The Toyota 4Runner first hit American showroom floors back in 1984. Fast forward to the present day, and we have seen five generations of the 4Runner since. There were a few facelifts along the way, with some new trim levels joining the line-up. In just this generation alone, there have been over 1 Million units sold since 2009.

Boasting such incredible sales figures, I was curious about why so many people bought one. To find out just that, I was able to get the keys to a TRD Sport (a new model added to the 2022 model year line-up) for a week. I got the chance to take a deep dive at this immensely successful Toyota SUV to see what the hype around the 4Runner was all about.

2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport Review: A Big SUV For The Family

9.00 / 10
Specifications
  • Segment: Array
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 270
  • Torque: 278
  • Transmission: 5-speed Automatic

Exterior Styling

Let's talk styling. What is sad about the 4Runner is that it hasn't had a facelift in over eight years. The exterior design of this behemoth of an SUV has a lot of boxy edges.

The front fascia reminds me of someone in a psychiatric hospital that needs to have a muzzle over their face.

The only prominent line of the boxiness of the 4Runner, like most vehicles, runs from the hood behind the headlight assembly to the rear brake light assembly. This line then dips at the back door handle and goes back up after the fuel filler door. The hood scoop adds a little more flair. As for the rear, the 4Runner loses its demeanor and becomes boring like a snail race.

If you're thinking that the color is "Army Green," your eyes are fine as you'd be correct. And it is not an extra option either. Some of the options on my tester were the roof rack bars at an extra $185 while the high-performance LED fog lights are an extra $169.

As for the dimensions of the 4Runner, it is 191 inches long, 76 inches wide, and 72 inches tall. The wheelbase is 109.8 inches. The optional automatic running boards costing $1,500 makes for easier access to the high-riding 4Runner.

Exterior Dimensions

Length

191 inches

Width

76 inches

Height

72 inches

Wheelbase

109.8 inches

Curb Weight

4,400 lbs

Interior Design

The interior design of the 4Runner is nothing short of simple durable functionality. Sure the leather, plastic, and metal blend together in a nice fashion. But the quality of the buttons and dials makes me think that the electronics will be fine if I let the windows down during a hurricane. Other than that, the rest of the interior is bland.

There is room for five and the seats offer plenty of comfort and support for both long drives and a bit of off-roading. As for space, I can sit behind myself (6-foot 2-inch stature) in every seat and still have room to move about. The front legroom of the 4Runner offers up to 41.7 inches. The rear legroom offers up to 32.9 inches.

Coming to the cargo space, you could pack the family up for a trip for a week's vacation with a few suitcases with room to spare. With the seats up in the trunk the 4Runner offers up to 47.2 cubic feet of space. With the seats down, it increases to 89.7 cubic feet.

Cargo Room

Seats Up

47.2 cubic feet

Seats Down

89.7 cubic feet

Comfort And Convenience Features That Stand Out

- 8.0-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity

- AM/FM/Sirius XM/ Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

- Premium Audio with 8 speakers

- Sat-nav

- Power driver's seat

- Technology package ($1,310 option)

- Cargo mat ($100 option)

Performance

The 4.0-liter naturally-aspirated V6 under the hood of the 4Runner produces 270 horsepower and 278-pound foot of torque. Power, at first, goes to the rear wheels and can change to all four with a drive selector, through the 5-speed automatic transmission.

Acceleration is slow and lethargic yet smooth and linear at the same time. Steering is a bit heavy but is straight as an arrow. Feedback from the tires is almost non-existent though, which is sad. As for braking, the 4Runner's massive weight comes to light. Brake fade appears in a rapid-like fashion but brings the 4Runner to a stop at a quick rate with an added surprise.

The ride comfort of the 4Runner comes as no surprise as always. I wouldn't expect anything less from Toyota. The suspension keeps everything nice and tidy be it the treacherous roads of New Jersey or the bumpy trails through the woods.

As for gas mileage, with my driving habits, I was able to achieve 18 mpg. I drove for 350 miles and still had a range of another 50 miles from a full tank. The fuel tank capacity is a large 23 gallons.

