The Toyota 4Runner is a class-leading SUV with toughness, reliability, and capability. Since debuting in 1984, the sport utility vehicle’s built a reputation for rugged performance and long-term dependability. That tradition continues in 2023. In J.D. Power’s latest midsize SUV owner survey, the 4Runner again displayed why it’s a trusted pick. With a reliability rating that outpaced notable rivals, the Toyota carried on the nameplate’s history of hardy performance.

Let’s look at the survey results and some of the 2023 4Runner’s best features.

2023 Toyota 4Runner reliability: how it compares to the competition

Research firm J.D. Power surveys real drivers on their ownership experiences. By going directly to the source, the company gets trustworthy data, helping prospective car buyers make a good decision. Across categories like reliability, driving experience, resale, and dealership experience, owners score their vehicles on a 100-point scale. And in 2023, the Toyota 4Runner’s reliability rating outpaced notable competitors.

J.D. Power uses a 100-point rating scale. 0-69 receives a “Fair” designation. 70-80 constitutes an “Average” score. 81-90 receives a “Great” classification. And 91-100 is considered a “Best” grade.

For 2023, J.D. Power gave the Toyota 4Runner a score of 86, putting it ahead of other class-leading SUVs. The 2023 Honda Pilot scored an 80. A score of 83 was all the 2023 Kia Telluride could muster. And the 2023 Chevy Traverse was close behind at 82. Those are solid scores, yet still trail the hardy 4Runner. It’s another example of why Toyotas have a peerless reputation for dependability.

Toyota has a history of reliable vehicles

From the Camry sedan to the 4Runner SUV, Toyota has a history of building rock-solid, dependable vehicles. When you take a drive, you may notice Toyotas that are years, or even decades, old, still cruising the streets. It’s the Japanese vehicles’ quality craftsmanship and functional design that keep them going, year after year, mile after mile. And the 2023 4Runner is no different.

In particular, the 4Runner has stout construction that’s built to last. A body-on-frame platform gives it truck-like toughness, while a durable 270-hp 4.0-liter V6 runs smooth and strong. Though the current-gen 4Runner is a little long in the tooth — at more than 10 years old — it’s now a refined, trouble-free design.

What features and specs does the 2023 Toyota 4Runner offer?

The fifth-generation Toyota 4Runner debuted in 2010. Needless to say, the 4Runner has been around for a while. While competitors offer more refinement and tech, the legendary SUV continues with its spartan, function-first layout. But with the sixth-gen version on the horizon, those who want a classic sport-utility experience may want to swoop up a ’23 model. Let’s take a closer look.

The 2023 4Runner features body-on-frame construction, setting it apart from car-like unibody designs. That gives it commendable off-road chops, and the strength to endure challenging conditions. Available hardware includes four-wheel drive, a locking rear differential, and FOX performance shocks. It’s an SUV ready for adventure.

Under the hood, a 4.0-liter V6 provides 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed auto handles gear changes. While the powertrain is coarse and outdated, it offers dependable performance over the long haul.

In a world of SUVs designed for comfort and convenience, the ’23 4Runner sticks to its roots with its simple, hardy setup. That might not appeal to some, but those who enjoy a rough-around-the-edges ride should like it.

Toyota offers a multitude of 4Runner trims for 2023:

• SR5: $41,050

• TRD Sport: $43,910

• TRD Off-Road: $44,895

• 40th Anniversary Special Edition: $48,365

• Limited: $49,785

• TRD Pro: $56,015

We’d personally go for the 40th Anniversary Special Edition, with bronze wheels and retro graphics. Available in black or white, the SE model plays on the model’s storied history and has a unique appeal.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner is a rugged SUV with class-leading reliability. With its stout construction, the SUV has off-road chops and long-term dependability. Although the ’23 model’s been around a while, it has a unique character that hearkens back to truck-based designs of yore. For those in search of a strong sport utility vehicle that’s built to last, the 2023 4Runner provides trustworthy performance.