2023 Toyota 4Runner

　　

2023 Toyota 4Runner Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　The Toyota 4Runner is a rugged, old-school body-on-frame midsize SUV that's found success in a world filled with stylish car-based SUVs filled to the brim with tech. It's not fuel-efficient, comfortable or high-tech, but it's loved for its tough looks, off-road heritage and versatility. Like many truck-based SUVs, the 4Runner is very capable off-road, has plenty of towing capacity and offers loads of cargo space. Some rivals try to mimic the 4Runner's rugged look with body cladding and all-terrain tires, but few are truly built for off-roading.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$220/mo  for 4Runner SR5

　　4Runner SR5

　　SR5 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $40,155 MSRPSR5 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $42,030 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $43,015 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $44,890 MSRPSR5 Premium 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $43,215 MSRPSR5 Premium 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $45,090 MSRPTRD OFF-ROAD 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $44,000 MSRPTRD OFF-ROAD Premium 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) (Most Popular) - $46,580 MSRP40th Anniversary Special Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $47,720 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $49,390 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $51,425 MSRPTRD PRO 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $54,620 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　The 2023 model year marks the 40th birthday for the 4Runner. To celebrate, Toyota introduces the 40th Anniversary Special Edition based on the popular (and budget-friendly) SR5 model. Featuring unique bronze wheels and badging, this 4Runner wows with a heritage-inspired graphics package. The red, orange and yellow racing stripes pay homage to the old Toyota pickups that the original 4Runner was based on.

　　If you aren't into the 4Runner's classic looks or don't need its impressive off-road capability, there are a few alternatives to consider that perform better in city driving and offer more modernity. The newly redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Bronco boast solid off-road chops while offering lots of comfort and tech. There is also the Honda Passport, which has sufficient off-road capability for most and packs many modern features. If you'd like to know more about how the 4Runner performed during testing, check out our Expert Rating below to get our test team's full review of its performance, fuel efficiency and more.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the 4Runner drive? The 4Runner's performance is adequate. It's not terribly fast, but the engine and transmission are smooth. It can hold its own in traffic. The brakes are a bit jumpy, and there's some nosedive when you really mash the brake pedal, but you'll get used to it. Around corners, the 4Runner turns in quickly and provides a pleasing amount of stability for a truck-based SUV. Even so, car-like crossover SUVs are more nimble.

　　The 4Runner becomes a superstar if you're the sort who would take it off-road for exploring or adventure camping. Its multimode 4WD system, high ground clearance and special TRD features make it capable of taking on rocky trails. If that's important to you, then the 4Runner's otherwise mediocre performance will be more or less insignificant.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the 4Runner? You wouldn't be far off the mark if you sized up the 4Runner's comfort potential just by looking at it. You actually can judge this book by its cover. Its truck-based construction results in a somewhat bouncy and stiff ride. It's not terrible, but just about any other crossover SUV rides more smoothly.

　　The same goes for wind noise as the 4Runner's boxy shape stirs up more than the generally sleeker and more low-slung competition. Interestingly, road noise from the tires is relatively tame because the body-on-frame construction provides an extra layer of sound suppression between road and cabin.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below