2022 Toyota 4Runner

The body-on-frame Toyota 4Runner SUV is now in its fifth generation and has been around in more or less the same form for the last 10 years, making it a bit of a dinosaur in the automotive world. It last received a facelift for the 2014 model year. Nevertheless, it continues to deliver the goods, despite some outdated tech.

Under the hood, the 4Runner sticks to a traditional naturally-aspirated gas engine, in this case, a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. Power is directed to the rear or all four wheels via an old-school five-speed auto transmission (yes, Toyota still makes those). Inside, the 4Runner's ancient bones continue but there's lots of room for people and cargo. Competitors such as the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offer a more refined and contemporary experience, but the 4Runner remains a bulletproof beast with a devout fanbase.

Toyota kindly supplied us with a 2022 4Runner TRD Pro, the off-road enthusiast's choice. However, its numerous upgrades are no longer enough to keep competitive against new players. We were able to experience some relatively minor off-roading and the 4Runner easily handled it. But our main concern is daily, non-off-roading driving. This is something all buyers must consider before making the purchase. Sure, the 4Runner is great for weekend adventure getaways but there are a few things that might make you think twice before signing on the dotted line.

The 2022 4Runner isn't going to win any design prizes. Not everyone will like its chunky-looking styling, but there's a nice sense of familiarity to it, which did grow on us fairly quickly. The base model features standard LED headlights, a front-end skid plate, a transfer case skid plate, 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, a power rear liftgate window, and a keyless remote entry system.

Upgrade to the TRD Sport and you'll get TRD Sport badges, 20-inch wheels, color-keyed door handles, and a TRD hood scoop. The Trail Special Edition gets standard 17-inch Dark Grey alloy wheels, a Yakima LoadWarrior cargo basket, and Black external emblem overlays. The TRD Off-Road features 17-inch alloys with black accents, front and rear mudguards, and TRD Off-Road exterior badges. The Limited model gets 20-inch alloy wheels and a power moonroof, while the TRD Pro scores a TRD Pro-stamped front aluminum skid plate and 17-inch matte-black flow-form TRD alloy wheels. Some additional off-road-ready standard trim features on the TRD Pro we tested include LED fog lights and a black roof basket with retro style "Toyota" lettering.

This mid-size SUV measures 190.2 inches in length and rolls on a 109.8-inch wheelbase. Its width is 75.8 inches, and it is 71.5 inches tall. The front and rear track is 63.2 inches. The Trail Special Edition has a height of 79.09 inches, and TRD models are slightly longer at 191.3 inches. Ground clearance is an impressive nine inches as standard, but this goes up to 9.6 inches on 4WD models.

Curb weight for the 4Runner varies across trims and configurations, with the lightest iteration coming in at around 4,400 pounds, but TRD models pack a few extra pounds at 4,750 lbs. The heaviest model is the Limited 4x4, at 4,805 lbs.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner isn't the most stylish beast on the block, but that doesn't mean it doesn't deserve a good lick of paint. The SR5 models are offered in five no-cost colors: Nautical Blue Metallic, White, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic, and Barcelona Red Metallic. The Limited can be had in Army Green additionally. TRD models add Classic Silver Metallic and Lunar Rock on top of that, but the TRD Pro (our sampler) is the only model offered in the awesome-looking Lime Rush - if you don't like the new hue, you only have White, Midnight Black, and Magnetic Gray to choose from in this trim. We found the Lime Rush paint to be extremely eye-catching. Several strangers, including one who claimed to own a Lamborghini Huracan, remarked about the cool color. Lastly, the Trail Special Edition trim gets only four options: White, Midnight Black, Army Green, and Lunar Rock.

