The 2026 4Runner TRD Pro in the fantastic Wave Maker color that is exclusive to TRD Pro Toyota truck trims and I love it!
Friend of the site Connie Peters reviews the 2026 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. Take a look at the video or transcript below to see what she thinks.
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A transcript, summarized by AI and edited by a staffer, is below.
[Image: YouTube Video Thumbnail]
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Summary
The 2026 Toyota 4Runner carries over largely unchanged after its complete redesign for 2025. The major visual update for 2026 is the new Wave Maker turquoise paint, which is exclusive to the TRD Pro trim. Toyota uses new TRD Pro colors across its truck lineup, including the 4Runner, Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia, with the expectation that the color will eventually spread to other trims.
Exterior and Off-Road Equipment
The vehicle featured is the 4Runner TRD Pro, one of the two most off-road-focused versions of the 4Runner, alongside the Trailhunter. The TRD Pro gets extensive equipment designed for serious off-road use, including:
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- Hood scoop
- TRD Pro badging
- Steel skid plates
- Recovery hooks
- Fog lights
- Front light bar
- Retro-style Toyota grille badge
- Mud flaps
- Gloss-black mirror caps, door handles and fender trim
- Full-size spare tire
- Power liftgate
The reviewer particularly likes the contrast between the bright Wave Maker paint and the black trim. The test vehicle is fitted with snow tires, although the TRD Pro normally comes with all-terrain tires that give it a more rugged appearance.
The familiar power rear window remains one of the 4Runner’s signature features. It can be useful for ventilation, carrying long objects or allowing pets to stick their heads out. One limitation is that the power liftgate cannot operate with the rear glass open.
Hybrid Powertrain
The TRD Pro comes with Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motor. Combined output is:
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- 326 horsepower
- 465 lb-ft of torque
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Part-time four-wheel drive
- Up to 6,000 pounds of towing capacity
The reviewer emphasizes that the hybrid system isn’t primarily about maximizing fuel economy. Instead, it provides significantly more horsepower and torque than the conventional gas-powered 4Runner.
Because the hybrid battery occupies space beneath the cargo floor, the hybrid models lose the optional third row. The reviewer considers this more of a benefit than a major drawback because the 4Runner’s third row is already quite cramped and is better suited to children than adults.
Cargo and Interior
The cargo area has a relatively high floor because of the hybrid battery. The rear seats fold 60/40, and there are three child-seat anchors. Other cargo-area features include:
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- 120-volt household outlet
- JBL audio system
- Privacy shade
- Storage compartments
- Optional onboard air compressor
Up front, the TRD Pro gets Toyota’s SoftTex faux-leather upholstery, with perforated, heated and ventilated front seats. The seats feature distinctive TRD Pro patterns and red stitching.
The cabin is described as comfortable and easy to operate. Visibility and camera technology make parking and maneuvering easy, with the vehicle offering multiple off-road and side-view cameras plus a digital rearview mirror on upper trims.
Technology
The TRD Pro receives Toyota’s larger 14-inch touchscreen, compared with the 8-inch display on lower trims. Other technology and convenience features include:
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- Wireless smartphone charging
- USB-C ports
- Dual-zone climate control
- Heated steering wheel
- JBL audio system
- Removable JBL Bluetooth speaker
- Digital rearview mirror
- Multi-Terrain Select
- Crawl Control
- Drive modes
- Rear differential locker
- Rear sway-bar disconnect
- Four-high/four-low four-wheel-drive controls
- Towing controls
- Extensive off-road camera views
The removable JBL speaker is highlighted as a particularly clever feature.
Rear Seat Space
Despite being a midsize SUV, the 4Runner isn’t especially spacious in the second row. The reviewer, who is only 5-foot-1, expected more room and found the rear seat adequate but not particularly generous.
Rear passengers get USB-C charging, air vents, a 120-volt household outlet, a center armrest with cupholders, door-mounted cupholders and TRD Pro rubberized floor mats.
Driving Impressions
On-road, the 4Runner TRD Pro is described as comfortable, easy to drive and surprisingly manageable. The cameras make parking straightforward, while the hybrid powertrain provides plenty of power and torque.
The reviewer didn’t have an opportunity to take the vehicle seriously off-road but would like to return with it during the summer to explore trails in British Columbia.
Pricing
The 4Runner lineup offers a broad range of configurations, from conventional gas models to the higher-performance hybrid trims.
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- Base 4Runner: Just under C$59,000, roughly US$42,000
- 2026 4Runner TRD Pro: About C$84,436
- Equivalent U.S. configuration: Approximately US$71,000
Only the Trailhunter is positioned above the TRD Pro in the Canadian lineup.
Bottom Line
The 2026 4Runner TRD Pro is essentially a continuation of Toyota’s thoroughly redesigned 2025 model rather than a substantially new vehicle. Its appeal comes from the combination of retro-inspired styling, serious off-road hardware, hybrid power and extensive technology. The new Wave Maker color gives it an especially distinctive appearance, while the i-Force Max powertrain makes the TRD Pro considerably more powerful than the standard 4Runner.
The main drawbacks are its high price, limited rear-seat space and reduced cargo-floor flexibility in the hybrid, but for buyers seeking a rugged, factory-built off-road SUV with strong towing capability and modern technology, the TRD Pro remains one of the most compelling versions of the 4Runner.
