5 Best Hard Tonneau Covers for Toyota Tacoma (Ranked)
Toyota Tacomas are great mid-size trucks for hauling around all sorts of cargo. Regardless of what you have in the bed of your truck, you’ll want to keep it covered. Soft covers give you a bit of privacy, but they don’t offer much security.
Hard tonneau covers lock into place and provides a durable cover for your truck. Depending on the cover’s weight limit, you can even store items on top. For extra privacy, keep the hard tonneau cover folded down and open the tailgate to access your cargo.
Like other truck accessories, not all hard tonneau covers are suitable for your truck. After researching dozens of options, this list narrows down the five best hard tonneau covers for Toyota Tacomas.
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- Automatic latching system holds panels security
- Fiberglass reinforced polymer scratch-resistant panels
- No drill installation
- Low profile sleek design
- Super lightweight but can hold 450 lbs distributed weight
- 3 year limited warranty
- Flush matte finish
- Integrated LED bed rail light
- 5 year guarantee, USA made
Best Hard Tonneau Covers for Toyota Tacoma
The auto market has tons of options for truck bed covers, but you want to make sure you’re investing in something durable that will last for years. This list includes the five best hard tonneau covers for Toyota Tacoma trucks.
1. BAK BAKFlip FiberMax Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
Best hard tri-fold tonneau cover for Toyota Tacoma
The Case for the FiberMax
No matter what type of truck you have, you’ll find BAK tonneau covers on the list. This brand produces relatively affordable, durable covers. As you might be thinking, due to the name, the FiberMax cover uses fiberglass for the panels.
This makes them more durable than aluminum in terms of weather resistance and dent prevention. Three panels fold up to give you access to the cargo space. Prop rods hold the cover out of the way, once folded, so you don’t have to lean them against your cab and risk damaging the paint.
The kit comes with rails to install on the edges of the truck bed to prevent water from getting into your cargo area. There are drainage tubes that you’ll need to drill holes for. Other than that, you don’t need any other tools for installation. Clamps attach the framework to the rail edges.
Features
- Can be installed with a wrench and socket
- Built using FRP (fiberglass reinforced polymer) panels
- The panels are held in place by an automatic latching system
✔️ Pros
- Textured, low-gloss panel looks great with any color Tacoma
- Rail guides provide water drainage and easy installation
- BAK offers a three-year warranty on this product
❌ Cons
- Panels don’t stand up to all weather—some reviewers detailed drastic hail damage due to winter storms
2. LEER Quad-Folding, Low-Profile, Hard Tonneau Cover
Best hard quad-fold tonneau cover for Toyota Tacoma
The Case for the LEER
BAK is one of the most popular brands of tonneau covers, and for a good reason. But that doesn’t mean you need to overlook some of the smaller brands. Just because they’re not as well known doesn’t mean their products are subpar.
The LEER tonneau cover is a perfect example of this. The panels are polymer reinforced with fiberglass, which makes them stand out among all the aluminum options. There are four panels compared to many brands with three. This gives you more flexibility regarding how open you want the truck bed to be for easy access.
You don’t have to fold it back to open it, though. You can lift it as one piece and have it lock upright, without needing to rest on the cab. This is beneficial for loading large items or needing access to the whole bed without the folded panels getting in the way.
When you lock the cover in place, it can support 450 pounds. This means you can load more materials on top, as long as you tie them down for secure transport.
Features
- No-drill installation
- Four lightweight panels
- 3- year warranty
✔️ Pros
- Panels are sturdy polymer reinforced with fiberglass
- Cover supports up to 450 pounds—the most of any option on this list
- Flush-mount doesn’t stand out or take away from your truck’s overall appearance
❌ Cons
- Installation is difficult because the instructions aren’t very clear
3. UnderCover Ultra Flex Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
Best ultra flex hard folding tonneau cover for Toyota Tacoma
The Case for the UnderCover
The UnderCover Ultra Flex Tonneau Cover folds up in three panels. If you need to leave the cover open, the prop rods keep it lifted enough not to bump and damage the cab. The underside of the panels has a carpet layer to keep your cargo safe.
