Toyota goes retro with 40th anniversary 4Runner

Back then, the original 4Runner was nothing more than a Hilux with a fiberglass shell over the bed. But over the years and 4 million cumulative sales later, it has evolved into one of the most capable midsize 4x4 SUVs in the United States.

Toyota is celebrating four decades of the rugged body-on-frame SUV by going old school with the retro-inspired 4Runner 40th-anniversary edition.

The 40th anniversary 4Runner is based on the SR5 Premium variant and will be available in three colors: White, Midnight Black Metallic, and Barcelona Red Metallic. The special model will be wearing the retro yellow, orange, and red stripes that Toyota motorsport vehicles used to have back in the day.

In addition, there's a body-colored heritage grille with the old-school “TOYOTA” lettering in front, as well as a special 40th-anniversary badge in the rear. Finishing off the exterior is a set of bronze-colored 17-inch alloy wheels.

The anniversary theme continues inside the special edition 4Runner, as bronze contrast stitching and 40th-anniversary details are found on the center console, the floor mats, and on the seats.

Powering the 40th-anniversary edition 4Runner is the same 4.0-liter 1GR-FE V6 found on the FJ Cruiser. The engine produces 274 PS and 376 Nm of torque and is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with a standard four-wheel-drive system.

Together with other 2023 model-year 4Runners, the 40th-anniversary edition now features a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert to go along with the Toyota Safety Sense advanced driver-assist system. These have been added to the existing safety systems such as vehicle stability control, ABS with EBD, brake assist, and smart stop technology brake override system.

Production of the 40th-anniversary edition 4Runner is only limited to 4,040 units in the United States. And sadly though, the 4Runner is not being offered to the Philippine market. We would have drooled over the SUV's looks but hey, the retro look could be a nice peg to the Fortuner. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.