Back to the '80s: 4Runner Celebrates its Roots with 2023 40th Anniversary Edition
The Toyota 4Runner is widely known as one of the most old school SUVs currently on sale, and its buyers have no issues with that. And despite its aging platform and powertrain, Toyota has done extremely well keeping the 4Runner fresh and interesting.
There have been the additions of new trims like the Trail Edition or TRD Sport, and the flagship TRD Pro has managed to stay in demand with regular tweaks and an exclusive new color for each model year.
And for 2023 Toyota is fulling embracing the 4Runner's roots with a new 40th Anniversary Special Edition model that celebrates the 4Runner's 1983 debut.
The commemorative model is based on the SR5 Premium trim and will come with four-wheel-drive standard. It can also be had in one of three body colors - white, black or red.
Helping to differentiate the exterior of the 40th AE is a unique bronze finish for the wheels, a heritage-inspired, body-colored front grill and bronze exterior badging.
But what's most outstanding are the body stripes, done in the iconic Toyota racing colors that were featured on so many of the 4Runner's off-road racing cousins back in the '80s and '90s.
There's also some unique touches inside the cabin, with bronze accents on the seat stitching, shift knob and 40th Anniversary branding on the seats, floormats and center console.
Toyota will build just 4,040 examples of the 40th Anniversary Edition and it will start arriving in dealerships this year along with the rest of the 2023 4Runner lineup.
Those looking to buy the most capable 4Runner they can get will still want to stick with the TRD Pro version, but given its throwback style and limited run, Toyota will have no trouble finding buyers for the 40th Anniversary Edition.
And as we wait to see what's going to happen with the much anticipated next-gen 4Runner model, it looks like Toyota has once again shown us that it's a master of keeping an old machine fresh, desirable and cool.
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- If you happen to be in the market for a fifth-generation 4Runner, don't discount its more luxurious cousin the Lexus GX460. We break down the differences here.