Toyota SUVs have never been the first word in high-performance driving - on the road at least. Unfortunately, Toyota doesn't seem too eager to modernize the 4Runner's powertrain, which has become famous for its dependability. The naturally-aspirated 4.0-liter V6 under the hood produces 270 horsepower, which sounds decent but reality sets in once you realize this SUV weighs around 4,800 pounds. Performance? Not great, but far from terrible. The 4Runner will go from 0-60 mph in the mid-seven-second range, in ideal driving conditions with 4WD. For reference, that's about the same time as a 1975 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 350 L48. Compared to modern turbo SUVs, the 4Runner lacks a bit of mid-range punch. Fortunately, Toyota's clever gearing programming enables it to perform beautifully off-road. As we were hitting the gas while entering the highway, we kept wishing this rig had a turbo V6 or, heck, even a V8. But, this V6 is tried and true and it's rightly earned its bulletproof reputation. Making a quick getaway, for whatever reason(s), however, is less likely to happen. Still, towing capacity for the 4Runner range is 5,000 pounds, which is rock solid, beating rivals like the Jeep Wrangler.

There's a massive range of 4Runner trims to choose from, but they all share one thing in common: their drivetrain. Every 2022 4Runner comes equipped with a 4.0-liter naturally-aspirated V6 engine mated to an old-school five-speed automatic transmission. This combination might sound like something you'd find in a 1990's Toyota catalog, and you'd probably be correct, but here we are in 2022 with the same tech.

The 4.0-liter engine produces 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque which it sends to either the rear or all four wheels. The TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, and TRD Pro all feature a locking rear differential, and the Limited model gets full-time four-wheel-drive and a Torsen limited-slip locking center differential. Power delivery from this setup is linear but not very punchy, and the five-speed automatic transmission requires heavy input before any serious shifting begins. It is still quick enough to keep up with traffic and will (eventually) comfortably cruise on the highway, but low-speed off-roading is where the 4Runner truly shines.

This mid-size SUV was never meant to set the Nurburgring on fire; it was designed to be a comfortable daily family car, long-distance companion, and off-road champion. The 4Runner's body-on-frame construction, coil-spring 4-link rear suspension, and high ground clearance should translate into a decent ride that absorbs most road imperfections, but that's not really the case. We enjoyed the 4Runner on suburban roads and highways (upon reaching a comfortable cruising speed) because of its lofty ride height, but this SUV can feel stiff on bumpy roads, and small road imperfections can still be felt at highway speeds, especially in TRD models fitted with the X-REAS Sport Enhancement suspension system.

TRD Pro models like ours come equipped with Fox high-performance shocks with rear remote reservoirs and TRD-tuned front springs. The weighted steering feel is nice but comes undone when you realize how imprecise it is, especially at higher speeds. Nevertheless, the 4Runner is easy to guide along. When driving with a bit more enthusiasm, the 4Runner's weight and ground clearance become all too apparent, and understeer kicks in, but 4x2 models are surprisingly easy to drift. Just saying.

It boggles the mind that the 4Runner and Prius are built by the same manufacturer. These cars can't be more different if they tried. One is a highly efficient hybrid that returns an impressive 52 mpg. The 4Runner, on the other hand, is something of a gas guzzler. Its EPA ratings are far from ideal: 2022 models, regardless of drivetrain, will return a figure of 16/19/17 mpg on the city/highway/combined, making it one of the least efficient vehicles in its class. To compare, the base four-door Ford Bronco will manage a superior 21 mpg on average.

With a 23-gallon fuel tank as standard, you're looking at a maximum range of 391 miles.

From the moment you step inside, there's no questioning the 4Runner's interior is dated. Interior designs from rivals like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited are there to remind us (again) of the 4Runner's age. Overall, the cabin materials are fine but we noticed there are still a few too many hard plastic surfaces here and there. Some say the styling is bland. Others call it old school and find it charming. To each their own.

Fortunately, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner's cabin is very ergonomic. The front and rear seats are comfortable and there's plenty of space. Visibility is also good, and with a flexible cargo system in place, the 4Runner couldn't be much more practical if it tried. Our tester also had TRD lettering on the headrests which are nice but not something worth paying a lot extra for.

The Toyota 4Runner will comfortably seat five average-sized adults. The third row allows for seven humans - if they can squeeze in there. Headroom is good across the board, peaking at 39.3 inches in the front, and legroom is pretty decent too. Six-footers will love the legroom up front, but taller passengers could feel a bit tight in the second row. The third row should be reserved for kids only. The front seats in the base model are fabric-trimmed and offer eight-way power adjustability for the driver and four-way adjustability for the front passenger. Even short drivers should have no problems finding a comfortable seating position. Higher up in the range, the seats gain more premium materials such as perforated leather.

