BAKFlip G2 vs MX4: Which Is Right for Your Truck?

How we made this guide: picks and specs come from our catalog and fitment data, owner quotes come from verified reviews and the guide was drafted with AI help, then checked and edited by Trevor Hall.

Buy the BAKFlip MX4, from $1,199.99, if you open and shut the tailgate often with the cover latched, carry weight on the lid or want a 5-year warranty. Buy the BAKFlip G2, from $1,099.99, if you mostly keep the bed closed and want the same fold, auto-latch and full bed access for about $100 less.

On 2014 and newer trucks the gap is $100 for the same bed on almost every part we carry. It buys 400 lb panels instead of 300 lb, five years of warranty instead of three, a textured matte finish and a dual-action tailgate seal on most parts, which BAK lists on only select G2 parts. The G2 also fits older trucks the MX4 does not, which settles it for some owners before price comes up.

BAKFlip G2 vs MX4 side by side

What the G2 and MX4 have in common

Parked side by side, most people cannot tell them apart. Both are low hard folding aluminum covers that clamp to the factory bed rails with no drilling and go on in about half an hour. Each panel latches itself as it drops. To tell which one is on a truck, check the part number on the label: G2 numbers start with 226 and MX4 numbers with 448.

You open either one from the tailgate end: drop the tailgate and pull the release cables under the rear panel. So a locked tailgate locks the bed. Neither cover locks by itself, so if your tailgate has no lock, add one, as several owners did. BAK says the Gen 3 MX4 lock parts were re-engineered to resist forced entry better than Gen 2. Neither is waterproof: both are water-resistant, with EPDM seals and drains for what gets past them.

The tailgate seal: the difference you feel every day

This is the difference that matters most, and it never shows up in a photo. Many G2 parts use an overlapping rear seal that laps over the top of the tailgate. You can drop the tailgate with the cover latched, which is how you reach the release cables, but BAK's guide says not to shut it again under a closed rear panel. Lift the rear panel, close the tailgate, then drop the panel. BAK lists a dual-action seal on select G2 parts (not the 2005 to 2015 Tacoma or first-generation Ridgeline), and a few MX4 parts ship without one, so check the tailgate seal line for your exact part before you count on it.

The MX4's extra-long dual-action seal lets the tailgate close with the cover up or down. Drop the gate, slide a load in, shut the gate and never touch the cover. If the tailgate goes up and down ten times a day on a work truck, the MX4 earns its price gap here alone. If you open the bed a few times a week, you will barely notice the extra step on the G2.

“I like that the MX4 can be fully secured and I am able to close my tailgate due to the new design without have to close the tailgate 1st.”

BAKFlip MX4 owner · 5 out of 5 stars

Panel strength: 300 lb vs 400 lb

The G2's standard-duty solid-core panels are rated for 300 lb spread evenly over the closed cover. The Gen 3 MX4 panel is aluminum on both faces with a dense polymer core between them. BAK puts it about 22 percent stronger than the original MX4 and rates the cover for 400 lb.

Neither rating means you can stand on the cover. The extra 100 lb is margin for wet snow that sits for days, bags of firewood on a closed lid or kids who climb on it anyway. G2 owners in snow country still report the 300 lb panels holding up. One who has run a G2 for 2 1/2 years in Montana says:

“It protects expensive first responder gear all year long and handles heavy snow, rain, wind.”

BAKFlip G2 owner · 5 out of 5 stars

If you want a fiberglass top instead of aluminum, BAK makes the BAKFlip FiberMax, from $1,249.99. It has cut- and puncture-resistant FRP top panels, a 300 lb rating, a conventional tailgate seal (shut the tailgate first) and a 3-year warranty. The older 400 lb BAKFlip F1 was discontinued by BAK in June 2026 and sells only until stock runs out. Our BAKFlip F1 vs MX4 comparison covers it.

