Just Arrived: 2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro on Everyman Driver

The big news for this year is a 40th Anniversary Special Edition model that features distinctive exterior stripes and badges, bronze wheels, and bronze interior accents on the shifter, seats, and floor mats. All 4Runners get a standard blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert. The TRD Pro gets a new exclusive color option, Solar Octane, and extends its previous exclusive, Lime Rush, to the TRD Sport and TRD Off-road trims. Army Green was discontinued along with last year's Trail Edition grade.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner is available in eight trim levels: SR5, TRD Sport, SR5 Premium, TRD Off Road, TRD Off Road Premium, 40th Anniversary Special Edition, Limited, and TRD Pro. The TRD Off Road and Pro models come with four-wheel drive. All other trim levels offer four-wheel drive but come standard with rear-wheel drive.

Regardless of trim, all 2023 Toyota 4Runners come with a 4.0-liter V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. Rated to deliver 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, the V6 is strong but not class-leading. Solid low-end torque makes it suitable for off-road adventures, and it has a satisfyingly gutsy feel around town. On the highway, however, the V6 runs out of steam quickly, so passing at higher speeds takes some patience and planning.

From behind the wheel, the 4Runner's truck roots are obvious. The ride is choppy and the steering is slow to respond. Hard braking results in noticeable nosedive. And during quick cornering, there's considerable body lean. One drive in a 4Runner reminds you why the car-based crossover SUV was invented. Then again, the 4Runner can tow up to 5,000 pounds and hardly notices when the road turns to rutted dirt. The rockiest trails are a nonissue for the TRD Pro model, thanks to its aggressive tires, retuned springs, and heavy-duty shocks. As SUVs go, only the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Ford Bronco can match the 4Runner for off-road performance.

With its truck roots and blocky styling, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner isn't the most fuel-efficient SUV. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, all versions of the 4Runner are estimated to deliver 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. The four-door Jeep Wrangler with a V6 is rated at 20/24 mpg city/highway.

As one of the few remaining truck-based SUVs, the Toyota 4Runner offers sturdy construction, strong off-road capabilities, and a solid tow rating. On the flip side, its ride isn't very refined and the fuel mileage is below average, so it's less comfortable and more expensive to own than many of its peers.

[soyolbolds]

Why the spare tire thread is different?

[benaggus]

I like everything except the LED headlights. They should have put levelers in them. I routinely get flashed because every bump in the road blinds oncoming drivers. Adding weight or towing makes the beam cutoff way too high.

[blu_is]

Indestructible! What I find hilarious, this truck is pure profit for Toyota. They did it right from jump and 1000 years later, folks are still buying it. God I love this thing... Thanks for posting!

[mtelfer]

Great video. The 4Runner is one of a handful of vehicles I’ve often thought about buying over the past 20+ years but then end up getting something else. One of these days I will own one. Looking forward to your next video about it.

[NaijaBoiTellEm]

I've had my 2016 4Runner Trail for just over 6 years and 172, 5xx miles on the ODO. The only major repair I've had to deal with thus far is a leaking water pump that I replaced at the 108K mile marker. Other than that, it's treated me well. Can't wait to get mine over 300K miles and hoping at that point that it still has plenty of life left in it.

[martyi]

There’s a 4 Runner TRD Pro identical to this one listed at a dealer 10 miles from me in SW Ohio, MSRP $56, 130

[randmGT]

The 5th gen will be the next fj. Get em while they’re still available

[lawrencelucas]

If it isn't broke, don't fix it. 👍👍👍👍👍

[thisorthat]

THANK YOU !!! Been seriously considering. The low hp/torque worrisome, but the reliability seduces.

[thadlm]

I wanted a 2022 or 2023 4Runner TRD Pro but couldn’t find one at MSRP…

[peko]

The media center quality is a real bummer. In my Highlander as well...just really behind the times still, I don't get it. I'd still buy one though.

[geocape]

Still a great vehicle. So many on the road.

[SilverDustCD]

Can you sleep in the back for dry camping? Not sure if the seats fold flush or the back is long enough.

[AkronKid]

Do you have the LED lighting package inside and out? I always thought that was a cool little upgrade.

[bjsimon]

people complain how old it is, it doesnt need to change if it is selling strong. Change it when sales slow down. Sometimes simple is better. Lancruiser Prado will come first then the new generation 4 runner

[joegrahe]

Have a 2015 LTD, 155k miles. Never would have imagined that the 2023 model would still be the same generation.

[TheTim]

That vent is on the hood, not the roof.

[jeremy_sr]

I cant believe these have never been sold as 5th generation toyota hilux surfs in AUS/NZ, they're only LHD right?

[Muttspank]

My handsome friend red compliments u soon miucchhh!!!!

[malonesizelove]

I’ve had 3 4Rs…wish I could afford the latest model. Interior looks very dated, though.