Vintage Excellence - 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Review

[@KirkKreifels]

I'm human. I missed the manual-folding headrests making the removal of said headrests unnecessary to fold down the rear seats. After being in the grand highlander I was expecting the headrests to fold themselves. Carry on 😊

[@leeraymer166]

The lever to fold the headrests down is located on the side of the headrests themselves. They’re still there, it’s in your video.😅

[@gerary]

The rear headrests fold down so you don’t have to remove them. Thanks 4 the review, I miss my 4Runner but not it’s thirst for gas.

[@matthewedgar2940]

Came to say this, there's literally a knob on the side to fold it.

[@BiPolarBear722]

That aging dinosaur is rugged and reliable. If you don’t care about fuel efficiency, it’s a great vehicle.

[@sorojinidungdung6979]

Better get this 40th anniversary 4RUNNER

[@rickybobby6760]

Fuel efficiency is all relative. I have an anniversary model now, it's better than my tacoma was. If i was coming out of a corolla I might have been disappointed

[@alengreen589]

could it be that the new Honda Pilot looks from the side the same as this old designed 4Runner? 😅

[@shootermcgavin4999]

It's hard to even get a new 4runner right now due to supply. Normies have no chance of getting a 40th anniversary. I'm sure you gotta know someone or pay way over MSRP.

[@sorojinidungdung6979]

Better goto Utah

[@boxer4engine]

The 4runner is truly the successor to the simple, rugged and indestructible Land Cruisers of 70s, 80s and 90s. With the 6th Gen due out soon, hopefully Toyota can continue to build them with the reliability and ruggedness despite likely having that 2.4L Turbo

[@750328I]

I have one of these in the black color and the stripes stand out a lot more, I get compliments and people ask me about it almost daily. I agree with everything that you said, it is built well and feels like an old truck. That is the reason I went for it because it feels like a tank. I just test drove the new Lexus lx 600 and the new Sequioa and when I got back into the 4runner I did not feel at all disappointed. The ride was actually smoother in this 4runner with this tire and wheel setup. This 4runner is just easy to drive and you have great visibility. I think you cant go wrong if anybody buys it now. It has proven itself over the years. I plan on keeping mine for a long time. I missed my chance to buy the heritage landcruiser new so this was my second chance. It also has a basic engine and technology that will last a while, I might be a little hesitant with the new one coming out. Either way its a Toyota and should hold its value. I have had 2 new body style escalades over the last few years and I love driving this 4runner just as much.

[@avxrevo]

I hope prices stay the same after the 2024/2025 new gen. I’m still in the rócese if saving up for a 22’ model

[@elbarto4394]

I have the 22 trail edition. I didn't know for the first 6 months that it had the heated windshield wiper feature. It's hidden on the left just like the heated steering wheel button. Lol

[@CJ-rk5eg]

Toyota will work out the bugs in the new Tacoma and then roll out the new 4Runner with same/similar drive trains as new Tacoma. No surprise there. So it will be hard to say no to increased power and efficiency in the new gen, and hard to say yes to this old generation anymore. Except for nostalgia sake or preference for tried and true.

[@ISHANTth1lq-]

NEW TACOMA HAS PROVEN ENGINES And THERE WILL NO BUGS And TOYOTA IS WASTING TIME And SHOULD JUST BRING THE NEW GEN 4 RUNNER Because ITS Rivals ARE Better And EVEN IN SALES

[@blackwatch7151]

@@ISHANTth1lq- Bahahaha Proven? The 2.4 turbo/hybrid is a new engine.

[@ISHANTth1lq-]

@@blackwatch7151 2.4L I4 TURBO And HYBRID ARE ARE ALREADY IN MANY TOYOTA And Lexus PRODUCTS INCLUDING EVEN THE NEW TACOMA .TOYOTA HAS BEEN BULIDING TURBO TRUCKS And SUVS FOR YEARS AS WELL. .SO YES ITS PROVEN And MORE.

[@chibbyylol]

@@blackwatch7151 The 2.4l (T24A-FTS) engine has been in use since the 2021 lexus NX without much issues

[@sorojinidungdung6979]

Yup like new gen tundra-sequoia ❤

[@mclucky7086]

Just turned 1000 miles on my new Off Road Premium and love it. Around 22 mpg on a dream vehicle.

[@Doomzdayxx]

Yeah. 22mpg going downhill maybe.

