2023 Toyota 4Runner Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

When it comes to off-roading, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner is strong and capable. Utility is truly the name of the game for this model - more so than any other Toyota SUV. It gives you an incredible amount of versatility in the cargo area, which is highlighted by a helpful slide-out floor that you can opt in for.

The body-on-frame design is indeed quite old-school, but for the 4Runner, it works. Many other SUVs are now based off of cars and drive a lot like them, which is not all that ideal for off-roading. Unfortunately, though, the 4Runner is not terribly fuel-efficient, loaded up on high-tech features, or plushily padded for comfort. But, as an off-road oriented SUV, it is quite functional. Its towing capacity is immense, as the max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds works well for towing small campers and boats. On top of that, the 4Runner is pre-wired for both four- and seven-pin trailer plugs fit on trailers complete with electric trailer brakes. The all-terrain tires fitted to the wheels and body cladding give the 4Runner an advantage over competitors who try to emulate this design but don't quite hit the mark.

2023 is the 4Runner's 40th birthday, which is indeed quite the milestone. And that means we get the 40th Anniversary Special Edition of the 4Runner, which is built upon the well-liked SR5 base trim level. With special badging and bronze wheels equipped, the 40th Anniversary Special Edition truly stands out from the crowd. It echoes some of the older 4Runner model years with its eye-catching yellow, orange, and red racing stripes for a classic vibe.

While the 2023 Toyota 4Runner might not be for everyone, those who want a strong off-roader will find this vehicle appealing. But which of the whopping eight trim levels is the right fit for you? Will it be the base SR5? Or is it one of the TRD Off-Road trim levels? Or could it be the 40th Anniversary Special Edition with all its special trappings? Let's go through each of these trim levels so that you can figure out which one is the 4Runner for you.

Compare the SR5 vs TRD Sport Trim. What is the difference?

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's base trim is referred to as the SR5, and it starts you off with some good basics. This vehicle rides on top of 17-inch wheels and has LED front headlights set into the front fascia. Up top, the vehicle comes with roof rails, and the rear window can be power adjusted. There are underbody skid plates to assist with off-roading, and keyless entry and ignition make getting into and starting up the 4Runner quite efficient.

What all do you get inside of the SR5's cabin? The driver's seat can be power adjusted, and the 40/20/40-split folding rear seats are able to recline for extra comfort. The steering wheel comes wrapped in leather, and the cargo area houses a 120-volt power outlet.

Infotainment features are somewhat limited but work well enough. There is an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen display that you can use, and smartphone app integration comes from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Toyota does include its Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of standard driver aids on the 4Runner. This gives each trim level a blind-spot warning with a rear cross-traffic alert (which will let you know when a vehicle is driving in your blind spot if you go to reverse or change lanes), forward collision warning (an alert that warns you of an upcoming frontal crash and will apply the brakes for you to try to avoid it), adaptive cruise control (which lets you set a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of the 4Runner and will adjust according to traffic flow), and lane departure warning (which alerts you when the 4Runner's wheels start straying over the intended driving lane).

The next level up is referred to as the TRD Sport, and it is built off of the SR5. It adds heating to the front seats and simulated leather upholstery for the seats. There is also a suspension that gets firmer tuning for on-the-road handling enhancement. The TRD Sport sits on top of 20-inch wheels and has a hood scoop. Also found inside of the vehicle are special TRD-branded bits of trim.

Compare the TRD Sport vs SR5 Premium. What is the difference?

Going up one more trim level lands you at the SR5 Premium. It takes everything from the SR5 but adds more luxury features to the cabin's design. Inside of the cabin is simulated leather upholstery, heating on the front seats, and an automatically dimming rearview mirror.

The SR5 Premium's front passenger seat gains power adjustability for finding a comfy riding position. You can also opt for a sunroof up top, although it will reduce a little bit of headroom for taller occupants inside of the cabin.

Compare the SR5 Premium vs TRD Off-Road Trim. What is the difference?

If you decide to opt for the TRD Off-Road trim level, you will get a vehicle that is very similar to the SR5 but that is even more optimized for an off-road performance. On the TRD Off-Road, you get the eight-way power adjustable driver's seat and four-way power adjustable front passenger's seat.

Crawl Control and Hill Start Assist Control are both standard and can help enhance off-road performance. The locking rear differential also enhances off-road traction, and the available Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System can get the wheels to go more precisely while off-roading.

