REVIEW: 2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

This week I bring you the ever-popular, old-school, Toyota 4Runner. The TRD Pro trim is the 4Runner for you if ride height is your thing, along with added off-road capability to conquer the trail. By the way, the 2023 model year marks the 4Runner's 40th anniversary (I've reviewed the 40th Anniversary Edition here.)

2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

Exterior

My test vehicle wears a TRD Pro exclusive Solar Octane hue and rides on 17-inch TRD Pro Matte black alloy wheels. Nitto Terra Grappler all-terrain tires will take you where you want to go.

 

 

Exterior features of the 4Runner TRD Pro include its unique TOYOTA front grille, black TRD Pro badging and a TRD Pro roof rack.  It also features high performance fog lights along with front and rear mudguards. Side power mirrors are heated.

Performance

The 4Runner TRD Pro is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 that produces 270-horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. It's mated to a 5-speed transmission.  It's of course packed with all the off-road goodies you need to tackle any terrain.  Equipment includes a part time 4WD system and a locking rear differential along with Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control.   It's also equipped with TRD-tuned Fox shocks and springs and TRD Pro stamped aluminum front skid plate.

Interior

Inside a comfortable, roomy and rugged interior geared to handle your off-road adventures, you find SofTex-trimmed seats and red TRD Pro badging on the headrests.  The driver's seat is 8-way power and both front seats are heated, as is the large steering wheel.

Since the 4Runner still awaits a redesign (which could be coming in 2025), it's not equipped with Toyota's terrific new Multimedia Audio system that you'll find in the Sequoia and other recently redesigned models.  Instead, it has an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. The system is compatible with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There's a large volume knob to the left of the screen. A JBL 15-speaker sound system is a treat.

 

 

 

 

The center stack is home to traditional dual zone climate control buttons sandwiched between two rugged, large dials that set the temp.

A wide console area houses a large TRD gear shift, heat seater climate controls, the control for the power rear liftgate window, and cupholders.

The second row is plenty roomy. The 60/40 split seat reclines and folds flat. TRD Pro all-weather floor liners look the part and I've no doubt they can handle anything.

The cargo area is of course ample. It also comes with a mesh panel so you stuff won't fall out. This vehicle is also equipped with an optional sliding rear cargo deck with under storage, which is a cool feature. There's also an accessory cargo net to keep your things from falling out.

Standard features include push button start,  dual zone climate, a backup camera and a moonroof with sunshade. 

Ride and Drive

Let me first just say it's a hike to get into the 4Runner TRD Pro. I'm talking 9.6-inches of ground clearance.  My test vehicle was not equipped with optional static running boards but they're available. The 4Runner rides and drives like the body-on-frame TRD-tuned suspension SUV it is - that is, it's a more truck-like rather than SUV experience. (For enhanced city driving dynamics you'll want to check out the 4Runner TRD Sport )   

Safety

The 2023 model year 4Runner is equipped Toyota Safety Sense-P. It includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert,  Automatic High Beams, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

Additionally the 4Runner is equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Rear Occupancy Alert.

What You'll Pay

Options on this model include the Solar Octane hue ($425) and a sliding rear cargo deck ($35), and cargo mat ($130)., bringing the total MSRP as equipped to $55,510.

Verdict

For old-school, off-road capability, it doesn't get better than the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro.