- Since you're posting in the 5th gen forum, I assume this is what you inquire about. The 5G began in 2010. Every model has this spoiler, not an option, nor can I imagine removing it with any success.

- Not sure what connection you imply with 4WD ... even 2WD models will have the spoiler.

- As suggested by @4RnR Grl , if you're going to purchase any 5G 4R, you'll have to find a way to deal with the spoiler.

Look here...
Are You a New or Prospective 5th Gen 4Runner Owner? Need Help Searching? Start Here!
... for Search technique, and look for kayak-related threads.

1990 was when they started putting them on, but not on every 4runner. That didn't start until 2010.

I already have a hully roller system. That spoiler would still be in the way.
IMO its a stupid thing, I don't ever use my rear wiper anyway but nothing I can do about it.

So I'd have to back to a 2009.

Thanks for the info.

What I meant by 4WD is that the 4runner is about all that's left out there with "real" 4WD that is a mid size SUV

I find it interesting that you are choosing your vehicle around a rack system rather than the other way around. Must be a very special rack.

Actually what is interesting, is that you feel obliged to say something about a feature on a 4Runner that appears to not even be your concern. Perhaps he requires the frequent use of a kayak for work or maybe it's his weekend hobby. Again, should not matter to you...You can be certain that if I was looking for a vehicle, it would at the minimum be able to facilitate my weekend hobbies and the accessories that come with it.

Logic: There are several racks and loading systems out there for Kayaks and Canoes. There are very few BOF SUV's. One costs a few grand, the other costs $35-$45 grand. IMO his logic is similar to the guy that buys a house to fit a refrigerator.

With that said it has been explained to him that the rear "spoiler" (it's not that but it's a name) is an integral part of the vehicle and houses the rear wiper assembly. The guy then responded that he does not even use his rear wiper ever. ???

Now, forget for a second that a few quick and easy and cheap modifications to the rack would let him use his existing loading apparatus even with the rear wiper housing. It has been done before, several times in fact.

IMO the guy was just looking for any reason he could find NOT to get a 4Runner. His logic was suspect to say the least. My .02.

Just an observation, likely with no relevance whatsoever, but with a screen name of "Giesela", and being short enough to prompt the post, @Giesela is probably an estrogen-based life form.

Consequently, male logic expressed in reply, is useless.

Making a lot of assumptions aren't you there buddy? Yes I am female, older and short - so it does make a difference. Its hard to get a kayak up there. I lean one end of the kayak against the back roof, lift up the the other end and then slide it through the hully rollers to the front saddle. I guess you think I should just not be concerned if the windshield wiper housing will hold up under repeated weight of the kayak over some years? The 4Runner is supposed to be one of the the last true sports UTILITY vehicles. Using the roof rack for all sorts of gear comes with that. Putting that wiper housing there is, IMO, dumb. It gets in the way.

And no, I don't use a rear wiper - I don't see other people using them very often either. IDK, maybe you live in Seattle. Most of us don't.

Never "assume" it makes an "ass" of "u" and "me"

Sorry for thinking you were a guy. Other than that there were no assumptions in my logic. I drive 30k a year and every SUV I see on the highway in the winter uses rear wipers. I was through Dayton a few weeks ago in driving rain and saw many SUV's using their rear wipers. If you want to be the one person to buy a house to fit a refrigerator the have at it.

You are so right...

ok felix, calm down, go tiddy up a room or something

I would be interested in hearing opinions of whether that windshield wiper housing would hold up to repeated kayak loadings and unloadings. Because don't forget, when I unload I pull on the back end and it hits and slides down the back of the roof.

I would worry more about the paint than the weight. The rear wiper is a moot point because the center brake light is in the spoiler. If it were me, I would invest in a side loading rack system or finding the the DIY rear loading assist mod posted in this forum because I would give up a kayak before I'd give up my 4runner.

Edit: here is a YouTube of it.https://youtu.be/ykODnXHfuM4

I didn't see the Yakima side load assist bars anymore, but they have a rear extending roller to accomdate the increasing amount of vehicles using rear spoilers.https://www.yakima.com/showboat-66

Not sure if you've considered the Thule 847 "outrigger" system. Basically the rear cross-bar extends two feet beyond the side of the vehicle allowing you to place the front of your kayak on it before you load. When I had my bike shop, I sold a number of these to customers who struggled with lifting their boats up onto their roofs. I think that you'll find that most "modern" suv/sav/crossover vehicles have some manner of "spoiler/wind-deflector" that is no-structural and therefore not suitable to put a boat on. The Thule system is designed to eliminate this potential damage.

Doubtful, the housing is plastic basically and I wouldn't expect much support in there. In the link below Jrob removed it and you can see there isn't much to it. With enough work I'm sure it could be uninstalled and most of that stuff taken out, but pretty sure the third brake light is required and to say you never use the rear wiper is silly. It'd probably hurt resale and I'd be concerned about leaks as in that pic he didn't get one of what was still attached.

My 4Runner Project