2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport Specs

Model

4Runner TRD Sport

Engine Type

4.0 L Naturally-Aspirated V6

Drive Type

4WD

Transmission

5-speed automatic

Power

270 hp

Torque

278 lb-ft

0-60(mph)

8 seconds

Quarter-mile

16.1 seconds

Top Speed

115 mph

Braking Distance (70-0mph)

194 feet

Towing Capacity

5,000 lbs

Safety Features That Stand Out

- Toyota safety sense; Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert

- Blind-spot monitoring

- Rear crosstraffic alert

- Reverse camera

- Front and rear sensors

- Toyota First-Aid Kit

Key Issues I Had With The 4Runner

There were very few issues that I could find with the 4Runner, but the issues I did find do not sit well with me. Why doesn't it sit with me? The price of the 4Runner compared to what comes with it, or should I say doesn't come with it. The other problem I had is with the reverse camera and screen.

For what the 4Runner costs, there are some options that do not make sense that is missing. For starters, there are no heated seats in the 4Runner. Almost every car I have ever driven has heated seats in the front. While we discuss heated comfort, the steering wheel isn't optioned to warm your hands either.

My last complaint is the reverse camera and screen. In a world where we have smartphones priced anywhere from $100 to $1,000, there is no excuse for the poor quality of the camera and screen. It reminds me of the old flip phones with the early cameras that were grainier than a slice of bread. This is a problem throughout the Toyota line-up.

Pricing, Warranties, And Competition

So, how much does this Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport cost? After adding up the options and delivery/handling fee ($1,215), and reduction of "Keep It Wild Savings" of $500 to the MSRP of $42,025, the final price comes to $47,589. The cheapest 4Runner (SR5) starts at $38,805. That is almost a $9,000 price difference from the tested model. The most expensive 4Runner trim (TRD Pro) starts at $53,270. That is almost a $6,000 price tag difference from the tested model.

2022 Toyota 4Runner Prices

Trim

Price

4Runner SR5

$38,805

4Runner TRD Sport (tested model)

$47,589

4 Runner TRD Pro

$53,270

The warranties offered by Toyota for the 4Runner TRD Sport are quite spartan. The new vehicle limited warranty only covers up to 3 years or 36,000 miles. The powertrain warranty only covers up to 5 years or 60,000 miles. The perforation corrosion warranty only covers up to 5 years or unlimited miles. Luckily Toyota vehicles are durable and reliable.

The competition for the 4Runner is quite fierce. The 4Runner competes with the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, and the Subaru Outback. The four-door Jeep Wrangler (Sahara) starts at $44,320. The Ford Bronco (4-door) starts at $33,450. The Subaru Outback (Base) has a price tag starting at $28,395. Out of these vehicles, I would much rather have the Subaru because it is cheaper and is a much safer vehicle for my family.

2022 Toyota 4Runner Competition Prices

Model

Prices

4Runner TRD Sport (tested model)

$47,589

Jeep Wrangler (Sahara)

$44,320

Ford Bronco (4-Door)

$33,450

Subaru Outback (Base)

$28,395

Conclusion

As much as I fell in love with the Toyota 4Runner, I couldn't get over the issues I have addressed. But does it make a great SUV for the family? It sure does the job very well. However, I cannot justify spending over $45,000 for myself and my family and have some everyday conveniences like heated seats and a more modern infotainment screen missing.

Do not get me wrong though, as I can see the appeal for one. Its rugged styling, and genuine off-road capability, combined with Toyota's stellar reliability record means the Toyota 4Runner continues to stay relevant today. This is exactly why the demand is as strong as ever and people are willing to pay way over the sticker price for this family hauler.

FAQ

Q: How much does a Ducati Superleggera V4 cost?

When announced, the Ducati Superleggera V4 cost in excess of $100,000

Q: How much horsepower does a Ducati Superleggera V4 produce?

In ‘standard’ trim, the engine produces a claimed 221 horsepower. With the race ECU and exhaust fitted, it produces 231 horsepower.

Q: How many Ducati Superleggera V4 will be made?

500 were built and all sold out in a few hours.

Q: How fast is the Ducati Superleggera V4?

Very fast! No independent figures are available but expect 200mph to be dispatched with ease.