Factory cross bars and bug deflectors affect MPG?

Hi all,

I have a new 24 Limited. It has the two factory installed cross bars on the roof rack and soon the Weather tech bug deflector. Do these two items have any material impact to MPG?

 

Yes, you’ll get at least 24mpg with the aerodynamic bug deflector.

 

Well, I don't think it's a crazy question, especially for a new member, and especially one with such an adorable dog. I'm in new member too, and I was promised that I would be welcomed into the warm, loving embrace of all ye who are more knowledgeable.

 

The 4Runner is already a big brick driving down the road. That said, adding items (racks, crossbars, lights, sliders, etc. etc.) that increase drag or weight will slowly pull your average MPG down. I wouldn't worry about bug deflectors or crossbars unless you will literally never use them. Then, there's no harm in removing them.

You'll hear this on the forum a lot (and for good reason): if you are overly concerned with MPG, you bought the wrong vehicle.

 

My mpg sucked with all that crap.


Much better now with this setup, I get 18-20 on the highway doing 60 mph.

 

Agreed. Just be glad they don't make an "angry" aftermarket grille for the 4Runner like is so popular with the Jeep crowd. Someone would be sporting it.

 

The simple 2 crossbars on roof from dealer have no effect on mpg but might give some wind noise. If you add any kind of basket, box, or other bulk attached to those crossbars, that will hit mpg.

Bug deflector on hood will not affect mpg either.

 

Can't comment on the bug deflector - don't have one. I doubt the factory installed cross bars have a significant effect on MPG. I have had the factory cross bars on my roof rack since I drove my 2023 Limited off the dealer's lot - so can't compare MPG with/without them. However, I routinely do better than the 16 city/19 hwy MPG numbers that Toyota lists for the 4Runner. Last week we went on an ~400 mile round trip to a remote cabin on the North Fork of the White River - close to the Missouri/Arkansas border. On the way there it rained the whole way - so I was keeping it under ~70 mph the whole way and averaged 22.6 mpg on the 200 mile trip there. A few days later on the way back - sunny and dry - so was doing 75 mph+ where ever I could and averaged 20.8 mpg on the 200 mile trip home. Other than a Kuat bike rack on the tow hitch (no bikes on it for this trip) - my 4Runner is totally stock.

 

Good to have some extra downforce for the mad HP these things have. Not trying to be rude, but if you're worried about the negative impacts of a bug deflector or cross bars, I do not know the 4Runner is for you lol.

 

Perhaps these are some mods you can install to offset the deflector and cross bars hehe

 

Don't be surprised when it happens. We've got raptor lights and widdle wadders. It's a steep slope.

 

Let me know when someone comes up with a rock deflector. I can't even count the number of times the windshield has been replaced in mine. And, it needs one as of this writing...Ugh.

 

LOL, man I love the passion (aka snarky comments ) on these posts! Come on, I'm newbie so cut me some slack! I'm taking the vehicle on a long road trip from the Bay Area down to San Diego which is over 600 miles each way. And yeah, no one buys a 4runner for fuel economy... I get that. I know I'll save more in the long run by having a super reliable vehicle that will run forever with minimal repair costs.

I'm slowly getting indoctrinated into the 4runner mindset. Over time, I'll have a full blown over-land rig and will smack talk other newbies in the not too distance future .

 

Nah man, you're good. There can be a little too much passion floating around here sometimes. Congrats on the 4Runner! Enjoy it. You don't have to turn it into a beast to have a ton of capability and fun.

 

Nobody said the bug deflector was to keep bugs off the windshield. It's there to keep bugs off the leading edge of the hood and deflect them onto the windshield!

 

I've had both no roof rack and rack. There's like a 0.05 mpg gain just from the physics of not having rack. But i put it back to carry some stuff and don't see a huge difference.

 

Eh, probably not big. You'll see a bigger difference keeping the speed down. The difference between 70 and 75 MPH for me could be the difference between 22 and 19 MPG on a sizable trip. (of course subject to various factors)

 

Big deflector is what I just removed. I am 100% convinced it caused more rocks to hit my windshield. I think it causes the wind flow to go right into your windshield. Took mine off in January after having to replace the windshield

 

You, reading these people talk about this