2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD PRO Review and Off-Road Test
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 มิ.ย. 2024
- What's new with the Toyota 4Runner for 2023? We take a look at the latest version and then test it on our off-road course.
CONTENTS
00:00 - Introduction
00:42 - Features
10:46 - Driving Impressions
16:50 - Off-Road Tests
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Every 4Runner review video:
Dated, antiquated tech, missing features that are standard on every other car, terrible gas mileage, unchanged looks
Also every 4Runner review video:
Reliable af, capable af even stock, classic and timeless styling.
Always the same thing but I love watching these review videos because it reminds me I made the right choice hahah
110% accurate!!! We have one 4runner, but highly considering a 2nd one. It just does everything great and we love that.
I say go for it… I own a 2012 TE and 2017 Pro and enjoy both equally.
You are not wrong. Lol I miss my 2016 4Runner. 😣 Can't wait to get a new one!
So true, and yet Toyota still sells 100,000 unit every year.... 150,000 units were sold in 2021....135,000 in 2021.... 0ver 100,000 so far in 2022..... so all the opinions of TH-camrs are irrelevant
Better the way it is. Look how they ruined the Sequoia.
People buy this because of the MPI 4 liter and the 5 speed auto. Bullet proof and still made in Japan. When you look at the Mexican made tacos and some of the issues they have had over the years this model is none of that. This is the most reliable toy one can buy. People don't care how old it might be. Its legendary at this point and I'm sure Toyota is a bit uneasy about replacing it. And IMO, as long as sales are what they are they should never replace it.
I have a 2022 SR5 premium. If I could have that the rest of my life I would be happy
Actually not true, my 2020 pro built to my order finished in Mexico is the absolute best dam bullet pro truck I’ve ever owned
Got an ‘04 here with 220k. Made in Japan through and through. Love it!
I agree
Thanks for another great review. I absolutely love the new course! This makes your channel one of the top review sites on TH-cam.
Really good video, as an owner of a 2016 trail with KDSS I've never been so happy with a vehicle than the 4runner, you hit the nail on the head when you called it a Swiss army knife, she will do almost anything you ask of it and without giving you trouble, I've overland with it and it's my daily driver, couldn't imagine having anything else. Keep up the good work.
Swiss Army knife... yes!
Thank you so much for this video! I am taking my 22-4runner pro off roading for the first time in the next couple of weeks. I have not familiarized myself with all of functions yet, but this video helped me understand them better!
Awesome video Ryan! Last year in early summer, you came out with a video comparing the Wilderness and a 4Runner. That video introduced me to the OBW, and I ended up buying the first one available in Arizona. Fastforward to today. I had to turn around yesterday in my OBW trying to get to Sheep's Bridge in Arizona and now I am watching TH-cam videos of Rubicon's and now this. As much as I love my OBW, this video really really convinced me that I'd enjoy the TRD Pro more.
Great review and I love the test course you built! Your channel is awesome 👌 👏
Showing LOVE for the channel thank you for another great video once again man seriously my wife and I are both getting new vehicles we've work hard for this moment in our lives and in sold for the new trd pro 4runner it's just everything I personally need in a vehicle and yes Toyota has figured it out point blank and my wife is wanting the new Ford Ranger Tremor. Thank You for your channel and seriously thank you. Have a blessed day everyone honestly your help too
I would love to see a review of a 4runner that is equipped with KDSS. I feel like that feature is greatly underrepresented
I like mine and I can tell the difference on the road. off road I don't see a difference.
I've never driven a vehicle with KDSS but it seems like an overly complicated solution compared to using an electronic or manual sway bar disconnect.
It kills your ability to add aftermarket stuff and forget 35s and anything cool
Do they make this in a manual trans?
