Topic: 2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Review

[AutoTrader.ca]

The 4Runner may be old, but it still gets the job done – especially if that job includes adventure.
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[revalations]

While I like the 4Runner, I do notice many get traded in near new with very low mileage. I always wonder when I see next to new rides getting traded if the customers just aren’t happy with them.


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[2JDM]

Maybe some crave more tech, want something less trucky, or aren't fond of the lousy gas mileage?

I like the idea of the 4Runner (reliable and simple off roader) but it is a "clunky" vehicle that most wouldn't take off a paved road.

[Great_Big_Abyss]

There are probably some people out there who romanticize the image of a 4Runner without actually realizing how compromised it actually is.  Low power, poor fuel economy, relatively cramped, low rent interior.

It's very capable, but you pay for that capability in other ways.  Some people just aren't prepared for that.  I bet they're trading in on Palisades and Atlases.

[ktm525]

When a SR5 was mid 40s it was a better proposition. If it had the 4.7L V8 I would probably sign up to buy one.

[Hannibalsmith]

There are probably some people out there who romanticize the image of a 4Runner without actually realizing how compromised it actually is.  Low power, poor fuel economy, relatively cramped, low rent interior.

It's very capable, but you pay for that capability in other ways.  Some people just aren't prepared for that.  I bet they're trading in on Palisades and Atlases.

Hopeless romantic here.

The interior is definitely not low rent. This becomes abundantly apparent when you sit in one (at least mine). While you can’t tell from pictures the build quality, tactile feel and solidity of the thing jump out at you. Compare that to a RAV4, which we had as a rental, feels absolutely cheap, though functional.

Certainly not cramped, maybe if compared to a Suburban.

Other points are valid but that’s what you pay for in order to not have to drive an appliance. Plus on snow days and driving up a mountain to your rental

[Great_Big_Abyss]

^^^I wasn't knocking on it, it's a fantastic vehicle and I love 'em.  It's just, a potential buyer really needs to know what they're getting into.  They're not as compromised as, say, a Wrangler, but they're still nowhere near as refined as some of the better midsize CUV's.

[JohnnyMac]

I too love the 4Runner and it's still my wife's dream vehicle.  Is it the best SUV/CUV you can buy for the money, no it definitely is not.  But sometimes a vehicle is worth more than the sum of it's parts. 

I wonder what the next generation will be like.  This one is so old now that a next generation must be right around the corner.  I'd definitely approve of an upgrade in both power and fuel economy, but I would be hesitant to dilute the off road capabilities or the trucky nature of it.  Upgraded interior of course, but it doesn't exactly have to be a Lexus level.

[Hannibalsmith]

^^^I wasn't knocking on it, it's a fantastic vehicle and I love 'em.  It's just, a potential buyer really needs to know what they're getting into.  They're not as compromised as, say, a Wrangler, but they're still nowhere near as refined as some of the better midsize CUV's.

For sure. Just really wanted to point out that the interior is pretty quality. When I got the RAV4 as a rental, it really sunk home how cheap the interior felt in comparison.

4Runner is a jack of all trades, master of none.

[WP v3.32]

Love the 4runner too but this thing is a dinosaur.  At least has a sliding window in the back for puppies.

[ktm525]

The 4.0L and 5 speed auto are completely overmatched especially once all the off-road farkles are added (racks, oversize tires etc). If Toyota is going to charge this much for them at least add the 4.7L for a few thousand option. I bet the fuel economy is no worse as you tend to have the go pedal to the wall on the 6 to get anywhere. I guess it does exist Lexus GX lol. Do 4Runners have silver paint on the console? That was the only cheep bit I thought plagued the interior. Otherwise it was solid. While I am at it better brakes too. Again with all that un sprung weight more not less is good in the brake department.

[Great_Big_Abyss]

Love the 4runner too but this thing is a dinosaur.  At least has a sliding window in the back for puppies.

Since the Tundra re-design, the 4Runner now holds the distinction of being the vehicle with the longest run without a significant update (and I'm not including the facelift that occured in 2014).  It's been in its current form since 2009.  14 Years!

[PJungnitsch]

You'd think it would be a prime candidate for a plug in hybrid option. That frame should have no issue carrying a battery pack

[ktm525]

It's already compromised for room. Perhaps as a bespoke lifestyle vehicle? I won't blame Toyota though as they must be amazed at it's sales numbers.  The amount of tarted up off-road editions that will never see anything more than a gravel road is astonishing. Then again I don't understand rooftop tents either so... 

 

[Fobroader]

There are probably some people out there who romanticize the image of a 4Runner without actually realizing how compromised it actually is.  Low power, poor fuel economy, relatively cramped, low rent interior.

It's very capable, but you pay for that capability in other ways.  Some people just aren't prepared for that.  I bet they're trading in on Palisades and Atlases.

Probably the same type of idiots who buy a Wrangler for the school run and then realize that its not a soccer mom friendly type of car. I loved the 4Runner, it was the engine that really killed it for me, if it had something with a bit of cojones, I would have been a little more friendly towards it. I love the 4Runner otherwise, its bulletproof, proven, reliable SUV that will still be worth a good proportion of its MSRP when it comes time to sell, unlike the Kia, which will be worth how much fuel is left. I cringe when I think the next gen of these is probably gonna be some horrid hybrid, turbo 4 banger with a 12 spd transmission and awd.

[rrocket]

Probably the same type of idiots who buy a Wrangler

I had a bunch of friends I knew who had their Jeep phase.

Some only lasted a few months.

[ktm525]

The answer is lying in front of them. 4.7. Eight slapping pistons...

[Fobroader]

The answer is lying in front of them. 4.7. Eight slapping pistons...

Yeah, but climate jesus would be all over them....

[ktm525]

Easy. I tap the credit card,  insert the nozzle and fill up with premium dino juice. I Note the high price and smile as I recall the amount of oil producer dividends I collect

[PJungnitsch]

Probably the same type of idiots who buy a Wrangler

I had a bunch of friends I knew who had their Jeep phase.

Some only lasted a few months.

Thought they were good in the city? No dust, smooth roads, etc

My co worker in the south had a 2 door soft top TJ and that was the single worst vehicle I've ever driven in. Rode like a lumber wagon, covered us in dust on gravel roads. Felt more like a big ATV than anything, except he'd get stuck everywhere and I'd have to go on rescue missions to pull him out