Compare the TRD Off-Road vs TRD Off-Road Premium. What is the difference?

The TRD Off-Road Premium is much like the TRD Off-Road in that it has the locking rear differential, extra drive modes, and KDSS. But it also offers more creature comforts. You get to opt for a heated steering wheel and Multi-Terrain Monitor, which lets you select from front, rear, and side views. The seats have simulated leather upholstery, and there is red TRD lettering on the front headrests. An accessory cargo net comes standard, as does the auto-dimming rearview mirror. A HomeLink universal transceiver also gets tacked on.

On the outside of the TRD Off-Road Premium, you will benefit from the addition of power-operated and heated side mirrors with integrated turn indicators. A power tilting and sliding moonroof with a sunshade opens up as an optional add-on.

In terms of safety features and advanced driver aids, you get to opt for a 360-degree surround view monitor with curb view and an overhead view in slow-speed traffic that gives you a top-down view around the 4Runner. An upgraded infotainment system with dynamic voice recognition is standard issue.

Compare the TRD Off-Road Premium vs 40th Anniversary Special Edition. What is the difference?

Upgrading to the new 40th Anniversary Special Edition gets you a slew of unique upgrades that serve to celebrate the 4Runner's 40th birthday this year. On this trim level, you get special 17-inch wheels done in a bronze color as well as a unique front grille. The exterior racing stripes in red, yellow, and orange help this trim level stand out, giving it a more throw-back classic look.

There is a sunroof up top, which comes standard. You also get 40th Anniversary Special Edition floor mats throughout the cabin.

Compare the 40th Anniversary Special Edition vs Limited Trim Levels. What is the difference?

The Limited is the second to highest trim level in the 2023 Toyota 4Runner's massive line-up, and it offers more comfort and convenience features than any of the trim levels below it. It gets a 4WD system and more plushily tuned suspension that meets its objective of on-the-road comfort. This trim level rides on 20-inch wheels and features sleek chrome exterior décor. Up top is a standard sunroof to let that extra air flow and sunlight into the cabin right when you crave it most.

Speaking of the cabin, it receives quite a few more luxurious upgrades. This trim level gains a dual-zone automatic climate control system, which is able to heat or cool both zones of the cabin at once, sticking to the set temperatures in each zone. The seats are upgraded to genuine leather upholstery, and the front seats gain a ventilation function for extra comfort on warmer days.

Included tech gadgets get a big boost, too. The Limited is equipped with an integrated navigation system you can use instead of your smartphone's nav app. Also, this trim has a premium JBL audio system that delivers clear sound quality.

A few more advanced driver aids come equipped on the Limited trim level. This trim gets parking sensors for the front and rear of the 4Runner, and there is also a 360-degree surround-view camera system included.

Compare the Limited vs TRD Pro. What is the difference?

The TRD Pro trim level sits at the top of the line-up and is quite obviously the most expensive and most well-equipped of the 4Runner models. If you are serious about off-roading, then this is probably going to be the trim level for you. It gets all of the stuff from the TRD Off-Road Premium as well as the sunroof, JBL sound system, and integrated navigation system.

On top of all of that, the 4Runner's TRD Pro trim level is outfitted with a special TRD roof rack and a unique skid plate for the front. What's more, Fox dampers are included with the upgraded, off-road tuned suspension. The unique TRD wheels are given all-terrain tires for optimal off-road performance, giving plenty of grip necessary for traveling far off of the beaten path.

Final Thoughts

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner is an extensive line-up that offers a trim level for just about everyone. Want something affordable? The SR5 delivers. Want something more luxurious? The Limited hits the spot. Want a superbly equipped off-roader? The TRD Pro might look pretty appealing to you. This trim level line-up is just that dynamic.

As far as the average buyer is concerned, though, we think that the TRD Off-Road does a good job of combining off-road features, creature comforts, and staying affordable enough. The off-road cruise control mode is a welcome addition, and the locking rear differential is basically a 'must' for off-roading in the 4Runner. While the TRD Pro is the most capable off-roader, not everyone is going to be able to fit it into their budget. That is why the TRD Off-Road is so ideal for the average consumer.

Previous Year Trim Configurations:

• 2022 Toyota 4Runner Trim Levels