In this article, we recommend our top picks for best roof racks for the Toyota Tacoma.
We looked at a wide variety of roof racks for the Tacoma and tested each one to see if it was worth buying. Our testing considered factors like the build quality, load capacity, and the overall design of each roof rack.
Our highest recommendation goes to Hooke Road’s roof rack made specifically for the Toyota Tacoma. It combines heavy duty construction with a secure fit. It also has an insanely useful feature that Tacoma owners will absolutely love.
Our experience testing and evaluating vehicle accessories goes back more than a decade, so we know what to look for and what to look out for in roof racks. Allow us to help you make a more worthwhile buying decision.
Keep reading for more information on the best roof racks for the Tacoma.
Hooke Road Tacoma Top Roof Rack
Overall Best
Hooke Road built this roof rack with the Tacoma in mind and it definitely shows. The heavy duty construction complements the Tacoma’s ruggedness. Load capacity is also very high to keep up with your needs.
If build quality is the most important consideration, Hooke Road knocked this one out of the park. Alloy steel is used for the entire construction, keeping the roof rack rigid and tough. We have no complaints as far as the build is concerned.
If you’re worried about rust or corrosion, put your concerns to rest. Hooke Road’s roof rack is treated with a special textured black powder coating. They use a unique E-coating that is expected to last for over 5 years with regular use.
Aerodynamics are an essential part of any roof rack. And this roof rack is surprisingly low profile, despite its size. There is a subtle curve in the rack’s shape that lets it conform to your truck’s roofline. This keeps air resistance low and completely eliminates wind noise. It also makes for a more secure fit.
Speaking of fitment, this is one of the easiest roof racks to install. All of the mounting hardware is provided in the box, and you won’t need any special tools to get the rack up and running. It took us no more than 20 minutes to get the rack fully installed.
The aerodynamic styling also enables better mileage. We did not notice an appreciable drop in mileage, except when the rack was fully loaded up, for obvious reasons.
And while we’re on the topic of load capacity, this is probably the highest load capacity we have ever seen in any roof rack, bar none.
It is rated for a whopping 330 lbs. It doesn’t matter if you use your Tacoma to haul professional equipment or for the occasional cross country trip, 330 lbs of carrying capacity will get the job done.
And here’s a pro tip: you can get away with loading up a little bit more weight if you distribute the cargo evenly over the rack. So feel free to pack heavy, cause this rack can take it!
As for special features, this rack has a lot of rungs in it which give it more stability. You can also use these to tie down your cargo so it doesn’t go flying off on the highway. And then there is a feature that all Tacoma owners will surely appreciate.
This rack has integrated LED lights up front. Not only do they provide illumination at night, and make it easier to check your cargo, they also add a cool look to your truck.
Pros
- Alloy steel build
- Powder coating for corrosion protection
- 330 lbs load capacity
- Very secure fit
- Easy to install
- Integrated LEDs
- Aerodynamic design
- Specifically made for the Tacoma
- No wind noise or air resistance
- Larger area for cargo
Cons
- Only compatible with 4 door double cab models
MaxxHaul Steel Roof Rack
Best Budget
Maxxhaul’s Steel roof rack ticks a lot of boxes while also being more affordable than the competition. It has good load capacity and a lot of space for cargo.
Maxxhaul opted for a tubed alloy steel build with this roof rack. The surface of the rack is also protected from rust and corrosion thanks to a special powder coating. We like to use our Tacoma off road so every bit of protection is appreciated.
As for weight, this rack is actually pretty lean and lightweight. That makes it easier to mount and also less noticeable when you’re driving. The heavy duty construction keeps your luggage nice and secure.
Load capacity comes in at a decent 150 lbs. That isn’t the highest number we’ve seen but still pretty good and plenty for most use cases. We were able to carry snowboards, skis, coolers, camping gear and heavy equipment with ease.
Installation was simple and straightforward. Maxxhaul uses U-bolts which make mounting and fitment a lot more robust. These U-bolts also come capped with durable rubber, keeping them more secure at high speed.
Overall, the fit and finish of this rack is a lot more refined than other budget options. It does not creak or shift around at speed and we have no complaints.
You get all of the necessary mounting hardware in the box and you won’t need many additional tools to get this rack up and running. Moreover, it is a universal fit design so you can easily mount it onto most any model of Tacoma.
The shape of the rack is actually quite sleek and aerodynamic. We can report that it does not suffer from air resistance or wind noise, even at highway speeds. Fuel mileage is not affected that much and this rack is not as ‘clunky’ as some others.
We really liked this roof rack a lot. However, there is one slight drawback. Specifically, the branding on the front is a bit large and noticeable for our taste. Other than that, it is a great all round package that also happens to be budget friendly.
Pros
- Tubed alloy steel construction
- U-bolts provide a secure fit
- Two different sizes offered
- Easy installation with cross bars
- Rust resistant finish
- 150 lbs load capacity
- Universal fit design
- Roof rack comes fully assembled
- All mounting hardware included
Cons
- Branding on the front is a bit loud
DV8 Offroad | Slotted Aluminium Roof Rack
Premium Choice
DV8 Offroad’s take on the Tacoma roof rack goes above and beyond. It is built like a tank and offers the most utility of any roof rack.
Starting off with the build quality of this rack, we see aluminium instead of alloy steel or other materials like plastic. This aluminium build has a number of benefits. Firstly, it is lightweight so mounting the rack is no great feat.
Secondly, the aluminium structure is very rigid and structurally sound. It inspires a lot of confidence while carrying lots of luggage and equipment off road, where the truck is on harsh terrain all the time.
Aluminium also takes care of the rusting and corrosion issue many roof racks often face. Our test vehicle was subjected to heavy rain, salty sea air, and enough dirt to fill the Grand Canyon. The DV8 rack powered through everything without so much as a scratch.
As for installation, it is pretty simple, as you’d expect. However, many drivers tell us that they received their racks with a couple bolts missing from the package. All of the mounting hardware for our rack was accounted for and we did not need to get any additional parts. All said and done, the install took us about 20 minutes.
The aerodynamic shape of this rack is another plus point. It sits closer to the truck’s roofline because it was made specifically for the Tacoma. The fitment is very secure and we did not feel the rack shifting or catching the wind at speed. An air deflector up front is to thank for that.
Load capacity is also worthy of praise. While we don’t have an exact number, you can easily mount about 200 lbs of cargo, evenly distributed. The slotted design also gives you a convenient place to tie down your luggage.
As for special features, there is an LED light bar mount up front that you can use to mount any extra illumination. We tested it with a lot of light bars and most 45” bars fit perfectly. 40” bars can also fit with some extra brackets.
Pros
- Aluminium construction
- No rusting or corrosion
- Mad specifically for the Tacoma
- Aerodynamic design
- No wind resistance
- Wind deflector integrated into the front
- Slotted design for tying down cargo
- About 200 lbs load capacity
- Easy installation
Cons
- Some bolts reported missing from package