Another thing that sets UnderCover’s option above the others is that it comes with an integrated LED bed rail light. This greatly improves your visibility in your cargo space. Now you won’t have to fold back the cover to see what’s inside.
In terms of aesthetics, you can’t go wrong with this cover. Many models come with either a glossy finish or a matte one. With UnderCover, you can choose your finish, so you love how your truck looks with this cover.
It’s a flush-mount cover, which means it’s not going to disrupt the sleek lines of your truck bed. The low profile makes it impossible for anyone to notice in passing. You just need to tighten the clamps into place when you install it—no need to drill holes and risk damaging your truck.
Features
- Integrated LED bed rail light for added visibility
- Lightweight and easy to install
- 5-year warranty
✔️ Pros
- Comes with an LED bed light rail
- Company offers a five-year guarantee
- Carpeting on the panels’ undersides protects your cargo
❌ Cons
- Weather sealing seems to wear out quickly, so you might have to contact customer service for more under the guarantee
4. BAK BAKFlip MX4 Hard Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
Best budget hard tonneau cover for Toyota Tacoma
The Case for the BAK BAKFlip MX4
Yes, BAK is such a top-notch brand that they appear on this list twice. Their covers are always amazing, but there are slight differences between the previously reviewed BAKFlip FiberMax and the MX4.
The MX4 has aluminum panels reinforced with polymer. They keep your cargo secure from thieves and weather. The waterproof seals keep leaks from getting in beneath the framework.
When you install this tonneau cover, you’ll only need a wrench. This not only makes installation a breeze, but you don’t have to worry about drilling holes in your truck bed and possibly causing damage.
The cover can support 400 pounds of weight when it’s secured, so you can even transport items on top, as long as they’re held in place. You can also use the cover as a makeshift ladder or worktable in a pinch.
The panels latch automatically when you close them, so you don’t have to worry about locking the cover to keep your cargo safe. BAK offers a three-year warranty on their products, so you have plenty of time to make sure it’s going to hold up for your needs.
Features
- Stylish matte finish
- Up to 400 lbs of evenly distributed weight and is easy to install
- 5-year warranty
✔️ Pros
- No need to drill holes in your truck—installs with a wrench only
- Can support 400 pounds of weight on top
- Comes with a three-year warranty
❌ Cons
- Weatherstrips don’t last as long as the panels, so you need to replace them to prevent leaks and water damage over time
5. Roll N Lock M-Series Retractable Truck Bed Tonneau Cover
Best hard retractable tonneau cover for Toyota Tacoma
The Case for the Roll N Lock M-Series
Folding hard covers give you all you need in a tonneau cover, but think of something you’d love from this accessory. Retractable tonneau covers are the most luxurious option on the market.
True, it’s not exactly hard to fold back a hard cover, but retractable options make it even easier on you. They retract automatically into a compact canister. The storage canister keeps the cover out of the way and also rolls it up carefully so it won’t get damaged.
If you don’t need the cover completely retracted, you can stop it anywhere along the truck bed and lock it into place. This gives you plenty of options to carry uneven loads, work at the end of your truck while keeping other cargo covered, and more.
Though it’s a retractable cover, this isn’t a soft option. Thin aluminum panels make up the cover, so it might look soft, but it keeps everything securely locked and safe from the weather.
Features
- Simple to install with patented, clamp-on track design
- Contoured hinge design for frictionless rotation & theft protection
- 3-year warranty
✔️ Pros
- Retractable design is easy and convenient to use
- Locks into place all along the truck bed
- Offers weather-resistant finish and protection
❌ Cons
- Most expensive cover on the list
Tips for Choosing a Tacoma Hard Tonneau Cover
If you want to find the best hard tonneau cover for Toyota Tacoma, make sure you know what you’re looking for. These tips will help you learn how to choose the right truck bed cover for you.
Types
There are many types of truck bed covers, so make sure you know what each one has to offer before you buy one. Since you’re checking out hard tonneau covers, you’ve probably already realized that it’s a more secure option than a soft cover.
The way that hard tonneau covers retract is a major feature you want to consider when you’re shopping. The most common option is folding back in three or four segments. Others have thin aluminum panels that roll up and tuck out of the way.
