Toyota makes a lot of SUVs with big reputations that even Taylor Swift would approve of. The 2023 Toyota 4Runner pros and cons heavily lean into the positive. Of course, there are always drawbacks to every situation. For those who want one of the most reliable midsize SUVs on the market, the 4Runner gets a lot right. Drivers looking for an uber-modern and technologically advanced vehicle might want to look elsewhere.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner pros start with off-road capability

If you are looking for an off-road vehicle that still has manners on the highway, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner checks that box. Toyota built the 4Runner for adventures, and adventure you shall. If your primary mission is to spend time off-roading, the TRD Pro model might be your best bet. Any trim levels will do for those who just plan on doing the occasional weekend adventure.

The base SR5 trim costs $40,155, while a fully loaded TRD Pro costs $54,620. We drove the 4Runner 40th Anniversary around for a week, and that version starts at $47,720. All 4Runner trims have the same 4.0L V6 with 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Some options come with four-wheel drive standard, but others can be upgraded. Otherwise, part-time four-wheel drive still offers enough utility to get the job done.

2023 Toyota 4Runner Trim	MSRP
SR5	$40,155
TRD Sport	$43,015
SR5 Premium	$43,215
TRD Off-Road	$44,000
TRD Off-Road Premium	$46,580
40th Anniversary Special Edition	$47,720
Limited	$49,390
TRD Pro	$54,620

Downhill Assist Control and Active Traction Control come standard on 4Runner models. Thanks to Toyota’s reinforced body-on-frame construction and coil-spring independent double-wishbone front suspension with a stabilizer bar, this Toyota SUV is ready for whatever you throw at it.

Will the Toyota 4Runner hold its value?

Vehicles like the 2023 Toyota 4Runner tend to hold onto value quite well, especially on the more limited trims. Toyota trucks and SUVs, in general, hold value well over the years. According to Kelley Blue Book, the Tundra, Tacoma, and 4Runner hold more than 60% of the original value over the first five years of ownership.

Estimations say the 2023 4Runner might be able to hold onto 64.4% of its value over the first five years. This is a significant pro for a few reasons: the 4Runner won’t lose a bunch of value as soon as it drives off the lot. Additionally, the Toyota 4Runner has a large fan base behind it. Even though the 4Runner hasn’t seen a redesign in a while, people are still willing to pay a lot for a durable vehicle.

Another positive attribute of the Toyota 4Runner is its reliability. While costs are up across the board right now, reliability is one of the biggest factors shoppers consider. There isn’t really another brand that comes close to Toyota’s reliability, and the 4Runner’s reliability is one of the best around.

Another Toyota 4Runner pro is the easy customization

One of the reasons people like the 2023 Toyota 4Runner so much is the seemingly unlimited customization options. Toyota lets you build the perfect SUV straight from the factory, but you don’t have to do it that way. Since the 2023 4Runner hasn’t changed much in the last decade, many companies have products to upgrade or improve the SUV.

Even if you don’t spring for the TRD Pro trim level, you can still buy parts and install upgrades. Toyota’s online parts center has exterior, interior, and performance accessories available online. If needed, you can buy new running boards, floor mats, and even a TRD skid plate. A variety of companies also sell parts for the Toyota 4Runner for performance upgrades and even camping tents. Whatever you want to add, someone probably has one for sale.

Does the 2023 Toyota 4Runner have issues?

Since the 2023 Toyota 4Runner further extends the fifth generation, the SUV falls behind in a few areas. The interior is a bit outdated compared to other 2023 models. It also lags in technology. Compared to the 2023 Toyota Sequoia, the 4Runner looks like a 2009 model (since it is).

That doesn’t mean the tech and interior on the 4Runner aren’t good, but technology has come a long way in the past 14 years. If you switch from a modern SUV, you might notice how far behind the 4Runner is. If you are a 4Runner fan and want to get in before the next generation debuts (and cost increases), the 2023 4Runner is still an excellent option.

Another Toyota 4Runner con is the fuel economy

Rounding out the list of Toyota 4Runner pros and cons is the fuel economy. Since Toyota’s midsize SUV uses an outdated V6 with a five-speed automatic transmission, the fuel economy is not great. The 4Runner gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. Both of these are suitable but not class-leading in any way.

It doesn’t quite feel like a brand-new 2023 model due to the old tech and design, but it performs when it has to. The 4Runner is a comfortable enough daily driver, but there is no denying that it shines off-road. Skid plates and a two-speed transfer case help the cause. With almost 10 inches of ground clearance, the 4Runner isn’t worried about small obstacles. If that is your priority, the outdated technology can be overlooked. However, some new vehicles have incredible new technology that aids in off-road capability.

The Toyota 4Runner pros and cons weigh heavily in the direction of the pros, but there are many drivers out there who would agree. If you want a modern Toyota SUV, go with the 2023 Sequoia. If you want old-school cool, the 2023 4Runner has everything you might need.