Newbie here! Lots of questions!

[9xTactical]

Firstly, thanks for letting me join even though I don't yet have a 4Runner. I've been doing my due diligence and believe the 2026 TH is going to be the one I want. I do have some questions though:

1. Are there any changes from the 25 to 26?
2. What is everyone actually paying for these things and is Toyota financing any good? (Last new vehicle I bough was 2016 and APR's were anywhere from 0-2.9%)
3. Are there any common issues, complaints or annoying things to take into consideration?
4. How much $$ should I set aside for mods/upgrades just to get it to be how it should be? (I've seen posts about small things like hood struts, etc)
5. Seems like removing the front air dam is a must, anything else that needs to be done right away?
6. Snokel, but hybrid? Anyone actually take these though higher water yet?
7. Is the included Toyota maintenance typically hassle-free? (I know it'll depend a lot on the dealership)

I'm sure I'll think of more, but TIA!

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[BonRunner]

1. Are there any changes from the 25 to 26?
No change, except exclusive blue color for Pro trim.

2. What is everyone actually paying for these things and is Toyota financing any good? (Last new vehicle I bough was 2016 and APR's were anywhere from 0-2.9%)
$0. Paid cash.

3. Are there any common issues, complaints or annoying things to take into consideration?
Mostly annoyances: rear lift gate can't open automatically if rear window opens. Can't lock door if engine running. Annoying beeps if leave car running with keys. Brake squeals while reversing in cold temp. No hoodstruts on all models. No driver side A-pillar grab handle. No standard rear hatch's lights. There's more too!

4. How much $$ should I set aside for mods/upgrades just to get it to be how it should be? (I've seen posts about small things like hood struts, etc)
~$2k on average.

5. Seems like removing the front air dam is a must, anything else that needs to be done right away?
That's free & easy. Skid plate. Lower tire's psi. It comes above 45 psi from factory. Change running board/steps. Stock Predator Steps SUCKS! Tints for privacy.

6. Snokel, but hybrid? Anyone actually take these though higher water yet?
That's what it's for. Try it out.

7. Is the included Toyota maintenance typically hassle-free? (I know it'll depend a lot on the dealership)
Not really. Most dealer won't do your free oil change until 10k miles. I do that myself. Very easy.

 

[Dead Horse]

Trailhunter doesn't have a chin spoiler/air dam to remove.

I really don't understand the problem with (no) hood struts. How often are y'all expecting to be under the hood? The amount of hand wringing about it by the youtube people is just bizarre to me.

I have spent well above average amounts of time under the hood of many, many vehicles in my life...I've never once thought that a hood prop was something that needed corrected.

My biggest peeves are the no grab handles for driver and passenger (that bullshit is NOT a grab handle, it's an insult to people with thumbs) and no dual zone climate on Premium trims.

 

[HVLA]

Trailhunter doesn't have a chin spoiler/air dam to remove.

I really don't understand the problem with (no) hood struts. How often are y'all expecting to be under the hood? The amount of hand wringing about it by the youtube people is just bizarre to me.

I have spent well above average amounts of time under the hood of many, many vehicles in my life...I've never once thought that a hood prop was something that needed corrected.

My biggest peeves are the no grab handles for driver and passenger (that bullshit is NOT a grab handle, it's an insult to people with thumbs) and no dual zone climate on Premium trims.

You havent done much under the hood if you werent bothered by the prop. It is in the way and makes Toyota look cheap as hell. My 2026 SR5 Tundra with a lower MSRP has hood struts. My 2025 TRD offroad PREMIUM 4runner should have hood struts.

 

[4runnerguy]

4. How much $$ should I set aside for mods/upgrades just to get it to be how it should be? (I've seen posts about small things like hood struts, etc)

i would first look into what mods you actually want, and then save accordingly.

 

[Dead Horse]

You havent done much under the hood if you werent bothered by the prop. It is in the way and makes Toyota look cheap as hell. My 2026 SR5 Tundra with a lower MSRP has hood struts. My 2025 TRD offroad PREMIUM 4runner should have hood struts.

I grew up poor in the 80s...Everything I owned back then was a pile that needed work every weekend. I've had many modified cars and trucks, rebuilt engines and transmissions. Done full restoration...

I don't give two shits about hood struts LOL

 

[Mad Ghost]

1. changes- I think they added the brake controller for towing on lower trims... I have a TRD ORP and it had that as a 25.

2. Toyota financing, sometimes great I've used them a few times, but last February I used a credit union.

4. Mods- dependent on what you want to do. If you just want wheels and tires maybe 2k, if you want to rock crawl another 1200-1500 for skids. unless your getting a trail hunter. Rock rails another 1k. Mud flaps to protect the paint 2-300. IF you can afford full PPF do it... prob 2-3k


6. Toyota maintenance I take what's free then do my own.

 

[Joestac]

If you are getting a Trailhunter, there is no front air dam to remove. Also, it is not a snorkel, it is a high air intake, please don't think you can traverse deep water because it is not a sealed system like a snorkel. It's purpose is to raise the intake of air for dusty trails.

