The Toyota 4Runner has been a success for the company for the last 40 years, with no signs of fading in the future. In fact, the sales of the go-anywhere SUV are swelling as the time progresses. Last year, the company dispatched 144,696 units which accounted 12.1 per cent increase.
Toyota introduced the fifth generation in 2009 and wants to continue with it for the 2023 model year. However, the company has updated some key features and unveiled the 4Runner 40th Anniversary Edition.
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Edition reminds us of the design cues of the 1980s. The retro update uses yellow/orange/red body graphics on the SR5 Premium variant. You can have the Special Edition in Midnight Black, Barcelona Red, or White. The spruced-up SUV sports a body-colored heritage front grille with a bulky “TOYOTA” print as well as a bronze 40th Anniversary symbol on the tailgate.
We can also see bronze on the 17-inch alloy wheels as well as on the seats and gear knob inside. Furthermore, the headrests feature a 40th-anniversary emblem, and we also get unique floor mats for this limited edition. The exclusive model also comes standard with an electrically operated moonroof. The company will produce only 4,040 units boasting a four-wheel-drive layout. A plaque on the dashboard in front of the passenger shows the unit production number.
Regarding the powertrain of the new 2023 4Runner, all models get a 4.0-litre V-6 good for 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. The mill mates to a 5-speed automatic transmission and a standard rear-wheel drive, which comes with a limited-slip differential.
A four-wheel drive setup is optional that offers a higher ground clearance of 9.6 inches, instead of 9.0 inches for rear-wheel drive. All variants are rated at 5,000 pounds of maximum towing capacity and have an integrated tow hitch receiver and wiring harness.
The 2023 4Runner features Blind Spot Monitor + Rear Cross Traffic Alert as well as LED high beams to match the LED low beams and fog lights (not available on all variants). In addition, the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) is a standard affair, while the buyers can select from two-wheel and four-wheel drive setups with seating for up to seven occupants.
For a generation that is around 15 years old, the model should scream a change, but 4Runner is different. Its growing popularity prevents the automaker from introducing the sixth-generation model. When it is time to embrace the next generation, it will probably still have the same platform the fifth generation is using to allow Toyota cut expenses and accelerate production.
The 2023 4Runner will hit the roads later this year along with the 40th Anniversary Edition. The pricing details will be available before the on-sale date.
Source and Images: Motor1