Retractable covers are the most expensive option, but if you’re constantly opening and closing the cargo area of your truck bed, you might like the convenience it offers. Having an automated tonneau cover is a perk.
Security
Hard tonneau covers are the most secure option you can find. Soft covers don’t lock into place in the same way. Since they’re made of vinyl, it’s easier for thieves to lift them or slash through them and reach your cargo. Soft covers only provide privacy.
Hard covers, made of aluminum and fiberglass, are not only secure but also strong. They give you the ability to store more things on top of the cover, like a bike rack or small cargo carrier.
Compatibility
Because there are so many types of tonneau covers on the market, you need to make sure the one you’re interested in is compatible with your truck. Many item listings specify what truck model the cover fits. Still, there might be some discrepancies in the descriptions.
To be safe, measure your truck bed, so you know exactly what you need. Check the dimensions given with the item to make sure it will fit securely. Buying a tonneau cover that doesn’t fit your truck can cause it to not lock into place properly, leaving you open to theft.
Aesthetics
You’re proud of how your pickup truck looks, and you don’t want to add ugly bulk when you buy a truck bed cover. Hard tonneau covers come in low-profile and flush-mount options so they won’t disrupt the smooth lines of your truck.
Low, black tonneau covers shield your cargo from prying eyes by providing sleek and dark protection. When you’re driving your truck, it’s hard to notice that there’s a cover on your truck bed.
Price
While a hard tonneau cover is more expensive than a soft cover, it’s an investment you need to make to keep your cargo safe. Having your budget in mind can help you narrow the scope of hard tonneau covers available to you.
The price of the cover will vary according to the material it’s made from. The style also impacts the cost because folding options are the most affordable. Rolling and retractable covers get more expensive.
FAQ
Hit the brakes before you buy a hard tonneau cover for your Toyota Tacoma. You probably still have a few lingering questions, but these simple answers will set you on the right path.
What Type of Tonneau Cover is Best?
Hard covers are the best choice if you’re buying a tonneau cover. Soft covers are cheaper and look decent, but they don’t provide the security you need. While the privacy is nice, you might as well spend a bit more and rest easy knowing your cargo is completely protected.
With that said, every option on this list is a great hard tonneau cover. Narrowing it down beyond these choices is just a matter of personal preference.
Does Toyota Make a Bed Cover for Tacoma?
Yes, Toyota makes a soft tonneau cover for Tacoma trucks. It’s made of weather-resistant vinyl, so it offers minor protection for your cargo in terms of security and damage prevention. Soft covers are easy to install and fold back quickly, so it’s not the worst choice. Plus, since you’re buying from the manufacturer, you know it’ll fit your truck.
Can a Tonneau Cover Go Through the Car Wash?
Most hard tonneau covers can go through the car wash with a tonneau cover on. Hard covers, and soft covers, provide water resistance so your cargo won’t get ruined. But if you’re going through a car wash that uses spinning brushes, or if you’re using a soft tonneau cover, you might want to think twice.
These bristles can damage the finish on your tonneau cover, whether it’s soft or hard. The force they use could even tear a soft cover, so inspect it after taking it through the car wash. If you’re worried about potential damage, visit a manual car wash and treat your truck with love.
Do Tonneau Covers Weigh Down Your Truck?
No. While tonneau covers can weigh anywhere from 80 to 120 pounds, they’re not going to put too much of a strain on your shocks. In fact, they improve your MPG. When you drive without a truck cover, the air gets trapped in the bed and creates resistance, slowing you down.
Installing a tonneau cover makes your truck sleek and prevents air from getting into the bed. You’ll get more miles per gallon and save big at the gas station.
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👉 Read More: Best Hard Tonneau Covers for Tundra CrewMax | Best Hard Tonneau Covers for Ford F-150s | Best Hard Tonneau Covers for Chevy Silverado | Best Hard Tonneau Covers for Dodge Ram 1500
Hopefully, you’ve found the best hard tonneau cover for Toyota Tacoma. Every option on this list is durable, secure, and attractive. Use the list of considerations to narrow your choice down to the perfect cover for your truck. You can’t go wrong investing in a hard tonneau cover.
Cover Image: Steve Carroll / Shutterstock
