Rankings from consumer advisory automotive publications can serve as a guide for consumers. On the other hand, vehicle owners also get quite angry. A vehicle may be objectively great (or bad), but consumers will have personal experiences with a license plate that will change their perspective. Automotive publications rely on research and testing to come to conclusions. Car and Driver’s worst pick for 2023 makes sense to some, but will make fans clench their fists.
Car and Driver ranks this Toyota SUV as the worst three-row midsize SUV for 2023
Okay, Toyota fans, hold on because it could be a wild ride. Car and Driver has ranked each three-row midsize SUV for 2023 to give consumers an idea of how the different models stack up. Of the 15 models, the Toyota SUV that placed last was the drum roll, please, the Toyota 4Runner.
it’s its price. It starts at $39,555, making it one of the pricier options on the market.
Now, when you factor in the 4Runner’s longevity, its starting price seems like a bargain for drivers who plan to keep the three-row midsize SUV for a long time or sell it at some point. The reality is, not all drivers want to keep the same vehicle for over a decade. According to iSeeCars.com, the average new vehicle ownership period is 8.4 years. A new 4Runner might last twice as long, but is that what the average consumer is looking for?
Capacity is the next point that can justify the positioning of the 4Runner in this ranking. The Toyota 4Runner is a five-seater with an optional third row. We can’t beat the 4Runner for not being a standard three-row SUV. Its inclusion in the mentioned list is debatable, but its placement makes sense in the context that it’s not a true three-row midsize SUV.
The Toyota 4Runner is a thirsty midsize SUV in need of a redesign
The 4Runner’s fuel economy leaves a lot to be desired for many consumers. Some Toyota 4Runner owners don’t mind being thirsty, but times are changing. Gas mileage is becoming increasingly important as gas prices rise and automakers develop hybrid solutions.
It is now a standard hybrid. Its fuel economy isn’t incredible, but Toyota has redesigned it to keep up with the times. The 4Runner is in its fifth generation. It hasn’t been redesigned in over a decade.
Toyota has redesigned its older nameplates like the Tundra and Sequoia. The 4Runner’s 16 miles per gallon in the city and 19 miles per gallon on the highway just don’t cut it for most drivers. Toyota’s midsize SUV is legendary, but it’s time for a redesign.
Should You Get a 2023 Toyota 4Runner?
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner is a midsize SUV with off-road capabilities known for its longevity. If you can see beyond its fuel economy, the 4Runner is a great choice for drivers who want a long-lasting SUV. In terms of reliability, Toyota’s midsize SUV is among the best in its segment.
Many consumers opt for the because it is a standard three-row SUV that is affordable and comes with luxurious standard features. The Telluride won’t last as long as a 4Runner, but it’s ideal for drivers who want a midsize family SUV for an ownership period of 10 years or less. The best midsize SUV comes down to preference, but it’s clear Toyota should redesign the 4Runner to make it more competitive.
