Getting a tonneau cover for your Toyota Tacoma is arguably the easiest way to liven it up a bit and enrich its visual appeal. However, a tonneau cover’s appeal lies mostly in its cargo-protective capabilities. Since there are so many types of tonneau covers, getting the right one for your truck might not be the simplest of tasks. Our list of best tonneau covers for Toyota Tacoma should help you narrow down the selection.
Best Tonneau Covers for Toyota Tacoma: Reviews & Recommendations
TruXedo TruXport – Roll-Up Tonneau Cover
Brand: TruXedo
Finish: Leather grain
Material: Vinyl
Warranty: 5-year
Weight capacity: N/A
Type: Soft roll-up cover
Price: Check Price
The TruXedo TruXport tonneau cover fits all Toyota Tacoma models, including both available bed configurations and the Trail special edition storage containers.
It’s a flexible soft tonneau cover that rolls up easily and provides full access to the bed. Made from vinyl, the TruXport is stylish-looking and easy to install as it typically doesn’t require more than 30 minutes to get set up.
Since it sits 1.5 inches atop the frame, the TruXport limits access to stake pocket holes and, thus, the usage of other accessories. Another one of its downsides is related to its soft construction, as getting a perfect fit can be tricky around the edges where water is known to enter the bed.
Tyger Auto T3 – Soft Folding Tonneau Cover
Brand: Tyger Auto
Finish: Dual-coated
Material: Vinyl
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty (US only)
Weight capacity: 100 lbs
Type: Soft tri-fold cover
Price: Check Price
The Tyger Auto T3 fits both the short and long-bed Toyota Tacoma configurations.
Produced from dual-coated vinyl and reinforced by aluminum frames, the T3 provides solid protection from the elements without breaking the bank. It folds conveniently and features easy installation without the need for drilling, provided your Tacoma sports under-the-bed rail bedliner.
Like every soft cover, the Tyger Auto T3 might need a bit of work to set up properly when it comes to getting the good seal. It also doesn’t provide full access to the bed since one-third of the folded cover typically remains atop the bed.
BAK BAKFlip MX4 – Hard Folding Tonneau Cover
Brand: BAK
Finish: Glossy or Matte
Material: Aluminum
Warranty: 5-year
Weight capacity: 400 lbs
Type: Hard folding cover
Price: Check Price
One of the best things about the BAK BAKFlip MX4 tonneau cover is that it supports the Toyota Tacoma’s deck rail system and integrates with minimal effort. Needless to say, it also supports both the 5 and 6-foot bed configurations.
Being a hard folding tonneau cover, the BAKFlip MX4 is both significantly more structurally rigid and more expensive than its softer counterparts. It’s aluminum-made and can be ordered with either a glossy or matte finish depending on your preference. One of the nicer things about it is that it can be folded in an upright position behind the cab, leaving the bed accessible in its entirety.
Downsides that come to mind are the fact it forces you to choose between a full bed access and rear cab window visibility and its inferior opening cable latch system that tends to give out early according to some customers. Pre-2016 Toyota Tacoma models also can’t get it with the integrated dual-action tailgate seal.
Update: for more details, read our Bakflip MX4 review
GatorTrax Tonneau Cover – Retractable Tonneau Cover
Brand: GatorTrax
Finish: Matte
Material: Aluminum-reinforced polycarbonate
Warranty: 1-year
Weight capacity: 175 lbs
Type: Hard sliding cover
Price: Check Price
Although it supports both available bed lengths, the GatorTrax tonneau cover doesn’t work with Tacoma’s factory bed storage boxes.
The polycarbonate construction with aluminum reinforcement makes the GatorTrax one of the best all-around tonneau covers on the market. Its sliding mechanism allows it to remain locked in any position of your choice independently of the tailgate, which is arguably one of its finest selling points.
We’ve found that the GatorTrax tonneau cover tends to exhibit cracks in its upper polycarbonate layer after a while, making it subpar in terms of longevity. Furthermore, its short warranty period isn’t exactly confidence-instilling either.
UnderCover Elite LX – One-Piece Tonneau Cover
Brand: UnderCover
Finish: Factory-matching color
Material: ABS composite
Warranty: 1-year on parts and lifetime on paint and structure
Weight capacity: 500 lbs
Type: Hard one-piece cover
Price: Check Price
The UnderCover Elite LX is a one-piece tonneau cover that represents one of the most seamless integrations with any truck, and the Toyota Tacoma is no exception.
This ABS composite-made hard cover is a premium upgrade over most tonneau covers on this list as it boasts a plush interior headliner and removable LED lighting system, among other features. It’s also available in the truck’s factory-matching color, which further differentiates it from other choices.
The shortcomings of the Elite LX mostly revolve around its hinged design, which leaves one part of the bed hardly accessible. The cargo retriever tool included in the packaging helps with that, however.
Update: for more details, read our UnderCover Elite LX review.