@@ryantettenburn940 no manuals are gay
As you know, Ryan, I have been watching these videos for a few years and I am amazed that they keep getting better and better. I think one of the best parts of this video is when you (almost) buried the Toyota in the self-made course. I especially liked when you said: "Ooof, ooof... I love this course!" I also appreciate how you utilize situations in which the everyday (normal) person who may want an adventure know what to look out for. Another part of these videos I like is that you espouse the good and the bad. You are not selling the car, but enabling the public to understand that thos (or that) car may not be for them. Excellent. Have you ever thought about doing a Top 10 of the vehicles and how they perform on your courses?
We have, and will probably do something like that… at some point.
Finally a reviewer with a course worth looking at. TFL should use your course
We're a long drive from Colorado.
Great video Ryan can't get enough of the beautiful 4runner rugged and low tech I just love mine dude keep it up!
Great video as always. 4Runner is a beast! Ranger Tremor looking nice in the background in some shots 👌🏼
Very enjoyable as usual-you always do such a thorough job. I only wish (at my age) I could come up with a good reason to go purchase one. I have owned a number of off road vehicles in my life, but the one 4Runner I owned was probably my all around favorite (second place would go to a 1967 Bronco - bought this one from a friend in 1968). The 4Runner in this video is absolutely amazing in what it does in the dirt. Compared to the off road vehicles we had back in the 20th Century, I would think nobody today should ever get stuck anywhere in any driving conditions. The next step will be to make these cars steer themselves. Then, the driver can nap until the campsite is reached!🤣🤣🤣
Honest , funny, informative you nailed it
Good to see another positive review of our beloved Gen5 4Runner. My daily driver and off-road/snow-wheeling superstar.
I don't do off-road at all but I haul lots of weight consistently with my vehicle, so I need biggest possible cargo space plus real world payload capability. After broke 3 suspensions of my Sienna (which has 1300lbs payload) I switched to 4runner(880lb payload on paper), what a difference between unibody and real body on frame, numbers don't matter AT ALL. Now I am on my third Runner.
Another GREAT video. Thank you!!!
Great video! Man, what a difference between this one and the 1994 version I owned years ago. It was two doors, removeable top, had the Warn manual locking hubs and the unusable rear seat. Would climb a vertical wall if it could get traction! But I loved it. Waiting on a 2023 TRD Off Road Premium.
I'm in love with my new 2023 trd pro , this videos makes me go out to do off roading right now
Nice review. Thank you! Coming up on 2 years with my TRD Pro and it has been incredibly versatile. For sure missing some of the tech of newer vehicles, but gets the job done.
How do you feel about the old 4.0 and 5spd? I'm looking at buying one for my run around vehicle and weekend warrior.
@@TheAndrettiDog They are adequate. Not the best out there but also not a deal breaker for me. New 4Runner will be interesting to see how they change it.
@@rc51bigdaddy Probably gonna be a twin turbo 4. It makes sense but doesn't have much character. Just like all the electric vehicles.
Love it.. I really hope they stay true to the utilitarian design with the new version whenever t arrives. And I personally think the old school headliner material looks more quality than the stuff they use in the Rav4. The MTS rocks and the crawl control rocks too !
They are keeping it based off the platform that the Land Cruiser Prado and Lexus GX use, so it will be very utilitarian, but be modernized, though I hope not too much.. I love the simplicity of my 4Runner
@@lunamaria1048 Same here !
The headliner may "look" outdated but its so thick and sturdy like everything else on the 4runner. The new stuff may look "updated" but its thin and cheap.
I've talk to a few people I know that recently got 4Runners even though this generation is on it's way out. Most of them came from Jeeps and they said a Jeep cost so much to keep on the road, they just couldn't keep paying for wheel bearings and suspension components every 30k miles.
Was in Toyota dealership this morn, Panama City Toyota, getting lil tint on my windows. Had a 1986 4runner on display in the back. Still looked amazing. Ya can't go wrong with it
got a 2022 trd off road, and the only thing that i didnt get that i wanted was the cargo tray lol. So convenient if you routinely put stuff in and out of the cargo area. But pickings were slim and im more than happy with the vehicle
I know you have a Toyota jacket 😂 Great review, as always. The 4runner is a complete legend. I'll never get tired of 4runner content.
