The 4Runner may be old, but has Toyota made steady improvements over the past 13 years? The 4Runner hasn’t seen a significant update since the new generation launched in 2008, but the new versions have held up the way other Toyotas have. Is the 2023 4Runner the most reliable Toyota you can buy?
Is the Toyota 4Runner reliable? This is the most reliable 2023 SUV you can buy
As we said, Toyota hasn’t updated the 4Runner in any significant way since it was updated 13 years ago. The 2010 4Runner took a big step forward from the previous version. In iSeeCars rankings of the most reliable midsize SUVs, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner tops the list with a score of 8.8. It beats Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and other list-topping stalwarts like Hyundai Santa Fe and Dodge Durango.
JD Power agrees with iSeeCars. Since 2010, the 4Runner has received “Excellent” scores for quality and reliability from JD Power. And, that score went up a bit. In 2021, it received a score of 85 In 2023, it had an 87 Since the JD Power Score rates everything from the car’s infotainment system to the drivetrain, it looks like Toyota has improved it over its 13-year lifespan. , and it ranks first in the upper mid-size SUV segment.
How long does the Toyota 4 Runner last?
The same site also tracks the percentage of SUVs that exceed 200,000 miles. The Toyota Land Cruiser topped the list, with 18.2% reaching the 200K mark, with the 4Runner not far behind. Also according to iSeeCars, 4.6% of 4Runners reach the 200,000-mile mark. The 4Runner’s truck-based frame contributes to its enduring reputation, as do fans of older models who will do almost anything to keep one of these mountain goats running.
For comparison, the closely rated Toyota Tundra pickup also does very well. The site says 2.8% of Tacomas have reached the 200,000 mile mark.
Is Toyota Discontinuing the 4Runner?
Toyota isn’t discontinuing the 4Runner, but signs point to a new 2024 version of the venerable off-roader. The 4Runner’s 2010 debut and perhaps most of the automotive world has moved on since its time. The 4Runner, for example, still has Toyota’s thirsty old 270-horespower V6, while many others have moved on to developing powerful turbocharged four-cylinders or adding hybrid and PHEV options.
At Toyota, the 4Runner gets some new paint schemes for 2023. But, at its core the 4Runner is hard to beat as it has some serious off-road capability in TRD trims and its legendary reliability. Over the past few years Toyota has added standard active safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and more. While its old V6 reliably gets you where you want to go, it’s not particularly strong or easy on the gas pump. Also, its interior is starting to show its age.
We expect a new 4Runner to debut in 2024 or 2025, along with a highly anticipated new Toyota Tacoma truck. Many expect the new 4Runner to add hybrid power, or even an all-electric version. It’s hard to say what to expect for the next generation of the 4Runner, but if Toyota wants to keep up sales, the company will need to introduce a seventh-generation 4Runner.