2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD PRO Review and Off-Road Test

What's new with the Toyota 4Runner for 2023? We take a look at the latest version and then test it on our off-road course.

CONTENTS
00:00 - Introduction
00:42 - Features
10:46 - Driving Impressions
16:50 - Off-Road Tests

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[matthewmcpherson]

Every 4Runner review video:
Dated, antiquated tech, missing features that are standard on every other car, terrible gas mileage, unchanged looks

Also every 4Runner review video:
Reliable af, capable af even stock, classic and timeless styling.

Always the same thing but I love watching these review videos because it reminds me I made the right choice hahah

[HiPlains]

People buy this because of the MPI 4 liter and the 5 speed auto. Bullet proof and still made in Japan. When you look at the Mexican made tacos and some of the issues they have had over the years this model is none of that. This is the most reliable toy one can buy. People don't care how old it might be. Its legendary at this point and I'm sure Toyota is a bit uneasy about replacing it. And IMO, as long as sales are what they are they should never replace it.

[johnwebb]

Really good video, as an owner of a 2016 trail with KDSS I've never been so happy with a vehicle than the 4runner, you hit the nail on the head when you called it a Swiss army knife, she will do almost anything you ask of it and without giving you trouble, I've overland with it and it's my daily driver, couldn't imagine having anything else. Keep up the good work.

[Termanator]

I would love to see a review of a 4runner that is equipped with KDSS. I feel like that feature is greatly underrepresented

[g.fortin]

Love it.. I really hope they stay true to the utilitarian design with the new version whenever t arrives. And I personally think the old school headliner material looks more quality than the stuff they use in the Rav4. The MTS rocks and the crawl control rocks too !

[timanderson]

As you know, Ryan, I have been watching these videos for a few years and I am amazed that they keep getting better and better. I think one of the best parts of this video is when you (almost) buried the Toyota in the self-made course. I especially liked when you said: "Ooof, ooof... I love this course!" I also appreciate how you utilize situations in which the everyday (normal) person who may want an adventure know what to look out for. Another part of these videos I like is that you espouse the good and the bad. You are not selling the car, but enabling the public to understand that thos (or that) car may not be for them. Excellent. Have you ever thought about doing a Top 10 of the vehicles and how they perform on your courses?

[John-czit]

Finally a reviewer with a course worth looking at. TFL should use your course

[Sal_car]

I know you have a Toyota jacket 😂 Great review, as always. The 4runner is a complete legend. I'll never get tired of 4runner content.

[calvinkang]

I don't do off-road at all but I haul lots of weight consistently with my vehicle, so I need biggest possible cargo space plus real world payload capability. After broke 3 suspensions of my Sienna (which has 1300lbs payload) I switched to 4runner(880lb payload on paper), what a difference between unibody and real body on frame, numbers don't matter AT ALL. Now I am on my third Runner.

[thedolt]

A turbo will be detrimental to Toyotas engine longevity… I wouldn’t have one

[jaydickey]

My 85 runner, manual tranny and a solid front axle. Didn't need any high tech stuff. Put that thing in low range and it would crawl up and down and over everything. Vastly superior vehicle, an army tank . Reliable as the sunrise and not unbearably uncomfortable on the highway, wish I still had that sweet thing.

[MrChadx]

@Driving Sports TV Ryan, Great video. Thanks. You didn't mention one great update for 2023 TRD Pro, Limited and TRD Offroad Premium; a heated steering wheel. Great new feature that has been lacking in previous model years.
I'll mention that a more reliable and proper method for shifting into 4Lo is to first be in 4hi (rolling to a stop is a good time). Then once stopped, shift to neutral and shift transfer case to 4Lo. You didn't have issues shifting from 2hi to 4hi to 4lo in this video, but I see video reviews and forums complain about it being "finicky" to shift into 4lo, but they are doing it wrong. If one is already in 4hi when coming to a stop, it shifts into 4lo quickly and reliably every time, so mentioning that for your viewers.

Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) is one option, but it's faster and easier to push the A-TRAC button to activate the "active traction control system". And I realize you were testing the A-TRAC and MTS features to see how they do, but will mention that in the real world, drivers would be best served to also engage the rear locker and then you are not needlessly wearing brake pads with A-TRAC clamping down on a spinning wheel.

Great course and looking forward to the further build out.

[tuoitreomaha]

Every parts of this rig is solid and has been refined years after years. The more you know about this car the more you understand why it can last for so long.

[slandshark]

If these had more 3rd row and trunk space we'd have one today. This was the only vehicle my Wife and I seriously considered when shopping for a new vehicle. We ended up with a 2023 Subaru Ascent instead. For a family of 6 though it just didn't have the seat/cargo space for us...which is unfortunate. 4Runners are awesome.

[paultruesdale]

The 4Runner is the go do just about any trip or adventure anyone could dream up vehicle. For me personally, it's the perfect Tonka toy for adults. The only other competition is the Wrangler Rubicon and Cherokee Trailhawk..
Superb video.

[LSXNation]

I agree with the Tacoma vs 4Runner comment. I have both in 21 model years and both are off roads with the 4runner being a premium. Every time I drive the 4Runner after the Tacoma I noticed how much smoother the transmission shifts and how much better I like the lower end torque of the 4.0 over the 3.5.
It's much more comfortable and the interior is better quality. Plus interestingly enough the 4runner comes with A-trac while the Tacoma doesn't.

[DCPEvo]

I love the fact they haven’t changed it for 13 years. Reminds me of the 70 series that’s been around since mid 80’s. Can still buy it new in some parts of the world.

[dartagnan]

Honest, funny, informative you nailed it

[charlieknight]

Showing LOVE for the channel thank you for another great video once again man seriously my wife and I are both getting new vehicles we've work hard for this moment in our lives and in sold for the new trd pro 4runner it's just everything I personally need in a vehicle and yes Toyota has figured it out point blank and my wife is wanting the new Ford Ranger Tremor. Thank You for your channel and seriously thank you. Have a blessed day everyone honestly your help too

[nickknee]

I've talk to a few people I know that recently got 4Runners even though this generation is on it's way out. Most of them came from Jeeps and they said a Jeep cost so much to keep on the road, they just couldn't keep paying for wheel bearings and suspension components every 30k miles.