Which 2023 Toyota 4Runner is Right for You?

Oct 03, 2022 by kbb.ca Editors

Find out which trim level is best for you if you’re in the market for Toyota’s rugged mid-size SUV

What Is the 2023 Toyota 4Runner?

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner is a mid-size three-row SUV made for environments far tougher than a shopping mall parking lot. This truck-based machine is old, but so is the terrain it was born to conquer.

Built on the same foundation as Toyota’s Tacoma mid-size pickup using the time-honoured body-on-frame construction method, the four-wheel drive 4Runner is rugged, capable, and—thanks to being a Toyota—dependable. Exploring the wilderness is fine but let us not underestimate the joy of returning home.

How Much Does the Toyota 4Runner Cost?

The 2023 4Runner lineup covers a broad range of tastes through six trim levels. The up to seven-passenger SUV comes with one powertrain. So, the big decisions are how much optional equipment you can afford.

The base 4Runner SR5 trim's Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price starts at $51,050 in Canadian dollars. Standard equipment highlights include a V6 gas engine, automatic transmission, and traction at all four wheels. Features like heated front seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, running boards, roof rails, and Toyota Safety Sense are standard.

Highlighted by its X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension, the $54,270 TRD Sport is the gateway to making your 4Runner more capable off-road. The ultimate off-roading trim is the $66,220 TRD Pro, which adds hardware like Crawl Control + Multi-Terrain Select, locking rear differential, Fox shock absorbers, and an aluminum front skid plate.

With goodies like leather seats (ventilated in the front) and a 15-speaker JBL audio system, the $58,500 Limited is the most luxurious 4Runner.

New for 2023 is the 40th Anniversary Special Edition. Starting at $54,380, its "heritage" exterior graphics package and interior trim with bronze-coloured contrasting stitching will take you back to the 4Runner's 1980s debut.

All 2023 4Runners get Toyota's three-year/60,000-kilometre limited factory warranty.

What Are the 4Runner’s Power and Fuel Economy Ratings?

The 2023 4Runner employs a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre 6-cylinder gas engine. With no additions like turbochargers or superchargers, it is hardly stressed since its output is an easy-going (for such an engine) 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. The only gearbox, a 5-speed automatic transmission, offers a sequential mode for manually shifting when desired. It sends power to a part-time 4WD system or an optional full-time 4WD setup.

Regular gasoline is fine, although the 4Runner needs quite a bit: an estimated 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined city and highway driving. All 4Runner grades come with an integrated tow-hitch receiver and wiring harness, and all models can tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms).

What Are Some of the Toyota mid-size SUV’s Best Features?

MULTI-TERRAIN SELECT: The TRD Off Road and TRD Pro variants come with this terrain response system standard. It enables drivers to select the right mode for the right conditions. Crawl Control is also a kind of slow-speed/off-road cruise control.

POWERED TAILGATE WINDOW: Instead of opening the entire tailgate just to throw something minor into the luggage area, this rear window can open—an unusual feature among mid-size SUVs. And if the driver needs to see out the back but the window is all muddy, just drop it down with the touch of a button. This is standard in every 2023 4Runner.

What is the 2023 Toyota 4Runner Competition?

There are plenty of newer, car-based mid-size SUVs with more space for third-row passengers, greater refinement, and better fuel economy. But the truck-based 4Runner remains unique. Its closest rivals are the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and Ford Bronco 4 Door, but neither offers third-row seating.

To help you decide which trim level is exactly right for you, here is a breakdown of the 2023 Toyota 4Runner's prices, features, and equipment:

2023 Toyota 4Runner SR5- Starting MSRP $51,050

Key standard SR5 features include:

4.0-litre V6 gas engine and One-Touch 4WD
Audio Plus with Remote/Remote Connect, Safety Connect, and Service Connect
Compatible with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Heated 8-way power adjustable driver seat/SofTex leather/heated steering wheel
17inch alloy wheels/running boards/roof rails
Standard Toyota Safety Sense/available Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert

2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport - Starting MSRP $54,270

Includes all SR5 features, plus:

X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension
LED fog lamps
Panoramic View Monitor
Black painted roof rails
Hood scoop
20-inch alloy wheels
P245/60R20 tires

2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition - Starting MSRP $54,380

Includes or replaces all TRD Sport features, plus:

40th Anniversary exterior badge/carpet floormat/body graphics/interior plaque/seat headrest cover
Body colour Toyota heritage front grille with “TOYOTA” in Bronze
Bronze seat stitching
40th Anniversary.
Shift knob/Bronze stitching
Rear door garnish in body colour/ “4Runner” in Bronze
17-inch Bronze TRD wheels
Premium Audio/Remote/Embedded Navi., Destination Assist