Toyota 4Runner Rock Sliders Guide for 2025

If you’re planning to wheel your 2025 Toyota 4Runner hard, rock sliders are not optional—they’re mission‑critical armor that protect your rocker panels, add usable step functionality, and give you the confidence to push deeper into the trail.

At OffRoadUSA.com, three standout options lead the pack for the new 6th‑gen 4Runner: CBI Offroad Rock Sliders, Cali Raised LED Step Edition Rock Sliders, and Cali Raised LED Trail Edition Rock Sliders.

Why Rock Sliders Matter on a 2025 4Runner

Rock sliders are frame‑mounted steel structures designed to take the hit before your 4Runner’s body does, especially along the vulnerable rocker panels and lower doors. On technical trails, they act like armor and sometimes even like rails, letting you slide over boulders instead of crumpling sheet metal.

For 2025+ 4Runner owners, there are a few big reasons to prioritize sliders early in your build:

• Protection: They shield rocker panels and door sills from rocks, stumps, ledges, and washouts that can cause thousands in body damage.

• Function: Many modern sliders double as usable steps and safe jacking points, making life easier for daily use and trail repairs.

• Confidence: Knowing the sides of your rig are protected lets you pick more aggressive lines and really use the 4Runner’s capability.

The 2025 4Runner brings fresh chassis geometry and updated bodywork, so you want sliders designed specifically for this generation—not a generic or improvised fit.

CBI Toyota 4Runner Rock Sliders (2025)

CBI Offroad’s rock sliders for the 2025 4Runner are built as serious armor first, with clean lines that still look right on a brand‑new rig. They are engineered exclusively for the 2025+ platform, giving you a precise fit and reliable frame‑mounted strength.

Key Construction & Protection Features

CBI builds these sliders from heavy‑duty DOM (Drawn Over Mandrel) tubing, a premium material choice widely respected in the off‑road community for its strength and impact resistance. DOM’s consistent wall thickness and structural integrity help these sliders absorb hard hits from rocks and ledges without bending into the body.

Additional protection‑focused highlights include:

• Frame‑mounted design: These bolt directly to the 4Runner’s frame, which is the strongest mounting point and critical for true rocker protection.

• Rocker panel coverage: The tubes are positioned to shield the rocker panels—the area that usually gets crushed first when you drop off an obstacle.

• Functional jacking points: The sliders are designed to be used as jacking points, so you can safely lift the truck with a jack on the trail when you need to swap a tire or repair a component.

For anyone who expects to drag the sides of their 4Runner across real obstacles, this is the type of construction you want.

Fitment, Finish, and Installation

Because these CBI sliders are tailored to the 2025 Toyota 4Runner, you get a precision fit that hugs the frame and follows the body lines for a factory‑like appearance. That design approach helps maintain ground clearance and minimize anything hanging low or catching on the trail.

From an ownership standpoint, CBI makes life easier with:

• Direct bolt‑on install: These mount to existing locations on the frame, with no drilling or cutting required, which is ideal if you don’t want to modify a brand‑new truck.

• Corrosion‑resistant finish: An optional black powder‑coat finish resists rust and abrasion, giving long‑term durability in wet, muddy, or salty environments.

If you’re building your 4Runner primarily as a rugged trail rig and want hardcore protection with clean looks and straightforward installation, CBI’s 2025 rock sliders are a powerhouse choice.

Cali Raised LED Step Edition Rock Sliders (2025+ 4Runner)

The Cali Raised LED Step Edition Rock Sliders for 2025+ 4Runners take a dual‑purpose approach: serious trail protection paired with everyday step functionality. That makes them a fantastic pick if your rig pulls double duty as both daily driver and weekend adventure truck.

Flat “Step Edition” Design

The Step Edition uses a flat, 0‑degree design, which makes them much easier to stand on compared with angled “tight‑to‑body” sliders. This layout creates a broad, usable stepping surface that is ideal for families, lifted 4Runners, and anyone frequently loading gear to the roof.