[@liveoak7838]

They should have kept this drivetrain in the 3rd gen tacoma instead of ruining it with the 3.5. I think they hit it out of the park with the new Tacoma, I just don't like the confusion over calling it a hybrid as if it will get stellar fuel economy vs a power boost. My guess is the new 4runner will only come with iforce max 4cyl if it comes out at all. It will be interesting seeing the difference between the Lexus GX, the 4Runner, and the Landcruiser all sharing the same platform. If they made the new Landcruiser with a solid axle up front with a locker then it might make sense for all 3 to exist. But it (new Landcruiser) will probably set itself apart with the twin turbo v6 and a boxy fj cruiser look and maybe some removable top pieces if the 4runner also sticks around. The more I think about it, they might just get rid of the 4runner name and call it a Landcruiser because that's what it really is anyway,

[@chibbyylol]

tacoma hybrid setup mpg looking to be mid 20s

[@BigAltimaEnergy719]

They switched to the 3.5 back then for emissions, I don’t like the fact they took the engine from a Toyota Sienna and stuck it into a truck. The 4.0 felt more powerful and robust

[@sorojinidungdung6979]

​@@BigAltimaEnergy719 well Toyota need to fix their thirsty bigas vehicle line-up powertrain to satisfy epa emission norms in order to able to do sales😅

[@mcximus]

That 4Runner won't ever die. Bullet proof in every way.

[@OrionInception]

Always loved the 4Runner. If I had the extra cash I would definitely get one as a daily.

[@BigAltimaEnergy719]

It's funny how I see that these are becoming more common of a mall crawler rather than taking this off road lol

[@danielshearer8978]

I think road noise and fuel economy are my only regular complaints, but my 2016 is paid for and has 140k miles and no problems so it’s staying in the driveway.

[@anjansingh3093]

I am planning to get one. Is it too much noisy inside?

[@mjv1967]

40th looks best in White. And it should have come with a hood scoop.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

na, this color is the best by far, white is boring

[@rickybobby6760]

The steps stand out much more on the white. And more reminiscent of Iron man Ivan Stewarts original. I drive a ford explorer for work and it's easy thirstier.

[@MYLIFEISLEGENDARY936.]

Current 4 runner is outdated and its rivals like the bronco and wrangler are miles better .upcoming 4 runner will be miles better by a country mile .

[@princejoker2217]

Ordered mine yesterday

[@gregjoubert5118]

Great video. Had a 21' but sold it more than I paid for it new after 2 years. I know these are reliable and bulletproof but I'm holding out for the new Tacoma or new 4R. Possibly the possible smaller LC if that does come. Just an fyi, those rear headrests pivot forward. You shouldn't have to take them out.

[@terrydowning3796]

“The brake pedal is trash”….i just bought a 2024 model and yes …you’re right. However, it is a great worry free suv.

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

Cool

[@omendarklight1526]

It's hard to talk bad about these tanks, I have a 07 Lexus GX470 and she's at 300000 miles and has gotten everywhere I want to go. Yep not the best tech and features but definitely the most reliable vehicles out there. Especially compared to today's drivable smartphones 🙄 Thanks for content, can't wait to see the next generation!! 🙌

[@Jay-bw3fl]

Sold my 40th anniversary model after a month of vibration that could be seen through the steering wheel and passenger headrest and felt through the seats between 58 and 68mph. I got multiple balances, a road force, balance, NEW TIRES, and an alignment all to no avail. Toyota told me to kick rocks so I got rid of it. I can deal with the fact that it is insanely slow and underpowered in return for its awesome looks and reliability but I cannot overloook a shaking steering wheel and vibration in a 50k dollar vehicle. Found endless forums and threads on the issue as well. Apparently it is luck of the draw whether you get a shaker or not. Good riddance. I hope the next gen is more refined but I probably won’t be buying one.

[@rand0mGT]

That sucks could a test drive prevented all this?

[@KirkKreifels]

I remember the TRD Pro model I tested had steering wobble - yikes.

[@Jay-bw3fl]

@@rand0mGT problem with that is I had to drive 5 hours to get the 4runner at msrp because they were still marking them up around Nashville so I already committed before I could test it and of course the test drive was not highway speeds. Won’t ever do that again tho

[@johnwebb2232]

Bought my 2016 4runner trail with kdss brand new and have had zero problems with her, all decked out for overlandding, and she's my daily driver. I wouldn't want any other vehicle than a 4runner. Maybe it was the luck of the draw who knows.

[@Jay-bw3fl]

@@johnwebb2232 according to forums it really is luck of the draw. You either get a shaker or you don’t.