Don't expect Mercedes-Benz levels of luxury here. In its base form, the 4Runner is offered with fabric upholstery in Sand Beige or Black/Graphite; the TRD Off-Road only offers the latter option.

The TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road Premium, and TRD Pro get a Black/Graphite Softex upholstery. The Trail Special Edition gets Black/Graphite fabric with Tan stitching, while SR5 Premium models have the choice between Sand Beige or Black/Graphite Softex. Leather is standard on the Limited model in the same color schemes as the SR5 Premium, with the addition of Redwood.

Being a Toyota, the overall build quality is good. This interior should last you a long time if taken care of. Our TRD Pro tester came with Toyota's SofTex synthetic leather, something we think will be more durable long-term than leather. It's also easier to clean and wipe down, a key factor for off-roaders.

Other than its ability to go off-road, the 4Runner's primary purpose in life will be to haul people and their stuff around town, and for that, you need a ton of cargo space. If that's important to you, then you're in for a treat: the 4Runner offers class-leading figures, although if you're planning on going for three-row seating, those figures drop significantly. Behind the third row, you'll get nine cubic feet of space, and behind the 40/20/40 split reclining and fold-flat second-row seat, you'll get 46.3 cubes. With all the seats flat, you'll get 88.8 cubes of space. Go for the standard two-row seating configuration, and you get an impressive 89.7/47.2 cubes behind the first and second row respectively.

Inside the cabin, you get your standard small-item storage features such as a glovebox, door pockets, ten cup holders (or 12 in three-row models), and a center console storage compartment. You also get an overhead sunglass compartment and optional storage systems such as a sliding rear cargo deck with under-floor storage.

Toyota knows that people buy its vehicles, especially off-road ones, for their dependability. That's why the brand can charge a slight premium on its cars, but modern car buyers are expecting more and more these days, especially when Korean brands pump their vehicles full of standard features. The 4Runner doesn't do too bad at all in this regard. The base model gets a standard intelligent key system with push-button start, manual air conditioning, a backup camera, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, a four-way adjustable front passenger seat, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. In terms of driver assistance tech, all models come with Toyota's Safety Sense suite, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert is available higher up in the range.

Moving up through the trims, the TRD Sport gets SofTex-trimmed seats, a TRD shift-knob, and TRD Sport floor mats. The Trail Special Edition includes black fabric seating with unique tan accent stitching, a sliding rear cargo deck with an under-floor storage compartment, a cargo area premium accessory cooler with tie-down straps, and all-weather floor liners. The SR5 Premium includes a HomeLink universal transceiver and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. TRD Off-Road models mainly benefit from mechanical features such as a locking rear differential, while the Off-Road Premium gets TRD red lettering on driver and front passenger headrests. The Limited model includes dual-zone automatic climate control, perforated leather-trimmed, heated and ventilated front seats, front and rear parking assist, and a panoramic view monitor. The TRD Pro is fitted with a Multi-Terrain Monitor with selectable front, side, or rear views and an overhead console with Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control switches.

The infotainment system on the 2022 Toyota 4Runner is nothing to write home about: it's basic and functional, and that's just fine for this rig. All 4Runner vehicles come with an eight-inch touchscreen display with AM/FM radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Amazon Alexa compatibility, Bluetooth streaming, voice recognition, Wi-Fi connectivity, an eight-speaker sound system, and SiriusXM Satellite radio. The TRD Off-Road gets HD Radio, and the SR5 Premium gets dynamic navigation. Limited and TRD Pro models get a premium JBL sound system with 15 speakers and a subwoofer.

The infotainment system in the 4Runner is easy enough to use and can be controlled by a rotary controller, physical switches, and voice control. We were actually surprised by how much we got to like the touchscreen. Sure, it's outdated but it wasn't complicated to use, unlike Toyota's previous Entune system. Best of all, it proved reliable and didn't suddenly reboot, an experience we had in a far more modern Mercedes.

