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

 

[dealsbarknife]

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.

3) All of what is discussed on this confirmed change is only related to the TRD OFF ROAD PREMIUM HYBRID model. I have not researched this between any other models however it appears there are many changes between the limited, TRD Pro, Trailhunter etc.... If you are buying any model in 2026, you may want to do your own research to see the key differences form that identical model in the 2025 year.

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)

Canada only:

Just met with the dealer,

All you have highlighted is true for TRD OPR GAS ONLY as well.

2026 comes with the trailer brake control + rear digital camera.

No option for SDM

No information on the engine dampening and extra padding on the door. All I can say is that it definitely felt much sturdier than the LC.

Nice to see something is included in the price increase from last year, and not just a cash grab.

 

[NB-4Runner]

Canada only:

Just met with the dealer,

All you have highlighted is true for TRD OPR GAS ONLY as well.

2026 comes with the trailer brake control + rear digital camera.

That’s good, that’s what I ordered.

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