Having just spent some quality time behind the wheel of the 2023 Toyota 4runner Trd Pro, I can confidently say this SUV is more than just a vehicle; it’s an experience. As someone who lives and breathes automobiles here at Miller Toyota, I get to sample a wide range of rides. But there’s something about the 4Runner TRD Pro that sticks with you, long after you’ve handed back the keys. Watching it drive away, replaced by a tech-laden Lexus, left me with a distinct feeling of longing.
My week with the 2023 4Runner TRD Pro was a whirlwind of practical needs and off-road desires. From daily commutes to weekend explorations, this SUV handled it all with a rugged charm that’s increasingly rare in today’s market. Taking my wife to work became a mini-adventure, errands turned into opportunities to appreciate its commanding presence, and any hint of snow was an excuse to test its capabilities. And yes, launching over speed bumps felt less like an annoyance and more like a testament to its robust suspension. The Crawl Control? Pure off-road magic, making challenging terrains feel almost effortless. Every park job ended with a backward glance – it’s that kind of vehicle.
2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro orange color parked in a driveway
The truth is, the praise you hear about the 4Runner, especially the TRD Pro, is well-deserved. It’s a refreshing dose of simplicity in a world of overly complicated vehicles. The analog gauges are a welcome sight, and the abundance of physical buttons means you’re never lost in a digital menu when you need to engage a feature. Its boxy silhouette is honest and functional, a far cry from the swooping lines and unnecessary styling flourishes we see everywhere else. And those Fox shocks? They’re not just for show; they genuinely transform the off-road experience, soaking up bumps and ruts with ease. While the 4.0-liter V6 engine might not win any horsepower contests, it provides more than adequate power and boasts the legendary Toyota reliability that’s likely to outlast many owners.
Priced north of $55,000, the TRD Pro sits at the top of the 4Runner lineup. But that price tag brings tangible value: multi-terrain select, a locking rear differential, aggressive all-terrain tires, and a practical roof rack. You’re paying for real-world capability, not marketing buzzwords or flashy, but ultimately useless, gimmicks. The 2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro sells itself through genuine performance and a reputation forged in the wild.
Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro rear view on a paved road
For someone who appreciates function over form, the 4Runner TRD Pro verges on automotive perfection. Sure, the rearview camera might seem like a relic from the early days of digital photography, and the interior design might be described as “classic” (or perhaps “dated” by some). But these are minor quibbles when you consider the overall package. The slightly pixelated camera doesn’t bother me when mirrors work just fine, and the robust buttons and straightforward interior are a testament to prioritizing usability. However, I recognize that my priorities might not align with the mainstream car buyer. In a market increasingly dominated by sleek crossovers and tech-heavy sedans, where does the 4Runner fit in? What does Toyota foresee for its future?
Looking at the road today, filled with aerodynamic, almost appliance-like vehicles, you might wonder if the 4Runner’s days are numbered. The reality is, the 4Runner isn’t going anywhere soon. It’s a cash cow for Toyota, and its enduring popularity speaks for itself. However, a new generation is on the horizon, and it’s unlikely to be a carbon copy of the current model.
The next-generation 4Runner has seen delays, fueling speculation that Toyota is carefully navigating the complexities of evolving technologies and stricter regulations. Rumors abound: a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, hybrid powertrains, and even an electric variant have been mentioned. While these advancements might be welcome to some, they potentially dilute the very essence of what makes the 4Runner so appealing: its raw, rugged simplicity.
Perhaps these concerns are unfounded. We can hope that the 4Runner will continue to thrive alongside vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco, as a timeless off-road icon with acceptable on-road manners. If Toyota can maintain profitability by staying true to the 4Runner’s core values, why drastically alter a winning formula?
If Toyota does chart a new course for the 4Runner, the next generation will undoubtedly be capable, comfortable, and packed with technology. But it might also widen the gap between driver and driving experience. If that happens, perhaps the 2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro, with its blend of old-school charm and proven off-road prowess, will become even more sought after.
