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2023 Toyota 4Runner: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2023 Toyota 4Runner is that blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on every trim. Toyota also adds a limited-run 40th Anniversary Special Edition, but the rest of this late-generation SUV is largely unchanged.
About the 2023 Toyota 4Runner
5th generation (2010-2024), late-cycle year and the second-to-last year before the all-new 2025 redesign.
Toyota positions the 4Runner as a rugged, adventure-ready SUV for buyers who want real truck-based toughness instead of crossover smoothness. Its core appeal is durability, strong trail capability, and simple, proven hardware, especially in the TRD off-road trims. At the same time, it still works as a practical family SUV with a tall seating position, useful cargo room, and, on some trims, a third row. Compared with softer midsize crossovers, the 4Runner stands out for genuine off-road hardware and a long-running reputation for reliability.
The 2023 lineup spans the straightforward SR5, the comfort-focused Limited, and several TRD versions aimed at either pavement or serious trail use. The TRD Pro stands out with specialized FOX shocks and extra underbody protection, while the Limited has leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats and JBL audio. The new 40th Anniversary Special Edition pairs SR5 Premium comfort features with standard 4WD, heritage-style graphics and grille details, and a moonroof.
What changed, by category
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert become standard on every 2023 4Runner trim.
Styling
The 4WD-only 40th Anniversary Special Edition joins the lineup with a heritage-style TOYOTA grille, anniversary graphics, special cabin details, and a standard moonroof. The Trail Special Edition is dropped.
Tech
The power moonroof changes from standard to optional on the TRD Off-Road Premium.
2023 Toyota 4Runner specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| Horsepower | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp |
| Torque | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 89.7 cu-ft | 89.7 cu-ft | 89.7 cu-ft | 89.7 cu-ft | 89.7 cu-ft | 89.7 cu-ft | 89.7 cu-ft | 89.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 32.9 in | 32.9 in | 32.9 in | 32.9 in | 32.9 in | 32.9 in | 32.9 in | 32.9 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||||
| Power Side Steps | ||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2023 Toyota 4Runner?
The biggest change is that blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on every 2023 4Runner trim. These systems help warn the driver about vehicles beside the SUV or crossing behind it while reversing.
What is special about the 2023 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition?
The 40th Anniversary Special Edition is a limited-run, 4WD-only model based on the SR5 Premium. It has a heritage-style TOYOTA grille, anniversary graphics and cabin details, heated SofTex-trimmed front seats, and a standard moonroof.
Did the 2023 Toyota 4Runner get a new engine or transmission?
No. The 2023 4Runner keeps the 4.0-liter V6 and five-speed automatic transmission used for 2022, so this is not a powertrain update or redesign.
Which 4Runner trims changed for 2023?
The 40th Anniversary Special Edition joins the lineup, while the Trail Special Edition is dropped. The TRD Off-Road Premium also changes its power moonroof from standard to optional.
Is the 2023 Toyota 4Runner substantially different from the 2022 model?
No. The 2023 model is largely a carryover, with standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert across the lineup as its broadest upgrade. The limited-run anniversary model is the other notable addition, while the V6, transmission, and basic structure remain the same.
2023 Toyota 4Runner Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Toyota 4Runner.
4.4
2023 Toyota 4Runner
(189 reviews)
“hands free sounds windy to person receiving call even with car shut off and windows up”
“Durable, nice ride, good safety features. Using it to offroad, but our last one was a fantastic commuter/family rig.”
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — Whats New For Toyotas 2023 Trucks Crossovers And Suvs
- pressroom.toyota.com — Toyota 4Runner Celebrates Historic Run With 40Th Anniversary Special Edition
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2022 Toyota 4Runner Adds New Trd Sport Model New Standard Safety Features
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2024 Toyota 4Runner Rugged Capability
- pressroom.toyota.com — The All New 2025 Toyota 4Runner The Icon That Inspires Exploration
- toyota.com — Pdf / 2023 / 4Runner Ebrochure
- toyota.com — 4Runner / 2024 / 4Runner Vs Grandcherokee
- toyota.com — 4Runner / 2024 / 4Runner Vs Bronco