2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, particularly the 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), was a nostalgic nod to the past with its retro body stripes and heritage grille design. It featured bronze 17-inch wheels and badges, adding a unique flair to its truck-based SUV stance. The interior, while filled with plastic, felt solid and of quality, with idiot-proof controls that were easy to use even with gloves. The 40 ASE was available in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior, and its MSRP was $54,380.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner maintained its classic, albeit outdated, design. Its boxy shape and flared fenders gave it a rugged, stable appearance, ideal for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model enhanced this with underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires. Inside, the 4Runner showed its age with old-school styling and last-generation technology. The analog instrument panel and small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen felt dated, but the interior offered cushioned panels for comfort. Despite its nostalgic appeal, the 4Runner lacked modern touches found in competitors like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and had a fuel economy rating of 13.8 L/100 km. The 4Runner excelled off-road with features like Active Traction Control, a locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration and heavy steering. Despite its flaws, the 4Runner provided a sense of invincibility, especially in challenging weather conditions.

The 2024 model retained the same engine and power specs but was hindered by its five-speed transmission compared to competitors with more gears. While off-road capabilities remained strong, the 4Runner felt slow on highways, with noticeable rear-end squat during acceleration. The TRD Pro's exhaust was loud, and the soft suspension led to body roll and floatiness on roads. Despite these issues, the 4Runner handled larger road imperfections well, making it suitable for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2023 4Runner offered a unique feature with its rear window that powered down into the tailgate, providing excellent ventilation. The interior was spacious, with comfortable seats and dual-zone climate control. The second-row seating was roomy, but the optional third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner provided 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it practical for adventures.

The 2024 model's interior felt outdated but functional, with easy-to-use controls and excellent visibility. The second-row offered ample legroom, though headroom was limited for taller passengers. The optional third row was available, but cargo space was reduced with it. The 4Runner could hold up to 2,540 litres of cargo with the rear seats stowed, and the sliding glass rear window added convenience. However, the lack of remote seat releases and a powered liftgate were drawbacks.

The 2023 4Runner featured an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with real knobs and buttons. The JBL premium sound system was available, though bass-heavy. Voice recognition worked well, despite some limitations.

In 2024, the infotainment system remained basic, with the same eight-inch touchscreen. The TRD Pro model included a 15-speaker JBL audio system, but road noise affected sound quality. Additional terrain controls were available, though their pictograms required consulting the manual. The system lacked off-road-specific apps found in competitors.

The 2023 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with lower scores for frontal and rollover protection. The IIHS gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap test.

The 2024 model received similar safety ratings, with four stars from NHTSA and mixed results from IIHS. It included standard safety features like adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning. The TRD Pro and Limited trims offered a surround-view camera system. However, the safety alerts were oversensitive, requiring adjustments.