Warranty: 3 years vs 5 years

BAK covers the G2 for 3 years and the MX4 for 5 years against defects in materials and workmanship. Neither transfers to a new owner. The repair-type complaints on file are mostly about small parts, such as adhesive rubber bumpers that come loose and rear corner trim pieces that pop off. Two extra years of cover for about $100 is good value if you keep trucks a long time. If you trade every two or three years, it is worth nothing to you.

Finish, brake light and looks

The G2 wears a semi-gloss black powder coat. The MX4's textured matte black hides scuffs better and suits the textured trim on many newer trucks.

With the stack standing against the cab, BAK lists the MX4 as keeping the third brake light visible in every position. The G2 keeps it visible on short and standard beds, so long-bed owners should check the exact part.

Which trucks each one fits

Both covers fit 18 truck lines in our catalog, but the G2 reaches further back. These are the oldest model years in our fitment data for each cover.

In our catalog some beds are G2 only, including the 2004 to 2014 F-150 8 ft bed, the 2005 to 2015 Tacoma 6 ft 2 in bed, the 2007 to 2021 Tundra 8 ft bed, the 2004 to 2006 Tundra Double Cab 6 ft 2 in bed and the older Ranger 6 ft bed. On current trucks both come in the common lengths. Ram owners with RamBox should pick the RamBox option in the selector; two G2 owners with RamBox report an open gap at the tailgate corners that they filled with an add-on seal.

Deck-rail owners report mixed results with the G2. One Tacoma owner says the cover mounts to the tie-down rails and takes them out of use, while another owner with a factory deck rail system says the parts to move the rails were included. An MX4 Tacoma owner reports the rails stay usable, set about 1 1/2 inches lower:

“The Toyota Tacoma version reuses the adjustable tie down rails by moving then about 1 1/2 inches lower so you keep that feature.”

BAKFlip MX4 owner · 5 out of 5 stars

The vehicle selector on each product page gives the exact part for your year, cab and bed, with any factory-option note. Not sure of your bed length? Our guide to measuring your truck bed shows where to put the tape.

Price by truck, current generation

From prices for the current generation of the trucks owners ask about most. Prices vary by bed length, so the selector shows your exact figure.

On every truck in this table the MX4 starts $100 above the G2; a few variant parts, such as one 2019 to 2024 Ram 1500 6 ft 4 in MX4, run $150 more. Older generations can price differently, so pick your year in the selector or browse every BAK tonneau cover we carry.

The MX4 family: rack rails or easier lifting

BAK does not build the G2 or standard MX4 rails to carry crossbars. For a rack, the MX4 TS adds full-length T-slot rails for crossbars, baskets, bike carriers and rooftop tents, plus a Multi-Shield coating BAK rates up to 11 times more scratch resistant. The rack maker's rating sets what you can carry up top.

If lifting the panels is the problem, the MX4 EZ-Lift adds lift assist and a one-hand paddle release, cutting opening effort from nearly 30 lb to about 10.5 lb. Both versions keep the 400 lb rating and 5-year warranty. The EZ-Lift fits 14 of the 18 truck lines and is too new to have many reviews.

What G2 and MX4 owners report

Both rate well, but the spread differs. The G2 has 6 one and two star reviews out of 253 on file. The MX4 has 25 out of 328, and the written ones mostly describe leaks, fit trouble and missing parts. The G2's few low ratings are mostly fit trouble on Ranger, Ridgeline and older Tacoma kits, plus shipping damage and missing parts.

“Installed in about 30 minutes and has proven to be almost completely water tight. Only a slight amount of water can be found at the corners of my bed after going through the car wash.”

BAKFlip G2 owner · 5 out of 5 stars

“If it rains, either while driving or sitting in the driveway, your stuff will be soaked. Was hopeful this wouldn't be the case with the integrated drainage system, but it leaks around all the edges & between panels.”

BAKFlip MX4 owner · 2 out of 5 stars

Water reports cut both ways. Several G2 owners mention water at the tailgate end, and some MX4 owners stay dry through snow:

“I didn't give it 5 stars because it leaks in the corners, and because its hinges are soft flexible, the tailgate end doesn't consistently cover the tailgate edges.”

