The Toyota 4Runner was first introduced back in 1984. We are currently seeing the 5th generation of the Toyota 4Runner which was first brought to the market in 2009. It is getting old, especially in comparison to some of its competitors.
Despite the current platform becoming more and more outdated, it has still sold over 100,000 units per year since 2016, with sales RISING. So, why is that? Why would people pay their hard-earned money to buy an outdated product? I think there’s probably a few reasons for it, but there’s a few that quickly come to mind.
First off, the 4Runner is so unique looking. There’s nothing else on the road that looks anything like this. It’s also one of the best stock off-roaders that you can buy. Sure, the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco can also capably off-road, but they’re not nearly as reliable as the 4Runner.
The 5th generation 4Runner has used the same 4.0L V6 engine since its inception in 2009. This engine is legendary. It has been affectionately referred to as “bulletproof” by many automotive experts. Sure, there are some trade-offs for this reliability, but I think they’re worth it.
While many people are excitedly expecting the 4Runner to undergo a total redesign, just like the brand-new Tacoma, we think the 5th generation is still a off-road SUV worth buying.
2023 Toyota 4Runner Trims
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner has a lot of trims that can fit a ton of different budgets, which makes it a reasonable option for many people who want a vehicle of this class.
In 2023, every 4Runner trim comes standard with the same 4.0L V6 engine which will provide 270hp and 278lb. ft. of torque which will return an EPA estimated 16mpg city and 19mpg highway.
Every trim now comes standard with full LED lighting in the front and rear, which was a welcomed change in recent years. Every trim also comes standard with an under-body mounted spare tire.
2023 Toyota 4Runner SR5
The 4Runner SR5 is the base model of the Toyota 4Runner. Starting MSRP is $40,155. It comes with 17in. 5-spoke silver finished alloy wheels, roof rails, heated power windows, front and rear mudguards, and rear-window defogger.
It comes standard with an 8in. touchscreen infotainment system and can be optioned with a “premium audio”, however, this isn’t the JBL system.
It can be optioned in either a 4×4 or 4×2 configurations which is perfect for people who don’t need 4WD.
You can only option this with either a black or tan cloth interior, the SofTex faux leather is reserved for higher trims.
You can option in third row seating, as well, if you need it for more people-hauling capability.
If you option on every single accessory package, it will add $2,735 to your final MSRP and this includes things like the third-row seating, premium audio, and running boards.
The SR5 has a curb weight of 4,400 pounds, can tow 5,000 pounds, and comes standard with an integrated towing receiver hitch and wiring harness with 4- and 7-pin connectors.
2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport
The 4Runner TRD Sport has a starting MSRP of $43,015. This trim level will come standard with 20-in. split 6-spoke alloy wheels with P245/60R20 tires, heated powered side mirrors, a color-keyed TRD hood scoop, heated front seats, SofTex®-trimmed* 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, TRD Sport carpet floor mats, TRD shift knob, auto-dimming rearview mirror, along with all the standard goodies that the SR5 had too.
The TRD Sport has package options that include things like automatic running boards, premium audio, sliding rear cargo deck, and the Technology package which includes a Panoramic View Monitor and HomeLink transceiver. If you option every single one of these items on, it will add $4,245 to the base MSRP which brings you out to $47,260.
The TRD Sport gets a slightly different front end than the SR5, with a color-matched bar that runs horizontally across the front bumper. I personally prefer the SR5 look over this one, but that’s simply preference.
The 4Runner TRD sport gets the X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension.
RWD is standard but part-time 4WD is an available option again.
Third row seating is NOT available on the TRD Sport trim.
2023 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium
The 4Runner SR5 Premium trim has a starting MSRP of $43,215. This will include standard options such as the same 17-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels with P265/70R17 tires as found on the regular SR5, SofTex®-trimmed,* heated front seats; 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support; 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, the same suspension setup as the regular SR5 trim.
You do have available powered moon roof, running boards, third row seating, sliding rear cargo deck, and a few other small things. Depending on how these things are optioned, these add-ons can cost up to a max of $2,660, which would bring your total MSRP $45,875.
RWD is yet again standard but part-time 4WD can be optioned on.
2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road
Starting MSRP for the TRD Off-Road trim is $44,000. The standard options of this trim include 17-in. 7-spoke alloy wheels with black accents and P265/70R17 tires, “TRD Off-Road” external hard badges, color-keyed TRD hood scoop, SofTex®-trimmed* 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, fabric-trimmed 40/20/40 split reclining and fold-flat second-row seats, TRD shift knob, TRD Off-Road floor mats, the Technology Package from previous trims, a locking rear differential, part-time 4WD, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), and Multi-Terrain Automatic Brake System.
This trim gets you A LOT of standard goodies. However, you can still option on a few things. One of which is quite important for more hardcore off-roading. Options include, the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), sliding rear cargo deck, running boards, and the premium audio with 8in touchscreen. If you option on every single option, it will add $3,485 to the base MSRP, bringing you up to $47,485.
Personally, I think this is the sweet spot in the 4Runner lineup, unless you really want a full SofTex interior, in which case the TRD Off-Road Premium is the best.
2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium
The 2023 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium trim has a starting MSRP of $46,580. It will come standard with the exact same features as the regular TRD Off-Road with a few added features. The main differences on the TRD Off-Road Premium are full SofTex interior with TRD branded headrests, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated front seats, and heated power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators.
Once again, we see the TRD Off-Road Premium have available packages to be added on. These packages will add things like sliding rear cargo deck, the KDSS suspension, running boards, and power moonroof. If you add every single option on, it will cost an additional $3,925 which will bring your total MSRP up to $50,505.
