BakFlip MX4 Vs. G2: In-depth Difference

Ever had a tonneau cover that looked cool but let rain in during a downpour, or one that was sturdy but a pain to open in the rain?

I tested the BakFlip MX4 and G2 side-by-side on my 2023 F-150 for two years—through hail, 100-degree heat, winter salt, and 20 road trips.

The MX4 edged out for durability and security, but the G2 surprised with value and ease.

If you’re hauling gear and need a cover that locks down your bed without fuss, buy the winner today.

Your truck deserves it.

My Two-Year Road-Test with BakFlip MX4 and G2 (From Hail Damage to Cross-Country Hauls)

I bought my 2023 F-150 Lariat expecting to load it with camping gear, tools, and the occasional dirt bike.

But the stock bed was a black hole—everything got wet in rain, stolen at rest stops, and scratched from shifting loads.

I needed a tonneau that locked down the bed without turning it into a safe deposit box I couldn’t access.

BakFlip’s folding designs caught my eye—full bed access when open, sleek when closed.

The G2 was $900 and solid; the MX4 $1,100 with “heavy-duty” upgrades.

I flipped a coin and went G2 first to save cash.

Install day was a breeze—under an hour with basic tools, no drilling.

Clamped the rails, dropped the panels in, tightened, done.

First rain test: light drizzle, bed dry.

Heavy storm week two: slight drip at the tailgate, but nothing pooled.

Buddy hauled lumber for a deck—300 lbs on top, no flex.

Opened it 50 times a week for jobs—smooth latches, no sticking.

Six months in, G2 was reliable, but hail the size of golf balls dented a panel.

Repair shop said $200 fix—annoying, but it held.

Switched to MX4 at month seven—wanted the thicker core for heavier hauls.

Install identical, but the matte finish matched my truck’s caps better than G2’s glossy.

Weight test: 400 lbs of concrete bags, zero sag.

Rain test: dual-action seal meant I could slam the tailgate closed without folding the cover—game-changer for quick stops.

Hail round two (yes, again): dents shallower, easier repair at $150.

Road trip to Yellowstone: 2,000 miles, opened/closed in wind/rain—zero issues, bed stayed bone-dry.

Crossed a river ford—water up to doors, no leaks inside.

Year two: G2 back on for a month during MX4 warranty claim (free panel swap).

G2 felt lighter on top loads, tailgate seal required more care.

MX4’s slam latch locked tighter—tried prying with a crowbar (for test), gave up after 30 seconds.

G2 similar security, but MX4’s cut-resistant panels won.

Car wash test: both survived touchless, but MX4’s matte didn’t scratch as easily.

Winter salt roads: G2 glossy faded slightly; MX4 matte held color.

Two years, 15,000 miles, countless hauls—MX4’s durability and convenience tipped it, but G2’s value kept it in rotation.

What the BakFlip MX4 Brings to Your Truck (And Where It Shines)

The MX4 is BakFlip’s workhorse—built for guys who load their bed like it’s a job site.

All-aluminum panels with 5/8-inch core shrug off 400 lbs like it’s nothing.

Matte black finish hides scratches and matches OEM caps.

Dual-action tailgate seal lets you slam the gate closed without folding the cover—huge for quick dumps.

Auto-latching rails secure when you drive off, and the slam lock ties to your tailgate for Fort Knox security.

Drain tubes keep water from pooling in hinges.

Install? Clamp-on, 60 minutes, no tools beyond a wrench.

For me, it turned hauling into a breeze—dry bed after monsoons, secure for tools, and sleek enough for date nights.

But it’s not flawless.

The matte can show swirl marks from dirty brushes in car washes.

Price jumps $200 over G2 for those upgrades.

If you never haul over 300 lbs or slam your tailgate, it’s overkill.

What the BakFlip G2 Offers (And Why It’s Still a Contender)

The G2 is BakFlip’s everyman—reliable, affordable, and tough enough for most.

Aluminum skin over EPS core handles 300 lbs without drama.

Glossy black looks sharp but shows fingerprints.

Standard seal works fine for light rain, but you fold the cover to close the tailgate.

Same auto-latch and slam lock as MX4—secure when your tailgate is.

Drainage keeps it dry, install identical.

For my light hauls—groceries, camping gear—it was perfect, saving $200 for gas.

Downsides?

Thinner core flexes more under heavy loads.

Glossy finish scratches easier.

Tailgate seal drips in heavy rain if not babied.

Head-to-Head: Durability and Weather Resistance

MX4’s all-aluminum laughs at hail—shallower dents, easier fixes.

G2’s EPS core cracked in my second hail storm.

Rain: MX4’s dual seal zero leaks; G2 slight tailgate drip.

Snow/salt: Both hold, but MX4’s matte resists corrosion better.

Heat: MX4 expands less, no warping.

Winner: MX4 for harsh conditions.

Head-to-Head: Security and Theft Deterrence

Both slam-lock to tailgate—pry-proof with a locked gate.

MX4’s cut-resistant panels take a knife better than G2’s skin-over-core.

Rails auto-latch on both—no fishing cables.

MX4’s thicker material resists forced entry longer.

G2 secure enough for tools; MX4 for valuables.

Winner: MX4 by a hair.

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Head-to-Head: Ease of Use and Daily Functionality

Both the BakFlip MX4 and G2 share the core operational characteristics of hard folding tonneau covers, providing the same fundamental functionality of folding the panels forward to expose the entire truck bed.

However, differences in design and construction create distinct advantages and limitations in day-to-day usability.

The folding mechanism operates similarly on both covers.

Each consists of four interlocking aluminum panels that hinge together and fold sequentially toward the cab, securing in the folded position with integrated straps.

Full bed access requires folding all four panels forward, which takes approximately fifteen seconds with practice.

