Forty candles. The “big four-0.” With the 2023 model year, the Toyota 4Runner will have reached 40 years. To celebrate, Toyota has created a special 4WD-only 2023 4Runner40th Anniversary Edition. Toyota will make 4,040 special editions for the U.S. market. 4Runner has been a successful SUV for both pavement and trail over the past 40 years.
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition will be made from the SR5 Premium grade. It will come in three colors: Midnight Black Metallic, White and Barcelona Red Metallic. The vehicle will be distinguished by bronze-colored alloy wheels of 17 inches, a TOYOTA heritage grille that matches the body color and an exterior tailgate badge commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Toyota 4Runner.
However, the most striking feature of this model’s anniversary is probably its heritage graphics package. Toyota’s pickup platform was the foundation of the first 4Runner. The 4Runner 40th-anniversary edition will feature retro-inspired body graphics in yellow/orange/red as a tribute to these early racers.
Inside, the anniversary theme continues with the 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition. It features exclusive badging on its center console, a bronze-colored cross stitch shift knob, seat stitching in bronze, and 40th Anniversary floormats. There is also a 40 th Anniversary logo on each of the Black SofTex-trimmed chairs. The standard power moonroof completes the package.
Fun facts: “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi”, the highest-grossing American movie, was released in the United States. “Every Breath You Give” by the Police ended the year at #1 on the Billboard 100. (That was “Jedi”, not Episode Six.)
A 4Runner For All Seasons and Reasons The 2023 4Runner lineup caters to a wide range of needs and tastes in an SUV. There are five grades: SR5, SR5 Premium and TRD Sport. TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, and TRD Pro are also available. While the 4Runner is rugged in all grades, it retains its timeless SUV design. TRD Pro and SR5 models are equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels. They come in three styles: 6-spoke for SR5 models, 7 for TRD Off-Road models, and flow-form matte-black alloy wheels for TRD Pro.
TRD Offroad and TRD off-road Premium grades have color-keyed bumpers, overfenders, and hood scoops. They also feature silver-colored painted bumper accents at the front and rear. The C-pillars are adorned with “TRD Offroad” badges. Only the Limited 4Runner has a chrome-plated grille insert with chrome-finished trim. All 4Runner models come standard with LED fog lights. The TRD Pro features Rigid Industries LED fog lamps.
The Ready-for-Adventure SUV
The 4Runner’s strength lies in its body-on-frame, tough-as-nails construction with a four-link rear axle. Coil-spring suspension is also included. 4Runner’s smooth ride quality is also built on a solid chassis.
The 4Runner boasts a 270-horsepower DOHC V6 engine with 278 lb.ft. of peak torque and 270 horsepower. Dual Independent Variable Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i), which optimizes torque over the engine’s operating frequency, improves responsiveness and enhances performance in various driving conditions, is part of 4Runner’s Dual Independent Varable Valve Timing.
The five-speed ECTi automatic transmission has a sequential shift mode that allows you to manually shift when needed. All 4Runner models come standard equipped with an integrated tow-hitch receiver, wiring harness, as well as the ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds.
4WD 4Runners have a generous 9.0 inches of ground clearance. 4WD models have a much larger 9.6 inches. Standard Automatic Limited Slip Differential (Auto LSD) is standard on all 4Runner 2WD models. This function is part of the Traction Control (TRAC), and allows for some wheel slippage to dig out from sand, snow, or other obstacles.
4×2 and 2×4
Part-time 4WD available uses Active Traction Control (ATRAC). It also boasts off-road capabilities with a two-speed transfer case with selectable low range. A-TRAC distributes drive force to each wheel that comes in contact with the ground. This helps maintain traction on uneven terrain and slippery patches.
A full-time 4WD system is exclusive to the 4Runner Limited. It uses a Torsen center differential and locking feature, as well as a three-mode center console-mounted switch. It uses a 40/60 torque split for most driving conditions and adjusts it in response to slippage. Torsen(r), differential also changes the torque split to 30% if the front wheels slip while the vehicle turns. The split will change to 53:47 if the rear wheels slip as the vehicle turns.
