Buy Toyota 4Runner Hood

The hood-also called the bonnet, front lid, or engine cover-on every Toyota 4Runner keeps rain, debris, and noise away from the motor while shaping the SUV's trademark tough look. On 5th- and 6th-generation models, Toyota adds options like a gloss-black hood scoop for style, but the panel itself is still a stamped sheet of steel or aluminum with inner bracing, insulation, a primary-plus-secondary latch, and twin gas struts for support (Toyota USA Newsroom, Trail4R.com - 5th Gen 4Runner Mods).

• Material: Most 3rd-5th gens use electro-galvanized steel; the 2025 6th-gen mixes high-strength steel with aluminum up top to save weight (Toyota USA Newsroom).
• Support hardware: Two gas-charged struts (one per side) hold the panel at full lift; hinge bolts torque to 9 lb-ft (Trail4R.com - 5th Gen 4Runner Mods).
• Latch system: A cable-release primary latch pairs with a spring-loaded safety hook; both must engage for the hood to stay shut .
• Generational fit: Hoods swap within each generation (e.g., all 2010-2024 5th-gens share the same shell), but mounting points changed for 2025; cross-generation swaps need custom brackets.
• Scoop notes: Toyota's hood scoop is cosmetic-no cold-air function-so swapping to a flush panel has zero mechanical downside (Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com], Reddit).

Straight steel hood; optional raised center bulge. Owners often wrap the leading edge to stop rock chips (Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com]).

4th Gen (2003-2009)

First 4Runner to offer factory gas struts. Scoop limited to Sport Edition.

5th Gen (2010-2024)

SR5 and Limited = smooth panel; TRD grades = faux scoop. Many drivers trade hoods or vinyl-wrap the scoop to cut glare (Trail4R.com - 5th Gen 4Runner Mods, Reddit).

6th Gen (2025-present)

New TNGA-F chassis uses lighter aluminum in the upper body, including the hood. TRD Sport keeps the gloss-black scoop; Trailhunter adds a high-mount air intake but the hood shape remains square and flat (Toyota USA Newsroom).

• Struts lose pressure after ~8 years, letting the bonnet drop unexpectedly (YouTube).
• Latch dryness: Dirt or old grease can make the secondary hook stick; a yearly clean-and-lube prevents accidental pop-ups (Trail4R.com - 5th Gen 4Runner Mods).
• Edge rust: Coastal owners report orange spots at weld seams where paint is thin (Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com]).
• Glare off the scoop: Sun hits the painted scoop and reflects into the windshield; matte vinyl fixes it (Reddit).

1. Open & Support - Use the cabin lever, lift slightly, then raise the hood until struts lock (Trail4R.com - 5th Gen 4Runner Mods).
2. Inspect Latch - Spray a light silicone lube on both hooks every oil change to stop binding.
3. Check Struts - If the hood sinks, swap the gas lifts with a flat-blade screwdriver and 10 minutes per side (YouTube).
4. Torque Hinges - After panel removal or realignment, snug hinge bolts to 9 lb-ft (12 mm head) (Trail4R.com - 5th Gen 4Runner Mods).
5. Paint Care - Wash with pH-neutral soap; apply wax twice a year. Rock-chip film or vinyl wrap adds protection (Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com]).

• TRD-style scoop swaps give a sport look; expect ~2 hr labor and a helper because the hood weighs about 50 lb (Trail4R.com - 5th Gen 4Runner Mods).
• Aftermarket aluminum or carbon-fiber skins shed 15-20 lb for overlanders focused on weight (YouTube).
• Trail wraps in matte black or camo kill glare and hide scratches without permanent paint (Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com]).
• Quick-lift struts open wider and faster than stock; some kits bolt in using factory threaded studs (YouTube).

Toyota has no open hood-latch recalls for the 4Runner, but drivers can run a free VIN check on the official NHTSA recall tool anytime . Keep the secondary latch clean; federal safety tests assume both latches work in tandem (NHTSA). Aluminum hoods must meet the same pedestrian-impact standards as steel, so replacement panels should always match factory crush-zone contours.

Steel hoods are 100 % recyclable; most scrapyards pay by weight. When refinishing, collect sanding dust and follow local rules for solvent disposal to keep heavy metals out of groundwater.