Top 7 Interior Mods To Improve The Cabin Experience In The 5th Gen 4Runner

Looking for a better Cabin Experience? These 7 Interior Mods will Improve Your Daily Driver… and how you Explore The Trails

Let’s not beat around the bush – the 5th gen 4Runner’s interior is outdated. With the exception of minor dashboard and head unit updates on the 2014+ and then again on the 2019+ models, it’s remained largely unchanged since its debut in 2010.

There’s a silver lining to our stagnant interior, though. In all the years that Toyota has neglected to make any significant changes, the aftermarket industry has produced a plethora of available modifications. We’ll take a look at the top 7 5th gen 4Runner interior mods to improve your cabin experience whether that be as a daily driver, or out on the trails.

If It’s Not Broke, Why Fix It?

Sure, the cabin and all of its factory components are solid as is. However, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for improvement. If you have any model year between 2010 and 2020, there are plenty of creature comforts that you’re missing out on! Even for the most recent model years, there are still worthy upgrades that once you have them, you won’t be able to go back.

Whether you value improving the feel behind the wheel, audio experience, or even safety, there’s an interior modification to suit your needs.

Interior modifications will also vary widely in cost and installation complexity, so taking into consideration your time and budget will certainly play a role in the decision process. We’ll do our best to categorize installation complexity as either easy or moderate. None of the modifications below are difficult or should require professional installation.

1. OEM Audio+ Speaker Upgrade

This speaker upgrade kit from OEM Audio+ offers a significant improvement in terms of audio quality over the 4Runner’s factory speakers. They are plug-and-play and are extremely easy to install.

The OEM Audio+ system is the perfect one-stop shop for your sound system upgrade in the 5th Gen 4Runner. There is no piecing together components and questioning their compatibility, it just works – and extremely well at that.

What makes this system unique is its modular configuration. OEM Audio’s entire system comprises 8 speakers, a DSP amplifier, and a subwoofer. If your budget doesn’t allow for everything at once and you don’t want to add the amplifier or subwoofer right away, you can start with just the speakers (pictured here). The other components can be easily added later on if you so choose.

The fidelity out of these speakers is insane. No more will your high, mids, and lows be muddled together. While these speakers may not be for the extreme bass heads, they offer incredibly well-balanced sound across all music genres.

These are quality speakers with a top-tier sound that is tuned specifically for the 4Runner. Do your ears a favor and treat them to your music the way it should sound!

Note: OEM Audio+ offers different kits depending on whether you have the factory JBL sound system. We have included links to each type of system.

Find It Online

• OEM Audio+ Speakers Only Upgrade: Check Price
• OEM Audio+ Full System (Amp, Sub, Etc.): Check Price 
• OEM Audio+ System (JBL Compatible): Check Price

Benefits

• Vastly improved audio over the factory speakers, perhaps even the premium JBL system
• Easy installation
• Flexibility to add upgraded components over time

Installation Complexity: Easy

2. T10 Upgraded Head Unit

The T10 head unit upgrade is very popular for its factory appearance with all of the modern features that you could ask for. The latest version boasts the most popular modern features such as wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay as well as a 360-degree camera support. It also features an optional 4G module to operate independently from your cell phone.

If you want to feel like a Telsa owner, you can also watch YouTube and browse Amazon in split-screen mode.

We have an excellent T10 head unit installation guide for the 5th gen 4Runner, so be sure to check it out!

Find It Online

• T10 V1 head unit from Cartrimhome Check Price
• T10 V3 head unit from Cartrimhome Check Price

Benefits

• Won’t break the bank
• Larger display
• 360-degree Camera
• Wireless Android Auto / Apple CarPlay

Installation Complexity: Moderate

3. Pedal Commander

There are several plug-and-play throttle response controllers currently on the market. These are great options for anyone who doesn’t want to commit to a true ECU tune that needs to be done by a professional. Pedal Commander allows you to choose from several drive modes ranging from Eco to Sport+ and is sworn by many to make a real difference in throttle response.

