The 2022 Toyota 4Runner, now in its fifth generation, has remained true to its core formula since 2010. This is a strong hint that the Japanese carmaker won’t change what isn’t wrong since most cars don’t go this long before altering things. The evidence is also in the sales figures; Motor Intelligence data shows that 2021 was the biggest year ever for SUV sales, with 144,696 units sold. Because it consistently delivers the off-road capability it promises with unwavering dependability, the 4Runner continues to have a sizable fan following.
The TRD Sport trim, new for 2022, upgrades the basic SR5’s aesthetic components. This version comes with heated seats that resemble leather, a hood scoop, branded interior accents, and an adjusted suspension for more brutal on-road performance. The new TRD Sport level, which costs less than $3,000 less than the SR5, is one of eight trim levels that includes the SR5, Trail Special Edition, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, and TRD Pro. It provides an affordable styling and equipment boost.
The Ford Explorer and Bronco, Land Rover Discovery, and Jeep Wrangler are the main competitors of the 4Runner. In general, the interiors of the Explorer and Discovery are more luxurious, whereas the Wrangler is more miniature and has less room for baggage. In a sea of SUVs with unibody construction, the 4Runner’s bulk as a body-on-frame vehicle places it squarely in the center of the field. Compared to the Discovery, it is shorter, lighter, and longer than the Wrangler. In an ordinary arrangement, it can accommodate five people; however, higher trim levels provide the option of a third, tiny row.
Among its rivals, the 4Runner has the biggest engine. A five-speed automatic gearbox is mated to a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, powering the 4Runner. Although the gearbox is a little awkward overall, it works well off-road. The 4Runner’s combined EPA-estimated fuel economy of 17 mpg is three less than that of the Explorer and Wrangler and four less than that of the Discovery, putting it below its competitors in terms of efficiency.
The 4Runner is a fantastic option for anybody searching for an SUV with plenty of space. The 4Runner has a roomy 46 cubic feet cargo capacity when the third row is folded down. A handy lowering rear mirror provides an additional access point that keeps everything, including family pets, safe behind the tailgate. Innovative, helpful storage areas ensure that equipment is always accessible and may store a surprising amount of space. The cockpit is simple and easy to use thanks to large, clearly indicated knobs and buttons. The interior is simple yet functional.
The safety suite is opulent, even if the inside isn’t. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, pedestrian recognition, and forward-collision warning. The 4Runner is ultimately meant for drivers who desire a rugged, truck-like SUV with enough space for children, dogs, and camping equipment for a road trip yet has enough grace to make a shopping run pleasurable. This SUV isn’t made for that audience; it doesn’t pretend to be a luxury vehicle. It’s a versatile workhorse that delivers when faced with muddy, uneven terrain.
Performance:2022 Toyota 4Runner
When the previous generation of 4Runner came to an end in 2009, customers had a choice between a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produced 236 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque and an optional 4.7-liter V8 engine that produced 260 horsepower and 306 lb-feet of torque. Despite having a four-cylinder version available during the initial year, the 4Runner was fitted with a 4.0-liter V6 engine beginning in late 2010 that produced a happy medium of 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. That’s how it’s stayed ever since.
The 2022 model’s V6 accelerates smoothly and seems more than sufficient both on and off the road. It’s a standout off-road, even if it has poor on-road manners. Like its primary rivals, the 4Runner easily handles a range of terrains. Additionally, features like a differential locker, Multi-Terrain Select off-road settings, and crawl control are controlled via simple-to-find buttons and knobs. Regarding on-road characteristics, the Ford Bronco may have a slight advantage over the 4Runner, but it can more than hold its own against the Wrangler.
Moreover, the 4Runner can tow 5,000 pounds at any trim level, so it would be more than capable of hauling a couple of ATVs or a small camper to an off-grid area.
Fuel Efficiency:2022 Toyota 4Runner
The 2022 4Runner is hampered by its large structure and mediocre aerodynamics, with an estimated combined fuel economy of 17 mpg. In contrast, the EPA estimates that a 2022 Land Rover Discovery gets 21 mpg overall, while a 2022 Ford Explorer with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and a 2022 Jeep Wrangler with a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine both get 20 mpg.
