Second row headrests partially obstucting view in rear view mirror

[dwarampudi]

I own SR5 bought around March 2025. I have noticed this issue when I test drove it first time (second row seats blocking almost 40% of the rear view). There are so many design flaws with the 6th generation model but my brand loyalty had me ignore them all.

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[bkw777]

Same. I keep them loose on the floor. What a great vehicle experience that is. Mint.

 

[Underground25]

I was really bummed to find out my ORP didn’t have the digital mirror, it’s has pretty much everything but that for some reason.

Comes with the Tow Tech Package.

 

[get.outside.75]

On my limited, This is one regret not getting as I was able to customize port installed options on mine. I won't be towing anything but now I do with I had the digital rearview.

 

[Archer]

I use the Wolfbox G900 which works awesome for driving and the info screen for backing up but since it's just the wife and me I have the back seats folded forward, put the plugs in the floor and use that space for storage. Works out well for us.


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[EL616]

I don't have the digital mirror and don't have much issue with visibility out the back (I keep the rear seats reclined a bit which helps a lot) but I agree it's beyond stupid that the rear headrests can't fold down. Putting the rear seats down requires tumbling them forward, and the headrests are always blocked by banging into the front seats. The only way to move the front seat forward is to open the front door, hold the electric seat button for several seconds while it slooowly moves forward several inches, then go back to the back seat. So to put the back seats down, I have to open all four doors and move all four seats one by one. Then I have to readjust my front seats back to where I want them. Absolutely ridiculous design, especially when 5th Gens already had folding headrests and better/flatter seat folding to begin with.

Definitely have been thinking about just getting rid of the backseat headrests altogether -- I rarely have passengers back there anyway.

 

[Mad Ghost]

I was really bummed to find out my ORP didn’t have the digital mirror, it’s has pretty much everything but that for some reason.

I have the digital mirrow on my ORP got the towing package. HOWEVER its been a let down. I say that because its mounted next to the backup camera, which means if your using a bike rack or cargo box like when I go camping it blocks the camera. Really feel they should have mounted it up in top of the hatch.

 

[Underground25]

I have the digital mirrow on my ORP got the towing package. HOWEVER its been a let down. I say that because its mounted next to the backup camera, which means if your using a bike rack or cargo box like when I go camping it blocks the camera. Really feel they should have mounted it up in top of the hatch.

Agree with this. I don’t see the idea behind placing it at the same orientation as the backup camera. Can’t see a lot of the trailer from down there, and it definitely gets blocked by bike racks.

 

[Mickey]

I don't have the digital mirror and don't have much issue with visibility out the back (I keep the rear seats reclined a bit which helps a lot) but I agree it's beyond stupid that the rear headrests can't fold down. Putting the rear seats down requires tumbling them forward, and the headrests are always blocked by banging into the front seats. The only way to move the front seat forward is to open the front door, hold the electric seat button for several seconds while it slooowly moves forward several inches, then go back to the back seat. So to put the back seats down, I have to open all four doors and move all four seats one by one. Then I have to readjust my front seats back to where I want them. Absolutely ridiculous design, especially when 5th Gens already had folding headrests and better/flatter seat folding to begin with.

Definitely have been thinking about just getting rid of the backseat headrests altogether -- I rarely have passengers back there anyway.

I always keep the backseat headrests in the garage in plastic. Been doing for years in demos and now in both 4runners. The running boards are in the corner.

 

[CO/ZA]

I agree. They are borderline dangerous fir drivers who care what’s behind them. Mt 2014 ford escape had fold down headrest. Toyota seems so behind.

It does make the rear camera mirror worthwhile!

Why this is due to US crash safety requirements.

In the rest of the world, rear seat head rests are usually an L shape that neatly sits low and out of the way.

But because rear seat crash safety is evaluated with the headrests in the default position, manufacturers basically have to include the full tall style of head rest for the rear seat passengers to pass the tests.

 

[ModernDay4Runner]

I don't have the digital mirror and don't have much issue with visibility out the back (I keep the rear seats reclined a bit which helps a lot) but I agree it's beyond stupid that the rear headrests can't fold down. Putting the rear seats down requires tumbling them forward, and the headrests are always blocked by banging into the front seats. The only way to move the front seat forward is to open the front door, hold the electric seat button for several seconds while it slooowly moves forward several inches, then go back to the back seat. So to put the back seats down, I have to open all four doors and move all four seats one by one. Then I have to readjust my front seats back to where I want them. Absolutely ridiculous design, especially when 5th Gens already had folding headrests and better/flatter seat folding to begin with.

Definitely have been thinking about just getting rid of the backseat headrests altogether -- I rarely have passengers back there anyway.

Since you rarely have back seat passengers, that process of opening all four doors to make the adjustment, you will rarely have to do that, right? I do agree that the way 5th gen headrest would fold down was nice.

 

[ModernDay4Runner]

I own SR5 bought around March 2025. I have noticed this issue when I test drove it first time (second row seats blocking almost 40% of the rear view). There are so many design flaws with the 6th generation model but my brand loyalty had me ignore them all.

Can you list the design flaws? I realize it is subjective and what may be flaw for you may be just right for others. I am just curious what are the so many you've mentioned.

 

[Nodak]

funny really, in my current 5th gen, my 2nd row has been flat for 90% of the time i have had the 4R.

i expect my 6th gen will be in the same fate, 90% of the time flat.

between the dogs and going fishing, the only time i had the 2nd row up is when traveling to GA to see my mom with family. outside of that, they lay flat.

 

[Dphotos]

Does anyone else remove the second row headrests to get a "full view" from the rear view mirror? Maybe another solution is to just fold the second row down but it's nice to have them up to put smaller items there.

After driving my new Limited 4Runner for a few days I took my rear seat head rests off. It was really hard to view traffic and I don't like relying on the back up cam when backing up. My 1997 4Runner had the best visibility when backing up or when I needed to make a lane change. It makes me wonder if Toyota ever did enough market research with long time 4 Runner owners. Toyota made some real bonehead design decisions in the Gen 6 build. Don't get me wrong I like my new car but the Air Dam was a dumb design decision along with the back seats not laying flat for car camping.

 

[SouthCoast]

I have the digital mirrow on my ORP got the towing package. HOWEVER its been a let down. I say that because its mounted next to the backup camera, which means if your using a bike rack or cargo box like when I go camping it blocks the camera. Really feel they should have mounted it up in top of the hatch.

Not only does it block the rear view, but if you're backing up with anything on a hitch rack, ie: bike, it slams the brakes hard as soon as you start backing up. I have to disable the backup assist every single time I put the bike on the rack. I absolutely HATE this "feature"...

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