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The old Toyota 4Runner will be redesigned soon, which could persuade buyers to wait for the next generation. However, departure its age, there is still one significant advantage to consider. See why the 2023 Toyota 4Runner is still a top option. 

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner is incredibly reliable 

2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro off-roading
2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro | Toyota

Don’t be so quick to pass on the 2023 Toyota 4Runner. It’s ultra-reliable. According to Torque News, it’s the last truck-based SUV you can buy that’s more reliable than newer options. It’s known for being capable, practical, and durable. 

It’s longer-lasting than the new, bigger SUVs today that are packed with convenient features. So, there is a bit of compromise when picking the 4Runner. It might not be as comfortable, but it will survive. 

Plenty of SUVs, like the Toyota Highlander, have a unibody frame. It provides a smoother ride with sportier handling. However, the 4Runner still has a traditional body-on-frame build, making it more capable and durable for off-roading. It can handle a lot of abuse. 

How reliable is the 4Runner? 

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner has an above-average reliability ranking. It earned a score of 87 out of 100 from J.D.Power, which is great. Scores between 90 to 100 are considered to be the best. It should make it past 300,000 miles with proper care and maintenance. 

It can make it over 15 years on the road if you drive about 15,000 miles per year. However, some models last even longer. 

The 4Runner has a 4.0-liter V6 engine that provides 270 hp and 278 lb-ft ft of torque. It’s had the same engine for nearly a decade because it has proven its longevity. But some tweaks and improvements were provided over the years. 

Also, the engine pairs with a five-speed automatic transmission. Most vehicles have upgraded to a new setup, but this transmission is bulletproof in the 4Runner. There hasn’t been a reason to change it aside from the desire for a smoother ride and faster acceleration. 

The Toyota 4Runner is loaded with the basics. It has an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a surround-view camera, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. 

It’s missing some advanced options, but that’s fine. It’s a simple vehicle that’s easy to understand. The buttons are clearly labeled, and the software is straightforward. Less tech could mean there are fewer things to break too. 

What to expect with the 2024 Toyota 4Runner 

If you want to pass on the 2023 Toyota 4Runner for the sixth-generation 4Runner, then you could be waiting on an entirely different vehicle. Rumors suggest that the 2024 Toyota 4Runner could ride on the TNGA-K platform like the Toyota Tundra and Sequoia. 

The new 4Runner could get the twin-turbocharged i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain from the Toyota Sequoia. It churns out 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. Plus, it pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This would help improve its fuel economy. 

It’s safe to expect enhanced off-roading capabilities with new drive modes. But Toyota is keeping things under wraps for now. We may have to wait a bit longer to learn about the new 4Runner. 

But until then, the current model is capable, reliable, spacious, attractive, and robust. Plus, it has an excellent resale value.

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.