Sponsored

Exhaust note changes in Sport Mode?

828findadventure

SR5
Well-known member
Joined
Apr 30, 2025
Threads
29
Messages
276
Reaction score
227
Location
North Carolina
Vehicle(s)
Tacoma & Tundra
Has anyone noticed that the exhaust note changes when switched to sport mode?

2025 2026 4runner 6th gen Exhaust note changes in Sport Mode? IMG_2423.JPG


2025 2026 4runner 6th gen Exhaust note changes in Sport Mode? 4runner modded small
Sponsored

 
Last edited:

JackG23

TRD Off-Road
Member
First Name
Jack
Joined
Jul 1, 2025
Threads
1
Messages
13
Reaction score
8
Location
VA
Vehicle(s)
25 TRD OR
yes but I believe this is only from the speakers in the cabin.
 

MikeD

TRD Off-Road Premium
Well-known member
Joined
Jun 4, 2025
Threads
10
Messages
385
Reaction score
268
Location
Virginia
Vehicle(s)
2025 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium - Heritage Blue Hybrid
I believe that Sport mode - at least on my TRD ORP - engages Engine Sound Enhancement (ESE). I rarely change from normal mode but when experimenting with Sport - and switching back and forth - it is clear that the change in engine noise is coming from the speakers. I find it somewhat annoying since it sounds artificial (and it is), but since I don't bother resetting to sport mode very often its no big deal to me. If I'm crazy and ESE is active regardless of mode - but just more "enhanced" in sport, I would be curious to know.

Note that when I had it at the dealer to repair the hanging front air dam at ~700 miles, I asked for some feature adjustments only dealer can do (open all windows holding unlock; timing of unlock all doors when holding drivers door handle). I asked about turning off ESE and the tech said he could not find this. He also messed up the unlock all doors feature so maybe it was just a noob tech not knowing, but he made it a point to say he searched but did not find any mention of ESE.
 

Archer

TRD Pro
Well-known member
First Name
Mike
Joined
Apr 23, 2025
Threads
37
Messages
523
Reaction score
518
Location
Orwigsburg, Pa.
Vehicle(s)
2025 4 Runner TRD Pro
I don't know if it has it or not either, mine sounds pretty throaty offroading and outside on tape. ????



.
 

Blufin

Platinum
Member
First Name
Bob
Joined
Feb 10, 2026
Threads
0
Messages
11
Reaction score
6
Location
MA
Vehicle(s)
6gen 4runner
I disabled the ESE and I can hear a difference with the TRD cat back exhaust.
When changing drive modes like in Sport or Sport+ it changes the shifting points and increases the HP/engines performance.
 

Cranberry

TRD Off-Road Premium
Well-known member
First Name
Dan
Joined
Nov 26, 2025
Threads
9
Messages
151
Reaction score
121
Location
Manitoba Canada
Vehicle(s)
2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road, 2026 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium
I believe that Sport mode - at least on my TRD ORP - engages Engine Sound Enhancement (ESE). I rarely change from normal mode but when experimenting with Sport - and switching back and forth - it is clear that the change in engine noise is coming from the speakers. I find it somewhat annoying since it sounds artificial (and it is), but since I don't bother resetting to sport mode very often its no big deal to me. If I'm crazy and ESE is active regardless of mode - but just more "enhanced" in sport, I would be curious to know.

Note that when I had it at the dealer to repair the hanging front air dam at ~700 miles, I asked for some feature adjustments only dealer can do (open all windows holding unlock; timing of unlock all doors when holding drivers door handle). I asked about turning off ESE and the tech said he could not find this. He also messed up the unlock all doors feature so maybe it was just a noob tech not knowing, but he made it a point to say he searched but did not find any mention of ESE.

Carvista OBD app allows you to turn these sounds off or modify them etc… i believe Carvista offers more ability to change deep settings then the dealer can do, including things like windows down on u lock etc… but also turning off seat belt chime, headlight stay on time or engine sounds in cab, among many other things.

I use Carvista on all my Toyotas the day i get them to fine tune my experience.
 

Blufin

Platinum
Member
First Name
Bob
Joined
Feb 10, 2026
Threads
0
Messages
11
Reaction score
6
Location
MA
Vehicle(s)
6gen 4runner
Agreed! I used Carista to remove all of the Nanny bells,seat belt and ESE.
Sponsored

 
 







Top