It does not void any warranty and if you ever to return your 4Runner to factory settings, simply unplug the module.

Find It Online

• Pedal Commander: Check Price
• Sprint Booster: Check Price

Benefits

• Customized throttle response modes
• Improved MPG with eco modes
• Won’t void warranties & easily reversible

Installation Complexity: Easy

4. ScanGauge Tool

The 4Runner provides us with MPG metrics even with its limited technology. However, those MPG metrics quickly become inaccurate once you upgrade to larger tires. With fewer revolutions per minute than what the factory speedometer is calibrated for, your actual MPG numbers and speed become a guessing game. The larger your tires are over the factory size, the more inaccurate those numbers become.

ScanGauge fixes inaccurate metrics with real-time monitoring straight from your 4Runner’s OBD2 port. It provides accurate fuel consumption, traveling speed, and other important metrics for novices and car enthusiasts alike.

Find It Online

• ScanGauge SGII ($160): Check Price

Benefits

• Real-time, accurate metrics – even with larger tires
• Know how fast you’re actually going
• See how all of those modifications really impacted your fuel economy

Installation Complexity: Easy

5. Carbon Fiber Steering Wheel

If your aging steering wheel is starting to show wear or you want to give your 4Runner’s interior a sportier look, take a look at the carbon fiber steering wheel from CTH or Vivid Racing. This upgraded steering wheel is constructed of faux carbon fiber, perforated leather, and TRD red stretching. Plus, it has a centered red racing stripe – who doesn’t want to feel like a rally racer?

Find It Online

• Carbon Fiber Wheel (Pictured Here): Check Price

Benefits

• Superior construction over the factory steering wheel
• Looks awesome
• Red racing stripe to make those trips to the mall exciting

Installation Complexity: Moderate

6. Dongar Technologies Dashcam Bundle

Dash cams are typically unsightly obstructions on your windshield and require a power cable that’s difficult to hide. Dongar Technologies has created a USB adapter for dashcams that draws power from your overhead console which is a game-changer. When paired with the Garmin Dashcam Mini 2, this is arguably the cleanest setup on the market right now. From the driver’s seat, you can’t even tell that a dashcam is there!

The Dongar Technologies adapter features universal compatibility, as the dongle itself is just a USB harness. You can use it with any dashcam that is powered via USB, though, they recommend Garmin for its compact size.

Find It Online:

• Dongar Technologies Adapter: Check price
• Garmin Camera: Check Price

Benefits

• Universal compatibility
• Clean installation
• Discrete and unobtrusive

Installation Complexity: Moderate

7. Expedition Essentials Dash Mount Accessory Panel

Do you run a ton of accessories while you drive? If you want a central location to mount your phone, satellite devices, or even a tablet, you’ll want a dash-mounted accessory panel.

The Expedition Essentials dash mount system features 7 RAM mounts for all of your accessories and avoids the need to have a bunch of suction cup mounts on your windshield. Keep everything clean and organized with a dual USB port for power to minimize cable clutter as well.

Note: This modification does require drilling a couple of small mounting screws into your dash.

Find It Online

• Expedition Essentials Dash Mount System ($162): Check Price

Benefits

• Organization for all of your devices
• Extra USB ports for powering devices
• Durable 5052 aluminum construction

Installation Complexity: Easy

Final Thoughts

I understand that not every one of these modifications will be at the top of everyone’s list. What this list does show, however, is that there’s something available to improve nearly every aspect of the cabin from its factory state.

If I had to pick one item in this list, it would definitely be the OEM Audio+ speaker upgrade. Music (along with company) is what makes driving enjoyable. Plus, your audio system is likely the most used component in the cabin, aside from the steering wheel, so upgrading it presents the best value in my opinion. The better my music sounds, the better mood I’m in behind the wheel, it’s a win-win!

Which of these modifications would improve your cabin experience? Would you focus on something that improves your daily driving experience, or specifically on the trail? If you feel that we missed one, definitely let us know!