[@Offshore1977]

I would take/keep this version and possibly trade for the next gen after all the bugs are worked out in about 4 years.

[@WillMV8893]

You’re crazy if you think the 4runner would ever not have a roll down back window

[@thecarelectronicguy687]

We said the same thing about the sequoia, but I hope I’m wrong…

[@jimmorrison2124]

I'm sure the new 4runner will be cool but, this generation has been perfected over more than a decade. Even a new model Toyota is going to have issues and teething pains over the first few years. I say, if you get a new vehicle every 3-5 years....wait for the redesign. If you wanna buy a vehicle and keep it for 20-30 years...5th Gen is the way to go.

[@whoisjohngalt72]

The rear headrests fold down. You don’t have to remove them.

[@pinky882]

I never noticed how ridiculous those rearview mirrors look on this vehicle until you pointed it out. Now it really bothers me...haha.

[@albertopena80]

Looks like my 2015 4Runner. Only thing I replaced was the infotainment system. Other than that solid drive like when I got it brand new. As long as you replace the brake pads and do alignment I never had to do a resurface of the calipers. Going to hold until the 50th anniversary 4Runner.

[@paulstein9258]

What did it cost to replace the infotainment system.

[@roybiggins3885]

I own a 2010 4runner with like a bijillion miles. Its never let me down. The engine is solid. The transmission is solid. The whole thing is built like a tank. If the new one doesnt have rear window roll down i absolutely will not buy one. Id rather buy a newer one and keep it for another 15 years. Also when you showed the power heating steering wheel button location, i had to laugh.... thats the location button of my 'Party Mode' which turns on sub woofer and tailgate speakers! Side note... people up north use 4wd quite often. You will never need it in flat boring florida. Also in winter us northerners dont always use 'Max Heat' usually drive with windows down and a/c on until November. People lije the cold 😊

[@FreedomAtRisk]

needs a locking diff

[@nintendoatarikiller]

The resale value on these things alone make it worth buying.

[@laurenzdeganos9875]

9:07 I bet the SUV version of the frontier you were referring too was Xterra. Only if they were still making it or make a return.

[@KirkKreifels]

Long live Xterra

[@rmoore07]

You don't have to remove the rear headrests to put the seats down. Use the lever on the side of the headrest to fold them down.

[@Jojo-ni2cg]

Very glade we purchased a 40th year in white for MSRP, I love the old school quality ,fit and finish and everything about this last of the greats - we all know the more tech the less reliable long term - The new one will be a 4 cylinder turbo with a battery and in approximately 12 years or so you will need a expensive battery to say the least.

[@joegrahe3958]

If you notice there's a notch in the back of the second row seat that will accommodate the headrest when folding the second row forward. Just use the lever on the headrest to fold it downward. I can't believe my 2015 LTD is still the current generation lol. 155K miles with full intentions of going to 300k+.

[@tuckerhiggins4336]

2:40 Put those grippers away

[@Moondoggy1941]

No Blue No Go.

[@randomthomas2947]

I want the old one I don’t trust the 4 cylinder

[@incredulousdisbelief9841]

We've been waiting a while for the next gen 4Runner. Everyone thought 2020 was going to be the year and here we are about midway through 2023 and nothing. I really don't think we're getting a next gen until the back half of this decade at the earliest. 2027, 28, 29? Who knows. I honestly think Toyota is waiting on something that we just aren't aware of yet. This gen sells like crazy at a premium and it costs them nothing to keep cranking them out as is with some annual interesting new color scheme. There's literally no incentive for them to hurry.

[@chibbyylol]

"This gen sells like crazy at a premium and it costs them nothing to keep cranking them out as is with some annual interesting new color scheme." " I honestly think Toyota is waiting on something that we just aren't aware of yet" Maybe they're waiting for when it stops printing money for them lol

[@lunamaria1048]

My husband and brother are currently removing my aftermarket on my 2019 4Runner TRD Off Road, and I'm updating to a 2023. The Magnuson Supercharger has already been ordered I've seen the new Tundra and Sequoia and I've seen the next Tacoma. So I pretty much know what to expect from a 6th gen 4Runner, if we get one, and i'm not interested. Rumor has it that Toyota is bringing the next gen Land Cruiser Prado to North American market, which would directly compete with it's own 4Runner, so I'm thinking there may not be a gen 6 4Runner

[@shawnpierce696]

I just going to stick with my 2008 V8 Sport even though the gas mileage isn’t the greatest I can’t bring myself to pull the trigger on the new one

[@aaronho673]

Give me new please

[@franzvanjulio5523]

I think the new Tacoma gives us a glimpse of what the CC new 4Runner will bring and my guess is that it certainly isn’t fuel economy. If my assumption is accurate and all else is equal, then I see no benefit to opting for the new 4Runner over the reliable, known quantity that the current generation is.