One of the things I like best about these videos, is that even though Ryan might wear the jackets, doesn't mean he is going to give it a 10!
The 4Runner is the go do just about any trip or adventure anyone could dream up vehicle. For me personally, it's the perfect Tonka toy for adults. The only other competition is the Wrangler Rubicon and Cherokee Trailhawk..
Superb video.
Ryan great review! Please test one with KDSS to show whether it mitigates leaning and handling on road, as well as off-road articulation. Most reviewers don’t get KDSS versions, and when they do, they don’t know what it is, nor how to test it and compare it in BOTH on road and off road situations.
@Driving Sports TV Ryan, Great video. Thanks. You didn't mention one great update for 2023 TRD Pro, Limited and TRD Offroad Premium; a heated steering wheel. Great new feature that has been lacking in previous model years.
I'll mention that a more reliable and proper method for shifting into 4Lo is to first be in 4hi (rolling to a stop is a good time). Then once stopped, shift to neutral and shift transfer case to 4Lo. You didn't have issues shifting from 2hi to 4hi to 4lo in this video, but I see video reviews and forums complain about it being "finicky" to shift into 4lo, but they are doing it wrong. If one is already in 4hi when coming to a stop, it shifts into 4lo quickly and reliably every time, so mentioning that for your viewers.
Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) is one option, but it's faster and easier to push the A-TRAC button to activate the "active traction control system". And I realize you were testing the A-TRAC and MTS features to see how they do, but will mention that in the real world, drivers would be best served to also engage the rear locker and then you are not needlessly wearing brake pads with A-TRAC clamping down on a spinning wheel.
Great course and looking forward to the further build out.
Really enjoyed this. Waiting for one to arrive at our dealer. 3-6mo wait is what we were told so crossing our fingers.
My 85 runner , manual tranny and a solid front axle. Didn't need any high tech stuff. Put that thing in low range and it would crawl up and down and over everything. Vastly superior vehicle, an army tank . Reliable as the sunrise and not unbearably uncomfortable on the highway, wish I still had that sweet thing.
I agree with the Tacoma vs 4Runner comment. I have both in 21 model years and both are off roads with the 4runner being a premium. Every time I drive the 4Runner after the Tacoma I noticed how much smoother the transmission shifts and how much better I like the lower end torque of the 4.0 over the 3.5.
It's much more comfortable and the interior is better quality. Plus interestingly enough the 4runner comes with A-trac while the Tacoma doesn't.
Nice review. Thank you!
Love the 4 Runner - thanks for the review. I am curious if you have statistics on how many 4 Runners are sold into rental fleets. In recent years, I see rows of 4 runners parked at the airport car rental lots in Western Colorado.
I have been trying to decide between TRD Off Road Premium vs TRD PRO..and I think this review helped me decide.
Ryan, We were wondering when you would cave in to the pressure and finally give us another 4Runner review 😉It was a relief to see the trees on this new course behaved so much better than that delinquent Ponderosa Pine 🌲that viciously attacked your personal 4Runner last year. To the subscribers, how many would prefer a Prado to a 4Runner? 🤔
I would prefer the land cruiser, but my budget wouldn't allow lol
The gx is better, in my country we have the Prado and yes the diesel engine is more economic,but the the GX is stronger
prado 🤤😋
The 4Runner looks way better
@@will0775 it takes premium gas and that's a disadvantage
Whenever I wonder that there might be something wrong with the transmission on my FJ Cruiser (because it won't hold steady RPM no matter how gentle I am on the go peddle), all I have to do do is listen to a TH-camr drive a brand new 4Runner. LOL!
Great review as always.
Every parts of this rig is solid and has been refined years after years. The more you know about this car the more you understand why it can last for so long.
