2022 Toyota 4Runner Review

Name: 2022 Toyota 4Runner Review
Brand: Toyota
Price: 29980 USD

2022 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

2022 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

+246

The 4Runner isn't the most polished SUV around, and its V6 is thirsty compared to the engines in a lot of similarly priced crossovers. Still, it's hard to find a vehicle that offers this much capability with this much utility and seating for up to seven people. The 4Runner isn't the SUV for everyone, but it might be perfect for some.

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2022 Toyota 4Runner Review

byKurt Niebuhr^{Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.}

Pros

Impressive off-road capability
Wide variety of configurations to suit many buyers
Versatile cargo area, especially with the optional slide-out floor

Cons

Choppy ride quality compared with more modern crossover SUVs
V6 engine is not particularly fuel-efficient
Tall step-in height makes for awkward entry and exit

What's new

New TRD Sport trim level
Part of the fifth 4Runner generation introduced for 2010

Overview

Big, boxy and built for off-roading, the Toyota 4Runner is one of the few traditional truck-based SUVs left these days. Sure, there are plenty of family haulers with high ride heights and tall roofs, and some crossovers even spice things up with knobby tires or plastic body panels. But few things are as capable as a truly dedicated SUV.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2022 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$252/mo

$201/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

The 4Runner's rugged underpinnings, high ground clearance, and available four-wheel drive with low-range gearing can help get you pretty far off the beaten path. Want to go even farther? The specialized TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims have additional features, such as a locking rear differential and Toyota's sophisticated suspension system called KDSS, that provide even greater capability on rocky terrain.

As a city-based runabout SUV, however, the 4Runner might not be the best choice considering its subpar comfort and fuel economy. A few other newer rivals also offer similar off-road capabilities such as the Land Rover Defender and redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee. Which one should you get? Read our test team's Expert Rating on the 4Runner to help you decide.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Average

7.6

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the 4Runner drive? The 4Runner's performance is adequate. It's not terribly fast, but the engine and transmission are smooth. It can hold its own in traffic. The brakes are a bit jumpy, and there's some nosedive when you really mash the brake pedal, but you'll get used to it. Around corners, the 4Runner turns in quickly and provides a pleasing amount of stability for a truck-based SUV. Even so, car-like crossover SUVs are more nimble.

The 4Runner becomes a superstar if you're the sort who would take it off-road for exploring or adventure camping. Its multimode 4WD system, high ground clearance and special TRD features make it capable of taking on rocky trails. If that's important to you, then the 4Runner's otherwise mediocre performance will be more or less insignificant.

Comfort

7.0/10

How comfortable is the 4Runner? You wouldn't be far off the mark if you sized up the 4Runner's comfort potential just by looking at it. You actually can judge this book by its cover. Its truck-based construction results in a somewhat bouncy and stiff ride. It's not terrible, but just about any other crossover SUV rides more smoothly.

The same goes for wind noise as the 4Runner's boxy shape stirs up more than the generally sleeker and more low-slung competition. Interestingly, road noise from the tires is relatively tame because body-on-frame construction provides an extra layer of sound suppression between road and cabin.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? Living with a 4Runner is a pretty pleasant experience, but it has one fairly obvious drawback: its tall ride height. That makes getting in and out somewhat difficult, though side steps are available to help out. It's really no worse than any full-size pickup in this regard, but other crossover SUVs are easier to access.

Once you're inside, you'll find easy-to-understand controls and a highly adjustable driving position that affords a commanding view ahead. There's plenty of space in both the front and back rows. Visibility to the sides and back is surprisingly good because of the 4Runner's squared-off shape and windows.

Technology

8.0/10

How’s the tech? The 4Runner's touchscreen audio system has clear graphics and numerous fixed shortcut buttons that make it easy to drill down into the menus without staring at the screen as much. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. Standard driver aids include traffic-adaptive cruise control and forward collision mitigation.

Storage

8.0/10

How’s the storage? The 4Runner's squared-off cargo area is big. Fold the rear seats down and you can even roll out sleeping bags back there. Cargo can be accessed by opening the hatch, of course, or by lowering the 4Runner's power rear window.

The roomy second row can accommodate car seats in any of the three positions, even bulkier rear-facing models. The square door openings make for easy access, but little kids will have a hard time climbing up into the cabin. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, a useful figure that covers most boats and many small camping trailers. The vehicle is also prewired for not only four-pin but also seven-pin trailer plugs that come on trailers with electric trailer brakes.

Fuel Economy

6.0/10

How’s the fuel economy? The aging 4.0-liter V6 engine and five-speed automatic make for a rather thirsty pairing that does no better than 17 mpg combined (16 city/19 highway). This is, on average, 4 mpg worse than other rival crossover SUVs with all-wheel drive.

Value

7.0/10

Is the 4Runner a good value? The 4Runner costs more than some of the crossovers it competes with, but in return you get more in terms of off-highway and towing performance. It also has a strong resale value, so much of the extra you'll pay up front will come back when you move on to something else later on.

While you own it, you'll have two years of free scheduled maintenance for things such as oil changes and tire rotations. The warranty, should you ever need it, is fairly standard. The 4Runner's big downside occurs at the pump, which you will be visiting often because its EPA-estimated fuel economy is in the teens in both the city and on the highway.

