wherever you want! This allows them to mount whatever you want, and the flat design is perfect as a supportive base for a rooftop tent. They are sleek and low profile, and backed by a five year warranty. It will set you back just under $1300, but that depends on the model and options.

Prinsu Design Studios

I’m going to end this one with another one of my personal favorites from Prinsu Design Studios. It is a basics, no-frills design that is durable and gets the job done, and done well! The modular design of the rack allows you to set it up as you want, and the lightweight aluminum construction keeps the overall weight down. The aggressive deflector up front will help keep the wind drag down so you don’t sacrifice your MPGs. However, you can get the deflector cut for a 40 inch light bar. This rack will cost you about $675, making it very competitively priced.

A roof rack may be something that you need in your life! Be it overlanding, weekend camping, or work truck necessities, there is a roof rack for you. This is by no means a complete list, but it is one that I have found to be of some of the more popular models to help you keep you on top of things. Find one that works for you and your budget! 

Image Credits

Cali Raised - Courtesy of Cali Raised

KC M-Rack - Courtesy of Slick Auto

Warrior Products - Courtesy of Warrior Products

TMT Skyline - Courtesy of TMT

Front Runner Slimline II - Courtesy of Front Runner Outfitters

ARB - Courtesy of ARB

DV8 - Courtesy of DV8 Off-Road

Uptop Overland - Courtesy of Uptop Overland

Rhino Rack - Courtesy of TacomaWorld user Hstone556

Prinsu Design Studios - Courtesy of TacomaWorld user RebelliousOne