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The 2023 Toyota 4Runner is Toyota’s rugged midsize SUV. It’s a big year for the 4Runner, because 2023 marks its 40th year as a sport utility vehicle. To celebrate, Toyota is releasing an anniversary Special Edition Toyota 4Runner. That’s just one cool thing about the 2023 Toyota 4Runner. Here’s why it’s a good SUV and also why you just might want to skip it and look at another SUV.

A black 2023 Toyota 4Runner with yellow and red stripes.
2023 Toyota 4Runner Anniversary Edition | Toyota

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner is loaded with features

Every 2023 Toyota 4Runner comes with an 8.0-inch infotainment screen that’s compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has a Wi-Fi hot spot, though you have to subscribe to it. The 2022 Toyota 4Runner also has a navigation system and 15-speaker premium sound system, so it’s likely that the 2023 model will, too.

Toyota is putting out an Anniversary Edition…

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner Anniversary Edition will have a “heritage graphics package” that Toyota made for this 4Runner. Toyota notes that the first 4Runner was built on a truck platform “which itself founded the heritage of Toyota’s illustrious success in off-road racing.” The 40th anniversary 4Runner will have “some very cool, retro-inspired yellow/orange/red body graphics” to honor the first 4Runners.

…but there won’t be that many of them

Toyota is only making 4040 Anniversary Edition 2023 Toyota 4Runners. That’s obviously a number chosen to commemorate this big occasion for the 4Runner. Yet if you want one, it’s probably not great news because there won’t be ample opportunity to buy one.

The 4Runner isn’t exactly fuel-efficient

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner comes with a 4.0-liter V6 engine that’s capable of 270 hp. This is matched to a five-speed automatic transmission. It’s not exactly a fuel efficient engine, 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.

It doesn’t have a spacious 3rd row

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.

There are a variety of price points for the 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner price starts at $39,640. Then there’s the TRD Pro Off-Road, which starts at just $43,485. The 2023 Toyota 4Runner Anniversary Edition price starts at $46,955. There’s also the 4Runner TRD Pro, which starts at $54,605 and is the most expensive 4Runner.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner is an SUV with a good amount of features and options. It should be available later in 2022, and hopefully it will be crash-tested not long after that, so people can make a decision about whether the 4Runner is the right SUV for them.

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