I never watch videos like this, but I literally couldn't stop watching this one. The courses had me holding my breath and I audibly chuckled when the 4Runner cleared the rock course. Great work, and I especially appreciate the insight of the 4Runner's shortcomings as well as its features compared to the Off Road version. Thank you!
Love the new course! The 4Runner for the win as usual
I am falling in love with the 4Runner….I will be getting one if my finances work out in the first quarter 2023…that TRD exhaust noise in the video is intrusive…I will not option that…thanks for allowing your microphone to pick that noise up….
My 23 pro just landed in Calgary, I am stoked
Congratulations!!!!
LOVE the New Course!!!
I love the 4RUNNER, exceptional vehicle offroad and good on road, great! video showing it's capabilities
Great video!
Nice video like as always
I love the fact they haven’t changed it for 13 years. Reminds me of the 70 series that’s been around since mid 80’s. Can still buy it new in some parts of the world.
Imo, they need to put a just new interior in it and not touch the exterior, it looks like an old off roader and I prefer that look to most of the new ones
Some parts of the world? The 70-series is sold in more countries than where it is not sold in. It's pretty much only not sold in North America and EU. But unlike in the US or Canada you can legally import a new 70-series in the EU if one wishes to.
@@shivamarya5225 Agreed. A new interior and a new transmission and this thing is gold.
Great review. I figured it would do that well. PLEASE test KDSS! No one does.
If these had more 3rd row and trunk space we'd have one today. This was the only vehicle my Wife and I seriously considered when shopping for a new vehicle. We ended up with a 2023 Subaru Ascent instead. For a family of 6 though it just didn't have the seat/cargo space for us...which is unfortunate. 4Runners are awesome.
My family of 5 plus 2 dogs just had the same decision, 4Runner was what I really wanted, but went with the Ascent. We are very comfortable in it and don't regret it at all, but I will have my 4Runner some day...
@@vipervt09 wish toyota still had the land cruiser 😢
Really enjoy your videos! You've mentioned tires in almost every review I've watched. Could there be a future video comparing tires (mpg range, road noise, off-road limits)? How capable can a small SUV be with the right set of tires? I currently have my eyes set on the Lexus NX 450h+ where it would spend most of its time on the road but would need to get me up to a trailhead. Can I slap on 18" wheels and all-terrain tires and be good?
I watched this video the winter snow one & sarah n tuned video on the 4runner & I got one before they change to the next generation...
Got the SR5 as I don't go do what a pro 4runner will do .
put the michelin defender ltx m/s2 10 ply E rated tires on it & its getting 20.1 mpg city or highway. the tires are grate
next I want to get the Bilstein 5100 rear shocks for pulling a travel trailer
thanks for making the videos 4runner has not disappointed
Saw your this video and ordered my self one TRD Pro. 2023. Nice video.
This puts other off-road reviews to shame. Thank you!
Awesome video Ryan!! I've never seen you do a full review on a Ram Power Wagon. I'm so curious to see how it tackles your off road course!! Please do a review on the Power Wagon!!
Good point!
won't fit.
@@thecount1001
Won't fit? He took a new Tundra up there man lol. It will to fit and he will make it fit lol..... that's what she said lol
Love my 4Runner, just wish the gas mileage wasn’t so terrible.
Can’t wait until you get to test the new Pilot Trailsport.
Question, Ryan.. Is the trd pro exhaust noise a simple fix? Wonder if it's just an exhaust tip replacement or something more complex and expensive.
Great review.
