2022 Toyota 4Runner Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Available with five or seven seats, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner offers enhanced flexibility and versatility inside its cabin. This midsize SUV also boasts class-leading features that are fine-tuned for off-road handling, like the Multi-Terrain Select and Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. Families seeking adventures will embrace the vehicle's advanced utilities, such as a cooler, rooftop cargo basket and sliding rear cargo deck. This Toyota model also offers the latest connectivity technologies from the Connected Services suite.

What's New for 2022?

The TRD Sport model is perhaps the most prominent addition to the lineup of the 2022 Toyota 4Runner. Primarily tuned for on-road driving, this all-new edition comes with the Cross-Linked Relative Absorber Suspension System and other distinctive styling accents. This cool trim rolls on 20.0-inch wheels that are covered in the Dark Gray accents. The TRD Sport model has a handful of unique interior appointments, such as hand-stitched logos on the headrests in the front row.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Toyota 4Runner – The Pros

1. Reliable Powertrain

Kicking out 270 net horsepower, the 2022 4Runner's 4.0-L engine block exploits the Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence technology. Utilizing the Toyota Direct Ignition for combustion, the V-6 gasoline powertrain develops up to 278 pound-feet of torque. Connected to a five-speed automatic transmission system with the Sequential Shift Mode, the six-cylinder powerplant can tow 5,000 pounds per SAE J2807 certification. The durable powertrain on this Toyota SUV comes with a warranty that lasts for 60 months or 60,000 miles, whichever expires first.

2. Legendary Off-Road Performance

Available with part-time and full-time 4x4 drive systems, the 2022 4Runner boasts tremendous off-road capabilities. Featuring up to five different speeds, the Crawl Control optimizes low-speed driving on rough landscapes. Offering four unique modes, the Multi-Terrain Select maximizes traction on off-road trails. By evenly distributing torque in the rear wheels, the locking differential improves handling on unpaved surfaces. Made by Torsen, a center differential with a locking option is another mechanical installation that boosts off-road handling.

3. Advanced Suspension Systems

Optional on the 2022 4Runner, the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System significantly enhances articulation on rugged terrains. By disconnecting the sway bars accordingly, the KDSS expands the range of motion of the wheels. The sway bars are engaged once the wheels make contact with relatively flat surfaces. Optimizing cornering and other sporty maneuvers on paved surfaces, the X-REAS Suspension System quickly adapts to the geometry of the road. Additionally, this tough Toyota SUV offers the TRD Fox Shock Absorbers with remote reservoirs and other advanced features for taking brutal beatings from the ground.

4. All-Weather Design

Equipped with front and rear mud guards, the 2022 4Runner isn't afraid to get dirty during road trips. LED Fog lamps give the driver extra reassurance for getting behind the wheel when the local visibility is limited. Similarly, the heated outside mirrors prevent frost, dew, ice, snow and other fluids from blocking the driver's views of the surroundings. Featuring a rapid-heating function, a de-icer quickly melts snow and ice from the front windshield without causing any cracks and other structural damage. A defogger with a timer also clears the views through the rear liftgate window.

5. Adventure-Ready Amenities

Optional on the 2022 4Runner, running boards provide good utility for making frequent stops during road trips. Automatic running boards with power-deployable mechanisms are available for even better convenience. This adventurous Toyota SUV offers a rooftop cargo basket with the signature Yakima LoadWarrior branding. Secured by straps, a premium cooler with a 40-quart capacity allows families to bring along plenty of snacks and drinks for extended journeys. Accessible in the rear cargo area, a 120-volt AC power outlet is compatible with small appliances, electric tools and other electronic devices.

6. Versatile Seating Configurations

Offering eight-way adjustments, the driver's seat is available with fabric, leather or the SofTex finish. A memory system, heating and lumbar support are some other advanced highlights of the driver's seat. The second-row seats are available with a flat-folding, 40-20-40 layout and reclining functions for extra flexibility. Likewise, the third-row seats have a 50-50 design with flat-folding mechanisms for increasing the cargo capacity. Additionally, a sliding rear cargo deck is hidden behind the third-row seats inside this premium Toyota SUV.

7. Multiple Climate Control Options

The 2022 4Runner offers an automatic climate control system that's divided into two distinct zones. Featuring a cabin air filter, this advanced HVAC unit diverts air to multiple vents in the second row. Ventilation is also available for the front-row seats inside this Toyota SUV. The cabin could be naturally ventilated with some fresh air from the power-sliding moonroof, which also has a tilting function and sunshade. A privacy glass with quarter panels blocks some solar radiation from coming into the cabin.

8. Sophisticated Multimedia System

The 2022 4Runner's infotainment console includes an 8-inch touch screen, eight electronic keys and two dials. Compatible with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth, the multimedia suite is optimized for the latest smartphones. The Toyota+Alexa application provides an easy way for engaging the infotainment suite through simple voice commands. This SUV also offers the Toyota Connected Services, including the Wi-Fi Connect network that has a five-device capacity. By pressing buttons in the overhead panel, the driver could quickly activate the Safety Connect.