Toyota's legendary reliability is ever-present in the 2022 4Runner SUV. J.D. Power gives it a quality and reliability rating of 81, and the 2022 model year has only suffered from a single minor recall due to a faulty driver's side high beam. It's recall-free as far back as 2019.

Toyota offers the 2022 4Runner with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a five-year corrosion warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile drivetrain warranty, a two-year/25,000-miles maintenance warranty, and a two-year roadside assistance plan.

Modern family SUVs are expected to be some of the safest cars on the road, seeing as they carry a big load of precious cargo. The Toyota 4Runner doesn't score perfectly in crash tests, but according to the NHTSA review of the Toyota 4Runner, it's worth four stars overall. Rollover tests score only three stars out of five. The 4Runner failed to receive a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS but still managed four top ratings of Good with only the small overlap front: driver side evaluation rated at Marginal. .

Each 2022 Toyota 4Runner comes equipped with eight airbags, including front seat-mounted side airbags and driver and front passenger knee airbags. All models come standard with Toyota's Safety Sense suite of driver assistance systems, consisting of automatic high beams, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and dynamic radar cruise control. SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro models also get a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and the Limited gets front and rear parking assist sonar. A surround-view monitor is optional on some of the upper trims, and standard on Limited and TRD Pro.

When Toyota was preparing the 4Runner for the 2022 model year, its marketing execs must have thought, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it ." That's the feeling we get from this aging yet capable mid-size SUV. Unlike some offerings that have become softer over the years, the Toyota 4Runner still promises good off-road ability and a genuine honesty you just don't find a lot of these days. You know what you're getting right out of the box. The exterior and interior styling isn't what we'd call attractive, but it's all practical and hard-wearing, just like those who buy these. Under the hood, Toyota has kept things very basic: the 4.0-liter V6 engine has just enough power to keep the 4Runner in the race. Sure, the five-speed auto transmission is outdated, but again, it gets the job done. This combination should prove to be bulletproof in the long run.

At present, 4Runner values remain high and we don't see that changing anytime soon. The list of standard features isn't too bad (we appreciate all the standard driver aids), and there's tons of room for the family and all their stuff. Going with one of the more hardcore TRD versions also bags you special off-road features that make this Japanese SUV even more capable in the rough stuff. What you see is what you get, and that's the 4Runners biggest advantage.

The 4Runner isn't the cheapest option in this class. The entry-level SR5 2WD will set you back $37,605, excluding tax, registration, and a destination fee of $1,215. Trail Special Edition models in 2WD cost $39,575 while TRD Sport models start at $40,450. The SR5 Premium has a sticker price of $41,015. Adding AWD to any of these will up the total price by $1,875.

The Limited closes in on the $50k mark with an asking price of $47,190 in 2WD configuration, with 4WD asking for $2,035 more. The 4WD-only TRD Off-Road costs $41,435, and the TRD Off-Road Premium hikes that price to $44,380. Finally, the off-road-ready TRD Pro will set you back $52,420. Tack on the destination fee, and our TRD Pro came to $53,435.

It might only have one engine option, but the 2022 Toyota 4Runner comes in eight different trims, starting with the SR5 and ending with the TRD Pro. All eight trim levels feature a 270-hp 4.0-liter V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission.

The entry-level SR5 is available in RWD and AWD and comes standard with exterior features such as LED headlights, a skid plate covering the engine, and front suspension, 17-inch wheels, and roof rails. On the inside, the SR5 features an eight-inch infotainment display with an eight-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Manual air conditioning and cloth seats with eight-way power adjustability for the driver are also standard. Standard driver assistance systems include lane departure alert, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams.

The TRD Sport gets a set of TRD Sport badges on the C-pillars, color-keyed door handles, and a color-keyed TRD hood scoop. Inside, the TRD Sport features SoftTex upholstery, a TRD shift knob, and TRD Sport carpet floor mats. The TRD Sport also includes X-REAS Sport Enhancement suspension for added off-road ability.

