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The fifth generation Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is now almost 13 years old. Doug DeMuro explains why it is still so popular among buyers.

The off-road dedicated TRD Pro version of Toyota's mid-size SUV 4Runner has recently gained immense popularity among buyers. Consequently, the demand for this vehicle is so high that the production simply cannot keep up with it.

As a result, dealerships across the country are slapping huge markups over this vehicle's sticker price. What's interesting to note here is that despite this, buyers are ready to shell out more than $15,000 extra just to get their hand on this Toyota.

All of this seems a bit bizarre when because the current generation of the 4Runner has been around for almost 13 years. So why is the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro so popular among the buyers despite being this old? Famous YouTuber and auto reviewer Doug DeMuro has the same question. And in his latest video, he explains the reasons for the same.

Related: Why You Should Start Saving Up For The 2024 Toyota 4Runner

As Doug DeMuro points out, the 2022 4Runner TRD Pro, despite having an MSRP of more than $50,000, misses out on some features which are now available even in Toyota's much cheaper offerings. For instance, it does not come with LED running lights or turn indicators, be it at the front or the back of the vehicle.

In addition, only one USB port is available for the front passengers, a type-A. Not only this, but the infotainment screen, despite being a new touchscreen model, is small and can sometimes be laggy. Furthermore, due to its low resolution, the feed from the backup camera is of inferior quality. And with no parking sensors, either at the front or the back, navigating this SUV through tight spaces could be difficult.

The current generation of the 4Runner is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine which generates 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This set-up is not only outdated in comparison to this truck's rivals but also very inefficient, delivering a combined city and highway fuel economy of 17 MPG.

Now to you, all the things mentioned above might seem like a deal breaker. However, as Doug DeMuro says in his video, these are the reasons people choose to buy the 4Runner TRD Pro. Yes, the cabin may be spartan and offers amenities seen on cars from the last decade, but all of this is very simple and easy to operate.

Buyers of this truck prefer these over the modern and complicated interiors of cars from this decade. The same is the case with the 4Runner's engine. It may be old and offer less fuel economy, but it has been proven over time to be highly reliable and durable.

The current generation of the 4Runner TRD Pro comes with a host of off-road goodies that make it highly capable off-the-tarmac. This includes Toyota's Multi-Terrain Select, which alters this truck's driving characteristics based on the terrain selected.

In addition, it also comes with Crawl Control, an off-road cruise control, which can electronically modulate the 4Runner TRD Pro's throttle and braking to get it out of sticky situations. Furthermore, this vehicle also comes with a rear-locking differential. Finally, of course, there is part-time 4WD on offer, which comes with a 4WD low and can be operated through an old-school lever.

In addition to all this, the TRD Pro grade of the 4Runner also comes with additional off-road equipment. These include Fox internal-bypass shock absorbers, underbody skid plates, chunky all-terrain tires wrapped around TRD Pro wheels, and a roof basket. Besides being capable off-road, the 4Runner TRD Pro also looks rugged and muscular.

For instance, it has a boxed-out design with simple yet bold creases, giving it a macho appearance. Apart from the TRD Pro-specific design elements on the outside, the cabin of this truck also comes with bold details. For example, the dashboard, unlike modern cars, has lots of buttons and large dials. As Doug DeMuro says, these are not only easy to operate but, combined with the squared design of the dashboard, also give a very tough appearance.

Related: Toyota Fortuner: The 4Runner Equivalent That America Didn’t Get

Despite being old-school and missing out on some modern amenities, the current generation of the 4Runner TRD Pro is very practical. For instance, it has plenty of inside space and offers comfortable seating for five occupants with 46 cu-ft cargo space.

Furthermore, there are plenty of cup holders to store small and larger cups, along with a rear window that can be lowered down. In addition, barring a few, it has all the features that you would expect from a car in the modern era, such as radar-guided adaptive cruise control, connectivity to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, heated seats, and plenty of other driver assistance and safety technologies.

Source: Doug DeMuro YouTube Channel

Ayush's love for all things automotive started with his grandfather's old Suzuki. This early initiation has transformed into a passion for cars that he now chooses to express through his words.