9. Active Safety Technologies

The standard Toyota Safety Sense P technologies keep the 2022 4Runner away from hazards on the road. When a crash seems imminent, the Pre-Collision System will depress the brake pedal. Similarly, the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control slams on the brakes when there's an increased risk of a high-speed collision. Issuing visual and audible alerts, the Lane Departure Alert may reduce the potential for a side collision. Additionally, the Blind Spot Monitor makes the driver more aware of any possible conflicts with other cars in neighboring lanes.

10. Distinct Exterior Design

The 2022 4Runner is available in several exterior colors that embody toughness and durability, such as Blizzard Pearl, Lunar Rock and Army Green. This tough Toyota SUV also comes in more flashy paint options, including Barcelona Red Metallic, Nautical Blue and Lime Rush. A color-keyed rear spoiler emphasizes the sporty profile of this versatile vehicle. Decorated with the TRD Pro stamping, aluminum skid plates also provide protection and unique styling for this iconic SUV.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Toyota 4Runner – The Cons

1. Poor Fuel Efficiency

In compliance with EPA standards, the 2022 4Runner offers a maximum fuel economy of only 16 MPG in the city. This three-row SUV can't run for more than 19 miles on the highway from a single gallon of gasoline. The full 23-gallon fuel tank ensures a driving range of approximately 440 miles. The powerful V-6 engine doesn't have any fuel-saving technologies for stop-and-go traffic or steady cruising on the freeway.

2. Difficult to Handle

Having a standard curb weight of 6,300 pounds, the 2022 4Runner is one of the heaviest SUVs in its class. Inexperienced drivers might struggle to properly handle this rugged vehicle, which is packed with plenty of bulky hardware for maximum protection and off-road traction. The 9.6-inch ground clearance significantly increases the risk of a rollover, especially on steep terrains. Drivers will also have to adjust to the Variable Flow Control technology in the steering system, which is partially limited by the tachometer. Even with some assistance from the Active Traction Control, drivers might struggle to command this Toyota SUV on off-road trails.

3. Unrefined Interior Design

As an adventurous SUV, the 2022 4Runner doesn't exactly have a luxurious cabin with upscale appointments. The modest interior has relatively low-end materials that seem outdated and unrefined by current standards. The center stack, dashboard, instrument panel and other hardware have rectangular geometries without any distinct styling. Only models that carry the TRD badge have some unique interior appointments, such as stitched and embossed logos.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Kia Telluride

As a midsize SUV with solid off-road attributes, the 2022 Kia Telluride poses some fair competition for the 2022 4Runner. Powered by a 3.8-liter engine with a V-6 design, the Telluride precisely matches the towing capacity of the Toyota model. However, the GDi Lambda engine doesn't beat the Toyota's engine in the torque department. Despite having the Snow Mode and Lock Mode, the Telluride doesn't offer any additional technologies for enhanced off-road driving. Additionally, this Kia model lacks disconnected sway bars and other advanced suspension systems that are tuned for managing rough driving conditions.

2022 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Subaru Outback

Running on the 2.5-L BOXER engine, the 2022 Subaru Outback doesn't even come close to matching the mechanical capabilities of the 2022 4Runner's standard V-6 engine. However, the 2.4-L turbocharged BOXER engine matches the torque output of Toyota's powertrain. Even when equipped with the turbo engine, this light-duty Subaru model can't tow more than 3,500 pounds. The standard BOXER engine reduces the towing capacity by 800 net lbs. Maintaining a fixed ground clearance of 8.7 inches, the Outback offers less versatility on off-road trails.

2022 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Ford Explorer

Having a rugged design and three rows of seating, the 2022 Ford Explorer fairly competes against the 2022 4Runner. In terms of all-weather performance, the Explorer's Intelligent 4WD system is similar to the Toyota's part-time or full-time 4WD. However, the Ford SUV doesn't have anything that resembles the Crawl Control technology on the Toyota model. Despite offering the Terrain Management System, the 2022 Explorer still doesn't beat the 2022 4Runner in overall off-road handling. This Ford model and other midsize SUVs lack any visual technologies that match the Multi-Terrain Monitor from Toyota.

Conclusion

Having a rich pedigree in the USA, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner lives up to high expectations in off-road performance, durability and reliability. Available with two-row and three-row cabins, this midsize SUV offers convenient configurations for families. When it comes to off-road attributes, very few vehicles on the current market can match the legendary 4Runner. This versatile SUV also offers lots of high-tech features for smartphone users, like the Toyota Connected Services, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay. Playing songs on HD Radio and SiriusXM, a 15-speaker sound system from the JBL company also ensures a fun road trip in this iconic Toyota SUV.