Trail Special Edition cars come with 17-inch dark gray alloy wheels, a Yakima LoadWarrior cargo basket, black external emblem overlays, Black fabric seating with unique tan accent stitching, a sliding rear cargo deck with under-floor storage compartment, a cargo area premium accessory cooler with tie-down straps, and all-weather floor liners.

The SR5 Premium gets chrome external hard badges, a HomeLink universal transceiver, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, navigation, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.

TRD Off-Road models include standard features such as 17-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels with black accents, model-specific external hard badges, an overhead console with Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control switches, and a center console storage compartment with a carbon-fiber pattern. The TRD Off-Road Premium trim adds TRD red lettering on driver and front passenger headrests, as well as the features found on the SR5 Premium. Both these models can only be had in 4WD.

Limited models include 20-inch split six-spoke alloy wheels, chrome external hard badges, and door handles with a touch-sensor lock/unlock feature, a power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade, perforated leather-trimmed, heated, and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic view monitor. The Limited also gets a 15 speaker JBL sound system, front and rear parking assist, full-time 4WD, and a Torsen limited-slip center differential with a locking feature.

The hardcore TRD Pro features a TRD Pro-stamped front aluminum skid plate, 17-inch matte-black flow-form TRD alloy wheels, a TRD roof rack, a Unique "TOYOTA" front grille, Black external hard badges, a multi-terrain monitor with selectable front, side or rear views, TRD FOX high-performance shocks with rear remote reservoirs, and TRD-tuned front springs.

A variety of packages that bundle certain features together are available, ranging in price. For example, on the base model SR5, new owners can opt for packages such as third-row seating from $805 to $1,150 (the latter includes running boards) or the Premium Audio packages that start at $1,585 and top out at $2,735. These are available in some form or other on all trims.

The TRD Sport can also be equipped with automatic running boards for $1,500, or the Technology package for $1,310, which adds a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. The SR5 Premium is offered with a $600 premium package that includes SofTex seats and a panoramic view monitor. A moonroof can be optioned on from this trim, starting at $630 without options.

The TRD Off-Road is available with a kinetic dynamic suspension system, starting at $1,750 and topping out at $3,335 with other goodies thrown in.

With such a massive range of options on the table, buyers can pick and choose at their leisure. If it's a basic family commuter and weekend adventure machine you're looking for, then the entry-level SR5 in AWD configuration will be perfect. This entry-level model still gets most of the driver assistance features and shares its infotainment system with the rest of the lineup. If you're after something with a bit more refinement, the SR5 Premium is an attractive option, and the Limited offers the most luxury features of all. The TRD Off-Road is a solid choice for the off-Road fans, but if you want to go all out, the TRD Pro fitted with standard Fox shocks is the only way to go.

The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size pickup truck now in its third generation and, as with its 4Runner sibling, is a capable off-road machine. Powered by a 2.7-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6 engine developing 278 hp and 265 lb-ft, the Tacoma sends its power to the rear or all four wheels via a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. Both cars share similar looks, but the Tacoma is the larger vehicle, albeit a pickup truck. The bonus here is that you can opt for various sizes and body configurations.

Inside the cabin, the Tacoma also features a simple yet functional space that should be able to take a beating. On the road, the Tacoma shares a similar harsh ride with the 4Runner, but shines off-road, especially in TRD Pro guise. These are two very similar cars, with the main difference being that the one is an SUV and the other a Pickup. You can't go wrong with either, so pick the one that will suit your lifestyle best.

Toyota seems to have discovered the secret recipe to building SUVs, and people across the US are buying them in record numbers. The Toyota Highlander, now in its fourth generation, is a mid-size crossover SUV that also offers three-row seating and slots above the 4Runner. Powered by a naturally-aspirated 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 or a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain, the Highlander sends its power to the front or all four wheels via a contemporary eight-speed automatic transmission that makes the 4Runner's five-speed 'box feel archaic. Where the 4Runner can boast about its off-road prowess, the Highlander is happier on the road, and its more compliant ride and more refined interior backs that up. This is the car to go for if you're looking for more space, more luxury, and a more car-like experience in general.