2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport: Test Drive Gallery

2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport

Miles Driven: 235

Fuel Used: 13.5 gallons

Real-world fuel economy: 17.3 mpg

CG Report Card

Room and Comfort	B-
Power and Performance	B+
Fit and Finish	B-
Fuel Economy	C-
Value	B-

Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup.

Big & Tall Comfort

Big Guy	B+
Tall Guy	B

Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester.

Drivetrain
Engine Specs	270-hp 4.0L
Engine Type	V6
Transmission	5-speed automatic
Drive Wheels	4WD

Driving mix: 70% city, 30% highway

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 16/19/17 (mpg city/highway/combined)

Fuel type: Regular Gasoline

Base price: $42,025 (not including $1215 destination charge)

Options on test vehicle: Premium Audio w/ 8-inch touchscreen, dynamic navigation, and 8 speakers ($1585); sliding rear cargo deck ($350); automatic running boards ($1500); Technology Package ($1310); black exhaust tip ($100); roof-rack cross bars ($185); cargo cover ($179); all-weather floor liners ($169); door edge guards ($79); cargo tray ($100)

Price as tested: $48,797

Quick Hits

The great: Build quality; resale value; off-road credentials

The good: Rugged, adventurous looks; cargo room

The not so good: Fuel economy; step-in height; aged basic platform; cabin ergonomics and on-road composure trail most crossover-style SUVs

More 4Runner price and availability information

CG Says:

The Toyota 4Runner is the elder statesman of the mainstream-brand midsize SUV class, in terms of both its age (its last full redesign was for the 2010 model year) and overall design layout. While most of the midsize SUV class has transitioned to a car-like unibody architecture over the last decade or so, the 4Runner sticks with truck-style body-on-frame architecture. This makes for a sturdier structure that is beneficial for off-roading and towing. However, that structure is heavier and more cumbersome than unibody architecture, and it introduces compromises in fuel economy, ride comfort, passenger ergonomics, and cabin-space efficiency.

But in the eyes of its many fans, the 4Runner wears its age well. Those buyers value its no-nonsense, old-school image; its rough-and-ready capabilities; and its Toyota build quality and reputation for reliability. The 4Runner’s outdated control interface, shortcomings in handling and ride comfort, and subpar fuel economy aren’t deal-breakers for these owners.

The 4Runner sees no major updates for 2022. All models get LED high-beam headlights and Rear Occupant Alert (a feature that reminds drivers to check the rear seat for a child or pet before exiting the vehicle), and the lineup gains a TRD Sport version—a “road-tuned” model that slots in above the entry-level SR5 trim and comes standard with features such as an adaptive-damper suspension for better on-road handling, “SofTex” faux leather upholstery, a hood scoop, and 20-inch machine-faced alloy wheels in place of the SR5’s 17-inch wheels. The TRD Sport’s special trim touches include color-keyed accents on the grille and rocker panels, a TRD shift knob, gray contrast stitching on the seats, and gray stitched TRD logos on the front-seat headrests.

Essentially, the TRD Sport aims to deliver a bit of the sophisticated look and attitude of the upscale 4Runner Limited model at a lower price point, by foregoing several of the Limited’s high-end features. You can check our previous test-drive reviews of a 4Runner Limited, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro models for more information. The TRD Sport’s suspension may make it a shade more comfortable on the street than other 4Runners (save for the Limited, which also has adaptive suspension), but any crossover-style midsize SUV will offer better cornering capabilities and all-around on-road composure.

A redesigned 4Runner—based on a downsized version of the platform used on the redesigned-for-2022 Toyota Tundra and the 2023 Toyota Sequoia—is in the works, and it could debut for 2023 or 2024. The redesigned 4Runner should share its platform with the next-generation Toyota Tacoma pickup truck which might also debut for 2023.

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