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

[Cranberry]

@Cranberry can you please update the initial post — I think PVM was never an option on the pro/th/orp, they all have MTM which seems to include all the views (including top down pano) that PVM has, plus additional views.

My apologies for causing the confusion.

No problem. Done

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[bakutheleo]

I find it odd that features that do not seem like they should be specific to an area (US, Canada for example) would be different. Seems like it would be easier for Toyota to have the same options everywhere unless local law requires otherwise. I would not expect any of the features being discussed in this thread to be in that category.

I would have liked to have a brake controller (especially after I found out it also included the digital rear-view mirror), but I found one that was exactly what I wanted minus that one feature, so good enough. It is possible I will never need the brake controller (I no longer have a trailer that requires it), but if I do I will just add one. Would be nice if Toyota offered theirs as an option later--I have not thoroughly checked on this myself, but it has been mentioned here that it is not possible.

 

[Cranberry]

I find it odd that features that do not seem like they should be specific to an area (US, Canada for example) would be different. Seems like it would be easier for Toyota to have the same options everywhere unless local law requires otherwise. I would not expect any of the features being discussed in this thread to be in that category.

I would have liked to have a brake controller (especially after I found out it also included the digital rear-view mirror), but I found one that was exactly what I wanted minus that one feature, so good enough. It is possible I will never need the brake controller (I no longer have a trailer that requires it), but if I do I will just add one. Would be nice if Toyota offered theirs as an option later--I have not thoroughly checked on this myself, but it has been mentioned here that it is not possible.

I agree with you on this. If i purchased a 2025 and found out the same model in 2026 came with more features id be annoyed. I tow an off road trailer often to the point i had a custome one built just for my rig, so a break controller was an absolute need for me.

I reached out to Toyota personally before ordering my Gen 6 4Runner about adding a factory break controller after the fact and Toyota did reply back indicating it was not possible to do this and a break controller after the fact would need to be after market.

 

[NB-4Runner]

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

This should be available as an add-on on all trims. Towing a trailer is not trim specific. I'm trading my 2024 Tacoma for a 4Runner. I guess I'll need to remove my dealer installed aftermarket brake controller to install in the 4Runner.

 

[Cranberry]

This should be available as an add-on on all trims. Towing a trailer is not trim specific. I'm trading my 2024 Tacoma for a 4Runner. I guess I'll need to remove my dealer installed aftermarket brake controller to install in the 4Runner.

Its not that simple. The factory brake controller needs to be programmed into the ECU. Its not a simple plug into a brake controller line under the dash. Toyota currently does not open their programming to the public so its impossible to add the factory brake controller.

Many people have switched to the RedArc break system (i did on my Gen 5 and it works amazing)

 

[BonRunner]

Its not that simple. The factory break controller needs to be programmed into the ECU. Its not a simple plug into a break controller line under the dash. Toyota currently does not open their programming to the public so its impossible to add the factory break controller.

Many people have switched to the RedArc break system (i did on my Gen 5 and it works amazing)

Please fix typo on 1st post for: "break" ≠ “brake"

 

[NB-4Runner]

Its not that simple. The factory break controller needs to be programmed into the ECU. Its not a simple plug into a break controller line under the dash. Toyota currently does not open their programming to the public so its impossible to add the factory break controller.

Many people have switched to the RedArc break system (i did on my Gen 5 and it works amazing)

It’s not that simple because the chose to make it complicated. They could sell it as a dealer installed option and dealers have access to modify the programming on the BCM via Techstream. They made the business decision not to.

Go order a Ford Ranger (no don’t), but visit the website, even the base XL model can be ordered from the factory with an integrated trailer brake controller and also on all the other trims. Other features like locking rear differential also available to order on any trim. If Ford can do it, surely Toyota can. So it’s a business decision that Toyota took, not a technological limitation.

They could have at least include the prewired pigtail like other manufacturers and older generations so an after market unit like the RedArc can easily be plugged in Instead of having to hard wire it like we were forced to do back when no vehicle had the integrated controllers.

 

[Cranberry]

Please fix typo on 1st post for: "break" ≠ “brake"

Thank you

 

[Cranberry]

It’s not that simple because the chose to make it complicated. They could sell it as a dealer installed option and dealers have access to modify the programming on the BCM via Techstream. They made the business decision not to.

Go order a Ford Ranger (no don’t), but visit the website, even the base XL model can be ordered from the factory with an integrated trailer brake controller and also on all the other trims. Other features like locking rear differential also available to order on any trim. If Ford can do it, surely Toyota can. So it’s a business decision that Toyota took, not a technological limitation.

They could have at least include the prewired pigtail like other manufacturers and older generations so an after market unit like the RedArc can easily be plugged in Instead of having to hard wire it like we were forced to do back when no vehicle had the integrated controllers.

There is an aftermarket pig tail. Its been confirmed in several posts. All trims except the SR5 have pre wired brake controller wire for aftermarket brake controllers.

Toyota already noted publicly they programmed the factory brake controller into the trucks main computer, they even explain to use an aftermarket one if your truck did not come with a factory brake controller.

The factory brake controller is software in the truck with a slider switch, buying the factory slider switch wont do anything because the truck itself does not have the brake controller software installed.

A few other members encountered this and decided to go with redarc systems. The pigtail plug in was located directly behind the dash to your left foot close to the firewall. It is a white connector end and is using the same wire harness that Toyota has used on their brake controller pig tail since Gen 4.

Hope this helps!!

 

[NB-4Runner]

The pigtail plug in was located directly behind the dash to your left foot close to the firewall. It is a white connector end and is using the same wire harness that Toyota has used on their brake controller pig tail since Gen 4.

Thanks, I’ll check when it arrives in a couple of months. My 2024 Tacoma doesn’t have a pigtail and had to be hard wired.

 

[NB-4Runner]

Toyota already noted publicly they programmed the factory brake controller into the trucks main computer, they even explain to use an aftermarket one if your truck did not come with a factory brake controller.

The factory brake controller is software in the truck with a slider switch, buying the factory slider switch wont do anything because the truck itself does not have the brake controller software installed.

I know this, but it’s still a business decision. They designed it that way. They could have designed it as a dealer installed option and increase revenue for dealers.

 

[Nodak]

lol they way folks on here complain about dealers that cant even do a oil change correctly, you think they want a dealer to install a brake controller

 

[Cranberry]

lol they way folks on here complain about dealers that cant even do a oil change correctly, you think they want a dealer to install a brake controller

I do not trust dealers for anything unless warranty

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