2023 Toyota 4Runner — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2023 Toyota 4Runner

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $40,482–$53,291
Fuel Economy 18 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,917/yr

Key Specifications — 2023 Toyota 4Runner

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$40,482–$53,291

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.5/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.1/10, while Technology at 5.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability stands out at 9.1/10. The 4Runner nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety lands at 7.3/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

With 7.6/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. Technology scores 5.8/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $40,482–$53,291, 18 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota 4Runner sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Verdict: Nothing about the 2023 Toyota 4Runner will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on value and technology if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner ranks #947 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 61% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $40,482 starting price is about 12% above the segment's median of $36,079.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which 4Runner Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2020 Toyota 4Runner scores 7.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.5 — and starts roughly $4,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.6/10$42,987 Read review →
2025 7.6/10$42,987 Read review →
2024 7.5/10$41,735 Read review →
2023 (this review) 7.5/10$40,482
2022 7.5/10$39,230 Read review →
2021 7.4/10$37,978 Read review →
2020 7.3/10$36,726 Read review →
2019 7.3/10$35,474 Read review →
2018 7.3/10$34,222 Read review →
2017 7.2/10$32,970 Read review →
2016 7.1/10$31,718 Read review →
2015 7.1/10$30,466 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2023 Toyota 4Runner

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
  • Fuel economy at 18 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2023 Toyota 4Runner (1 on record)

The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Equipment / Other / Labels
12/10/2023 · 23V680000
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification label states the incorrect load carrying capacity, which can result in an overloaded vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

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