Wildcard

8.0/10

On the road, it's fine. It gets you there. The fun comes in when you take it off-road. As every other SUV has descended into crossover pavement-and-snow mediocrity, the 4Runner still waves the flag for the body-on-frame SUV fans who want real off-road performance.

Which 4Runner does Edmunds recommend?

The Trail Special Edition is a great place to start if your 4Runner will only occasionally play in the dirt. Available in either rear- or four-wheel drive, this trim comes standard with a rugged roof rack, cool-looking dark gray wheels and a portable cooler for day trips. But you'll want to get the TRD Off-Road or TRD Pro if you need serious trail-conquering capability.

2022 Toyota 4Runner models

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner is a midsize SUV available in eight trim levels: SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited and TRD Pro.

All come with a 4.0-liter V6 (270 horsepower, 278 lb-ft of torque) and a five-speed automatic transmission. The SR5, Trail Special Edition, SR5 Premium, TRD Sport and Limited trims are available with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive (4WD). The other 4Runners have standard 4WD. Five-passenger seating is standard, and a third-row seat is optional on certain trims to boost capacity to seven people.

SR5
Starts you out with:

LED headlights
17-inch wheels
Roof rails
Power rear window
Underbody skid plates
Power-adjustable driver's seat
40/20/40-split reclining and folding second-row seats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
120-volt power outlet in the rear cargo area
8-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration

Every 4Runner also comes with:

Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the 4Runner and the car in front)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)

Trail Special Edition
Based on the SR5, this trim level adds:

Yakima roof rack
Dark-painted wheels and exterior trim
Portable beverage cooler
Sliding rear cargo deck with underfloor storage

TRD Sport
Based on the SR5, the Sport adds unique styling with a few extra features, such as:

Suspension for firmer on-road handling
Hood scoop
TRD (Toyota Racing Development) branded interior trim
Simulated leather upholstery
Heated front seats

SR5 Premium
Upgrades the SR5 trim with:

Simulated leather upholstery
Heated front seats
Power-adjustable front passenger seat
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Keyless ignition and entry
Optional sunroof

TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium
These trims are similar to their respective SR5 trims but have:

Additional drive settings for off-roading
Locking rear differential (helps with maximizing traction off-road)
Optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) that can improve wheel articulation when off-roading

Limited
This is the 4Runner's luxury-level trim. It uses a different 4WD system and suspension setup that aims to make it more comfortable. It also comes with:

20-inch wheels
Chrome exterior accents
Sunroof
Leather upholstery
Ventilated front seats
Integrated navigation system
Premium JBL sound system

TRD Pro
The most expensive 4Runner, the TRD Pro is meant for serious off-roaders. It has the TRD Off-Road Premium's standard features plus the sunroof, navigation system and JBL sound system. It also features:

Off-road focused suspension with Fox dampers
TRD wheels with all-terrain tires
Special front skid plate
TRD roof rack

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Above Average

#7 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Toyota 4Runner from 2008-2022.}

$469/yr

vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.83x/yr

vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

13%

vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2022 Toyota 4Runner.

5 (75%)

4 (8%)

3 (8%)

2 (3%)

1 (6%)

4.4

36 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 36 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

My dream SUV

Mark D., 12/09/2021

2022 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Purchased a 2022 Limited in silver on November 1st 2021, and after 1000 miles I absolutely love it. Chose the 2022 Limited model so I could get the 360 degree cameras. Also has blind spot warning, parking sensors, radar cruise control and Toyota safety sense. The Limited has leather heated and cooled seats, and the JBL sound system. This came with running boards which I promptly …

Best body on frame off road vehicle daily driver

Ham, 05/20/2022

2022 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

4runner gang for life. Mine is lifted 3 inches with 33 inch tires on it. Can’t say one bad thing about it. I’ve driven this thing cross country and back numerous times and been in the most remote places with nothing but mountains l, desert, and nature as far as you can see and it’s never failed. I’ve never had one single issue with my 4runner going on 150,000 hard miles now with many of …

4runner Heaven

Larry Eveler , 10/13/2021

2022 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Drives like a car. Such a solid feel and loving all the new safety features. Insurance was actually $98 less per 6 months than my 2018 Highlander! Couldn't be happier.

Love it!!

Seakayaker, 03/25/2022

2022 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

I have owned many vehicles after 65 years of driving and i finally have the perfect vehicle for me. Ate 6'5' 200 lbs the roominess of my 4Runner Limited is great. Plenty of power, storage, and adequate gas mileage. And above all, I know that I am ready for just about whatever terrain or weather I encounter. Never have another type vehicle.

See all 36 reviews of the Toyota 4Runner

Write a vehicle review

2022 4Runner Highlights

Trim:

SR5

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$38,105
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	17 MPG
Cost to Drive	$252/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	47.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the 4Runner models:

Downhill Assist Control: Improves directional control during descent on steep or slippery surfaces.
Pre-Collision System: Uses radar and cameras to scan the road for people or other objects, alerting the driver. May automatically brake if the driver doesn't.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Uses radar to maintain a set speed and distance to a vehicle in front of you. Will slow down and speed up based on traffic speed.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger3 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover3 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover24.6%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Marginal
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2022 Toyota 4Runner Review

2022 Toyota 4Runner Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which 4Runner does Edmunds recommend?

2022 Toyota 4Runner models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

My dream SUV

Best body on frame off road vehicle daily driver

4runner Heaven

Love it!!

2022 4Runner Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2022 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}