For 2023, the venerable but strong selling Toyota 4Runner rolls into its 40th year more or less unchanged but a few small tweaks in packaging in addition to a retro-inspired 40th Anniversary Special Edition should serve well to keep them sold out on dealership lots in the coming year.

Yes, you heard that right the Toyota 4Runner has been around for fourty years. I remember well the first ones I saw in the early 1980s that almost became an instant cliché with the rear gate window rolled down and a dog hanging his head happily out the back.

Fast forward to now, the current 4Runner almost feels 40 years old as it’s barely seen any substantial updates in eons. Under its hood continues the old war-horse 4-liter V6 and antiquated 5-speed automatic transmission with its 270-horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. The same old chassis continues on as well.

These are actually selling points however for most of its customers as it remains one of the only vehicles of its kind you can buy anymore since most SUV’s have moved to car-based uni-body chassis. It’s antiquity is sought out in a world of turbochargers, big infotainment screens and so on.

To celebrate its lineage, Toyota will build 4,040 copies of the new 4Runner 40th Anniversary Edition which will be based on the more affordable SR5 Premium trim grade. It comes in only three colors White, Midnight Black Metallic and Barcelona Red Metallic.

The reason for the limited color palette is so that its cool retro graphics fit well visually. The colors yellow, orange and red tie into Toyota’s racing livery heritage and are nicely appropriate. Other visual cues include a body color grille with TOYOTA lettering across it. Additionally there are bronze 17-inch alloy wheels and badges.

The interior gets a few upgrades to celebrate along too. The all-black interior gets SofTex simulated leather upholstery throughout accented with bronze swag like a nicely cross-stitched shift knob to go along with the bronze stitching in the seats and soft trims.

There are 40th Anniversary logos on the seats and unique floor mats included. Standard is a power sunroof as well. Most importantly is the center console badge commemorating the moment.

If you just want a regular 2023 Toyota 4Runner, you will find the familiar lineup of trim grades including SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited and TRD Pro.

For 2023 all 4Runners come standard with a tow-hitch receiver and pre-wiring and a tow rating of 5,000 pounds. Also standard no matter what trim you get are a Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and LED high beam headlights, LED low beams and fog lights on most grades come on upper trims.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner arrives by year’s end. If you want one of the limited number of 40th Anniversary Editions it’s highly suggested you get with your dealership and get your name on an order.