Beautiful truck! I’m just over 100k miles on my 2013 SR5. I sure will buy another when mine stops moving
Great video
Thanks! Excellent
I was looking into getting a TRD off road. I wondering if I should purchase the extended warranty(what are your thoughts?)If I did a level kit would that void the warranty?
my 2020 RAV4 hybrid is getting some service done to its power rear liftgate… Some resistance gizmo doodad was faulty and preventing the door from opening… So they gave me a loaner and initially it was just another RAV4, but the kind lady at the service desk when I asked her if a 4Runner was available said that there wasn’t but if one comes in, she’ll call me and I can do a swap. Later that same day, a 4Runner did come back to the dealer. I quickly ran back over there and exchanged my loaner for an army green 4Runner Limited. As luck would have it, the dealer received the wrong replacement part yesterday. And due to the weather, Toyota is not shipping any parts until the weather improves. I am now able to keep using the 4Runner until my car is repaired. I’ve been able to now live with it for multiple days and starting to get a much more in-depth sense of the vehicle, its quirks, and livability. What strikes me the most is the 13 mpg I am currently getting in frigid temperatures driving in the city less than 40 mph. I also noticed the windshield washer spray pattern reminds me of a car from the 90’s….and anemic.
I enjoy watching your video
🇺🇸 Roman loves the G. What a fool!
Fun to watch your video. How about doing one with real driving conditions as people actually have to use the truck. I need to put chains on all four wheels equipped with snow tires to drive through deep snow - nominal 25" with drifts in sections deeper than that. From my experience, that is the really tough test, making the truck take you where you need to go. Would be interesting to compare other models what they can do. Some have restrictions on tire chains, which eliminates them from the field. You just can't get traction without chains.
Love that paint job.
Adding this personally way of looking at things is nice 🙂
Thanks Ryan. By the way what a beautiful country you have there, its like it is from Andersen's tales, so breathtaking.
Cannot add any additional praise that you have not covered. I have the 2018 TRD OR and by comparison to what you just showed, I am out of date with tech. But only by 5 years. lol Actually Toyota had all that gear on or available in their other products. Why it was not even an option for me back then, I have no idea. Since I bought it for the likelihood of it being my last 4WD and it will out live me, I cannot see me trading up and spending tens of thousands more just for the tech. that I do not have.(safety tech. cameras, push button start) I saved some pennies on not buying the TRD OR Premium. And I saved thousands upon thousands by not buying the Pro. I did option for the KDSS and it is worth every penny. Thank you for mentioning that. Bottom line, if I had to do all over again, I still think this is the best jack of all trades still on the market. The Bronco is more OR oriented and in competition with the Jeeps.. but neither will likely out live the 4R.
Great video. Great truck.
At the end of the day, "Toyota is still King!!"
Ryan, Hope you and your family/crew had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!
Love the color theme, especially mirrors.
is the surround cam available on the TRD ORP?
That looks like a blast
The new 4Runner TRD Pro looks awesome in that Solar Octane paint! I'd love to step up to one from my '21 Crosstrek, but at almost $56k and 16ish MPG, I can't quite justify it.
Cheapskate!
Needs hybrid
Get the LX470 and throw 15-20k at it, but it's still suck on gas 🤔
You don’t buy it for the mileage. You buy it for its capabilities and reliability.
Great review...thank you. You referenced the GX460 re: KDSS...for a daily driver and family trip vehicle to be kept "forever" ... which do you prefer, the 4Runner or GX460? Is one more user-friendly for someone 6'4"? Thanks!
Gx has more headroom
This video makes me want to trade my truck in and get in a TRD pro. More then likely my next vehicle purchase I can’t wait
I do love that color
I love the color. I have a 2016 SR5 4Runner. I love my 4Runner
My $46k TRD Off Road is feeling better and better every year:)
A turbo will be detrimental to Toyotas engine longevity… I wouldn’t have one
The most important aspect in the 4R is that it retains the venerable 1GRFE/A750F combo.
Does this have kdss suspension ? Any thoughts about it
One question, you said you own a ford ranger tremor between the 4 runner. Which vehicles do you prefer in road handling and braking? And how does it compare on driving characteristics. Can you tell me?
People don't want to be a beta tester for new and risky tech, they want proven, reliable, dependable, and familiar. I have a Landcruiser 80 series currently but I am highly considering a 4Runner as my next vehicle.