Part-time 4WD is now the only available option.
Third row seating is not an option.
2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition
The 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition has a starting MSRP of $47,720. It has a few unique aesthetic features that can only be found on this trim. These include the 17-in. bronze-finished alloy wheels with P265/70R17 tires, heritage “TOYOTA” front color-keyed grille, bronze “40th Anniversary” external hard badge, bronze external emblem overlays, the distinctive red/orange/yellow graphics along the side of the vehicle and front grill, 40th Anniversary Special Edition logo on driver and front passenger headrests, and black SofTex®-trimmed with bronze accent stitching.
It also comes standard with pretty much the same features as the TRD Off-Road Premium, except the power moonroof is standard on the 40th Anniversary Edition.
There are actually no packages available for this trim, however, you can add numerous a la carte items which fluctuate greatly in price.
Part-time 4WD is standard.
This is the only year that you will be able to buy this trim so if this is “the one”, you’re running out of time to buy one new.
Other standard features of the 40th Anniversary Edition include
2023 Toyota 4Runner Limited
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner Limited has a starting MSRP of $49,390. It shares the same front grill look as the TRD Sport, except the horizontal bar on the Limited is full chrome instead of paint matched. Standard features include side rocker panels, front and rear bumper panels, 20-in. split 6-spoke alloy wheels with P245/60R20 tires, heated power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, chrome “Limited” external hard badges, power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade, heated front seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, premium Audio with 15 JBL®* Speakers, and some added tech goodies. It also comes standard with perforated leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats with power-adjustable driver’s seat and front passenger seat. This is the ONLY trim that offers this seating option.
The 4Runner Limited does have some available packages and options. These include third row seats and automatic running boards. If you option both of these, it will cost $2,865 bringing your total MSRP up to $52,255.
You can get either RWD or Part-Time 4WD on this trim.
2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
The 2023 4Runner TRD Pro is the pinnacle of the 4Runner lineup. It has a starting MSRP of $54,620. It comes standard with auto on/off headlights, 17-in. matte-black flow-form TRD alloy wheels with P265/70R17 A/T tires, unique “TOYOTA” front grille, TRD roof-rack, heated power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, black “TRD PRO” external hard badges, power moonroof, color-keyed TRD hood scoop, dual zone automatic climate control with air filter and second-row vents, SofTex®-trimmed* 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, TRD red lettering on driver and front passenger headrests, TRD Pro all-weather floor liners, TRD shift knob and heated front seats.
The TRD Pro is the most capable stock 4Runner. It also comes standard with Crawl Control, Multi Terrain Select, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), Multi-Terrain Automatic Brake System, and a locking rear differential.
As far as packages go, you can only option on a sliding rear cargo deck and running boards. If you add both, it will cost $695 and bring your MSRP up to $55,315.
This is the only trim where you can get the special TRD paint option which is “Solar Octane” for this year. Solar Octane is a gorgeous pearlescent orange/red.
Aftermarket Upgrades for Toyota 4Runner
New Rims and Tires for your 4Runner
New rims and tires are a super common upgrade, especially on 4Runners. However, the process can be daunting if you’ve never done it before. We’ve written a complete guide to buying new rims and tires which you can read by clicking here.
I recommend using Tire Rack to buy new rims and tires. They guarantee proper fitment for your vehicle by using a program where you can enter the year, model, make, and trim of your vehicle. I recommend doing the “Wheel and Tire Package” because it will let you pick rims that you like and are guaranteed to fit and then take you to the next page where they show you tires that are guaranteed to fit the rims you just chose. They offer a 30-day return policy on unused items and fast free shipping on every order over $50.
Aftermarket 4Runner Lights
The headlights and taillights of the 4Runner are usually one of the first aftermarket upgrades I see. They can be a bit expensive, however, they really make the 4Runner look more upscale and modern. My favorite brand for aftermarket lights is called AlphaRex. They offer the most design options and frequently offer tinted and non-tinted options.
Other Aftermarket Parts
If you’re satisfied with the lighting or don’t want to spend the extra money on lighting right now, we wrote an article about some of the best Toyota accessories you can buy. If you’d like to read that article, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which 4Runner is best for everyday driving?
The 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium, 40th Anniversary Edition, or the TRD Pro are going to be the best trims for daily driving. They all have SofTex seating surfaces for extra comfort, easier cleanup, and longevity. All three trims also have 17in. wheels which will give you more tire sidewall which translates into extra comfort on the road.
Is the Toyota 4Runner the most reliable SUV?
The Toyota 4Runner is the most reliable modern SUV along with the Lexus GX. Both are very similar vehicles made with large displacement naturally aspirated engines. Both are notorious for lasting numerous hundreds of thousands of miles.
Will a Toyota 4Runner last 300,00 miles?
Toyota 4Runners are notorious for lasting hundreds of thousands of miles. There have been a few documented occurrences of them achieving over 1,000,000 miles.
How many MPG will a Toyota 4Runner get?
In 2023, every 4Runner trim comes standard with the same 4.0L V6 engine which will provide 270hp and 278lb. ft. of torque which will return an EPA estimated 16mpg city and 19mpg highway.
What SUV is equal to a Toyota 4Runner?
The Lexus GX is the most closely related SUV to the 4Runner. Both vehicles have large displacement naturally aspirated engines, excellent stock 4WD systems, and incredible reliability.
What is the closest competitor to the Toyota 4Runner?
The closest competitors to the Toyota 4Runner are the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, and Lexus GX. However, the 4Runner has much more road control than the Wrangler and Bronco.
