The 6th-gen 2025 Toyota 4Runner is finally here, and Toyota brought Engine Stop-Start (ESS) along for the ride. If you've spent any time behind the wheel of the new 4Runner Limited, you've already noticed: the engine cuts off at every light, then jolts back to life when you let off the brake.

Toyota's factory disable button only works for one drive. Next key-on, ESS is right back. The fix is permanent, plug-and-play, and takes about two minutes.

Why the 2025 4Runner's ESS Is a Problem

• The new 2.4L turbo restart is more noticeable than older Toyotas
• HVAC backs off when the engine stops — fine in October, miserable in July
• Brief hesitation when you go to pull out into traffic
• Pressing the ESS disable button every single drive forever

Toyota didn't give the 2025 4Runner a memory function for ESS. So unless you want to make that button-press part of your morning routine for the rest of the time you own the truck, you need a real fix.

The Fix: 4DTech Auto Stop-Start Eliminator With Memory

For the 2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited (non-hybrid), we recommend the 4DTech Auto Stop-Start Eliminator with Memory — $99.99.

This is a vehicle-specific plug-in harness that gives the 4Runner the memory function Toyota left out. The truck will remember your last ESS setting — so once you turn it off, it stays off, every drive, automatically.

• Built specifically for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited (non-hybrid)
• 100% plug-and-play — uses factory connectors only
• Remembers your last ESS on/off setting between drives
• No ECU programming, no codes, no warranty risk
• Fully reversible — unplug it and you're back to stock in seconds

Important Fitment Note: Non-Hybrid Limited Only

This specific eliminator is designed for the 2025 4Runner Limited trim, non-hybrid. The hybrid 4Runner i-FORCE MAX uses a different system and is not compatible with this product. Always confirm your trim and powertrain before ordering.

Install Overview — Two Minutes, No Tools

1. Locate the factory ESS button harness behind the dash (driver's side).
2. Unplug the factory connector from the back of the ESS button.
3. Plug the eliminator inline between the factory connector and the button.
4. Snap everything back in place. Start the 4Runner. ESS stays off.

No cutting. No splicing. No programming. If you've ever plugged in a USB cable, you can install this.

FAQ

Will this void my Toyota warranty?
The eliminator is plug-and-play and fully reversible. Unplug it before any dealer service visit if you want zero questions asked.

Will it work on the i-FORCE MAX hybrid 4Runner?
No. This product is specifically for the 2025 4Runner Limited non-hybrid. Hybrid models use a different stop-start architecture.

Will I throw a check engine light or ESS warning?
No. The eliminator simulates the same disable signal the factory button already sends. The truck doesn't see anything wrong.

Bottom Line

The 6th-gen 4Runner is an awesome truck. ESS is the one thing Toyota should have left out. Fix it in two minutes and forget about it:

Get the 4DTech Auto Stop-Start Eliminator with Memory for the 2025 4Runner Limited — $99.99

Plug it in once. Never press that button again.

Fog light overlays are one of the easiest and most-asked-about mods on the 2025 4Runner. They tint the fog light lens to a different color, completely changing the lighting personality of your truck without affecting the actual function of the lights.

Two finishes lead the pack: amber and smoke. They're both popular. They're both great. They're completely different vibes.

Here's how to pick.

Amber Fog Light Overlays

The Look

Warm yellow-orange. When the fogs are off, the lens has a subtle amber tint that catches sunlight beautifully. When the fogs are on, the light output reads as a soft golden hue instead of the cool white you get stock.

The Vibe

Heritage. Rally-inspired. JDM-adjacent. Amber fogs are the classic look pulled forward — they tap into the same visual lineage as old WRC rally cars and 90s/2000s tuner culture. On a TRD Off-Road or TRD Pro, amber fogs lean into the "trail-ready, old-school cool" aesthetic.

When Amber Wins

• You drive in actual fog, snow, or heavy rain. Amber light cuts through moisture better than white. This is real-world functional, not just aesthetic.
• Your build leans heritage or rally-inspired (think roof rack, classic two-tone, retro accents).
• You've already done a heritage TOYOTA grille and want to extend the warm-tone vibe.
• You want the truck to look distinctive at night without being aggressive.

Smoke Fog Light Overlays

The Look

Dark gray-tinted. When the fogs are off, the lens looks darker and more uniform with the rest of the front end — almost like the fogs aren't even there. When the fogs are on, the output is still white but slightly knocked-down in intensity.

