Trail Edition and TRD Pro 4Runners come with factory skid plates — but they're thin stamped steel that covers the engine only. Aftermarket full skid systems extend that protection to the transfer case, fuel tank, and rear differential with heavier material that can take a real hit.
The 5th gen 4Runner Trail Edition and TRD Pro trims include factory aluminum skid plates on the engine and front underbody. SR5 and Limited trims have no factory skids at all. In either case, aftermarket full skid kits improve coverage and material thickness. The factory plates are 3mm aluminum and sized only to protect the oil pan and front crossmember — they won't handle a direct rock hit on the transfer case or a high-centering event on the fuel tank.
ASFIR's full kit is the most comprehensive option — it covers the front crossmember, oil pan, transmission, transfer case, fuel tank, and rear differential in 3/16" steel. That's the deepest coverage available for the 5th gen. CBI Offroad's kit uses similar coverage with slightly lighter materials and a lower price point. Slick Rock Fabrications offers a steel kit at the most accessible price but with somewhat lighter gauge material — suitable for mild to moderate trail use.
The 4Runner's independent front suspension means the front skid attaches to the frame and subframe, not the lower control arms as on solid-axle vehicles. This matters because the skid must flex slightly relative to the suspension travel on IFS designs — most aftermarket kits account for this with slotted mounting holes or flexible bracket designs. Verify that the skid you're ordering is designed specifically for the 5th gen IFS architecture.
The fuel tank skid is particularly important on the 4Runner. The factory fuel tank on the 5th gen hangs relatively low and is exposed behind the rear axle. High-centering on a rock shelf can contact the tank directly — a 3/16" steel skid prevents that from being a trip-ending event.
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| ASFIR 4Runner Full Underbody Skid Kit (5th Gen) | ASFIR | ~$849 |
| CBI Offroad 4Runner Skid Plate Kit (5th Gen 2010-2024) | CBI Offroad | ~$749 |
| Slick Rock Fabrications 4Runner Skid Plate System (5th Gen) | Slick Rock Fabrications | ~$599 |
| Rock Slide Engineering 4Runner Skid Plates (5th Gen) | Rock Slide Engineering | ~$699 |
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.