The 4Runner can’t compete with other options available to purchasers regarding fuel efficiency since it just has one engine available. The EcoBoost versions of the Ford Bronco get 19 or 20 mpg combined, while the Jeep Wrangler, powered by eco diesel and is a pricey alternative, gets up to 25 mpg combined.
Tech for Safety and Driver Assistance:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates the 4Runner model, which has been in production since 2010, with an overall rating of four stars. When it was last evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2014, it received “Good” ratings for four crashworthiness ratings; however, it received a “Marginal” score for overlapping frontal hits on the driver’s side. From a crash standpoint, the 2022 model is essentially the same. Families with young children must know that the IIHS rated the 4Runner’s LATCH ease of use as “Marginal.”
Pre-collision technology with pedestrian recognition, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology are all standard features.
Comfort & Room: 12/15 Due in significant part to this SUV’s pickup-truck heritage (it is closely linked to the Tacoma), passengers in the front will get 41.7 inches of legroom, but those in the second row will find it considerably more cramped at 32.9 inches. The cramped rear seat is a significant drawback in comparison to the competitors.
While the Wrangler has an edge in the second row with 35.7 inches, the 4Runner has a half-inch greater front legroom than the Wrangler. The Explorer and Bronco are equivalent in this regard. Both vehicles have more than 43 inches of legroom in the front seats; the Bronco has 36.3 inches, and the Explorer has 39.
The front seats are heated and wrapped in leather or simulated leather on the SR Premium trim level and above. Although the seats are well-padded to withstand the jarring effect of bouncing over off-road paths, they are unfortunately not very comfortable for lengthy journeys.
Infotainment:2022 Toyota 4Runner
In recent years, Toyota has increased its technological prowess, and the entertainment system has significantly improved. The 4Runner for 2022 has an 8-inch touchscreen that offers sharper graphics than previous models. It also has six speakers for music, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and more. To experience an enhanced JBL audio system with 15 speakers and excellent sound quality, upgrade to the Limited or TRD Pro trims.
The console up front has one USB media connection to satisfy your tech-loving guests. The cargo compartment has four more USB charging ports and 12-volt and 120-volt power outlets.
Storage & Cargo Space:2022 Toyota 4Runner
The good news is that cargo space is handled like a magic trick by the 2022 4Runner, just as it has by every 4Runner in this generation. With all seats in place, the SUV’s storage compartments accommodate devices, gear, and snacks. When the tailgate is opened, 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space is revealed. 89.7 cubic feet occur when the seats in the first row are laid flat.
More than twice as much as the Jeep Wrangler’s maximum load capacity, that of the Land Rover Discovery (15 cubic feet), the Bronco (6.7 cubic feet), and the Explorer (surprise, two cubic feet) combined. Although it belongs to a considerably bigger class of SUVs and isn’t as good off-road, GMC’s Yukon AT4 can provide more.
Design:2022 Toyota 4Runner
Even if the 4Runner’s appearance may be outdated and hasn’t altered in over ten years, it somehow captures the essence of the vehicle. Even covered in dirt, the 2022 4Runner remains unmistakable as ever. The enduring SUV from Toyota is renowned for its dependability and toughness. The cabin is built to last, and the fit and quality are superb.
The 4Runner doesn’t try to be something it isn’t on the inside. It almost seems analog when comparing the inside to some of the more recent SUVs on the market, such as the Hyundai Palisade and the Kia Telluride. Chunky knobs make it simple to use the controls even while wearing work or winter gloves. The design is clever and user-friendly; pressing the right button at the right moment is more a question of muscle memory than navigating a touchscreen menu. It’s good because it keeps the driver’s attention on the road.
Is the 2022 Toyota 4Runner Worth it?
A traditional option for those with an adventurous streak who like to drive a rugged, powerful SUV is the 4Runner. Toyota’s 4Runner is competitively priced in the market, with a starting price of $39,320 (plus a $1,215 destination charge) and an extensive list of standard features at the basic model.