The Vibe

Modern. Aggressive. Stealth. Smoke fogs read as "blacked-out everything" — they pair perfectly with smoke reflectors, blacked-out emblems, and dark wheels. On an SR5 or any blacked-out 4Runner build, smoke fogs are the obvious choice.

When Smoke Wins

• Your build is going for the modern, aggressive, monochrome look.
• You want the front end to look uniform — nothing standing out, everything in its place.
• You don't actually use your fog lights much (most owners don't) and you care more about how they look off than how they look on.
• You're pairing with other smoke overlays (reflectors, marker lights, taillight tints).

Side-by-Side Comparison

Are Fog Light Overlays Legal?

This is the most-asked legal question on our site, so let's address it. Fog lights are auxiliary lights, not primary headlights — they're not subject to the same DOT requirements as your main beams. Tinting them with a film overlay is street-legal in every US state we've checked, as long as the lights still emit light when on (they do).

That said: rules vary by state, and amber fog overlays are sometimes restricted to off-road use in specific jurisdictions. Check your local rules if you're unsure.

Install Notes

Fog light overlays are one of the easier installs in our catalog:

1. Clean the fog light lens thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol.
2. Use the wet method (water with a drop of dish soap) to position the overlay.
3. Squeegee from the center outward.
4. Heat-set with a hair dryer for 30 seconds to conform to any lens curvature.
5. Don't touch for 24 hours.

The biggest install mistake is rushing the squeegee step on a curved lens. Take your time, use heat, and you'll have zero edge lifting.

Our Pick

If we had to pick one for the average 2025 4Runner buyer? Smoke. It works with more build directions, it pairs with the rest of our overlay catalog, and it's a safer aesthetic choice for resale.

But if you actually drive in weather — real weather, not just commute weather — amber is the better functional choice and the more interesting visual choice. Hard to go wrong either way.

Ready to Pick?

Both finishes are made to order, USA-made, and cut to fit the 2025 4Runner fog light lens precisely.

Shop 2025 4Runner fog light overlays →

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is finally here, and it's a whole new platform. Same DNA as the new Tacoma, completely redesigned exterior, and a trim ladder that goes from base SR5 all the way up to the TRD Pro and Trailhunter halo trucks.

For most buyers, the decision shakes out between two trims: the SR5 (the value play) or the TRD Off-Road (the mid-tier trail-ready option). Both are great trucks. Both are easy to make great-looking with a few well-chosen mods.

Here's where to start.

2025 4Runner SR5: First Mods

The SR5 is the volume seller. It's the trim most people will actually buy. Toyota gave it a clean, modern look but left a few chrome accents that age the truck. The first round of mods is all about killing those accents.

1. Toyota Emblem Grille Overlay

The SR5 has the corporate grille with the Toyota oval front and center. Blacking it out (or color-matching it to the body) instantly modernizes the front end. This is the single highest-impact mod for the dollar on an SR5.

2. Tailgate 4Runner Letter Overlays

The 2025 4Runner has the model name spelled out across the tailgate in big letters. Stock, they're a contrast finish. Blacked out, they look factory-aggressive — the same vibe as the heritage Tacoma TRD Pro tailgate.

3. Reflector Smoke Overlays

The amber side markers and rear reflectors look bright and dated. A smoke tint cuts the brightness without affecting their function. Cheap mod, big visual difference.

4. Fog Light Overlays

The SR5 has standard halogen fog lights. We make smoke, amber, and yellow overlays that change the lighting personality of the front end without affecting output. Great mod for someone who wants their truck to look distinctive at night.

2025 4Runner TRD Off-Road: First Mods

The TRD Off-Road already has more visual character out of the box — different wheels, different lower cladding, TRD-specific badging. The first mods here are about cohesion, not transformation.

1. TRD Off-Road Badge Overlay

The fender badge is a great place to add a hint of color. Body-match red or contrast bronze can tie in nicely with the trim's accent color. This is one of those small details that elevates the whole truck.

2. Heritage TOYOTA Grille (If Equipped)

Some 2025 TRD Off-Road builds came with the heritage TOYOTA grille (vs the corporate emblem grille). If you've got the heritage grille, our letter overlays are a no-brainer mod. If you've got the emblem grille, see the SR5 list.

