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Overview
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner isn’t like most of the other mid-size crossovers and SUVs that line the streets and fill suburban driveways. That’s because the 4Runner is more old-school truck than new-age car: it has a pickup-truck frame and boasts legitimate off-road chops. In its most capable forms, it has extra underbody armor, an electronic locking rear axle, upgraded suspension components, and knobby tires. Along with rear- or four-wheel drive, every model has a 270-hp V-6 and an automatic transmission. Unfortunately, that powertrain is a relic compared to those powering body-on-frame rivals such as the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler. The Toyota’s 4.0-liter engine might be reliable, but it also reliably consumes fuel at an alarming rate. The truck’s interior has plenty of passenger and cargo space, but its cabin materials are drab. On regular roads, this truck-based SUV drives like, well, a truck: its handling feels loose, and its ride is uncouth. The 4Runner can go places many of its classmates can’t, but outside of those limited-use cases it’s undeniably antiquated.

What's New for 2023?
The 2023 model years marks the 40th anniversary of the 4Runner nameplate. To celebrate, Toyota introduces a special edition based on the entry-level SR5 model that’s limited to a production run of 4040 examples. The ’23 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition comes in red, white, or black paint with tri-colored graphics on the body sides and grille. A set of bronze 17-inch wheels is also part of the package. Inside, the bronze color is repeated in the stitching on the leatherette seats and shift knob. There are also callouts to the 4Runner’s 40th birthday on the floormats, front headrests, and a couple interior badges. Also new for 2023 is standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on every model.

Pricing and Which One to Buy
SR5 $39,000 (est)
SR5 $39,640
Trail Special Edition $41,000 (est)
SR5 Premium $42,450
TRD Sport $42,500
TRD Sport $43,000 (est)
TRD Off-Road $43,000 (est)
TRD Off Road $43,485
TRD Off Road Premium $46,565
40th Anniversary Special Edition $46,955
Limited $48,000 (est)
Limited $48,375
TRD Pro $54,605
TRD Pro $55,000 (est)

We recommend the TRD Off-Road model. It's not as capable off-road as the lifted TRD Pro, but its significantly lower price tag makes it a better value. Along with standard four-wheel drive and some TRD-specific exterior and interior bits, the TRD Off-Road gets equipment that helps justify its name. This includes an electronically locking rear differential for maximum traction in slippery or muddy conditions. It also has selectable drive modes (called Multi Terrain Select and Crawl Control) that can alter the SUV's powertrain behavior to accommodate various driving scenarios. We'd select the optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension, which allows improved wheel articulation during off-road action. We'd also opt for the sliding rear cargo deck, which makes moving heavy cargo easier and even provides tailgate seating.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Every 4Runner is motivated by a 270-hp 4.0-liter V-6 paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Available with rear-wheel drive and either full- or part-time four-wheel-drive systems, the outdated powertrain provides unremarkable acceleration, with the last version we tested taking 7.7 seconds to hit 60 mph. The automatic's lethargic responses certainly don't optimize the engine's uneven behavior, and downshifts often require heavy right-foot inputs to spur the 4Runner ahead. Still, the Toyota manages to feel more composed on pavement than the more unwieldy Wrangler. Our time behind the wheel of the off-road-oriented model showed off the SUV's notable ground clearance, and its body-on-frame construction was supported by a soft suspension that absorbed a variety of terrain reasonably well. The 4Runner's steering is lightly weighted and imprecise, and while those traits betray any sense of sportiness, they're fine for crawling along trails and around parking lots. Aged though the Toyota feels in action, its performance is right in the mix with its more modern competitors, including the V-6 Dodge Durango. And the Toyota's rugged frame and torque-rich engine give it a leg up in towing; its 5000-pound capacity beats the Ford Edge and Wrangler, while falling short of the more powerful Durango's 8700-pound limit.

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