The TRD Off-Road grade is the most terrific deal and costs around $4,000 more than the standard SR5 but allows you to take full use of all the features of the 4Runner. It has multi-terrain select, active traction control, crawl control, and a part-time 4-wheel drive system with a transfer case. Upgrade to the Off-Road Premium model for an additional $3,000 to get a power sunroof and heated seats.
The top of the range is the Toyota TRD Pro model, which starts at $52,920 (plus destination fee) and costs almost $10,000 more than the regular 4Runner. The TRD Pro, which comes with Fox Shocks and fine-tuned front springs, is the most competent and comfortable vehicle in every situation, although weekend explorers don’t need it.
Whichever 4Runner you choose, it will probably retain its worth. Due to unusual used-car conditions in 2022, the 4Runner is in such high demand that 2018 through 2021 versions sometimes sell for prices comparable to new ones, while new vehicles are often marked up.
How Much Does the 2022 Toyota 4Runner Insurance Cost?
For its class, the 4Runner’s insurance premiums are less than average. The most costly version of the 4Runner to insure is the TRD Off-Road Pro, which comes with an average yearly premium of $2,467 for a 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record. The prices of a comparable Ford Explorer Timberline, Ford Bronco Badlands, Jeep Wrangler Unlimted, and Land Rover Discovery are $2,122, $2,170, and $2,524, respectively.
Toyota 4Runner Generations
Fifth Generation
2010 to Present
All models of the fifth-generation 4Runner, which replaced the V8 with a 4.0-liter V6, were powered by a five-speed gearbox when it debuted in the 2010 model year. The 2015 model year saw the introduction of TRD Pro, which included a unique paint scheme, TRD-tuned front springs, TRD front skid plate, and TRD Bilstein shocks with remote reservoirs.
Fourth Generation
2003 to 2009
Three trim levels were available: Limited, Sport Edition, and SR5. The previous engines were replaced with a 4.0-liter V6 standard and a 4.7-liter V8 optional. Skid plates were standard on all trims, and 4×4 vehicles had electronic off-road technology such as downhill assist control and hill-start assist, which aid in maintaining low speeds on steep hill descents.
Third Generation
1996 to 2002
A new, more extensive body and chassis added more cabin and load room. Along with many other components, the new 4Runner also shared a pair of new engines—a 3.4-liter V6 and a 2.7-liter inline 4-cylinder—with the first-generation Tacoma pickup. Two other third-generation modifications were more prominent bumpers and a revamped instrument panel with a digital odometer.
Second Generation
1990 to 1995
With a completely integrated steel body, the new 4Runners were still based on the Toyota HiLux truck. Until 1993, Toyota produced a two-door model, although most were four-door. Two identical engines were available with either rear- or four-wheel drive. Unlike other SUVs on the market, the tailgate worked like a pickup truck. A slight redesign for the 1992 model year gave the 4Runner a less HiLux-like appearance for the first time.
Second Generation
1990 to 1995
With a completely integrated steel body, the new 4Runners were still based on the Toyota HiLux truck. Until 1993, Toyota produced a two-door model, although most were four-door. Two identical engines were available with either rear- or four-wheel drive. Unlike other SUVs on the market, the tailgate worked like a pickup truck. A slight redesign for the 1992 model year gave the 4Runner a less HiLux-like appearance for the first time.
First Generation
1984 to 1989
A tiny vehicle with a short bed called the HiLux was converted to become the first 4Runner. It had a detachable white or black fiberglass shell and a backbench. The interior was improved with an SR5 model with a standard rear bench. Four-wheel drive was an option for every model. Toyota introduced an independent front suspension system 1986, which improved the truck’s comfort level but lowered its off-road potential. In addition to the initial 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, Toyota introduced a 3-liter V6 engine two years later.
Verdict
The 2022 Toyota 4Runner is still the rugged, off-road vehicle that loves the dirt. Remarkably, despite the current 4Runner’s design being 12 years old, sales are at an all-time high and customers like the formula. The 4Runner, which has eight trim options to accommodate almost every sort of driver and comes with Toyota’s extensive safety tech package, is well-known for its dependability and ample load capacity. The 4Runner is an excellent option for those who don’t mind a little thirsty engine and are searching for a vehicle that can handle some mud on the tires.