3. Wheel Center Cap Overlays

The TRD Off-Road wheels are unique to the trim, and the center caps are a perfect canvas for a small color or finish change. Match them to your other accents for a cohesive look.

4. Skid Plate Accent Overlays

The TRD Off-Road has a more aggressive front skid plate than the SR5. Accent overlays can outline or color-match the skid for a more finished look.

What Both Trims Should Skip Early

Don't start with these — save them for round two:

• Hood graphics or large stripe kits — too much, too soon.
• Full body color changes — wait until you've lived with the truck for a few months.
• Wild interior accents — start with the exterior, where you'll actually see the changes.

Universal 2025 4Runner Mods (Both Trims)

A few products work on every trim, no matter what:

• Door handle overlays
• Side mirror cap overlays
• Hood emblem overlays
• Side reflector smokes
• Interior screen protectors and dash overlays

If you're stuck on what to buy first and you don't want to think about it, any of these will work and look great regardless of your trim.

The 4Runner Build Philosophy

The 4Runner has always been the kind of truck you build slowly. You don't need to do everything in week one. Pick two or three high-impact pieces, install them, live with the truck, and then come back for round two.

That's how the best builds end up looking — like they evolved naturally, not like someone hit "buy all" on a catalog.

Get Started

Whether you're rolling SR5 or TRD Off-Road, our 2025 4Runner collection has you covered with overlays cut for your exact trim. Made to order, USA-made, install-guaranteed.

Shop the 2025 4Runner collection →

Brand new 2025 4Runner, and one of the first questions every off-road-leaning owner asks is: "What is that big plastic flap hanging off the front, and can I get rid of it?" That's the front air dam — and yes, you absolutely can remove it. But before you yank it off in the driveway, let's talk about what it does, why people remove it, and what you should pair the removal with.

What Is the 2025 4Runner Air Dam?

The air dam is the low-hanging plastic spoiler-style piece bolted to the underside of the front bumper. It hangs down a few inches and runs most of the width of the bumper. Toyota puts it there for one reason: fuel economy. It directs airflow under the vehicle in a way that reduces drag and squeezes out a fraction of an MPG on the EPA test cycle.

That's it. It does nothing for performance, nothing for cooling, nothing for protection. It's an aerodynamic Band-Aid for the EPA window sticker.

Why So Many 4Runner Owners Remove It

1. Approach Angle

The air dam is the lowest point on the front of the truck. It's the first thing to scrape on a steep driveway, the first thing to high-center on a rocky trail entry, and the first thing to catch on a curb when you parallel park aggressively. Removing it instantly improves your approach angle and clears the way for actual off-road use.

2. It Looks Cleaner Without It

Even if you never leave pavement, a lot of owners just don't like the look. The air dam adds visual mass below the bumper that hides the lower bumper's actual lines. Pull it, and the front end suddenly looks tighter, more squared-off, and more like the off-road truck the 4Runner is supposed to be.

3. It's Already Damaged

If you've owned the truck more than a few months, there's a good chance the air dam is already cracked, scuffed, or dragging on one corner. Replacement parts aren't cheap. A lot of owners just remove it and move on.

How to Remove the 2025 4Runner Air Dam

This is one of the easiest mods you can do. No cutting, no modifications, fully reversible if you ever sell the truck.

Tools You'll Need

• 10mm socket and ratchet (or a small impact)
• Plastic trim panel removal tool (or a flat-head screwdriver)
• 15-20 minutes

Step-by-Step

1. Park on level ground and turn the wheels for access if needed.
2. Locate the row of bolts and plastic push-pin clips along the air dam — there are typically 8-12 fasteners depending on trim.
3. Remove the 10mm bolts. Set them aside in a bag (you'll want them if you ever reinstall).
4. Pop the plastic push pins by lifting the center pin first, then prying out the housing.
5. The air dam will drop free. Pull it down and out.
6. Done. Bag the air dam and stash it in the garage in case you ever sell the truck and the next owner wants it.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Better approach angle
• Cleaner front-end look
• No more scraping on driveways and curbs
• Fully reversible
• Free

Cons

• Tiny MPG hit on the highway (real-world: usually under 0.5 MPG)
• If you ever wreck the front bumper, the insurance estimate may include reattachment
• That's pretty much it

What to Pair With the Air Dam Delete

Once that lower bumper is exposed, the front-end of the 4Runner looks great — but it's also begging for some finishing touches. This is where StickerFab owners stack the wins.