Key usability advantages include:

• Increased stepping surface: The flat tops and optional filler plates provide a secure place to step when entering the vehicle or loading cargo.

• Extra clearance from obstacles: Step Edition sliders extend outward more than angled sliders, increasing the distance between your body panels and trail hazards.

• Daily‑driver friendly: Passengers, kids, and pets get a stable step, which is especially helpful if you’ve added larger tires or a lift.

Cali Raised LED offers their 4Runner sliders in options with or without kick‑outs, and the Step Edition follows that same philosophy for tailoring to your driving style.

Materials, Options, and Build Quality

Cali Raised LED is known for pairing strong materials with customizable finishes across its rock slider line. Their 4Runner sliders use American 1.75‑inch DOM tubing with a wall thickness of about 0.120 inch, which gives serious strength for off‑road use while keeping weight manageable.

Typical options on their step sliders for 4Runners include:

• Kick‑out or no kick‑out: Kick‑outs flare near the rear wheels to help push the vehicle away from obstacles and provide a larger rear step; no‑kick‑out options keep things more streamlined.

• Multiple finishes: Raw steel for those who want to coat them themselves, black powder coat for a clean, durable look, and sometimes bedliner‑style finishes for extra texture and toughness.

• Bolt‑on installation: A 100% bolt‑on design with Grade 8 hardware allows installation without cutting or welding, making them accessible for most driveway setups.

In short, the Step Edition Rock Sliders deliver strong rocker protection with real‑world convenience every time you hop in or out of your 4Runner.

Cali Raised LED Trail Edition Rock Sliders (2025+ 4Runner)

If your priority leans more toward maximum trail performance and a tucked, low‑profile look, the Cali Raised LED Trail Edition Rock Sliders for the 2025 4Runner are built with that in mind. They sacrifice a bit of step‑like convenience for better clearance and a more aggressive off‑road stance.

20‑Degree Angled Trail Design

The Trail Edition Rock Sliders are designed with an upward angle of about 20 degrees, giving them the classic, high‑clearance rock slider profile. This angled design helps them sit closer to the rocker panels, reducing how far they stick out and improving clearance over rocks and obstacles.

Key traits of the Trail Edition include:

• Sleek, minimalistic appearance: The angle and tight fit create a streamlined look that many off‑road enthusiasts prefer for a more “serious trail rig” aesthetic.

• Better obstacle clearance: Because the sliders don’t extend as far outward, there’s less surface area to hang up on rocks, ledges, or ruts.

• Slider‑first performance: The geometry is optimized for deflecting and sliding over obstacles rather than serving as a wide step.

This style makes the most sense if you regularly tackle technical trails and are comfortable with a narrower, more performance‑oriented profile.

Build, Mounting, and Off‑Road Use

Trail Edition sliders from Cali Raised LED follow the same robust off‑road build philosophy as their Step Edition counterparts, with DOM tubing and strong frame‑mounted structures. For the 2025+ 4Runner, they are designed as a 100% bolt‑on solution, so you can mount them without permanent modifications while still getting serious trail‑ready strength.

Common features across their trail sliders include:

• DOM construction with stout wall thickness for impact resistance.

• Bolt‑on install and included hardware, so you can mount them in a home shop or garage with basic tools.

• Multiple finishes (depending on vendor) to match or complement the rest of your armor and bumpers.

If what you want is a tough, angled slider that tucks close to the body and is ready to scrape, drag, and slide across the rocks, the Trail Edition is a prime pick for your 2025 4Runner.

Choosing Between CBI and Cali Raised LED Sliders

All three of these sliders—CBI, Cali Raised Step Edition, and Cali Raised Trail Edition—are strong, 2025‑specific options, but they speak to slightly different types of builds and drivers. The right choice depends on how you use your 4Runner and what you value most on and off the trail.