BAKFlip G2 owner · 4 out of 5 stars

“It snowed 2 inches on day two and all stayed dry as it melted.”

BAKFlip MX4 owner · 5 out of 5 stars

Before you blame the cover for a steady leak, check that the rails are square and the seals are seated. Our BAKFlip MX4 install guide covers squaring the rails, and the steps suit the G2 too. One owner who replaced a 2015 BAKFlip with the new design in 2026 singled out the latch:

“I like that the folded panels are really secured in place when driving and won't get whipped in the wind plus it leaves room for maximum cargo space. The upgraded cable system for latching and unlatching is another big plus.”

BAKFlip MX4 owner · 5 out of 5 stars

Watch both covers go on

Both install videos run the full fit on 2024 GM trucks, from clamping the rails to closing the cover.

Which one for your truck and use

Pick the BAKFlip G2 if price and fit come first

Skip it if you load through the tailgate many times a day or want a rack later. In heavy snow the MX4's extra 100 lb is useful margin, though one G2 owner reports a foot of snow on the lid without trouble.

Pick the BAKFlip MX4 if you use the bed hard

Skip it if your bed stays closed most days and you trade trucks within three years. For the full verdict, read our BAKFlip MX4 review.

Frequently asked questions

Is the BAKFlip G2 good, and is it worth it?

Yes, for most owners. It holds 4.6 stars from 253 owner reviews on file and gives you the same fold, auto-latch and full bed access as the MX4. Its limits are the 300 lb rating, the 3-year warranty and, unless your part lists the dual-action seal, a rear seal that means lifting the rear panel before you shut the tailgate.

Is the BAKFlip MX4 worth the extra money over the G2?

For daily users, yes. About $100 buys 100 lb more load rating, two more years of warranty and, on most parts, the dual-action tailgate seal. For a truck whose bed stays closed and gets traded in a few years, the G2 is the smarter spend.

What are the differences between the BAKFlip MX4 Gen 2 and Gen 3?

Gen 3 has stronger polymer-core panels, latches re-engineered to resist forced entry, revised EPDM seals with tight-fit clamps, a longer tailgate seal and click-in clamps for a quicker install. BAK reports roughly 22 percent more panel strength than the original MX4.

Which BAKFlip cover is best?

For most trucks, the MX4. Choose the G2 to spend less or fit an older truck, the MX4 TS for a rack, the EZ-Lift for easier lifting and the FiberMax (from $1,249.99) for a fiberglass top with a conventional tailgate seal. BAK lists the F1 as discontinued from June 2026, so we suggest the MX4 (or the FiberMax for a fiberglass top). Our best hard folding tonneau covers guide compares them with other brands.

Can you drive with a BAKFlip folded open?

Yes. You can drive either one with the panels folded or flipped up against the cab. Struts hold the folded stack against the cab on both covers. The Gen 3 MX4 owner above says the folded panels won't get whipped in the wind, while a G2 owner in Montana reports the stack does not stand up to 80 mph wind, so keep highway speeds sensible. Use the supplied pads where the stack meets the cab; G2 owners report it can rest on the back window or rub the paint. BAK's guide says not to drive with the rear panel only partly open.

Do the BAKFlip G2 and MX4 leak?

Both are water-resistant, not waterproof. Expect a few drips at the corners or tailgate in a hard storm or car wash, so keep anything that must stay dry in a sealed box. A few owners of each report steady leaks; check that the rails are square and the seals are seated before you blame the cover.

Related guides

• BAKFlip F1 vs MX4: Which BAK Hard Folding Cover Should You Buy?
• BAKFlip MX4 Review: Is It Worth the Money?
• Best Hard Folding Tonneau Covers: Picks for Security, Budget and Racks
• How to Install a BAKFlip MX4 (and Other Hard Folding Covers)