Changes to the 2026 4Runner vs. the 2025 (standard trailer brake controller, sound dampening (hood & engine bay), interior door panel filler/rubber

[Cranberry]

Good morning everyone,

i just finished a phone call yesterday with my dealer who called to inform me my 2026 is on its way with expected delivery in 2-3 more weeks.

the dealer however mentioned that my 2026 model would be slightly different from the 2025. I was worried what he meant by this so i asked for more details and he confirmed to me that Toyota did make some changes for the 2026 model to address common complaints of the 2025. To be specific, this is when comparing the off road premium 2025 to the off road premium 2026.

my dealer confirmed the 2026 will come with the following changes from the 2025 model:

- Will now come with a built in trailer brake controller. The brake controller from factory is no longer a higher end add on feature.

- sound dampening has been added to the hood and engine bay.

- filler / rubber has been added to the interior door panels to eliminate possible popping and clicking noise while driving or touching the door.

I took the dealers notes and did some research and can confirm toyota shows on their website the 2026 does in fact include a brake controller on the 2026 model now where the 2025 does not. I have an appointment for my Gen 5 oil change this week and will see if they have any Gen 6 on the lot i can look at to confirm the sound dampening on the hood.

nice to see the dealer adding the brake controller. Wonder what other changes they may have made.

UPDATE TO THIS POST:

After many users and back and forth i feel its best to break out a few key points on this first post of the thread.

1) It is confirmed Toyota has made several changes to the 2026 4Runner when compared to the 2025.

2) It is confirmed Toyota has not made these changes universally and it has been confirmed by users in this thread that Canada appears to be getting different options than America when comparing the same trims in 2026.

Key differences to expect on the 2026 vs the 2025 (Canada vs America)

CANADA
- ORP model will now have a factory break controller (American model will not)
- ORP model will now have a digital rear view mirror (American model will not)
- ORP model will now have additional hood sound insulation and door panel insulation (This may be universal between both Canada and America but is still being confirmed)

AMERICA
- ORP model now has option of adding the electric sway bar disconnect (Canadian model does not get this option)
- Digital Panoramic camera view feature has been removed in the 2026 model and is now only a limited model feature. (Canadian 2025 model never had this feature in the first place)

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[Desmolicious]

Is this for all models? previously for example the ORP had a sound dampening matt under the hood, the standard TRD OR did not.

 

[Cranberry]

I dont know 100% but i assume so yes.

 

[brumey]

Great to hear they are admitting the internal cracking and popping in the 2025. It drives me nuts.

There are random clicks and pops from the interior, doors, roof, rear cargo area. Then you have to repeatable like changing lanes, a click when you go left, and again when you go right.

iI have not raised it as an issUe with the dealer because I don’t trust the quality and care. Not just my dealer, any. I feel they will do more harm than good.

I doubt they will issue a TSB to fix the noise for 2025 owners.

I would like to hear from folk who have eliminated the common noises and how. I am shocked considering its my first Toyota and I expected better build quality.

 

[JR_Ontario]

Is this for all models? previously for example the ORP had a sound dampening matt under the hood, the standard TRD OR did not.

I dont know 100% but i assume so yes.

In Canada for 2026 the Brake Controller is only included on the Hybrid models. None of the non-hybrid models come with it, and it is not available as a dealer installed option either

 

[Cranberry]

thank you for that clarification

 

[jimbo285]

My 25 SR5 doesn’t (yet) have any interior noises, thankfully. The suspension is noisy when its cold. I suspect its iced up and makes a growl on speed bumps on cold mornings

 

[df525]

Wonder if the noise level on the 2026 would be better vs. 2025 if they're adding sound dampening

 

[Joestac]

Curious if they added these onto 2025 models built at the same time as 2026. My TH has the mat under the hood. I already would have had the brake controller, but I also don't notice any noises from my door.

 

[6GenChad]

Also, the hybrid TRD Off-Road now has the option for the sway bar disconnect

 

[Cranberry]

Can u confirm where u heard that? In my 2026 im taking delivery in a few weeks there was no note of that option. If it actually is an option id love to get it added!!​

 

[Cranberry]

According to my search now it is not

 

[Joestac]

According to my search now it is not

Looks like the add-on is only showing on the iforce.

 

[Cranberry]

Dang, your on USA website, i was on Canada web site. That must only be a USA option right now. It is not an option on Canada website

 

[Joestac]

Dang, your on USA website, i was on Canada web site. That must only be a USA option right now. It is not an option on Canada website

Ah, makes sense. To be fair, many other benefits for living up there my person.

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