2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) was based on the SR5 Premium trim level and added $4,505 to its price. This included a $1,875 upcharge for the standard four-wheel-drive system (4WD). The remaining $2,630 covered retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, bronze 17-inch wheels, and various bronze badges and stitching. Available in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior, the 40 ASE had a strong SoCal vibe, reminiscent of the 1970s. The 2023 lineup included multiple trims, with prices ranging from $39,555 to $54,020, plus a $1,335 destination charge. The 40 ASE test vehicle had an MSRP of $48,455.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner retained its classic, boxy shape, which was last redesigned in 2010. Despite a few refreshes, it needed a serious makeover. The flared fenders and chunky shapes in the grille and liftgate gave it a brawny stance, while the TRD Pro's underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires added a rugged personality. The interior showed its age with old-school styling and last-generation technology features, such as an analog instrument panel and an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. The interior had quite a bit of hard plastic, but cushioned panels for elbows and grained seat upholstery approximated leather. The 4Runner's design leaned heavily into nostalgia, similar to the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. A five-speed automatic transmission sent power to the rear wheels unless upgraded to a 4WD system. It had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and an EPA fuel economy rating of 17 mpg in combined driving. The 4Runner offered two 4WD systems: a part-time 4WD system and a full-time 4WD system available on the Limited trim. Off-roading technologies included Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, Active Traction Control, locking differentials, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. The TRD Sport and Limited trims had a suspension designed for on-road performance, while the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims focused on off-road capabilities. Despite its off-road prowess, the 4Runner's on-road performance was less impressive, with slow acceleration, heavy steering, and a bumpy ride.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner also had a 4.0-liter V6 engine with 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. However, it was held back by its five-speed automatic transmission, compared to the Bronco's ten-speed and the Wrangler's eight-speed. The TRD Pro model came standard with 4WD and a two-speed transfer case, while other trims offered RWD with optional 4WD. On pavement, the 4Runner felt slow, with noticeable rear-end squat during acceleration and a noisy engine. The soft suspension resulted in nosedive under hard braking and significant body roll when cornering. The 4Runner's handling suffered on winding roads, and it felt floaty over highway undulations. However, the tall tire sidewalls and soft suspension made it adept at absorbing larger road imperfections.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's back window powered down into the tailgate, providing excellent flow-through ventilation when combined with the sunroof and automatic windows. The 40 ASE test vehicle had comfortable seats with SofTex artificial leather and heated front cushions. The second-row seating area was roomy, with good legroom, headroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. A third-row seat was available but was uncomfortable and reduced cargo space. The cargo area featured several storage cubbies, trays, and a 120-volt AC power outlet. Without the third-row seat, the 4Runner offered 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 89.7 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior design looked outdated, but its layout was easy to use, with large climate-control dials and driveline levers. Sturdy handles ensured passengers' stability during off-road adventures. The front seats provided ample space for larger passengers, though the steering wheel's limited telescoping range could be an issue for taller drivers. The second-row seats offered abundant legroom but limited headroom for taller passengers. The 4Runner could hold 47.2 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats, expandable to 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seats stowed. The cargo area had an almost flat load floor, making it easier to use than the Bronco's stepped floor. The 4Runner also featured a sliding glass rear window and a hitch receiver with a 5,000-pound towing capacity.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner had traditional analog gauges and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Connected services plans were available, and the 4Runner could be transformed into a Wi-Fi hotspot. Upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. Despite the small display and dated graphics, the infotainment system's home screen showed multiple functions simultaneously. The voice recognition system performed well, handling most commands accurately.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system also featured an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, it lacked off-road-specific apps and gauges found in the Bronco and Wrangler. The TRD Pro model came with a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system, but road noise and the loud engine made it difficult to appreciate the sound quality. Additional terrain controls were located in the headliner console, with pictograms instead of descriptions. The Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select systems allowed for off-road customization, while braking and locking differentials maximized traction.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims. The adaptive cruise control performed well, but the lane-departure warning could be irritating. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with three-star ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received similar safety ratings, with four stars from NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection, five stars for side impacts, and three stars for rollover evaluations. The IIHS gave it a Good rating for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests but had incomplete ratings for the small overlap frontal test. The 4Runner came with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The TRD Pro and Limited trims had a surround-view camera system, with front and rear parking sensors available only on the Limited trim. The safety systems could be oversensitive, but some settings were adjustable.