Toyota Tacoma Roof Rack Buyer’s Guide

Now, which is the best roof rack? It's really based on which rack will best suit your needs. Equally important is which will best suit your Tacoma. Body type matters; some racks could be too long for an XtraCab/Access Cab roof, so be sure to check whether it's universal or specifies which body. How much weight the roof rack can support varies among manufacturers, and if you're transporting a lot of necessities or heavier ones, this is a crucial spec not to be ignored. Max load can change based on the rack's material (like, aluminum versus steel), the design, and whether the pickup is in motion or static (that latter being a higher load capability). And not all racks are universal; be sure to check whether a rack fits an older generation or a newer Tacoma.

A roof rack isn't a roof rail. A rail is more of a mounting point, and a rack is more of a carrying implement. A rail is more about light-item transport, and bulky or heavier items lean more toward rack. Expect the roof rail to probably be cheaper to purchase than a roof rack, too. Check out these various aftermarket roof rack options here! Note that the prices listed were approximate, or the low end of the price range, when this article was published, and can change.

The Fab Fours Universal Roof Rack features a modular design and comes in 48-, 60-, and 72-inch sizes. Bonus: You can add four 3x3-inch square LED lights (plus the option for lightbars front and rear), although you'll have to buy the lights separately; there are integrated zip-tie holes for wiring. You can choose from powdercoated matte black or bare steel versions for your Toyota Tacoma.
More info: realtruck.com

The RRTT1-01 Roof Rack from DV8 Offroad is for the 2016-to-present Toyota Tacoma, and it's made of aluminum materials. The crossbars can be used to mount pretty much anything. You'll install the rack via the existing holes in the roof, so no drilling is necessary. Each side has two mounting points for side lights. You'll also have the ability to add a 45-inch lightbar; brackets for that are included.
More info: dv8offroad.com

The low-profile Defender Platform Roof Rack—Tacorack1—from Smittybilt is a direct fit for 2016-to-current four-door Toyota Tacomas. It's 45x60 inches and made from extruded aluminum. It's a bolt-on, so you won't have to drill, and integrated crossbars, multiple mounting options, and light brackets are included; you can add a lightbar and as many as four pod lights.
More info: smittybilt.com

This Roof Rack from Rough Country fits the 2005-to-present Toyota Tacoma. There's rubber edge molding to protect paint and decrease vibration and rattling, plus there are slotted crossrails. It uses stainless-steel hardware, and no drilling is needed. You'll be able to add a 40-inch lightbar in front.
More info: roughcountry.com

The Cali Raised LED Premium Roof Rack for the 2005-present Toyota Tacoma features a 42-inch dual-row lightbar, side and back lighting, and more. The black powdercoated steel unit features a 42-inch dual-row white combo beam LED lightbar and small blue switch, plus six intrusion bars. No drilling needed.
More info: extremeterrain.com

The black powdercoated steel Adventure Roof Rack from Paramount Automotive utilizes crossbars and offers tie-down points as well as a built-in wind deflector. There are LED light cutouts and grab handles on the side rails. Height adjustability is 13.8 to 22.3 inches, and no drilling is required.
More info: jegs.com

The Ceros from Go Rhino is for the 2016-to-present Toyota Tacoma, and the low-profile aluminum roof rack has a 5-inch-tall fairing with a dropped front edge that should comfortably accommodate most single-row lightbars. The rack is 64x47 inches and uses 4-CORE crossbars, Go Rhino's extruded track system.
More info: gorhino.com

Westin's Mesa Roof Rack for the Toyota Tacoma double-cab body has been purpose-built, not just for gear and accessories, but also to allow for most rooftop tents. It's all aluminum with a black powdercoat finish, and you won't have to drill; just bolt it on. You can mount the top support rails in a variety of ways, and the hardtop panels can be removed, as can the wind deflector panel if you'd like to mount lights.
More info: westinautomotive.com

The second- and third-generation Toyota Tacoma can run with this Modular Roof Rack from Westcott Designs. The low-profile aftermarket carrier has aluminum construction, extrude-honed crossbars, and steel mounting brackets. You can pick the valance that will match your lighting preference (but you'll have to buy the lights separately).
More info: westcottdesigns.net

The Roof Rack with SPY Light System from Baja Rack is for the 2005-to-present Toyota Tacoma (but not for Access Cab). The rack is steel tubing with a flat top for easier transport of things like a rooftop tent. It's a low-profile design and no drilling is needed. SPY lighting includes a switch to display a hidden LED lightbar and the beam angle can be adjusted for more range.
More info: bajarack.com

For the 2005-to-current Toyota Tacoma is the Slipsport Roof Rack from Front Runner. The accessories carrier is a rack with a lightbar-prepped wind fairing, should you choose to have that. It's a low-profile look and uses the factory holes for mounting. More info: frontrunneroutfitters.com

The Base Rack Kit series from ARB is made from fully welded aluminum with a black powdercoat. Features include a "dovetail extrusion attachment system" for tons of mounting and attachment options, and the end caps come off for routing cables. There's also a wind deflector. It's a 49x51-inch rack, and kit pricing changes based on your rail choice.
More info: arbusa.com

This RCI Offroad Roof Rack for the 2005-to-present Toyota Tacoma is lightweight due to its aluminum construction. Its T-slot crossbars are adjustable (and removable), giving you ease for mounting various types of accessories, such as roof baskets, lights, and spare tire. It can support a rooftop tent as well. You won't have to drill since it's a bolt-on design.
More info: rcimetalworks.com