During the global supply chain shortage, most automakers have exceeded their 2023 year MSRPs. Most third-row SUVs now start at over $50,000. But there’s an outlier: The 2023 Toyota 4Runner has an MSRP of just $39,555. Plus, you can currently get into a configuration for a total of just $40,930. That’s more than $10k cheaper than its closest competitor: the Nissan Armada. Find out how the 4Runner stacks up against the competition and whether this 4WD should even be considered a third-row SUV in the first place.
How much does a 3rd row 4WD SUV cost?
Most third-row SUVs have MSRPs of $50,000 or more, with particularly expensive options like the Toyota Sequoia, Wagoneer, and GMC Yukon starting at over $57,000. Also, most automakers charge $3k for an upgrade to 4WD. The notable exception is the 2023 Toyota 4Runner, which costs $52,900 for a 4WD.
S. This excludes 3rd row such as Volkswagen Atlas and Toyota Highlander. Additionally, some premium full-frame SUVs, such as the Jeep Wrangler, Mercedes G-Wagon, and Ford Bronco, are not available with the 3rd row.
Here are the prices for each available full-frame SUV with a 3rd row of seats and 4-wheel drive:
| Make the model | Advised price | Price with 4 wheel drive |
| Nissan Armada | $49,900 | $52,900 |
| Toyota 4 Runner | $39,055 | $40,930 |
| ChevroletTahoe | $54,200 | $57,200 |
| Suburban Chevrolet | $56,900 | $59,900 |
| GMC Yukon | $57,400 | $60,400 |
| Toyota Sequoia | $58,365 | $61,365 |
| Carter (in Jeep) | $58,995 | $61,995 |
| Ford Shipping | $54,155 | $57,205 |
Is the 2023 Toyota 4Runner Cheap?
With an MSRP of $39,555, the 2023 4Runner SUV is $10,000 more expensive than its Tacoma counterpart (although Toyota currently offers the 4Runner for $39,055). It’s also several thousand more expensive than the full-frame Ford Bronco ($32,295) or four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited ($35,690).
Compared to other midsize full frame SUVs, it’s not what you’d call cheap. But here’s the catch, you can order a 4Runner with a 3rd row of seats (costing around $800, depending on trim), which leaps it past the class of the Wrangler and Bronco.
In the SUV category of the 3rd row, 4WD is Very economic. Its cousin the Toyota Sequoia (a full-size Tundra truck-based) starts at $58,365–$61,365 for a 4WD. Its closest competitor is the Nissan Armada, which starts at $49,900 and will cost $52,900 as a 4WD.
Note that SUVs like the Sequoia and Armada are based on full-size trucks, so they’ll have a lot more space, especially in that third row, than the 4Runner. The 4Runner’s third row is more comparable to a unibody crossover like the Grand Cherokee. Some say it’s not a third row SUV at all.
Is the Toyota 4Runner a third row SUV?
You can order the midsize 4Runner with a proper, forward-facing third row of seats. But don’t expect adults or child seats behind it. Sure, that would be a good way to legally carry a few extra passengers a short distance, but it falls short of modern full-size third-row SUVs.
The Toyota 4Runner’s available third row does not fit most adults comfortably and does not have LATCH anchors for car seats. So it really only has one use: to transport children who no longer need car seats. If that describes your family, you might want to consider this midsize SUV. But keep in mind that when you use this third row, it will take up most of the cargo space. Therefore, some have even called .
On the other hand, the Toyota 4Runner is designed to accommodate off-road trails where a full-size SUV cannot. It’s even available in capable off-road trims like the TRD Pro.
One reason the 2023 Toyota 4Runner SUV may have a lower MSRP than third-row competitors is that its drivetrain has gone on for more than a decade without a major redesign. Some traditionalists believe this is the key to the 4Runner’s reliability, while others are waiting for Toyota to come out with a more modern midsize SUV.
Check out our or watch Toyota’s official spec video below:
