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The Toyota 4Runner is one of the most celebrated SUVs from the automaker. However, despite having its strong points, the 2023 4Runner has some determinants. The issue with the long-running SUV is that Toyota hasn’t updated it enough to truly be great. This has been noticed by buyers and automotive critics alike.

The 2023 4Runner engine uses too much gas

An orange Toyota 4Runner 2023 off road.
2023 Toyota 4Runner | Toyota

Nowadays, regardless of a vehicle’s size, people generally want at least decent fuel economy. If they can’t have it, they at least want a vehicle with great acceleration. However, the new Toyota 4Runner has neither. The latest model has a 4.0-liter V6 engine with a maximum output of 270 horsepower. 

The 4Runner 2023 gets an average of 16 miles per gallon in the city and 19 on the highway. Regarding acceleration, Car and Driver found that it takes the vehicle 7.7 seconds to get from 0 to 60 miles per hour. While not slow, this acceleration time is far worse than most would expect from the legendary Toyota 4Runner. What truly makes this part of the 4Runner undesirable is that it drives much more like a truck than an SUV.

The interior is dated

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner from the side
2023 Toyota 4Runner | Toyota

The interior of the new Toyota 4Runner does not cause excitement. While it has everything a person would need, it’s incredibly dated. The styling of the cabin is extremely bland, and the materials used are not worthy of a brand-new Toyota. In addition, for this to be such a large SUV, the interior measurements are a bit lacking. 

Regarding technology inside the 2023 4Runner, it has the basics, but they don’t stand out. The new 4Runner has a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen. Typically knobs on a touch screen would be a plus, but they only help make the technology look as though it’s at least a decade old. Buyers can add a JBL speaker system as well as built-in navigation. 

The 4Runner 2023 exterior is uninspired

2023 4Runner Special Edition
2023 Toyota 4Runner | Toyota

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner looks perfectly fine, especially for people who want this specific type of vehicle. However, the 4Runner 2023 exterior fails to bring something new to the table. It should be noted that the 2023 model marks the 40th anniversary of the 4Runner. While the automaker released a special version to celebrate, one would think now would be the time to spice things up. 

Instead, the new 4Runner is simply bland. It has the same large and boxy design it has always featured. While it’s great that it’s recognizable, the new model simply doesn’t compete with other SUVs in its class. For most people, it’s not enough that this vehicle can go off-road; they also want an option with a more daring look. 

Like most Toyota vehicles, the new 4Runner has much going for itself. It’s reliable, has off-roading capabilities, and buyers can add a third row of seating. However, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner can’t compete with more modern vehicles from its class. This and the recent low sales of the Sequoia make people wonder if the age of Toyota SUVs being great is on its way out. 

Related The Toyota 4Runner is Ancient: Why is It Still Popular?

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