History/Overview
The Toyota 4Runner is one of a small cadre of SUVs in today’s market designed for rugged off-roading. What began in the 1980s as a lightly warmed-over compact pickup truck is now a full-fledged, refined SUV.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2022, Toyota adds a new TRD Sport trim level. Meanwhile, the TRD Off Road model carried over from last year gains a panoramic view/multi-terrain monitor system, and SR5 trim adds blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Available Trims
The new TRD Sport model brings the 4Runner’s total trim offerings to six, the others being Trail, TRD Off Road, and TRD Pro (all of which are five-seaters), plus SR5 and Limited packages with three-row, seven-passenger seating. All 4Runner models use a 4.0L V6 engine, a five-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive.
Standard Features
RAV4 Trail trim starts with keyless entry, push-button engine start, a garage door remote, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, eight-speaker audio, a power tailgate window, leather-trimmed steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, A/C, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, 17-inch alloy wheels, a roof basket, running boards, LED headlights/fog lights/taillights, and a windshield wiper de-icer.
The 4Runner’s standard safety package comprises lane departure alert, radar cruise control, forward collision detection with automatic braking, and automatic high beams.
TRD Sport trim brings a hood scoop, sport suspension, and 20-inch wheels. TRD Off Road gets crawl control, multi-terrain select, a locking rear differential, navigation, black roof rails, and kinetic dynamic suspension.
SR5 seven-seat models get Softex upholstery, heated/power-adjustable front seats, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic A/C, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Limited seven-seat trim comes with the TRD Sport’s sport suspension and 20-inch wheels, and also brings navigation, forward parking sensors, driver’s seat memory, ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, and a 15-speaker stereo.
TRD Pro gets crawl control/multi-terrain select, a locking differential, navigation, a good scoop, Fox shock absorbers, matte black 17-inch alloy wheels, a front skid plate, and a basket-style roof rack.
Fuel Economy
Toyota’s fuel consumption estimates for the 4Runner are 14.8/12.5 L/100 km (city/highway).
Competition
The Toyota 4Runner’s most obvious competitor is the Jeep Wrangler, but the more refined Grand Cherokee is also priced competitively. You might also cross-shop the 4Runner with the Land Rover Discovery Sport.
And consider mid-size crossovers with off-road packages, too, like the Ford Explorer Timberline and the Subaru Outback Wilderness.