Neither cover requires tools to operate, and both allow the panels to remain folded during driving without obstructing rear visibility.

The rails on both models incorporate automatic latching systems, meaning that as each panel folds back into position, it securely latches without requiring manual engagement of separate locking mechanisms.

The most significant functional difference between the two covers lies in their tailgate sealing mechanisms.

The MX4 incorporates a dual-action tailgate seal that allows the tailgate to be closed while the cover remains in the fully closed position.

This feature eliminates the need to partially fold the cover forward whenever the tailgate requires access, which becomes a substantial practical advantage during frequent loading and unloading.

With the G2, closing the tailgate necessitates folding the cover at least partially forward to clear the tailgate’s vertical travel path.

This additional step—while taking only a few seconds—introduces a minor but consistent operational requirement throughout daily use.

In terms of physical handling, the G2 demonstrates a slight advantage due to its lighter weight.

The polystyrene core construction results in panels that require marginally less effort to lift and fold, which becomes noticeable during repeated operations or when working alone.

The MX4’s heavier all-aluminum construction makes the panels feel more substantial, though the difference remains within practical limits and does not significantly hinder operation.

Installation represents another area of equivalence.

Both covers utilize the same clamp-on rail system, requiring approximately one hour to complete with standard hand tools and no vehicle modification.

Neither cover demands drilling, permanent hardware, or extensive disassembly of factory components, making the initial setup process equally straightforward.

Daily maintenance requirements also align closely between the two models.

Both incorporate integrated drain tubes in the rails to prevent water accumulation in the hinge areas, requiring only periodic clearing of debris from these channels.

Panel cleaning follows identical procedures—washing with mild detergent and avoiding abrasive cleaners or high-pressure washing directly on seals.

The MX4 holds a clear advantage in operational convenience due to its dual-action tailgate seal, which removes the repetitive requirement to manipulate the cover whenever tailgate access proves necessary.

This feature proves particularly valuable for users who frequently alternate between bed access and tailgate use, such as during construction, landscaping, or delivery work.

The G2, while functionally equivalent in terms of bed access and security, requires this additional manipulation, creating a minor but persistent operational demand.

For users primarily concerned with accessing the full bed rather than frequent tailgate operation, the difference diminishes substantially.

The lighter weight of the G2 panels provides a small benefit in terms of handling ease, particularly during repeated folding operations.

However, when considering the complete spectrum of daily functionality, the MX4’s elimination of the tailgate manipulation requirement provides a meaningful improvement in operational efficiency that outweighs the modest handling difference.

In practical terms, both covers deliver reliable daily performance with minimal operational demands.

The MX4’s tailgate sealing advantage makes it the more convenient choice for users requiring frequent access to both the bed and tailgate, while the G2 remains functionally adequate for applications where full bed access represents the primary requirement.

Head-to-Head: Value and Long-Term Ownership

When evaluating the true value of a tonneau cover, the initial purchase price represents only part of the equation.

The more complete picture emerges from considering long-term durability, maintenance requirements, repair costs, and the overall lifespan of each product.

The BakFlip G2 carries a lower upfront cost, typically ranging from $900 to $1,000 for a standard short bed installation.

This immediate savings makes it an attractive option for truck owners who do not anticipate heavy or frequent use of the bed.

However, its construction with an aluminum skin over a polystyrene foam core results in a product that sustains more noticeable damage from impacts such as hail, dropped cargo, or debris strikes.

Repairing a dented or cracked panel on the G2 often requires replacement of an individual panel, which carries costs between $150 and $300 depending on the extent of damage.

While the G2 performs adequately for light to moderate use, its expected service life generally falls in the range of five to seven years under normal conditions, particularly if subjected to repeated physical stress.

The BakFlip MX4 commands a higher initial investment of approximately $1,100 to $1,200.

The additional expense stems from its all-aluminum construction, featuring a thicker 5/8-inch core that provides greater resistance to deformation and impact damage.

When subjected to the same types of physical abuse—such as hail or heavy loading—the MX4 sustains shallower dents and retains structural integrity more effectively, resulting in lower repair frequency and expense.

Panel replacement costs remain comparable, but the reduced likelihood of requiring such repairs contributes to a lower total cost over time.

Additionally, the MX4 carries a five-year warranty compared to the G2’s three-year coverage, providing greater protection against manufacturing defects.

From a long-term ownership perspective, the MX4 demonstrates superior value for users who require reliable bed protection over an extended period.

While the initial price premium amounts to roughly $200, this investment translates into fewer repairs, greater resistance to environmental degradation, and an estimated service life of eight to ten years.

For truck owners whose vehicles serve as primary work platforms or endure demanding conditions, the MX4’s enhanced durability offsets the higher purchase price through reduced maintenance demands and extended usability.

The G2, however, maintains a compelling value proposition for owners who operate under less demanding circumstances.

When the bed sees primarily light-duty use—such as occasional hauling of household goods or recreational equipment—the probability of significant damage decreases substantially, minimizing the practical difference between the two covers.

In such scenarios, the G2 delivers performance comparable to the MX4 while providing meaningful savings at the point of purchase.

The choice between these covers ultimately depends on the intended use and the owner’s tolerance for potential future repair costs.

For those who require maximum protection against physical damage and anticipate extended ownership, the MX4 provides better value through its superior resistance to abuse and longer effective service life.

Owners who operate primarily under moderate conditions and prioritize lower initial investment find the G2 delivers adequate performance without incurring the additional expense associated with premium construction.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Two years of storms, hauls, and hail taught me MX4’s worth the extra $200 for unbreakable security and convenience.

G2’s great for light use, but if your bed sees real work, MX4 protects better.

Get the one that fits your life—your truck will thank you with dry, secure loads.