2022 Toyota 4Runner

　　

2022 Toyota 4Runner Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' 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 When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　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 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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$220/mo  for 4Runner SR5

　　4Runner SR5

　　SR5 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $38,105 MSRPSR5 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $39,980 MSRPTrail Special Edition 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $40,075 MSRPTrail Special Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $41,950 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $40,950 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $42,825 MSRPSR5 Premium 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $41,515 MSRPSR5 Premium 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $43,390 MSRPTRD OFF-ROAD 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $41,935 MSRPTRD OFF-ROAD Premium 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) (Most Popular) - $44,880 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $47,690 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $49,725 MSRPTRD PRO 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $52,920 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　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.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar 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

　　zzdcar 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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below