2022 Toyota 4Runner

Now in its fifth generation, the Toyota 4Runner has stuck to its basic recipe since 2010. Most vehicles don’t carry on for this long before switching it up, and that is a strong indication that the Japanese automaker isn’t going to fix what isn’t broken. The proof is in the sales numbers, too, with 144,696 sold according to data from Motor Intelligence, 2021 was the SUV’s best year ever. The 4Runner retains a strong fan base because it delivers the off-road prowess it promises and does so with rock-solid reliability. 

New for 2022 is the TRD Sport trim, which adds some styling elements that are a step above the base SR5. This variant includes a tweaked suspension for firmer on-road handling, a hood scoop, branded interior details, and heated simulated-leather seats. Now one of eight trims (along with SR5, Trail Special Edition, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited and TRD Pro), the debut TRD Sport level offers a style and equipment upgrade that doesn’t break the budget, with less than $3,000 separating this new trim from the SR5.

The 4Runner’s closest rivals include the Ford Explorer and Bronco, Land Rover Discovery and Jeep Wrangler. In general terms, the Explorer has a more upscale interior, as does the Discovery, and the Wrangler is more compact, with less cargo space. The 4Runner’s heft, as a body-on-frame SUV in a sea of unibody construction models, sits right in the middle of the pack. It’s lighter and shorter than the Discovery and heavier and longer than the Wrangler. It seats five in the standard configuration, but a tiny additional third row is available on higher trims. 

Of the competitors in its class, the 4Runner has the largest engine. Powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, the 4Runner uses a five-speed automatic transmission. Overall, the transmission is a bit clunky, but it performs very well off-road. Fuel economy suffers in comparison to its rivals, the 4Runner achieving a combined EPA-estimated 17 mpg, which is three less than the Explorer and Wrangler and four less than the Discovery.

Those looking for an SUV with plenty of room will find the 4Runner has that in spades. With the optional third row stored, the 4Runner has a generous 46 cubic-feet of cargo space, and a convenient descending rear mirror adds an access point that keeps everything secure behind the tailgate, including family pets. Clever, functional storage spaces mean gear is easily within reach, and it holds more than one might think. Clearly marked controls and chunky knobs make the cockpit space straightforward and intuitive. It’s a no-frills interior, but packed with utility.

The interior may not be lavish, but the safety suite is. Forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automated high beams are standard. Ultimately, the 4Runner is for drivers who want a rugged, truck-like SUV with enough room for kids, pets and camping gear for a road trip that still has enough manners to make a grocery run enjoyable. This SUV doesn’t pretend to be a luxury truck; it’s not meant for that crowd. It’s an adaptable stalwart that doesn’t disappoint when heeding the call of rocky, muddy roads.

Performance: 11/15

At the end of the 4Runner’s previous generation in 2009, buyers could choose between the 4.0-liter V6 producing 236 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque or an optional 4.7-liter V8 generating 260 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque. Though a four-cylinder model was offered in the first year, starting in late 2010, the 4Runner was equipped with the 4.0-liter V6 across the board with a happy medium of 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. It’s remained that way ever since. 

The V6 in the 2022 version feels more than adequate on road and off, accelerating smoothly. While its manners on-road are sloppy, it’s an off-roading star. Like its main competitors, the 4Runner carries itself well on a variety of terrains. And easy-to-find buttons and knobs control functions like crawl control, Multi-Terrain Select off-road settings, and a differential locker. The 4Runner can more than hold its own with the Wrangler or Ford Bronco, although the Ford might have a slight edge on on-road manners.

As a bonus, the 4Runner can tow up to 5,000 pounds at any trim level, so lugging a few ATVs or a small camper to an off-the-grid location would be well within its capabilities. 

Fuel Economy: 9/15

Challenged with a bulky frame and unexceptional aerodynamics, the 2022 4Runner carries a combined EPA estimate of 17 mpg. For comparison, a 2022 Ford Explorer with the 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and a 2022 Jeep Wrangler with a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine are good for 20 mpg, and a 2022 Land Rover Discovery achieves 21 mpg combined, according to the EPA. 

Because the 4Runner only has one available engine, it also can’t keep up in the fuel economy stakes with some of the other choices buyers have. The Ford Bronco’s EcoBoost models return 19 or 20 mpg combined, and Jeep’s Ecodiesel-powered Wrangler, admittedly an expensive option on that vehicle, returns up to 25 mpg combined.

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech: 12/15

From 2010 to the present 4Runners, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awards the model a four-star overall rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) last tested it in 2014 (the 2022 model is virtually the same from a crash perspective), giving it “Good” scores for four crashworthiness ratings, but a “Marginal” score for overlapping frontal impacts on the driver’s side. Families with small children should know that the IIHS also gave the 4Runner a “Marginal” score on its LATCH ease of use. 

