2023 4Runner Filler hose neck Question leaving me a bit confused

From my 2018, no plastic. You’d think those tiny plastic fingers might break off after years of slamming a pump nozzle in there.
Maybe ask the dealer about it.

 

It seems the 2023+ owners are the plastic thingy lucky winners.

 

My 23 has it.

 

Always interesting seeing the subtle differences Toyota will implement even on a dinosaur platform.
I posted a while back that the oil cooler and oil filter housing on 21+ are different as well.

Some could be process improvements, some can be cost cuts.

 

We need to get our guesses on record before someone tells us what it's actually for. I'm going with Spark Arrester.
Full disclosure: that guess is based on absolutely zero knowledge or information.

 

Same here and mine was a late ‘22 model year build.

 

Update from a different thread about what the plastic insert is:

 

Another update: my brother-in-law is a recently retired body work expert. He says that plastic insert is also there to cut down on the fumes and possible overspray that can result from filling the tank. Said it was an emissions-oriented thing that was possibly mandated by one or more states for their emissions requirements? I'd think all cars after a certain time would have something similar if that were the case...