Alternator issue?

Hi guys... time for my 5 year check in :)

A few weeks ago while driving on the hwy., I happened to notice the needle on the batt gauge dip for no apparent reason. Since it's got my attention, I notice it more and more. Not sure if this is how it always is, or if something is going on.

I notice when getting off the gas and stopping at a light/stop sign, the needed will dip and bounce back - say 1-2 widths of the needle. And even when running at hwy RPM's the needle is just to the left of the 14v hash (assuming 14v is the hash at 12:00). I could have sworn in the past the needle was just a hair to the right of the hash.

Anyway, I'm not sure if this is just paranoia or if this is something to have checked further. Auto Zone tested and said the battery/starter/alternator are all fine.

2013 4Runner Limited - all stock, no extra amps/lights etc.

Did you check your battery terminals? Maybe they're corroded and needs to be brushed clean. The truck is still relatively new so I can't imagine it being a bad battery or alternator even if you were driving it to death.

I wouldn't worry too much assuming it doesn't dip below 12v. As long as the alternator is pumping out 12+ back to the battery I think you're in good shape.

You might consider getting a Bluetooth OBD reader. Most use an app that can give you an output of battery voltage. What you're observing might be normal but the read out will give you actual numbers versus a needle. If possible try to recreate the needle moving while in park. Then use a multimeter at the battery and see if the numbers are similar to what you're seeing out of the OBD port.

This won't pin point a problem but might help create a baseline that you can go off of. My current 4Runner is still new to me and I'm having to do little things like this just to become familiar with it.