 

[tnokes410]

Trailhunter doesn't have a chin spoiler/air dam to remove.

I really don't understand the problem with (no) hood struts. How often are y'all expecting to be under the hood? The amount of hand wringing about it by the youtube people is just bizarre to me.

I have spent well above average amounts of time under the hood of many, many vehicles in my life...I've never once thought that a hood prop was something that needed corrected.

My biggest peeves are the no grab handles for driver and passenger (that bullshit is NOT a grab handle, it's an insult to people with thumbs) and no dual zone climate on Premium trims.

This is spot on and hilarious

My biggest peeves are the no grab handles for driver and passenger (that bullshit is NOT a grab handle, it's an insult to people with thumbs

 

[tnokes410]

1. Are there any changes from the 25 to 26?
No change, except exclusive blue color for Pro trim.

2. What is everyone actually paying for these things and is Toyota financing any good? (Last new vehicle I bough was 2016 and APR's were anywhere from 0-2.9%)
$0. Paid cash.

3. Are there any common issues, complaints or annoying things to take into consideration?
Mostly annoyances: rear lift gate can't open automatically if rear window opens. Can't lock door if engine running. Annoying beeps if leave car running with keys. Brake squeals while reversing in cold temp. No hoodstruts on all models. No driver side A-pillar grab handle. No standard rear hatch's lights. There's more too!

4. How much $$ should I set aside for mods/upgrades just to get it to be how it should be? (I've seen posts about small things like hood struts, etc)
~$2k on average.

5. Seems like removing the front air dam is a must, anything else that needs to be done right away?
That's free & easy. Skid plate. Lower tire's psi. It comes above 45 psi from factory. Change running board/steps. Stock Predator Steps SUCKS! Tints for privacy.

6. Snokel, but hybrid? Anyone actually take these though higher water yet?
That's what it's for. Try it out.

7. Is the included Toyota maintenance typically hassle-free? (I know it'll depend a lot on the dealership)
Not really. Most dealer won't do your free oil change until 10k miles. I do that myself. Very easy.

Whatever you do, do not pay cash for a depreciating asset. Not a smart move. Invest that money is the S&P 500, gain 10% to 15% (on average) on that money and pay the 5% to finance the vehicle. You net 5% to 10% on your money, if not more with compounding interest.

 

[127.0.0.1]

the snorkel is absolutely not watertight and in no way shape or form is any 2025/2026 4runner designed from factory to ford deep water.

the OEM snorkel is designed to breathe less dusty air if you are out wheeling in desert dust
and that is all it does. it also makes a lot of noise.

 

[NotApplicable]

Snokel, but hybrid? Anyone actually take these though higher water yet?
That's what it's for. Try it out.

I think the snorkel is very much for dust, not fording

 

[get.outside.75]

Whatever you do not pay cash for a depreciating asset. Not a smart move. Invest that money is the S&P 500, gain 10% to 15% (on average) on that money and pay the 5% to finance the vehicle. You net 5% to 10% on your money, if not more with compounding interest.

Having a loan on a depreciating asset when you can pay cash is the opposite of what a financial advisor will tell you.

 

[EricGoleta]

I bought a 2025 Hybrid premium in December and got over $4k off. I love it. Paid cash, don't like loans.

I too don't understand why people fixate on hood struts. The stock set up is just fine.

As for add-on... It depends on what you want an how much you want to spend. I did a PPF wrap both sides, front, and partial hood. Westcott Designs lo-profile rack and rock sliders, Kammock awning, Baja Designs grill lights, fog lights, and rear lights. I spent money, but expect to keep my 4Runner for more than 10 years.

The only two annoyances:
The gas mileage is a little worst than I expected. About 18.5. I use ECO mode and don't have a lead foot. I expected better. But love the power and the great ride. So fun to drive.
Getting used to the small amount of interior space for cargo. Need the roof rack for additional camping items. For daily use, its fine.

Overall, love my silver girl. No regrets.

 

[SimpleSean]

Having a loan on a depreciating asset when you can pay cash is the opposite of what a financial advisor will tell you.

I think this depends on the rate of return of your cash vs cost of vehicle depreciation and interest. If your cash would make a higher return invested then it makes sense to invest vs lose that income to a depreciating asset. You would offset the difference from financing by your investment gains. As I understand it.


As for me, I got an SR5 with third row for $43k, financed just under 30k and kept the rest of my cash for my investments. I have a 4.75% interest rate from Toyota Financing.

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