2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD PRO - Review by Mark Fulmer

Still Off-roading After All These Years

Mark Fulmer
Executive Producer, Editor
THE AUTO CHANNEL

The Toyota 4runner has been around long enough to earn a multi-generational fan base - and with good reason. This tough reliable multi-use vehicle has upgraded itself without losing its character of being like a good companion - enjoyable to be around and hang with, and willing to go anywhere no matter the challenge. For 2023 it has added a steel front skid plate, a thoroughly solid looking roof rack, Grappler All-Terrain tires, and FOX shocks both front and rear.

The 4.0-liter V-6 engine pumps out 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque with a 5-speed transmission. Its 23-gallon fuel can get you 360+ miles from one tank, but it will cost you at 17 mpg. The A-TRAC tells the braking system to puts the brakes on the wheel or wheels with no traction while giving power and torque to the earthbound wheel(s) can push you out of many a tough situation. For steep terrain, the Crawl Control system allows you to concentrate on steering which is a big plus.

In town it definitely feels like a truck and yet steering is easy and somehow the cabin is quite quiet. The comfortable seats are made with a durable faux leather for easy cleaning, and there is big boy dimensions:

Front head room 39.3 in.
Front leg room 41.7 in.
Front shoulder room 57.8 in.
Front hip room 56.5 in.

The split-folding rear seats can be reclined and are also very roomy.
Rear head room 38.6 in.
Rear leg room 32.9 in.
Rear shoulder room 57.8 in.
Rear hip room 55.7 in.

Cargo capacity with all seats in place and sliding cargo tray - 47.2 cu.ft.

Maximum cargo capacity - a sizable 89.7 cu.ft.

Safety systems include:
Blind spot and lane departure warnings accident avoidance system
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system
Dual front side-mounted airbags
Stability control
Traction control 4-wheel
ABS
Emergency braking assist
Front fog/driving lights
Engine immobilizer