Celebrating over four decades on the market with more than four million sales, Toyota introduced the 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition SUV. The 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition features retro-inspired stripes and exclusive details, creating a distinctive and nostalgic design. After a week behind the wheel of this ever-reliable Toyota, it’s clear that the 40th Anniversary 4Runner is a standout and dependable choice that outshines many of its competitors.
Here’s what the 2023 Toyota 4Runner gets right
If you have been in a Toyota 4Runner recently, the interior resembles how it looked in 2009. While Toyota has made some updates, the 4Runner has more of a nostalgic feel than an “old” feel. The test vehicle I do still had a screen with Apple CarPlay and modern tech, but it used actual knobs and buttons for a lot of things. I appreciate real knobs and buttons instead of hunting down the air conditioning temp behind 15 touchscreen menus.
I found the 4Runner was easy to drive and felt stable on the roads. It also isn’t too big to drive through parking lots or park in tight places. Compared to the full-size Sequoia, the midsize 4Runner is just the right size. Since it only has five seats, they are comfortable and spacious.
A versatile cargo space in the back fits luggage and camera equipment for three people pretty quickly. You can add a third row from the factory, but ours only came with two.
How limited is the 4Runner 40th Anniversary Edition?
The production of the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition is limited to just 4,040 units. Despite the various iterations of the fifth generation, this production number is relatively low. Toyota’s year-end sales figures for 2022 indicate 7,291 units sold, emphasizing the rarity of the 40th Anniversary edition, with only around 2% of the vehicles on the road featuring this particular configuration. The starting price for this limited edition begins at $47,720.
Although the special edition version has garnered popularity online, seeing these SUVs in person is less common. I usually see new cars pretty quickly in Florida, but there are almost too many 4Runners on the road. Despite the challenge of distinguishing various years of the fifth-gen model, the stripes on the 40th Anniversary edition make it easily recognizable from a distance.
Toyota uses the 4.0L V6 engine across all trim levels this year. Part-time four-wheel drive is a practical enhancement, simplifying the SUV’s overall usability. With 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, the 4Runner efficiently navigates the streets. While it may feel slightly underpowered when accelerating to highway speeds, it generally has ample performance for everyday driving.
Tech on the Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary is easy to use
Navigating the technology in the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary is a user-friendly experience. The presence of knobs and buttons is a refreshing feature. Actual knobs handle the volume and air conditioning controls, allowing for convenient adjustments without the need to divert your attention from the road.
The eight-inch touchscreen, equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, is user-friendly in the 2023 4Runner. It was clear and responsive when I scrolled through the menus. A Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) utilizes front, side, and rear cameras to view the SUV’s surroundings for better visibility. It’s worth noting that while this feature is available on certain trims, it is not included across all levels. The details on other trim levels and their respective MSRPs are outlined below.
| Toyota 4Runner Trim | Price | Drivetrain |
| SR5 | $40,155 | 4×2 or 4×4, Part-time 4WD (4×4 only) |
| TRD Sport | $43,015 | 4×2 or 4×4, Part-time 4WD (4×4 only) |
| SR5 Premium | $43,215 | 4×2 or 4×4, Part-time 4WD (4×4 only) |
| TRD Off-Road | $44,000 | 4×4, Part-time 4WD |
| TRD Off-Road Premium | $46,580 | 4×4, Part-time 4WD |
| 40th Anniversary Special Edition | $47,720 | 4×4, Part-time 4WD |
| Limited | $49,390 | 4×2 or 4×4, Full-time 4WD (4×4 only) |
| TRD Pro | $54,620 | 4×4, Part-time 4WD |
The lack of an updated interior is a sore spot for some fans of the SUV, but it didn’t feel that way during our time driving it. More often than not, getting into a new vehicle can feel overwhelming, especially when changing settings. Toyota might not have updated the interior, but it did not register as a negative during testing. Most of the technology is along the lines of a tried-and-true situation over a modern take on things.
How does the 4Runner do off-road?
Toyota equipped each trim level with different off-road capabilities, but the 40th Anniversary Special Edition comes with part-time four-wheel drive. It also gets Downhill Assist Control, Active Traction Control, and Hill Start Assist Control.
These systems work well together to create a more stable off-road experience. I didn’t take the 4Runner too far off the beaten path, but it was more than capable where I went. I would suggest getting one of the trim levels with four-wheel drive if you are interested in taking the SUV off-roading. Since the 40th Anniversary edition is based on the SR5, it has 17-inch alloy wheels. Thanks to upgraded shocks and other systems, the TRD Pro trim will probably be the most capable trim level in any of the models.
In conclusion
The case for the Toyota 4Runner is pretty strong. Considering the phrase, “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it,” there isn’t anything to fix on the 4Runner. This one makes a lot of sense for those who want a new car but don’t necessarily need all of the latest technology. It doesn’t get much more reliable than a Toyota SUV, and the 4Runner is leading the pack for durability.
