It’s that time of year when new models replace the current ones. If you’re in the market for a new SUV like the Toyota 4Runner, you might be indecisive about which one you should buy. Do you stick with the 2022 Toyota 4Runner or spring for the slightly more expensive 2023 Toyota 4Runner? Let’s take a look at the 2022 vs the 2023 model and see which one comes with what you want at the price you’ll pay.

The 2022 vs. 2023 Toyota 4Runner: how much do they cost?

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner costs slightly more than the 2022 model, as one might imagine. It’s a fairly nominal difference, based largely on the fact that there are some improvements and increases from model year to model year. So just how much of a difference is it? Let’s take a look.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner costs $38,520 for the base trim, the SR5. It comes with a 4.0-liter V6 engine that puts out 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. The 2022 Toyota 4Runner gets 17 mpg combined in fuel economy. Edmunds calls it “one of the few traditional truck-based SUVs left these days.” That’s thanks to its high ground clearance, available four-wheel drive, and the option to upgrade to even more rugged 4Runners.

In addition to the SR5, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner comes in several other trim levels. These include the TRD Off-Road ($42,350), the Trail Special Edition ($42,365), the TRD Sport ($43,240), and the SR5 Premium ($43,805). The 2022 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium is the most popular trim option.

The newest model is slightly more expensive

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner price starts at $39,640, according to Car and Driver. You’ll get a 4.0-liter V6 engine that’s capable of 270 hp in the 4Runner. This is matched to a five-speed automatic transmission. While this is fairly powerful, it’s not exactly fuel efficient, and Car and Driver notes that compared to other similar models out there, the new Toyota 4Runner‘s engine is “a relic.” It gets just 16 mpg in the city and only 19 mpg on the highway. These are pretty dismal numbers, especially with gas prices being as high as they are right now.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner is a versatile SUV, and that’s apparent in its interior. While it’s a very basic SUV, it can come with three rows. Still, like many SUVs, the 4Runner’s third row is tight and probably not a great fit for adults. Yet it does have plenty of storage space.

The two 4Runners are largely similar

If you’re looking for a new Toyota 4Runner, you really can’t go wrong with either the 2022 or the 2023 Toyota 4Runner. Of course, crash test ratings aren’t out yet for the 2023 model, so if safety is your priority, you may want to wait to see how it does. Crash test results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2022 Toyota 4Runner aren’t exactly perfect, and it just may be that the 2023 4Runner sees some improvements.

If you’re in the market for a new sport utility vehicle and you want a 4Runner, you may want to buy the one that you can find. With the automotive world the way it presently is, you just may be lucky to find any 4Runner.