[@timcarlson-7181]

WELL THE UPCOMING 4 RUNNER IS GOING TO BE CLASS LEADING IN COMFORT LUXURY TECHNOLOGY SPACE Quality HANDLING MPG SO You ARE WRONG

[@Blank00]

Rumor has it that the 4runner will not get another generation, but it will be replaced by the Prado

[@MYLIFEISLEGENDARY936.]

PRADO WILL NOT BE SOLD IN NORTH AMERICA . 4RUNNER WILL STAY AFTER ALL ITS TOO LEGENDARY TO BE REPLACED.

[@KirkKreifels]

That's suicide. 4runner prints money

[@baldbabyface]

That was an excellent review.

[@KirkKreifels]

Thanks Bruce

[@jimmyamico4713]

Hi Kirk! I would definitely consider test driving the 40th anniversary Toyota forerunner. This was another outstanding video that you produce; several a day pretty amazing; I really enjoy your thoughts, comments and opinions from every angle of every vehicle that you present. You truly have a passion for your job, and it shows in the videos…thank you for your patience and professionalism. Respectfully Submitted, JimmyUSAF 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙🇯🇵❤️🤍😇⭐️🌎🙏✈️

[@KirkKreifels]

Thanks Jimmy

[@healer81]

I would take that over any EVs along with 95% of all new vehicles being sold today.

[@KirkKreifels]

Yep. It's really good!

[@cortezmiller1899]

I think I’m going to get me a 4Runner instead of the Corolla or the Civic. The 4Runner never age.

[@MichaelAllen-td1uu]

I worked at a Toyota dealership I 2008 when gas hit $3.50 on the east coast and sales of low gas mileage vehicles was soft Toyota was thinking of canceling the 4Runner redesign, the made the right decision.

[@Pete_or_Peter4Long]

Why did they ever put the window switches at the top of the door? I’ve had many 4Runners but never understood that choice.

[@Dano-MX5]

It may just be me but I really don’t care for the stripes. The rest of the 4Runner is great! They are an amazing vehicle!

[@jlficken]

In the 5 years I had my 4Runner I never used the rear window once.

[@giovanniduay2613]

Kirk great review. Which one has a better ride quality 4Runner Vs Armada platinum? Thank you 🙏

[@KirkKreifels]

Armada I'd say just a by a sliver. Armada is a big win with its V8 torque and smoothness. 7AT is quite good on it and I don't remember getting a lot of nosedive compared to the 4Runner. Both feel super solid and have great steering feel. 4Runner might have worse turning radius haha

[@giovanniduay2613]

Thank you Kirk I have eliminated the 4Runner in my process of elimination. How about frontier 2023 pro 4x vs Armada Platinum 2023? I’m planning to use for long distance drive. I’m looking for comfortable ride. Thanks 🙏 I always love your reviews more power to your KZbin channel

[@japerezo75]

⁠@@giovanniduay2613 it’s like comparing apples to oranges. The Armada is plush, comfortable, has less noise, less vibration and less road noise than the Frontier. The Armada feels solid, the Frontier too but smaller and nimble

[@KirkKreifels]

​@@giovanniduay2613 Armada is luxury in platinum. Frontier is lacking in comfort and amenities but has truck flexibility. Very different identity

[@ryansalonga542]

I am excited for the new designed 6th gen 4Runner but I won’t be trading/selling my 5th gen 4Runner. The reliability, the quality, the looks, the smooth ride, and it’s many flaws…it’s a perfect workhorse!

[@fortheloveofnoise]

Don't wait, new one won't be as reliable.

[@ISHANTth1lq-]

HERE WE GO AGAIN . UPCOMING 4 RUNNER IS GOING TO BE CLASS LEADING IN COMFORT FEATURES PERFORMANCE SPACE Quality EXTERIOR DESIGN INTERIOR DESIGN OFF ROAD ABILITY And MORE. RELIABILITY WLL BE MORE THAN FINE .

[@tbone9405]

It would have been nice to have a V8 option on the 40th! It’s been a long time since it had a V8.