What Makes This Legendary Midsize Toyota SUV Among the Automaker’s Worst
The 4Runner is a legendary midsize Toyota SUV that many people still appreciate. However, the 2023 model is showing its age a bit, as it can’t keep up with some of the newer options. In fact, it’s the worst-rated of all of the automaker’s slate of 2023 SUVs. Of course, there is still much to like about the 2023 Toyota 4Runner, but it doesn’t measure up in a few key ways.
The outdated and fuel guzzling engine make this midsize Toyota SUV one of the worst
One of the reasons this legendary midsize Toyota SUV isn’t the best is its less-than-stellar fuel economy. Unfortunately, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner gets an average of 16 miles per gallon in the city and 19 on the highway. Though not awful, this is closer to what you’d expect from a full-size SUV and not one the automaker intended to be a contender for best midsize SUV.
Of course, its outdated engine is the primary reason for the poor fuel economy. According to Edmunds, the base model Toyota 4Runner has a 4.0-liter V6 engine with a maximum output of 270 horsepower. It’s rear-wheel drive and uses a five-speed automatic transmission. It accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 7.7 seconds, which is fairly respectable. However, not fast enough to justify the low fuel economy.
Not as safe as its rivals
One of the other drawbacks to this midsize Toyota SUV is that it’s not as safe as some of its rivals. Of course, the latest Toyota 4Runner is perfectly fine in this regard, but it doesn’t stand out. One would expect a legendary nameplate such as the 4Runner to be a Top Safety Plus pick or even just a Top Safety pick, but it’s neither.
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner has a four out of five-star rating from the NHTSA. Unfortunately, the midsize SUV’s weak point was exposed with the rollover tests. It only got three out of five stars in this category. For comparison, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Is a Top Safety Plus pick.
Dated interior
What also holds back this midsize Toyota SUV is its interior. Sure, it looks perfectly fine, but it’s incredibly outdated. The highlight of the 2023 Toyota 4Runner interior is that it’s comfortable and spacious. However, the floor is pretty high off the ground, which takes away from that comfort.
The interior technology is also nothing to write home about. It comes standard with an eight-inch touchscreen, but it looks out of date. Even the climate controls and vents look to be from a different decade. Unfortunately, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner interior is far behind the times and is in need of something new in order to remain relevant. Truly, this is the case for the vehicle overall.