Maximum Traction Tech
Toyota 4Runner has a wide range of tools that can be used for different off-road tasks. The 4Runner’s 4WD and high-strength chassis offer a wide range of capabilities. Standard Hill-Start Assist Control provides additional control for accelerating from a stop at a steep incline. This system allows the driver to transition from the accelerator to the brake pedal while temporarily holding the vehicle still.
Standard Downhill Assist Control (DAC) is available on limited and SR5 models that are equipped with 4WD. This feature enhances low-speed descent control by helping to maintain a constant slow speed and preventing wheel lockup. It allows the driver to focus on steering instead.
TRD Pro and 4Runner TRD Offroad models offer the option of an electronic-locking rear differential as well as Toyota’s Crawl Control (CRAWL). CRAWL, which is controlled by the transmission case when the vehicle is in low range, allows the engine to rev up and brake to slow the vehicle’s movement forward or backward at one of five low-speed settings that can be selected by the driver. This function allows the driver to focus on steering and not have to adjust the throttle or brake pedal for difficult terrain.
The standard Multi-Terrain Select system allows the driver to adjust the vehicle according to changing trail conditions. This is done by using an overhead dial and CRAWL settings. The system will adjust wheel slip control in accordance with the changing conditions.
The Multi-Terrain Monitor is an off-road tech feature that both the 4Runner TRD Off-Road 4Runner and TRD Pro 4Runners have. The system uses strategically placed cameras to allow the driver to check the surroundings and spot potential hazards that may not be easily seen from the cabin. TRD (and Limited models) also include a multi-information display.
Road-Hugging TRD Sport
The 4Runner TRD sports grade was introduced in 2022. It focuses less on the trails and more on road-focused features, while still adding style and flair. The 4Runner TRD Sport uses the Cross-Linked Relative Absorber System (X-REAS), suspension to improve on-road handling. The X-REAS system adjusts shock absorbers’ damping forces when driving on bumpy surfaces or while cornering. The center control absorber links the shock absorbers at opposite corners of your vehicle in a “X” shape to reduce pitch and yaw.
You can choose between a 2WD or part-time 4WD 4Runner TRD Sport with a 2-speed transmission case. The 4Runner TRD Sport is based on the SR5 grades. It swaps the SR5 17-inch wheels for machine-faced 20-inch wheels with Dark Gray accents. All 4Runners come with a spare tire of the same size, regardless of what wheel size.
TRD Sport has its own design with color-keyed accents at the grille and rocker panels, body molding, and the TRD-style front spoiler, hood scoop, and roof rails. TRD Sport replaces SR5’s cloth seats with black SofTex-trimmed, power-adjustable SofTex-trimmed ones. The unique contrast stitching in gray is used on the seats, while the logos TRD stitched to the front of each headrest are gray. The cabin is complete with TRD Sport floor mats and a standard TRD shift handle.
TRD Pro gets its name
Any Toyota SUV or truck will have a TRD Pro badge to indicate the most off-road-capable Toyota vehicle. The bold-looking 2023 4Runner TRD Pro has a variety of color options, including Black, White, Magnetic Grey Metallic, and Magnetic Gray Metallic. Some of the most important features for off-road upgrades include some that are not easily visible. Tucked away at every corner are TRD-tuned coil springs and Fox internal bypass shocks. This gives you an inch of front lift to improve your trail-tackling ability. To maintain the best off-road performance, the rear Fox shocks have remote reservoirs in a piggyback design. The shock tuning offers the best of both worlds: it improves trail driving isolation, high-speed performance and steering response without compromising on-road comfort.
The 4Runner TRD Pro has a 1/4-inch thick aluminum front skid plate and red TRD letters, just like other Toyota TRD Pro cars. 4Runner is the only vehicle to have the TRD roof rack. TRD Pro comes standard with black TRD alloy flow-form wheels and Nitto Terra Grappler rubber.
The standard TRD-branded cat-back exhaust gives the trailing star a strong-sounding sound for its V6 engine. The TRD Pro’s interior features an upgraded HVAC control system similar to the Limited grade. It also has a standard moonroof, Premium Audio with JBL speakers, and ClariFi(TM), which enhances digital music formats.
