In an era full of car-based SUVs, the Toyota 4Runner and its past as a pickup truck are something of an anachronism. But for those who want a sport utility vehicle that won’t grumble when the pavement runs out, this is a tough vehicle to beat. In its 2022 edition, the 35-year-old vehicle combines that off-road capability with new features that bring it higher standards of safety and technology.
Abroad, it does not present many changes. However, inside it has heated and ventilated seats and a new panel, designed to receive an 8.0-inch touch screen. Drivers now can ask Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa for directions. And it is that the familiar is one of the first models of the Japanese firm to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in addition to being compatible with Amazon Alexa. Also, it incorporates two additional USB ports for passengers located on the back.
Available in seven trim levels, the 2022 4Runner also comes standardly equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) driving aids package, including autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.
The manufacturer did not make any major mechanical changes for this version. The only engine option remains a 4.0-liter petrol V6. The naturally aspirated engine produces 270 horsepower (hp) and 278 pound-feet of torque (377 Nm) and is mated only to a five-speed automatic transmission.
Rear-wheel drive is standard, but the Japanese house offers two optional systems: the PartTime 4WD, which provides driving power to all wheels or just a pair (front, rear, or one of the sides), and the Full-Time 4WD, which feeds at four.
The TRD Off-Road features an electronically locking rear differential, capable of distributing power evenly to the rear wheels so that they move at the same speed, “even if one of them is not touching the ground. The formula aims to “help you navigate certain terrain. It also helps to ensure a predictable power output to keep speed under control when passing over obstacles ”, they point out from the firm.
Toyota 4Runner 2022 Technological innovations
In addition to the mechanical advantage of low range, the Toyota 4Runner uses a few tech tricks that will make off-road driving easier. Hill Start Assist is standard on all trim levels, while Limited and SR5 trims feature Hill Start Assist, which supports the car at low speeds while driving down a hill.
Another essential feature is its four-mode off-road selection, as well as a Low Speed Driving Control (Crawl), classified as “an intelligent off-road technology that modulates the accelerator and brakes automatically in five settings”, which guarantees a “Safe and steady pace just by steering the wheel.”
The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension system, an optional alternative on the TRD Off-Road model, delivers more suspension travel at low speeds, making it easier to overcome obstacles, while at higher speeds it optimizes road handling.
The TRD Pro is the strongest 4Runner, so it has some extras included, like Fox 2.5-inch shocks, 17-inch matte black Nitto Terra Grappler tires, and a front skid plate. The Cat-Back exhaust is one of the new additions for the 2022 model. Although Toyota didn’t mention any performance improvements, the new exhaust should at least make the SUV‘s V6 sound better.
- Also Read; Toyota Tundra 2022
Pricing for the 2022 Toyota 4Runner starts at $ 37,140 for the base rear-wheel-drive SR5. A TRD Pro with an all-wheel drive will cost $ 50,885. All prices include a mandatory destination charge of $ 1,120. It may sound expensive, but it’s possible to spend similar money on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited if you include all the extras.
