Used 2022 Toyota 4Runner

Off-road enthusiasts who prioritize off-road capabilities over on-road comfort will appreciate the 2022 Toyota 4Runner. The 4Runner isn’t the most modern, most efficient, or most high-tech midsize SUV, but it is one of the most truck-like and most capable.

Thanks to body-on-frame construction, this Toyota is an old-school SUV that’s excellent off-road when equipped with 4-wheel drive, but you sacrifice some on-road comfort and refinement for those rugged capabilities.

The 4Runner is generally pretty dated, but some recent updates have helped keep it a little more modern. For example, the Toyota Safety Sense P safety tech suite comes standard on every trim. Also standard is a modern 8-inch infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa.

LED headlights and fog lights are now included at every level, as is a rear-occupancy alert that signals the driver if he or she has left a child (or pet) in the back seat.

The SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, and Limited trim levels of the 2022 Toyota 4Runner are now equipped with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

If you’re looking for a practical family SUV that’s also good off-road, then you might be more interested in the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Subaru Ascent. However, if you appreciate the old-school, truck-like charms of the capable 4Runner, then there’s nothing else quite like it.

Driving the 2022 Toyota 4Runner on the street is bearably comfortable, but almost all its rivals are more pleasant to drive on paved roads. The ride is rough on bumpy roads, and the body roll is significant in sharp turns. This is a 3-row SUV that drives much more like a truck than its more car-like competitors.

When the pavement ends is where the 4Runner shines. When equipped with 4-wheel drive, the Toyota 4Runner is an excellent off-roader. Any SUV can handle the occasional gravel road or muddy trail. But the 4Runner can do some serious, technical off-roading and rock climbing, especially in the more off-road-oriented trims like the TRD Pro model. The body is narrow enough to navigate through tight spaces, and the ground clearance can go as high as 9.6 inches from the factory.

Under the hood of every 2022 4Runner lies a trusty 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower. This tried-and-true engine is a good fit for off-road adventures thanks to its proven durability and respectable power.

However, for everyday on-road driving, it’s too inefficient to be practical. The inefficiency is partially because of the dated 5-speed automatic transmission and the 4Runner’s relatively high curb weight.

As of this writing, we haven’t driven the 4Runner TRD Sport, which is an all-new trim for 2022. Toyota promises enhanced on-road driving dynamics thanks to a sport-tuned X-REAS suspension system previously reserved for the pricey Limited trim, plus a sporty appearance package.

Since this generation of the Toyota 4Runner is in its 12th year of production, the interior design looks pretty dated. While the design looks like it’s from an older SUV, and the interior material quality is a bit low-rent, Toyota has put some modern tech features in here to keep things a little fresh. Most notably, a modern 8-inch infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa.

The seating space is pretty generous in both rows and the cargo area is quite extensive. You can fold down the rear seats without taking off the headrests to create a cavernous 89.7 cubic-foot cargo hold.

Despite the simplicity and aging design of this interior, it’s pretty functional. All of the controls are easy for the driver to reach and use. While the seats aren’t what we’d call luxurious, they’re comfortable enough for all-day adventures.

The Toyota 4Runner has a unique look that’s fitting of its personality and capabilities. Its boxy shape and some little details like a painted diagonal C-pillar and flared fenders make the 4Runner aesthetically reminiscent of earlier generations that made the 4Runner name off-road royalty. Many midsize SUVs tend to blend together in traffic and parking lots, but this Toyota isn’t one of them.

The exterior of the 4Runner can change a bit as you work your way through the model range. The TRD Pro model has some distinct off-road touches like a special front skid plate, wheels, and a roof rack. The TRD Sport model has an appearance package with color-keyed accents, hood scoop, front spoiler, and black roof rails. This variety makes it easy to pick the 4Runner that best fits your style.

MULTI-TERRAIN SELECT
An available Multi-Terrain Select system allows you to customize your adventure based on your terrain. There are 4 modes available; Mud and Sand, Loose Rock, Mogul, and Rock.

POWER REAR GLASS
A distinct feature of the 4Runner that most rivals don’t have is a standard power rear windshield. This allows for quick and easy loading and unloading without opening the liftgate.

The base SR5 trim of the Toyota 4Runner comes pretty well-equipped, but it’s a questionable value when you consider similarly priced rivals. Standard equipment includes rear-wheel drive, the Toyota Safety Sense P safety tech suite, an 8-inch infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa, LED headlights, high beams, and fog lights, and a power rear windshield.

Upgrading to the SR5 Premium model adds push-button start, SofTex faux leather seats, navigation, heated front seats, heated mirrors, universal garage door opener, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The TRD Sport model is all-new for 2022. This is an on-road performance-oriented trim of the 4Runner with X-REAS sport suspension and a sporty appearance package that includes a hood scoop, color-keyed exterior accents, front spoiler, black roof rails, and unique 20-inch wheels. Other perks include SofTex seats (which are heated in front), gray contrast stitching and TRD embroidery, a TRD shift knob, and TRD floor mats.

The TRD Off-Road model is where 4-wheel drive becomes standard equipment. You also get 17-inch wheels, Crawl Control, a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and TRD Off-Road floor mats. This is the best value in the 4Runner lineup if you intend to take it off-road.

The TRD Off-Road Premium trim is similar to the SR5 Premium, but with the off-road upgrades of the TRD Off-Road model. Extra features include push-button start, SofTex seats, and navigation.

The Limited model is the most luxury-oriented trim of the 4Runner. Features include 20-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, perforated leather seats, power moonroof, JBL 15-speaker premium audio, heated and ventilated front seats, X-REAS sport suspension, and front and rear parking sensors.

For the serious off-roader, the TRD Pro model is at the top of the 4Runner food chain. On top of features like 4-wheel drive, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select, you get TRD Fox high-performance off-road suspension, unique Toyota grille and skid plate, 17-inch TRD wheels, and a TRD roof rack.

Four-wheel drive is optional on the SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Sport, and Limited trims of the 4Runner.

The off-road-oriented trims of the 4Runner are available with the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). In extreme off-roading situations, KDSS can detach the sway bars of the 4Runner to maximize suspension travel. When conditions return to normal, the sway bars reattach automatically.

The TRD Pro version is available in a wild new color: Electric Lime Metallic, a bright eye-catching hue that also can be ordered on the 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. Other available colors on the TRD Pro 4Runner include gray, black, or white.

A few other options available throughout the 4Runner lineup include a cool sliding rear cargo deck, running boards, and a premium audio system.

The sole engine in the 4Runner has been around — virtually unchanged — since the early 2000s. It’s a bit gray in the gills, but it’s a proven V6 with bulletproof durability and low maintenance costs.

We won’t sugar-coat it — the fuel economy is awful. It’s unable to achieve 20 mpg, even on the highway with 2-wheel drive. But this V6 is a suitable engine for off-road adventures.

Because off-road capability is the calling card of the Toyota 4Runner, it’s disappointing that 4-wheel drive doesn’t come standard on every trim as it does for the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, but we recommend opting for 4-wheel drive if you want to use the 4Runner for what it was made for.

4.0-liter V6 engine
270 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
278 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/19 mpg (RWD or 4WD)