It’s time to look into another mystery about the 4Runner. It seems like it might get some unfair rankings as it sits at the bottom of various best SUV lists. Does it really deserve to be in last place or is it misunderstood?
Why is the 2023 Toyota 4Runner in last place?
It’s no secret that 2023 may be looking a little older. It was last redesigned in 2010, making it one of the oldest SUVs on the market. But it still has a lot to offer families with above-average off-road capabilities and an excellent reliability ranking.
, the 2023 4Runner is at the bottom of the barrel. It came in 22nd on the list of the 22 best SUVs to buy. It is surpassed by Nissan Murano, Dodge Durango, Ford Edge, Mazda CX-9 and others.
USNews ranks vehicles based on reviews posted by respected auto critics and third-party data. Rankings from magazines, newspapers and online outlets are used to give each vehicle an honest score.
Vehicle performance, technology, interior quality, comfort, safety ratings, cargo space, fuel economy, towing, reliability and premiums are taken into account. The 4Runner is last with a score of 7.0, while the Nissan Murano hovers above it with a 7.6.
What do the 4Runner critics dislike?
2023 has low fuel consumption. The standard 4.0-litre V6 engine delivers 270PS and 278Nm of torque. Gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in the city and up to 19 mpg on the highway.
It’s not great, but the Ford Explorer gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and up to 28 mpg on the highway. Additionally, the 4Runner uses a five-speed automatic transmission that can feel clunky or unrefined.
On that note, the 4Runner has a stiffer ride than its rivals due to its body-over-frame construction. It’s tougher for off-roading and offers more suspension travel at the expense of on-road comfort.
But it’s not terribly bouncy. Additionally, the vertical, squared-off design contributes to wind noise at higher speeds. However, the cabin is well insulated from road noise.
The Toyota 4Runner also loses points because it has an aging interior. It may look old, but it’s not cheap. You can opt for premium leather upholstery with ventilated seats and other modern comforts.
Also, the layout is simple and intuitive. Everything you need is close at hand. The technology has physical controls, works quickly, and is easy to understand.
What are the advantages of 4Runner?
The is appreciated for having a lot of cargo space and versatility, thanks to the sliding floor. You can access 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 89.7 cubes overall. It can tow up to 5,000 lbs.
You will find that the 2023 4Runner is available with tons of options and configurations to suit various needs. There are six different trim levels and it comes with a long list of standard features to increase its value.
It has standard 4-wheel drive, skid plates, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power sliding rear window, keyless entry/ignition, roof rails, power adjustable driver’s seat, LED headlights, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen.
Plus, the 4Runner has unmatched off-road capability. It’s a durable and reliable option that can take the whole family on an adventure. Deserves to be a little higher on the list! It may lack the comfort of the Kia Telluride, but it makes up for it in other areas.
