The 4Runner celebrates its 40th year in production for 2023, but its basic formula remains unchanged four decades on

The Toyota 4Runner marks its 40th anniversary in 2023, reaching the middle-age milestone that few models ever achieve. The 4Runner made its debut in 1983 as the Toyota Hilux Surf and as the 4Runner for export markets, but the two-door “SUV” was effectively a Hilux pickup truck with a shell over the bed. The SUV mainly found its niche among those needing rough-and-tumble capabilities and to venture off-road. The model has transformed, albeit slightly, over the last 40 years without losing its foundational ruggedness.

That strategy, along with the model’s reputation for reliability, is proving successful with Toyota marking the 4Runner’s best sales year ever in the U.S. in 2021. Toyota is marking its milestone with a limited run 40th Anniversary Special Edition model, which harkens back to the 4Runner’s debut with special exterior appointments sure to rouse the interests of the model’s fans.

The 4Runner still utilizes a body-on-frame construction, a sizeable V-6 that chugs like a co-ed at a keg party and styling that hasn’t been seriously updated since the first Obama administration. But Toyota has seemingly implemented the “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” frame of thought, so the 2023 model remains relatively unchanged. The strategy is not deterring buyers. Toyota sold over 144,000 4Runners in 2021 despite a flooded mid-size SUV market.

As such, the latest 4Runner continues to source its power from a 4.0-liter V-6 rated for 270 horsepower and 278 foot-pounds of torque. The V-6 works with a relatively ancient five-speed transmission.

RELATED: 2022 Toyota 4Runner Buyer's Guide

Rear-wheel drive and two versions of four-wheel drive are available. Most 4WD models use a part-time 4X4 system with a two-speed transfer case with selectable low-range. The top-tier Limited trim incorporates a full-time 4WD system with a Torsen center differential lock feature modulated through a console-mounted switch. The differential can alter the torque split up to 30/70 (front/rear) and 53/47. Engine/front suspension, fuel tank, and transfer case (for 4x4 models) skid plates are standard across the range.

All models come with an integrated tow-hitch receiver and wiring harness with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Select models also feature downhill assist control, and the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro include Toyota’s Crawl Control system which automatically regulates engine speed and braking force to allow drivers to focus on steering while traversing rough or ragged terrain. With just five gears and a bulky V-6, the 4Runner continues to return measly fuel economy figures. The EPA rates all models at 17 combined mpg and at just 19 on the highway.

Continuing the theme of limited change, the 4Runner’s exterior styling remains relatively the same from its most recent facelift, which was a staggering 10 years ago. It won’t win any beauty contests — it still looks like a pickup wearing a shell — but its swollen wheel arches, boxy styling, and aggressive fascia do lend to an endearing ruggedness.

TRD models include a sizeable hood scoop and a grille that looks like it’s wearing a muzzle, but no matter the guise, the 4Runner screams utilitarianism. Those seeking to spice up the exterior a bit can opt for the 40th Anniversary Special Edition, which includes a yellow/orange/red tri-stripe across the beltline and up the C-pillar and a small section along the grille. Toyota will only produce 4,040 examples of the special edition, fitted with the unique copper wheels.

The 4Runner is available in the following colors:

• Lime Rush (TRD Pro Only)

Pragmaticism is also present throughout the 4Runner’s cabin. The layout is functional, you get a dated design with yesteryear’s switchgear and completely utilitarian styling. Depending on trim, seats are either covered with cloth, synthetic leather, or genuine leather upholstery. All models include an eight-inch touchscreen flanked by traditional pushbuttons, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and up to five total USB ports. A 12V DC auxiliary power outlet and 120V AC power outlet, both in the cargo area, are standard.

The 2023 model’s interior specs remain the same, providing notable space for front passengers, rear seats that will accommodate adults without fuss, and ample 47.2-cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and nearly 90 cubic feet behind the front seats. SR5 and Limited trim models offer optional third-row seating. The 40th Anniversary Special Edition features a bronze, cross-stitch shift knob, bronze seat stitching, and 40th-anniversary logos on the seats, floor mats, and dash.

RELATED: 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport Review: A Big SUV For The Family

Expect the 2023 4Runner to hit dealers this fall with seven total trims choices starting at $38,805 to $53,270. The cost for upgrading to four-wheel drive is between $1,875 to $2,035 depending on the model, and with the 4Runner’s predilection for Overlanding, most buyers will likely opt to spend the extra dough.

The 4Runner’s list of creature comforts is relatively limited in base, SR5 trims, which include cruise control, a smart key with push-button start, a power rear lift gate, and a 4.2-inch informational display in the gauge cluster. Upgrading to SR5 Premium adds synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and 40/20/40 flat-folding rear seats.

TRD Sport models include exterior amenities like the TRD hood scoop, color-keyed grille bar, bumper and lower spoiler, roof rails, and an X-REAS suspension while the TRD Pro included 2.-inch Fox internal front and rear shocks, a roof rack, Nitto Terra Grappler all-terrain tires and other features. Limited models offer a long list of standard features without some of the off-roading upgrades of the TRD trims, including:

RELATED: Here's How The 2022 Toyota 4Runner Compares With The Competition

The 4Runner’s safety ratings have come a long way since the second-generation model received a one-star crash rating for driver’s side impact. Despite the 4Runner's dated design, it still includes a suite of active safety features and driver’s aids. New for 2023, all models feature blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard.

All 4Runner models comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense-P, which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams and radar cruise control. The NHTSA has not yet rated the 2023 model, but the 2022 4Runner earned a four-star overall rating (out of a possible five stars). Side crash received the full five stars, while the frontal received four stars and the rollover rating was three.

The mid-size SUV market is a crowded place and buyers have a lot of choices. The Toyota 4Runner goes up against the likes of some well-established rivals like the Ford Explorer the Honda Passport, the Nissan Pathfinder, and the cutting-edge Korean twins of the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. If you're looking for a more rugged alternative, models like the Subaru Outback, the Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the Ford Bronco also come into play.

Models like the Nissan Pathfinder, and Ford Explorer, offer more seats while the Korean pair in the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade offers better onboard tech with more up-to-date cabins. The Explorer along with the Jeep Grand Cherokee also offers a hybrid option.

But despite the fierce competition, demand for the old-school 4Runner remains strong, and it continues to soldier on with its tried and tested recipe. It is a rugged, reliable, and dependable family SUV that you wouldn't hesitate to take off the beaten path. Some people are willing to look past the hype of some of the more modern models and are looking for a more basic experience, which is why folks out there are paying a significant price premium over MSRP to get their hands on a 4Runner.

Joe Parker is a nationally award-winning journalist and columnist from the Atlanta area. He has served as an automotive journalist for the past four years alongside extensive sports, business, government, and column writing. His favorite modern car feature is ventilated seats to combat the Southeast U.S. climate, and his heel-toe shifting attempts usually end in disappointment.