2022 Toyota 4Runner

March 20, 2022

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner is one of the only ones left that's as rugged as advertised. It may look mostly the same as it did 10 years ago, but its boxed fenders and high beltline still look tough. That image is matched by its sturdy ladder frame and stout V-6 engine, which are great for tackling trails, especially with the lineup's various off-road-ready models, but not so great for refinement and fuel economy. The 4Runner's tall and boxy shape contributes to a spacious cabin and cargo area, but the materials inside look and feel cheap. Toyota offsets the popular off-roader's old age with a suite of standard driver assists, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Still, it's not enough to make the 2022 4Runner as contemporary or desirable as the latest Jeep Wrangler.

Engine Performance

Every 4Runner is motivated by a 270-hp 4.0-liter V-6 paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Available with rear-wheel drive and either full- or part-time four-wheel-drive systems, the outdated powertrain provides unremarkable acceleration, with the last version we tested taking 7.7 seconds to hit 60 mph. The automatic's lethargic responses certainly don't optimize the engine's uneven behavior and downshifts often require heavy right-foot inputs to spur the 4Runner ahead. Still, the Toyota feels more composed on pavement than the more unwieldy Wrangler. Our time behind the wheel of the off-road-oriented Venture model showed off the SUV's notable ground clearance, and its body-on-frame construction was supported by a soft suspension that absorbed a variety terrain. The 4Runner's steering is lightly weighted and imprecise, and while those traits betray any sense of sportiness, they're fine for crawling along trails and around parking lots. Aged though the Toyota feels in action, its performance is right in the mix with its more modern competitors, including the V-6 Dodge Durango.