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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $40,482–$53,291 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
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 →
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 → · Best SUVs under $50k →
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.
| Year | Score | Starting 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 → |
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… |
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Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2023 Toyota 4Runner's reliability 9.1/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #947 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 61% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner starts at $40,482 and ranges up to $53,291 across trims (MSRP when new). At 18 MPG, expect roughly $2,917/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.