Top 5 First Mods for Your 5th Gen 4Runner (2025 Buyer’s Guide)

Whether you bought your 4Runner to hit trails or simply want a tougher, more functional daily driver, your first few upgrades make the biggest impact. With so many choices available, it’s easy to overthink your build. Today, we’re breaking down the top five first mods every 4Runner owner should consider in 2025—based on performance, value, and owner demand across the community.

This guide pulls directly from real customer feedback and the highest-performing gear available now on 4RunnerLifestyle.com.

1. LED Headlight & Fog Light Upgrades

Stock halogens leave a lot on the table. LED lighting instantly improves nighttime visibility, modernizes the look of the truck, and boosts trail safety.

Best Options:

• Morimoto XB LED Headlights

  https://4runnerlifestyle.com/collections/morimoto

• Diode Dynamics Fog Lights

  https://4runnerlifestyle.com/collections/diode-dynamics

These plug-and-play upgrades offer crisp cutoff lines, long lifespan, and OEM-level fitment. LEDs are also one of the highest-rated mods by new 4Runner owners.

2. Roof Rack System (Full-Length or Modular)

A quality roof rack expands what your 4Runner can do—camping, RTTs, traction boards, recovery gear, and storage all become easier and cleaner to mount.

Popular Choices:

• Sherpa Equipment Co. Roof Racks

  https://4runnerlifestyle.com/collections/sherpa

• Prinsu Roof Racks

  https://4runnerlifestyle.com/collections/prinsu

Both offer excellent margins, consistent sell-through, and massive versatility for long-term builds.

3. All-Weather Floor Mats & Cargo Liners

Not the flashiest mod, but one of the most practical. Protecting your interior keeps your 4Runner clean, preserves resale value, and is essential if you camp, ski, or take the dog along.

Go-To Pick:

• 4Runner Lifestyle All-Weather Floor Mats

  https://4runnerlifestyle.com/collections/interior

Perfect fitment, easy cleaning, and excellent durability—this is a high-value mod almost every owner adds within the first month.

4. Stealth Grille

The simplest way to transform the front end. A Stealth grille gives your 4Runner an aggressive, modern profile without requiring major modifications.

Customer Favorite:

• 4Runner Stealth Grille (Multiple Years Available)

  https://4runnerlifestyle.com/collections/grilles

You can pair this with an LED light bar or Raptor lights for extra visibility and style.

5. Step Systems: Rock Sliders or Running Boards

Depending on your build goals, steps serve different purposes:

• Running boards help with daily usability and passenger entry

• Rock sliders offer trail protection and heavy-duty function

Top Picks:

• Cali Raised Rock Sliders

  https://4runnerlifestyle.com/collections/cali-raised-led

• Step & Slider Category Overview

  https://4runnerlifestyle.com/collections/running-boards

If you plan to off-road, sliders should be one of your earliest upgrades.

Which Mod Should You Buy First?

If you want function, start with lighting or floor protection.

If you want a visual transformation, the grille or roof rack delivers the biggest exterior impact.

If you’re building a trail-ready rig, sliders should be step one.

No wrong answers here—you’re building a 4Runner that reflects how you drive.

Start Your First 4Runner Build Today

Whether you’re building for camping, trails, or daily driving, the best 4Runner mods are the ones that make your truck more capable and more enjoyable.

Explore the most popular first upgrades here:

👉 Morimoto Lighting: https://4runnerlifestyle.com/collections/morimoto

👉 Diode Dynamics Fog Lights: https://4runnerlifestyle.com/collections/diode-dynamics

👉 Sherpa Roof Racks: https://4runnerlifestyle.com/collections/sherpa

👉 4Runner Pro Grilles: https://4runnerlifestyle.com/collections/grilles