Recommended Front-End Upgrades

• Toyota badge blackouts — kill the chrome on the grille emblem.
• Grille and headlight accent overlays — color or carbon to match your build.
• Tow hook overlays and trim accents — small details that catch eyes at the trailhead.
• Hood scoop blackouts — pulls the whole front-end together.
• Door sill protectors — because the rest of the truck deserves love too.

Every overlay is precision-cut from premium cast vinyl, designed for the 2025 4Runner specifically, and printed at our Florida shop.

Make Your 4Runner Trail-Ready

Removing the air dam is one of those zero-dollar mods that immediately makes your 4Runner look and behave more like the off-road truck Toyota wants you to think it is. Pair it with the right finishing touches and your sixth-gen 4Runner will stand out at every trailhead, cars-and-coffee, or grocery store parking lot you roll into.

Shop the full StickerFab 2025 Toyota 4Runner collection →

Made in the USA. Veteran-owned. Backed by 4,600+ five-star reviews from owners who actually use their trucks.

Brand new 2025 Toyota 4Runner sitting in the driveway and you're standing in the cold trying to figure out why the dang thing won't remote start? Welcome to the club. Toyota's key fob remote start is fantastic — once someone tells you how it works. Here's the exact sequence for the new sixth-gen 4Runner.

Yes, the 2025 4Runner Has Free Key Fob Remote Start

A lot of new 4Runner owners assume remote start requires a paid Toyota Connected Services subscription. Wrong. The app-based remote start does, but the key fob has a built-in remote-start sequence that works for free, anytime, no subscription needed. You just have to know the button combination — and Toyota didn't put a giant "REMOTE START" button on the fob to spell it out for you.

The 2025 4Runner Remote Start Sequence

It's the same sequence Toyota has used across most of its current lineup, which is convenient if you've owned a recent Tacoma, Tundra, RAV4, or Land Cruiser.

Step-by-Step

1. Press the LOCK button once.
2. Press the LOCK button again within a few seconds.
3. Press and HOLD the LOCK button for 3+ seconds.

Lock → Lock → Lock-and-hold. That's the whole trick. The 4Runner will fire up, parking lights will flash, and your climate settings from your last drive will pick right back up.

Runtime and Stopping It

• The engine runs for approximately 10 minutes before automatic shutdown.
• To extend it, just repeat the sequence.
• To stop it early, press LOCK once.
• Opening any door, pressing the brake without the fob present, or putting it in any gear other than Park will also kill it.

Conditions That Have to Be Met

Remote start has built-in safety checks. If any of these aren't right, the truck won't start:

• Vehicle is locked
• Hood is fully closed
• All doors are closed
• Vehicle is in Park
• Hazard lights are off
• You're within roughly 80 feet (less through walls)

Troubleshooting: Why Your 4Runner Won't Remote Start

• Hood not fully latched. The most common culprit on brand-new trucks. Lift it and slam it again.
• Fob battery getting weak. Range will drop off long before the fob fails to unlock the truck. Swap the CR2032.
• You forgot the first lock press. The truck has to actually be locked before the sequence will work.
• Distance. The signal is more line-of-sight than the radio in your car. Walk closer to a window.

Now Build Out the Rest of Your 4Runner

The 2025 4Runner is a clean-sheet redesign and Toyota nailed it. But like every new platform, the factory leaves you a lot of room to make it yours — and that's where StickerFab comes in. We've been building overlays for 4Runners since the 5th gen days, and we hit the new sixth-gen running with one of the most complete catalogs you'll find.

Most Popular 2025 4Runner Add-Ons

• Hood scoop blackouts — clean up that chrome accent without paint.
• Dash and console accent overlays — color, texture, or carbon-fiber style.
• Badge blackouts and emblem overlays — debrand or rebrand on your terms.
• Door sill protectors — protect the paint where boots and bags hit it daily.
• Gauge cluster and infotainment surround trim — interior pop without ripping anything apart.

Every piece is precision-cut, made from premium cast vinyl, designed in-house, and printed in our Florida shop. No drilling, no permanent mods, no warranty drama — just clean, removable upgrades that make your 4Runner unmistakably yours.

Welcome to the New 4Runner

You've got the remote start sorted. Now go make the truck look as good as it drives.

Shop the full StickerFab 2025 Toyota 4Runner collection →

Made in the USA. Veteran-owned. Backed by 4,600+ five-star reviews from owners who do this stuff right.

