2023 Toyota 4Runner Owner’s Manual

Leave it to Toyota to keep a nameplate on the market despite having outdated elements in all departments and yet somehow still manage to rake in consistent sales. That is how far brand power goes, especially with a brand like Toyota that earned its own for making things that refuse to break.

The 4Runner, which is long due for an overhaul, continues to truck on with the 2023 release, which features dated powertrain options, a subpar cabin ambiance, and less-than-perfect handling on pavement.

However, we have to give the 4Runner its chops regarding sturdiness and off-road reliability. This SUV is one of the few that still run on a pickup truck frame (another testament to its age), and as such, it drives like one, with loose handling on regular roads but an off-road pedigree that is off the chart.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner is also built to handle the worst, as it comes with reinforced underbody armor, knobby all-terrain tires, upgraded suspension elements, and a trusty electronically locking rear axle. All trims of this nameplate can also be upgraded from the standard rear-wheel drive to all-wheel drive.

Unfortunately, the current 4Runner lacks the engine firepower to place it in hot contention with mid to high-tier Jeep Wrangler models. The sole 270-horsepower 4-liter V-6 with its automatic transmission pairing on offer is reliable, but less potent than you would expect on the top trim, quite dated, provides laggard acceleration, and is not fuel-efficient.

However, thanks to the 2023 Toyota 4Runner’s pickup-truck roots, the V6 is sufficient to provide an ample 5000 pounds of towing capacity, quite impressive considering that it bests both the Jeep Wrangler and the Ford Edge in that department.