Standing in the Gap Mural by Sophia Dawson
MSRP $46,370
MPG 17 (combined city/hwy)
Let me tell you something. I love big cars! This was my first drive in a 4Runner and with no intentions of off-roading, hauling or driving along rough roads. Though it’s built for all those things, I want to confess that it is a great city and highway vehicle, handling those big New York City potholes like a boss.
This 4Runner is special, though, because it is the 40th Anniversary Edition, with a paint job that feels like a nostalgic nod to Ataris and the times of “Stranger Things.” Apparently, Toyota only manufactured 4,040 of these special editions and I was so lucky to get into one.
Space & Comfort: Like I mentioned before, this was my first 4Runner experience, and it was a good one. I took my girls on a little shopping and play trip to get a feel for how the vehicle drives and handles. When each of the ladies got into their respective seats, each of them said, “Ooooh this is niiiice.” At first glance, this mid-size SUV isn’t your typical girls shopping trip choice, but let me tell you… it works!
Each passenger sat comfortably, lavished in all the legroom and without feeling cramped or intrusive of another’s space. The front passenger and I enjoyed the seat warmers, which didn’t time off, like other vehicles I’ve driven. And shopping was of course a breeze with all the space in the cargo area.
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Also, for those who love a good road trip or tend to find themselves in their car a lot, this 4Runner offers plenty of convenient storage spaces for drivers and passengers, including four cupholders in the front cabin!
Just Enough Tech: I’ve never envisioned a 4Runner being a super modern vehicle for city dwellers and desk jockeys like myself. And it’s not, but it does offer plenty of tech to keep folks like me satisfied. From the navigation display to the lane departure alert setting, a driver can get all the basics to make driving comfortable, safe, and easy. The 4Runner also offers a CarPlay connection for easy hands-free use of phones and all of the great apps you might enjoy on a drive. One slight disappointment came from the back seat where one of the passengers complained about the lack of USB ports. We discovered that the 4Runner is staying with the times, even with its nostalgic look, and offers two USB-C connections, rather than USB ports for rear passengers. It’s not a complaint more than it is a notice for those of us who aren’t up on the latest hardware.
Loving the Look: I started this article big upping the 4Runner’s 40th Anniversary Edition look and I’m going to end with it. Let’s talk about curb appeal. This big-bodied SUV owns the road, without being too bulky. With looks and nods and all that public affirmation, a girl was feeling like a bad bitch for sure. I had to turn up the sound system to match the energy and serve the looks. The paint job is very cute, very 80s, and very me (Toyota, you can give this one to me if you want). Three stripes – red, orange and yellow adorn each side of the all-black vehicle. It’s high off the ground and might require a little boost up into the driver’s seat for the vertically challenged. Kojak, (that’s what I named the car), drove like a boss, and looked good parked and moving. 4Runners are seen as rugged vehicles. This edition is refined, still rugged, but fly. I think it can be versatile, serving off-roading as well as a date night. I can imagine rolling up in this to the valet and stepping out, dropping jaws in a cute dress. Frankly, I’m in love. Hats off to the 4Runner.
The post Toyota’s Showing Off with This One: EUR Car Review: 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition appeared first on EURweb.
