2023 Toyota 4Runner Review
2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
Base Price: $54,620
4.0 Liter V6
270 HP / 278 TQ
MPG as observed: 16.8
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This current generation Toyota 4Runner has been with us since 2009. To put that into perspective, the following was taking place during that year:
“-World was still dealing with the effects of the Economic Collapse in 2008
-H1N1 (remember that that cute little thing??)
-Chrysler Folds”
Sure there have been updates here and there but the basic ‘bones’ of the 4Runner has remained steadfast. One would expect, with such an outdated chassis, the 4Runner’s sales would be in the single digits. Welp, you would be wrong. For literal decades, the 4Runner reaches over 100,000 units sold nearly every year!
Even with economic catastrophes, wars, $10.00 a gallon gas, pandemics…the 4Runner has never lost it’s loyal following and in turn the sales numbers are as reliable as the truck itself.
What makes this current generation so special? It’s simple…the truck…not the explanation. Okay the explanation is simple too
Modern day vehicles are drowning behind acres of silicon and automation in lieu of ‘old school’ engineering. The 2023 4Runner is that ‘old school’ engineering personified with purpose built toughness, durability and ease of use baked into its original design. From the tried and true 4.0 (!) Liter V6 to it’s 5 speed gearbox, down to it’s live rear axle. Those specs should be from the 1990s but even now in this day and age of EVerything, that solid recipe still works and works well! In other words:
“If it ain’t broke...dont’ fix it”
The 4Runner shows that pure, precise and fundamental mechanical engineering can stand the test of time.
Yes, the 2023 4Runner isn’t perfect, heck it’s far from perfect. A smart person would just walk straight to the Highlander parked right next to it on the lot…it gets better….err…everything. From gas mileage, to passenger room, to cargo space down to even acceleration and it’s about $5000 cheaper across the board!
So why would anyone in their right mind get the 4Runner instead? It’s emotion. It’s an emotional decision…a decision lead by the heart and not by the mind.
The Highlander is a fine crossover but it’s something engineered to be a reliable appliance for people who just want a reliable appliance to drive. That’s fine. You do you boo.
The 4Runner, on the other hand, is there for people who want the opposite. The 4Runner’s owner want and love the idiosycranices of the 4Runner. Yes, it undulates and bounces through the corners, yes it’s underpowered with an ancient gearbox and yes you can fit more stuff and people in the Highlander….BUT those so-called ‘faults’ aren’t really faults.
You’ll end up loving the old school naturally aspirated power plant with its immediate throttle response and frankly amazing cam change over at 4K RPM that screams! The 5 speed gearbox maybe ancient but the darn thing works! It’s still smooth and with proper prodding can deliver shifts when you need it and how you need it. The floaty body, gives a ride that is comfortable and never harsh.
So the 4Runner’s fallacies are actually its hallmarks! It is what makes the 4Runner feel soulful instead of sterile.
The current generation 4Runner is so good in fact, that if I had to buy a SUV/Crossover of my own…the 4Runner would be my choice.
Yousef Alvi
