If you wonder why Toyota isn’t redesigning the 4Runner, here is the answer – last year, the Japanese manufacturer sold nearly 145.000 units of its body-on-frame mid-size SUV, which is the best result in the model’s history. Simply, it remained one of a kind, so buyers don’t have much choice. More precisely, buyers like the 4Runner’s old-school design and that’s why we are pretty sure that the 2023 Toyota 4Runner will carry on in the same way. Toyota won’t rush with changes, which means that the current generation should remain in production for some more time.
So, count on a familiar layout, with familiar design and characteristics. The 2023 Toyota 4Runner is about to offer super strong off-road capability, along with other typical 4Runner qualities, such as a spacious cabin, good cargo volume and a decent list of standard equipment. Things like poor fuel economy and stiff on-road ride will remain one of its main drawbacks.
2023 Toyota 4Runner Design
We don’t expect that the 2023 Toyota 4Runner is about to bring any particular change. It will continue with the same design, which was presented way back in 2010. Meanwhile, we saw a couple of updates, but those are mostly in terms of aesthetics. As a result, the current model still looks pretty attractive, in a rugged way.
What’s more important is the mechanics. This is where the 4Runner really shines, especially if off-roading is on your priority list. Every model features 9.6 inches of ground clearance and a two-speed transfer case. Furthermore, skid plates are also part of the standard equipment. Also, there is the TRD Pro version, which adds a lot of additional off-road hardware, starting from a locking rear differential, crawl control and additional skid plates. Also, you can opt for the Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System, which automatically disconnects the sway bar in order to provide more suspension travel.
Interior
On the inside, you will find a typical decade-old Toyota design. The dashboard looks a little bit outdated, while materials and build quality aren’t impressive by today’s standard either. Still, we like the ergonomics and the fact that there is a more than decent amount of modern tech features, including a pretty intuitive infotainment system.
On the other hand, the amount of passenger space is pretty generous, at least in the first two rows. The front seats offer good support and a decent level of comfort, while the driving position is pretty good as well. The second row is also pretty spacious and comfortable, while the optional third row is tight and works best for kids.
The two-row model offers 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 89.7 cubic feet of the total cargo volume, which is great for the class. The three-row model is good for about 9 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 88.8 of the total cargo volume.
Features
The next year’s model could come with a couple of new standard features but we have no doubt that most of the things are about to remain the same. Therefore, base models should come standard with goodies like a push-button start, an 8-inch touch screen, an eight-speaker stereo, satellite radio, USB ports, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa. The list of available features should include a moonroof, dual-zone climate control, navigation, a 15-speaker JBL audio system, and HD Radio.
The same thing is with safety features. Expect to see base models equipped with goodies like a rearview camera, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. The list of options should include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, surround-view camera and front and rear parking sensors.
2023 Toyota 4Runner Engine
Things under the hood definitely won’t change and the 2023 Toyota 4Runner will carry on with a good-old 4.0-liter V6. The engine features a max output of 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, and it comes with an old-school 5-speed automatic transmission. The whole setup works well, though we believe this SUV would use a little bit more power and torque.
The engine is reliable and durable, perfect for off-roading. However, it is also quite thirsty. The average fuel consumption goes around 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, which is very low for the segment.
2023 Toyota 4Runner Release Date and Price
We expect that the 2023 Toyota 4Runner will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year, with a starting price of around 38.000 dollars. The 4Runner doesn’t have a direct rival, but some of the models that can be considered as a competition are four-door versions of the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco.