BAK Revolver X4s – Hard Roll-up Tonneau Cover
Brand: BAK
Finish: Matte
Material: Industrial-grade vinyl
Warranty: 5-year
Weight capacity: 400 lbs
Type: Hard roll-up cover
Price: Check Price
Like most covers made for compact pickup trucks, the BAK Revolver X4s also supports both available bed configurations and works with Toyota’s deck rail system.
One of X4s’s greatest strengths lies in its high-strength vinyl construction with an aluminum underbody, which gives it the necessary sturdiness and flexibility. Being a roll-up tonneau cover, it also provides full access to the bed and the ability to be opened from either side. The ability to withstand up to 400 pounds of evenly distributed weight and a generous 5-year warranty are also a plus.
On the downside, the BAK Revolver X4s tends to be dependent on the batch as, according to some customers, it can be delivered with a manufacturing defect or two.
Update: for more details, read our BAK Revolver X4S review.
DIAMONDBACK HD – Heavy Duty Tonneau Cover
Brand: DIAMONDBACK
Finish: Diamond-plate
Material: Heavy-duty aluminum
Warranty: 3 years on the finish and limited lifetime on structure
Weight capacity: 1,600 lbs
Type: Hard heavy-duty cover
Price: Check Price
As per usual, the DIAMONDBACK HD tonneau cover supports all available Toyota Tacoma bed configurations. It’s also compatible with several potentially useful accessories which you can order straight from the company.
The DIAMOND HD is one of the most structurally sound tonneau covers money can buy. Its heavy-duty aluminum construction is strong enough to withstand up to 1,600 pounds of weight, while its rigid diamond plate finish resists dents and scratches. Furthermore, a neoprene perimeter gasket will keep the water out with ease since hard covers such as this one typically don’t have issues with the elements.
The biggest drawback of the DIAMONDBACK HD is its fixed mid-segment which limits the bed access in this part. The added weight due to heavy-duty construction is also hardly ideal.
How to Choose the Best Tonneau Cover for Chevy Tacoma
With a wide range of options available, choosing the right tonneau cover can be overwhelming. We will walk you through the different types of tonneau covers and highlight the essential features to consider when selecting a tonneau cover for your Toyota Tacoma.
Types of tonneau covers
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Soft Tonneau Covers: Soft tonneau covers are made from vinyl or fabric materials. They offer flexibility, affordability, and easy installation. These covers provide protection against light rain and dust, keeping your cargo safe from prying eyes. Soft tonneau covers are usually roll-up or foldable, making it convenient to access the truck bed when needed.
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Hard Tonneau Covers: Hard tonneau covers are constructed from durable materials like fiberglass, aluminum, or composite. They offer excellent security, weather resistance, and a sleek appearance. Hard covers are ideal for truck owners who require maximum protection for their cargo from theft, harsh weather conditions, and UV rays.
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Folding Tonneau Covers: Folding tonneau covers are designed with multiple panels that fold up to allow access to the truck bed. They offer versatility, durability, and enhanced security. Folding covers strike a balance between convenience and protection, providing you with the option to open specific sections of the bed based on your needs.
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Retractable Tonneau Covers: Retractable tonneau covers operate similarly to a roll-top desk. They feature a durable, retractable sheet that can be easily pulled back or locked in multiple positions. These covers provide quick access to your truck bed, excellent security, and weather resistance. Retractable tonneau covers are an ideal choice for Tacoma owners who value convenience and a streamlined appearance.
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One-Piece Tonneau Covers: One-piece tonneau covers, also known as hinged tonneau covers, are made from a solid material like fiberglass or aluminum. They provide robust security, weather protection, and a seamless look. One-piece covers are typically heavier than other options but offer superior durability and protection against theft.
Features to Look Out For
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Material Quality: Ensure the tonneau cover is made from durable materials that can withstand various weather conditions and frequent use.
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Security: Consider tonneau covers with locking mechanisms, robust latches, or integrated locks to protect your cargo from theft.
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Installation and Ease of Use: Look for tonneau covers that offer easy installation and user-friendly operation without the need for extensive modifications.
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Weather Resistance: Choose a tonneau cover that provides excellent protection against rain, snow, UV rays, and dust to keep your cargo safe and secure.
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Accessibility: Determine the level of access you need to your truck bed. Consider covers that offer different opening options, such as partial or full bed access.
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Aesthetics: Select a tonneau cover that complements the overall look of your Toyota Tacoma, enhancing its appearance and value.
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Warranty: Check for warranties or guarantees that cover manufacturing defects and ensure peace of mind regarding your investment.
Toyota Tacoma bed and cab combinations
Here is a list of the available Toyota Tacoma bed and cab combinations and bed dimensions.
Our Verdict
All the tonneau covers we’ve listed have their advantages and represent solid buying options. If we had to choose the best tonneau cover for Toyota Tacoma, however, we’d choose the BAK BAKFlip MX4 for its flexibility and practicality. Likewise, the TruXedo TruXport soft roll-up cover is one of the best affordable options that does just about everything right.
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