2023 Toyota 4Runner review // 40th anniversary edition!

#Toyota4Runner
#4Runner
#CoupleCarReview
This is a Motormouth couple car review of the 40th anniversary edition of the Toyota 4Runner SUV. This 2023 Toyota 4Runner is still a body-on-frame icon. Celebrating 40 years with the Toyota 4Runner, what a legend!

For decades, the 4Runner has earned the reputation of being an off-road icon, this vehicle is popular, people who own one, love it and this SUV offers great resale value. Even though it has an older powertrain and interior, it’s very reliable and comfortable.

Toyota has brought out the 40th Anniversary model to celebrate and it looks really cool. This heritage inspired edition comes in a variety of colours, our test model in Barcelona red has tri-colour striped graphics, 17” bronze wheels, 40th Anniversary badging to the exterior and interior, bronze accents and a Toyota heritage front grille with Toyota spelled out across the front in bronze. It’s priced at $58,265 CAD/$47,120 USD.

The 4Runner has a 4L V6 with a 5-speed automatic transmission, 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. Part-time 4WD and full-time 4WD are available. In the US, there is also a rear-wheel-drive option.

The 4Runner offers plenty of standard features with a starting price of $54,935 CAD/$39,555 USD. They include a 4.2” gauge cluster, an 8” touchscreen, wired Apple Carplay and Android Auto, an 8-speaker audio system, power and heated front seats,
SofTex upholstery, a heated steering wheel, moonroof and Toyota Safety Sense.

In the US, you don’t get as many standard features, the base trim is missing the moonroof, heated steering wheel, heated front seats and power front seats.

There are many different packages to choose from including, TRD Offroad, TRD Sport, TRD Pro, Limited which is a 7-passenger 4Runner and the 40th anniversary special addition. Available features depending on the trim you choose include, full time 4WD, fox shock absorbers, crawl control and multi terrain select, a multi-terrain view monitor, a kinetic dynamic suspension system, 20” wheels, a panoramic view monitor, ventilated front seats, driver seat memory, different badging, leather seats and a 15 speaker JBL audio system.

The 4Runner loves gas, it gets 14.9L/100 km, 16 MPG city and 12.6L/100 km, 19 MPG highway. It can tow 5,000 pounds and offers a ground clearance of up to 9.6”.

[brianpetersen]

I've owned my $28K, 2008 4Runner for almost 15 years, and it is still my favorite vehicle It looks and drives like new with normal dealer servicing. Nothing has ever broken or been a problem. I always get 20 mpg in the city. Iowa winters are no problem. It was built in the Lexus factory in Japan.

[uniquestion]

This is an epitome example of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." 4Runner is hard to kill...

[arrgant]

I'm in the same boat. JUST bought a brand new Lexus GX 460 Luxury a few months back! LOVE IT!

[PapaDougsAdventures]

I change cars every 3 to 4 years. This car I will keep for the rest of my life. It’s a 2021 4Runner TRD PRO. It has an available Super Charger but at $6k plus install to go from 278 hp to 350 I’m not going to do it. Gas Mileage sucks but I have a hybrid car I drive most of the time.

[elsaandnoah]

I’ve always loved & wanted a 4Runner. I always look at them when I see one on the road 😍🤩 even from when I was really young.

[jeffpoirier]

I have had my white 2020 SR5 4Runner since May 2020. I love it and want to keep it at least 10 years. My father is picking up his white 2023 TRD Pro 4Runner next week. He has owned 2 other 4Runners (2011 and 2006)

[luvslogistics]

I bought the black 40th and love it. The stripes pop up. The transmission and engine are bulletproof

[zalllon]

I’ve never been a truck guy, and bought my first 4Runner 6 months ago, a 2022 TRD Off Road. Have met lots of folks with 300K kms and more. Low to no issues on transmission or engine. Total cost of ownership is low once you get past 5 yrs of owning one, even with not so great L/100kms. I’m getting 15.5L/100kms, and only has 5, 100 kms on it (some mods: A/T tires; ditch lights; 2” Eibach lift). Neighbour has a 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, turbo 4cyl, great on gas but he has been without it twice now for at least a week due to warranty repairs.

[eleanormassaro]

Zack cracked me up with the doggie impersonation!😂😂. I love the old-school retro look of the 4Runner!

[yengvang]

I've owned one 2020 trd pro for 4 years and each time I walk to the store and still turned back and looks each time plus peoples keep look at my 4runner on the road.

[kencoleman]

Great review, guys! Simple to operate and maintain, built in Japan, and rock-solid reliability make this a great choice for a lot of folks.

[kristinc]

I bought the White 40th Anniversary Edition with 16k miles 2 days ago and I’m in love with it. No one else in my city has one quite like mine. It definitely stands out from the others.

[boricua]

Love your reviews. A friend of mine who passed had a 4 cylinders stick shift model. She was in love with it.

[andregonsalvez]

Great Job Andrea and Zack ! I would trade in my pickup truck for a 4runner any day due to it's reliability. I hope to get one probably a used sometime next year .

[svens]

Super car Toyota builds really mega cars.
Greetings from Germany

[nlken]

4Runner Still my favorite vehicle. Love it in Red.

[RedLPS]

I adore these 4Runners. The TRD Pro model is amazing too.

[vancity]

Its an awesome truck, of course super reliable, and almost indestructible

[carynmcentee]

I loved all of my 4Runners. Personally, I hope the new 4Runner is redesigned as a "baby" Sequoia. I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

[ToyotaTruckBuilds]

Great review! You two understand exactly why people love these and buy them!