@drivingsports Hi, Ryan ! I am looking for something like this or Subaru Outback Wilderness. I have 2 kids and I want something big with enough trunk space for the kids in particular. So I am really between 4Runer and Outback Wilderness. If you are in the search of buying for yourself a vehicle with enough off road capabilities and spacious enough for 2 kids - what would it be ? Even if its not between these two - 4Runner and Outback ?
Ryan,
Is that Subaru jacket available for the public? I kinda love it & it’s getting chilly in Seattle 🥶! Hoping it isn’t jus a “press only” special.
I’ve been bingeing your videos since I moved here a few weeks ago. Keep up the great work 👍
Sadly, no. They were made for a press event a couple years ago. Thanks for watching!
Hi Ryan-I enjoy your reviews and perspective. Care to comment on the surging which was taking place as you were travelling along the road (around 14:30)? Seems like that would make it NOT comfortable on the highway.
We were filming car to car at the same time I was doing my monologue. Normally we don’t do that. The issue is me varying throttle to maintain as close of a position as possible to the chase car. Due to the nature of the microphone we use and the tone of the exhaust, you’re hearing the tip-in which comes across as exaggerated.
@@drivingsports Thanks for the quick reply-that makes sense given your requirements.
Who is the right buyer for 4Runner TRD I have some plans in near future to start off road camping is 4 runner a good option for me with family of 4 how it’s different than hilander can hilander do these things also
hold up does it not have back up or forward sensors?
Ryan, thank you for the amazing videos all the time. I am a 2018 limited owner and I am considering replacing to 2023 off road with the blind spot monitor, kdss and MTS. I am wondering what the difference is between all wheel drive with limited and rear wheel drive with off-road?
Limited has a Torsen center differential so it’s 4WD all the time. Part time is RWD until you engage the transfer case which you can only do on slippery surfaces. On pavement it’s RWD only effectively. Does that answer your Q?
@@drivingsports Thank your and have a great weekend.
This is the exact spec my dad just bought, except without the cargo tray.
So old, but so damn awesome! Can't go wrong!
Great review, Ryan - thank you! Question: How does the 4Runner compare to the Tacoma 4x4 in terms of off-road capability?
I’d say they’re similar enough that most people won’t see a difference.
Be cool to see one reviewed that is slightly customized, like a TRD Off Road. If I lived closer, I’d offer my ‘22 TRD Off Road. I’m sure there are quite a few out west.
Hey question, I want an honest opinion and would appreciate anyone who has some good advice here. I am in the middle of getting a Bronco Sport Badlands edition and a 4runner trd pro or a trd premium. Down the line i might end up switching to the newer model of the 4runner but as of right now those are my options. I unfortunately cannot wait do to car problems so I would appreciate any advice. I live near boston, hike and camp quite a bit, and snowboard in the winter. I regularly have 1-2 people in my car and require a 4x4 or AWD. Gas mileage really isnt an issue but I wonder if I did end up switching to an updated 4runner which would hold there value better in the next upcoming years. Thanks!
I LIKE that slide out tray--- I dont' haul or carry that much-- so the room ain't that important- but some of my stuff is HEAVY (especially since I'm 67 now.. and have been mashed between 2 trucks back in 99).. :)
Did you sell your 4Runner? It was such a great "benchmark" to test the capability of other vehicles against.
I have a fully loaded Maverick Tremor on order (who knows if it will ever arrive), but now I am seriously considering getting a relatively low mileage 4Runner for about the same price. 4Runner will be more capabale (but will the Mav still be more than enough for 99% of the things I would realistically do with it?), no truck bed, but I think the area with the seats folded down in the back of the 4Runner is actually bigger than the Mav's truck bed so, assuming you're not hauling something really tall or awkward like an entire dirt bike or ATV, it should be fine. Terrible MPG, but this would just be my weekend adventure vehicle, I already own an EV as a daily driver. Which way would you lean? Mav Tremor or used 4Runner?
If I did get the 4Runner it would probably with the intention of trading it in on a refreshed model in 3 years or so.