The 2023 Toyota 4Runner Shouldn’t Be This Expensive
The Toyota 4Runner is one of the longest-running midsize SUVs on the market. Though not as popular as it once was, there is still a considerable market for the vehicle. The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, in many ways, shows what’s both right and wrong about the nameplate. Sure, it’s still a quality vehicle, but it’s far too expensive for what shoppers get from the base trim, as it starts at $39,555. The vehicle is still one of the best midsize SUVs, but it’s a bit outdated compared to the competition.
Here’s a look at the pricing problem of the 2023 Toyota 4Runner.
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner is one of the best midsize SUVs for performance, with one downside
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner happens to be one of the best midsize SUVs for performance. According to Toyota, all trims of the Toyota SUV have a 4.0-liter V6 engine with a maximum output of 270 hp and a torque output of 278 lb-ft. The 4Runner has rear and four-wheel drive configurations and uses a five-speed automatic transmission.
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner isn’t the best midsize SUV for speed, but it is decent in this regard. According to road tests, it accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour between 7.5 and 8.0 seconds. This Toyota SUV can also tow up to 5,000 pounds, which will come in handy for many buyers.
The area where the 4Runner for sure isn’t the best midsize SUV in fuel economy. This has long been a complaint about the vehicle, especially one with this high a price tag. It averages only 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, which is paltry for a vehicle of this type in 2023.
There are much better interiors than this
One area where the 2023 Toyota 4Runner isn’t worth the price is its interior. It’s a decently well-rounded cabin, but there’s nothing special about it, and it falls far behind many of its biggest rivals. It has two interior color options – San Beige Fabric and a black/graphite fabric. Buyers can also add a third row to the base trim, although this isn’t the case for all levels of the midsize SUV.
This also isn’t the best midsize SUV for interior technology, which is another area where the 4Runner is behind the times. It has an eight-inch touchscreen display that works with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. For comparison, the much more evolved Toyota Highlander has the same base display but offers a 12.3-inch screen as well. People looking for a modern-day interior should look elsewhere because they won’t get it with the Toyota 4Runner, especially for the price.
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner is a safe SUV
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner is one of the best midsize SUVs for safety. Not only does it have high ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but it also has a nice group of safety features. This is one area where the Toyota 4Runner earns its price. It comes with the Toyota SafetySense package, which includes the following:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Automatic high beams
Overall, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner is a solid SUV. However, it does have quite a few drawbacks that make it overpriced. Because it’s not as advanced as some of its rivals, the 4Runner should be at least a few grand cheaper for the base model. Buyers don’t get nearly enough to justify the steep Toyota 4Runner price.