TRD Pro 2023 will be available in the exclusive exterior color Solar Octane. This is available alongside the staples Black, Magnetic Gray Metallic, and White.
Suspension on- and off-road
Toyota’s optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension system (KDSS) can be fitted to the TRD Offroad grade. This allows for more off-road ability and control, as well as extended wheel travel at slower speeds. KDSS adjusts hydraulically the lean resistance of the stabilizer bars. Off-road driving has a reduced sway resistance to reduce wheel lift. KDSS allows the bars to function conventionally on the pavement. This reduces body lean and improves agility and control.
While the 4Runner Limited is capable of off-road driving, it emphasizes comfort and everyday handling thanks to the X-REAS suspension system, which is also shared with TRD Sport.
Adventure Expert with a Special Focus on Safety
The fifth-generation 4Runner has room for seven people. Toyota Safety Sense-P is standard on all 2023 4Runner models. This advanced suite of driver-assist technology includes Lane Departure Alert and Sway Warning System, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alarm with Sway Warning System, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Departure Alert, and Automatic High Beams.
Blind Spot Monitor + rear cross-traffic alert is available on all grades for the model year 2023. All models include standard LED high beams in addition to the LED low beams on most grades and fog lights.
All 2023 4Runner models come with TSS-P. This includes Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control (TRAC) or A-TRAC 4WD, and Anti-Lock Brake System with ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist(BA), and Smart Stop Technology (SST).
Standard airbags include front-mounted side airbags for driver and front passengers, front seat-mounted airbags for driver and front passengers, driver and front-passenger knee airbags, and all-row roll-sensing curtain airbags. All 2023 4Runner models add Rear Occupancy Alert. The system alerts the driver to inspect the rear seat for any pet or child before he exits the vehicle if all operational parameters have been met.
Space for People and Gear
4Runner has many options for carrying gear. The cargo area can hold up to 47.2 cup. There is a total of 47.2 cu.ft. of space for carrying. For two people, the second row can be folded to create a vast 89.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The second-row seat can be folded flat and the headrests can be removed.
The 4Runner SR5 Limited and Limited grades have third-row seating available. This includes a split 50/50 seat that folds flat. The 40:20/40 second-row seat can be equipped with a one-touch walk-in function that allows easy access to the third row. You can fold the seats from either the side or rear using separate one-touch buttons. The second-row seats have a center armrest and can be reclined up to 16 degrees in just four steps.
The 4Runner’s standard 120V outlet is available, as well as two 12V outlets. To make it easier to load and unload heavy items, the available pull-out cargo deck supports up to 440lbs. You can also use it as a seating area for camping relaxation and tailgating.
From Bumper to Bumper, Toyota Value
All 4Runner models come with Smart Key with Push Button Start. TRD Off-Road Premium and SR5 Premium offer significant comfort upgrades with SofTex(r-trimmed) seats, heated front seats, and an auto-dimming back-view mirror.
4Runner Limited offers luxury with leather-trimmed, heated, ventilated, 8-way power-adjustable driver seat (with memory) or 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seats. Dual-zone automatic climate control is also available. The standard rear and front clearance sonar systems of the Limited grade make parking easier and safer. Limited’s Panoramic View Monitor, (PVM), provides a 360-degree bird’s-eye view that allows the driver to see objects around the vehicle.
The premium audio system for the 4Runner Limited or TRD Pro includes 15 JBL speakers, a subwoofer, amplifier, Dynamic navigation with a 3-year trial; Dynamic POI Search; Dynamic voice recognition; Destination Assist with 1-year Trial; Remote Connect with 1-year trials and Wi-Fi connectivity with up to 2GB within a 3-month trial.
Limited Warranty and ToyotaCare
All components, except normal wear and maintenance, are covered by Toyota’s basic 36-month/36,000-mile new-vehicle warranty. Additional 60-month warranties are available for the powertrain up to 60,000 miles and corrosion, with no limit on mileage. ToyotaCare is included with the 2023 4Runner. This plan covers normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, depending on which comes first. It also includes 24-hour roadside assistance for up to two years and unlimited mileage.