Here are some quick guidelines from the OffRoadUSA.com perspective:

• Choose CBI 2025 Rock Sliders if you want heavy‑duty DOM tubing, a precision frame‑mounted fit, easy bolt‑on installation, and functional jacking points with a classic armor‑first design.

• Choose Cali Raised Step Edition if your 4Runner is both a daily driver and trail rig, and you want flat, step‑friendly sliders that offer strong protection plus simple access to the cabin and roof.

• Choose Cali Raised Trail Edition if you’re building a trail‑first rig and want a higher‑angled, tucked look with maximum clearance and a minimalistic appearance.

No matter which way you go, you’re getting sliders designed specifically for the 2025+ 4Runner platform and built to take real‑world abuse.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

All three options highlighted here are designed as bolt‑on solutions for the 2025 4Runner, making them more accessible than traditional weld‑on sliders while still delivering serious strength.

For installation:

• Use jack stands or an extra set of hands to support each slider in place as you line up the mounting plates with the frame.

• Start by loosely installing the bolts at the front and rear plates, then work toward the center before final torque, making sure everything sits straight and tight to the body.

• Follow the recommended torque specs for the included Grade 8 hardware and double‑check both sides after your first shakedown run.

For maintenance:

• Periodically inspect the mounting hardware after off‑road trips, especially after any big impacts.

• Touch up raw or chipped sections of powder coat to prevent surface rust, particularly if you live in regions with road salt or heavy moisture.

• Wash off mud and debris from the frame and slider mounts to avoid long‑term corrosion.

Properly installed and maintained, quality rock sliders can last the life of the truck.

FAQs About 2025 Toyota 4Runner Rock Sliders

Are 2025 Toyota 4Runner rock sliders worth it for mostly mild trails?

Yes, rock sliders are worth it even if you only run mild to moderate trails, because a single bad line or hidden rock can crush your rocker panels and cost thousands in repairs. Sliders like the CBI or Cali Raised options add a margin of safety and confidence that pays off over years of ownership.

What is the difference between Step Edition and Trail Edition rock sliders?

Step Edition rock sliders from Cali Raised LED are flat (0 degrees) and extend further from the vehicle, giving you a wide stepping surface and extra clearance between the body and obstacles. Trail Edition sliders are angled upward around 20 degrees, tucking closer to the body for a sleek look and better obstacle clearance but offering less step‑like surface.

Do CBI and Cali Raised LED rock sliders require drilling or welding on the 2025 4Runner?

The 2025‑specific CBI 4Runner sliders are designed as bolt‑on units that mount directly to the frame with no drilling or cutting required. Cali Raised LED’s 2025 Step Edition and Trail Edition sliders are also offered as 100% bolt‑on designs, using existing frame locations and included hardware for installation.

Can these rock sliders be used as jacking points?

The CBI 2025 4Runner rock sliders are specifically described as functional jacking points, allowing you to safely lift the vehicle using the slider structure in off‑road situations. Cali Raised LED sliders are built with robust DOM tubing and frame‑mounted plates, and many owners use them with off‑road jacks, though you should always follow manufacturer guidance and proper jacking techniques.

Are there finish options for these sliders, and which is best?

CBI offers its 2025 4Runner sliders with an optional black powder‑coat finish that helps resist corrosion and trail wear. Cali Raised LED typically offers raw, powder‑coated, and sometimes bedliner‑style finishes on its sliders, so you can match your build and choose the level of texture and protection you prefer.

Which rock sliders should I choose if my 2025 4Runner is both a daily driver and a weekend wheeler?

For mixed use, the Cali Raised Step Edition Rock Sliders are an excellent choice because they combine flat, comfortable steps with serious rocker protection and 100% bolt‑on installation. If you still want more aggressive trail geometry with strong protection and jacking capability, the CBI 2025 4Runner rock sliders provide a rugged, armor‑first solution that also works well for frequent off‑road adventures.