Get to Know the Toyota 4Runner TRD Models

Ever since it first hit the road with the 1983 model year, the Toyota 4Runner has been one of the most popular midsize SUVs available anywhere, with no signs of slowing down. Because of its popularity, you'll find a lot of different models available here at your nearest Roseville Toyota dealership, Future Toyota of Yuba City. Navigating the different 4Runner options and figuring out which one is right for you can be tricky, which is why it's so important that you choose a dealer that will listen to you and put your needs first. It's also helpful to do a fair amount of research ahead of time to have a good sense of what you're looking for.

For the 2023 model year, Toyota is celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the 4Runner with a fantastic selection of different options for you to choose from, including a special 40th Anniversary edition with exclusive badging and details. The options that we tend to get the most excited about, however, are the off-road-focused TRD trims available for the 4Runner because you have several varieties to choose from, and there are significant differences between them. Every Toyota 4Runner is a fantastic vehicle, but they're designed to deliver different experiences for different drivers. Let's take a look at these TRD options to see what each one has to offer and what they can do for you.

The Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport

The first thing we should mention is that the TRD Sport is not the starting trim for the Toyota 4Runner—that's the SR5, and it comes with all the standard features you could ask for. While the SR5 is a terrific place to start, the TRD Sport is a step up from that and the first TRD option available for the 4Runner. This model, along with the others we'll look at, is powered by a 4.0L V6 engine that delivers 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque, giving it plenty of muscle to get its job done. It comes paired with a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, and—while rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard—four-wheel drive (4WD) is available.

In terms of off-road performance, which is a cornerstone for the TRD models, the TRD Sport has 9.0 inches of ground clearance, with a 30-degree approach angle and 26-degree departure angle. Along with the other TRD models, this one has a coil-spring independent double-wishbone front suspension; its X-REAS Sport Enhancement suspension is one of the features that separates it from the starting SR5 model. The TRD Sport has a skid plate covering the engine and front suspension, along with 20-inch wheels wrapped in mud-and-snow tires.

Inside the TRD Sport, you'll find air conditioning with second-row vents, SofTex-trimmed seating with an eight-way power driver's seat, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. You get an 8.0-inch infotainment display with an eight-speaker sound system, as well as a driver display with premium chrome accents. Other great features like Toyota's Smart Key system with Push Button start come standard in the TRD Sport, giving you a great overall driving experience that can work well for some light off-roading.

The Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road

If going off-road is important to you, you might want to start with the TRD Off-Road model instead, which includes a number of upgrades to help it live up to its name. For starters, this model is only available with 4WD, which means it comes with a part-time 4WD system and active traction control for boosted performance and grip in slippery conditions. The TRD Off-Road also comes with Toyota's Multi-Terrain Select system, which lets you choose different settings depending on road (or off-road) conditions to improve performance and traction.

You also get Crawl Control on the TRD Off-Road model, which acts as low-speed cruise control that lets the 4Runner handle acceleration while you focus on maneuvering. This model also has a Kinematic Dynamic Suspension System available, providing you with superior comfort and dexterity on uneven terrain. The TRD Off-Road has 9.6 inches of ground clearance and a 33-degree approach angle, plus it features a skid plate covering its transfer case, front and rear mudguards, and more. This model has fabric seats with an eight-way power driver's seat, HD radio, and more to create a fantastic overall driving experience.

The Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium

If you like the off-road performance and engineering of the TRD Off-Road model but you want a bit more luxury and comfort when you're out on the trail, then the TRD Off-Road Premium trim is perfect for you. The TRD Off-Road Premium has all of the same remarkable features as the aforementioned TRD Off-Road, along with heated power outside mirrors featuring turn signal indicators, an available power moonroof, and an available heated steering wheel. This trim features incredibly comfortable SofTex-trimmed seating with an eight-way power driver's seat and four-way power front-passenger seat, along with TRD red lettering in the interior upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a premium sound system.

The Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

To experience the peak of what the Toyota 4Runner has to offer, you owe it to yourself to check out the TRD Pro model, which is not only the highest level for TRD trims but the pinnacle 4Runner overall. Much like the TRD Off-Road models, the TRD Pro comes with 4WD standard and many of the same fantastic off-road features—it just takes things even further. For example, you get FOX high-performance shocks with rear remote reservoirs on the TRD Pro along with TRD-tuned front springs to create an amazing suspension for hitting the trail.

This model comes with a TRD Pro-stamped front aluminum skid plate for superior underbody protection, plus 17-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. It features all kinds of unique badging to show off your choice of 4Runner, including a TRD roof rack, a unique "TOYOTA" front grille, and black "TRD PRO" external badges. Plus, this model comes with a power tilt/slide moonroof rather than having it merely as an option.

Inside the TRD Pro, you'll find the most decked-out cabin available for the 4Runner, which includes dual-zone automatic climate control, TRD Pro all-weather floor liners, and a Multi-Terrain Monitor system with selectable front, side, or rear views. This model also comes with premium audio that includes a 15-speaker JBL sound system with a subwoofer and amplifier to ensure an amazing driving experience both on and off the trail. If you want the best off-road performance and fantastic features inside and out, then the TRD Pro can't be beat.

Choosing the Right One

As you can see, you really can't go wrong with any Toyota 4Runner TRD model because they all deliver impressive performance, great off-road features, and a gorgeously-appointed interior. The sometimes subtle differences between them do translate into a varied experience driving one compared to the next, however, so it's still important to consider what each has to offer and choose the one that best meets your needs.

The TRD Sport is a great place to start, while the improvements of the TRD Off-Road make it a favorite for many drivers; if you have the budget for it, then the TRD Pro represents the peak of what the 4Runner has to offer by giving you amazing off-road capability and great features inside and out. All you have to do now is decide which one will best meet your needs. If you need help with that, we're always ready to assist at Future Toyota of Yuba City, where you can see everything the 4Runner TRD models have to offer.