The 6th gen 4Runner is finally here, and Toyota nailed the styling. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims especially look like they walked out of a concept render. But if you've got a base SR5 — or you just want to push the styling further without going full mall crawler — there's a sweet spot of mods that look like Toyota meant to do them that way.

That's the magic of vinyl overlays. Done right, nobody can tell they're aftermarket. Done wrong, you've got peeling stickers in three months. Here's the list of 2025 4Runner mods that genuinely look factory — and the ones we ship every single day.

1. Fog Light Overlays

The new 4Runner's fog light bezels are sharper than the 5th gen, but they're still big chunks of plain plastic. A precision-cut overlay in gloss black, smoke, or color-match adds depth without screaming "I added something."

This is the single most-requested mod for the new platform.

2. Topographic Dash Overlay

The 2025 4Runner's passenger dash trim is a big, flat canvas. Our topographic dash overlay turns it into a subtle topo map — think Mt. Rainier, the Wasatch, the Sierra Nevada. From the driver's seat it just looks like an OEM textured trim. Lean in and you see the contour lines.

It's the detail mod. The "wait, that's vinyl?" mod.

3. Poverty Button Cover

If you got the base SR5, you've got those infamous blank switch plates next to the steering wheel. Our poverty button cover drops a clean vinyl panel over the blanks so it looks intentional instead of like Toyota forgot something.

Available in carbon, topo, and solid finishes.

4. Emblem Overlays — Grille and Tailgate

Want the blackout look without spraying OEM badges? Vinyl emblem overlays cut to fit the 4Runner grille badge and rear "4RUNNER" lettering. Peel-and-stick, removable, and they look painted from 5 feet away.

Three popular combos:

• Gloss black grille + matte black tailgate (sleeper look)
• Color-match grille + carbon tailgate (TRD vibe)
• Heritage red on both (homage to the OG 4Runner)

5. Steering Wheel Emblem Inlay

Smallest mod, biggest "huh, that's nice." A vinyl inlay behind the Toyota emblem on the steering wheel. Costs less than lunch.

6. Vent Ring Overlays

The 4Runner's center vents are surrounded by glossy black plastic. Vinyl overlays in carbon, brushed aluminum, or topo print break up the dark dash and pull the eye in. Subtle but effective.

7. Door Sill Inlays

Most aftermarket sill plates look bolt-on and cheap. Our vinyl door sill inlays sit flush, match the contour of the OEM step plate, and add either model lettering or a topo accent. Looks like an option box you forgot to check.

8. Tailgate Letter Inlays

The embossed "4RUNNER" badging on the tailgate is begging for a vinyl inlay. A pop of color behind those letters — matte black, TRD red, or paint-matched — and your back end looks like a special edition. Five-minute install.

9. Center Console Trim

The big slab of plastic between the front seats? Wrap-style vinyl overlays in carbon, topo, or wood-grain (yes, really, it works) make the cabin feel a tier higher than it is.

10. Headlight Accents

The 6th gen 4Runner headlights have those distinctive C-shaped DRLs. A subtle smoke or color-tinted vinyl accent around the housing edge sharpens the front-end character without touching the lights themselves.

What Makes "Looks Factory" Actually Work?

It's not the vinyl — it's the fit. Sloppy cuts, bad alignment, and visible edges are what make aftermarket overlays look bad. Here's what we obsess over:

• Precision die-cutting — every overlay is plotted to the exact 2025 4Runner trim dimensions
• Edge tolerances — we cut to slip just inside the panel bezel, so there's no visible "sticker line"
• Material grade — premium cast vinyl that conforms to curves and lasts 5+ years
• Made in the USA — cut, packed, and shipped from our shop in Florida

Why Start With Overlays?

Lifts, wheels, and tires are great. They're also $3,000+ commitments that affect ride, fuel economy, and resale. Overlays are reversible, affordable, and let you dial in your truck's look before you commit to bigger mods.

Most of our 4Runner customers buy 3–5 overlays at once, do them in an afternoon, and have a truck that looks like a $5,000 build for under $200 total.

Ready to Build Yours?

The full 2025 4Runner lineup — fog light overlays, topo dash, poverty button covers, emblem blackouts, and more — is live and shipping. Made-to-order, vet-owned, 4,600+ reviews behind us.

Shop 2025 4Runner Mods →