Standard tech includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control, vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brake system, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and smart stop technology.

Comfort & Room: 12/15

Passengers in the front of the 4Runner will enjoy 41.7 inches of legroom, but the second row is much tighter at 32.9 inches, a situation largely down to this SUV’s pickup-truck origins (it’s closely related to the Tacoma). That tight back seat is a significant demerit relative to the competition.

The 4Runner’s front legroom is a half-inch more than the Wrangler’s, but the Wrangler has the advantage in the second row with 35.7 inches. The same is true of the Bronco and Explorer. Their front rows both feature more than 43 inches of legroom, while the Bronco offers 36.3 inches of rear legroom and the Explorer 39.

Starting with the SR Premium trim, the front seats are heated and covered in simulated leather or leather. Unfortunately, the seats are not particularly comfortable on long rides, but they’re well cushioned to handle the jarring impact of jostling along off-road trails.

Infotainment: 12/15

Toyota has stepped up its technology game in the last few years, and the infotainment system has greatly improved. For 2022 the 4Runner includes an 8-inch touchscreen with clearer graphics than before, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a six-speaker audio system. Step up to the Limited or TRD Pro trims for an upgraded JBL audio setup with 15 speakers and spectacular sound quality.

A single USB media port is included in the console up front, and there are four more USB charging ports along with 12-volt and 120-volt power outlets in the cargo area to keep your device-loving passengers happy.

Cargo Space & Storage: 14/15

The good news is that the 2022 4Runner, like every 4Runner before it in this generation, wields cargo space like a magic trick. Gear, snacks, and electronics can be snugged into storage cubbies all over the SUV, and the tailgate opens to reveal 47.2 cubic-feet of cargo room with all seats in place. Lay down the seats behind the front row, and 89.7 cubic-feet appear.

That’s more than double the amount of the maximum cargo capacity of the Jeep Wrangler, 15 cubic-feet more than the Land Rover Discovery, 6.7 more than the Bronco and, surprisingly, two more cubic-feet than the Explorer. GMC’s Yukon AT4 can offer more, but it isn’t as capable off-road and is in a much larger class of SUVs.

Style & Design: 8/10

While it’s true that the styling of the 4Runner hasn’t changed in more than a decade and may be dated, it somehow remains true to its personality. The 2022 4Runner is as recognizable as ever, even when caked in mud. Toyota’s long-running SUV is known for its reliability and durability. The fit and finish are excellent, and the cabin is designed for punishment. 

Inside, the 4Runner doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not. The cabin includes chunky knobs that are easy to operate even with work or winter gloves on, and it almost feels analog compared to some of the newer SUVs on the market like Kia’s Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade. The layout is smart and intuitive, and finding the necessary button at the proper time is a matter of muscle memory versus wading through a touchscreen menu. It helps to keep the driver’s eyes on the road, and that’s a positive attribute. 

Is the 2022 Toyota 4Runner Worth it? Which 4Runner is the Best Value?

For adventurous types who want to pilot a tough, capable SUV, the 4Runner is a classic choice. With a starting price of $39,320 (including a $1,215 destination fee), Toyota’s 4Runner is well priced in the segment and comes with a long list of standard equipment at the base level. 

To harness most of the 4Runner’s abilities, the TRD Off-Road trim is the best value and costs roughly $4,000 more than the base SR5. It’s equipped with a part-time 4-wheel drive with transfer case, active traction control, crawl control, and multi-terrain select. Add $3,000 more for the Off-Road Premium variant for heated seats and a power moonroof. 

At the top of the line is Toyota’s TRD Pro trim, which is more than $10,000 more than the base 4Runner, starting at $52,920 (plus destination charge). Equipped with Fox Shocks and tuned front springs, the TRD Pro is the most comfortable and capable in all conditions, but it’s not necessary for casual weekend adventurers. 

Regardless of which 4Runner you choose, it’s likely to hold its value. The 4Runner is in such demand that, because of 2022’s odd used-vehicle circumstances, 2018 through 2021 models are sometimes selling for prices similar to new ones, and new units are often marked up. 

How Much Does it Cost to Insure the 2022 Toyota 4Runner?

The 4Runner’s insurance costs are below average for its class. According to our data, the average 30-year-old female driver with a good record can expect an average annual premium of $2,467 for the 4Runner TRD Off-Road Pro, the most expensive version to insure. A similar Ford Explorer Timberline would cost $2,122, a Ford Bronco Badlands $2,170, a Jeep Wrangler Unlimted $1,933 and the Land Rover Discovery $2,524. To get a more accurate picture of your potential insurance expenses, see our car insurance calculator.