2022 Toyota 4Runner: Choosing the Right Trim

Returning this year with a new TRD Sport grade, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner maintains its high ranking among midsize SUVs.

Targeting on-road performance, the TRD Sport trim highlights include 20-inch wheels, a hood scoop, a front spoiler, unique exterior trim pieces, and an adaptive suspension.

Other new-for-2022 enhancements are LED high beams across the entire trim-level lineup.

The TRD Pro grade gains the standard Multi-Terrain Monitor with a series of cameras providing surrounding views of the trail.

Likewise, the top-of-the-line Platinum trim gets the Panoramic View Monitor. Essentially, it provides the same views as the Multi-Terrain Monitor but for crowded parking lots.

If you want rugged off-road looks and performance (4-wheel-drive [4WD] versions only), we recommend 4Runner. If you want refinement in your midsize SUV, go with Toyota’s Highlander.

We like 4Runner for its old-school body-on-frame ruggedness, solid cargo capacity, available driver aids, easy-to-use controls, and uber off-road-capable models.

On the other hand, its truck-based architecture and aging drivetrain with a V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission conspire to deliver below-average fuel economy.

Moreover, ride quality is bumpy and stiff on models without the adaptive suspension, to say the least.

Toyota separates 4Runner into eight trim levels: SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, and TRD Pro.

However, as you progress through the trim levels, each doesn’t necessarily build on the previous grade. The Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, SR5 Premium, and TRD Off-Road add features to the SR5 content.

The TRD Off-Road Premium adds features to the TRD Off-Road. The Limited grade builds from the SR5 Premium. The TRD Pro adds its content to the TRD Off-Road Premium.

Power & Fuel Economy

Sourcing its power from a 4.0-liter V6 married to a 5-speed automatic transmission, 4Runner isn’t the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class.

Government estimates rate the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) fuel economy at 17 miles per gallon in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg in combined driving. Compare that to Highlander’s 21 mpg/29 mpg/24 mpg.

Opting for 4WD doesn’t affect 4Runner’s estimated mileage numbers by much. It scrubs 1 mpg from the highway number.

4WD does add to the bottom line. For the SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, and SR5 Premium, the upcharge is $1,875. It’s $2,035 for the Limited.

TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, and TRD Pro come with 4WD as standard.

2022 Toyota 4Runner SR5 (starting at $37,305)

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner SR5 is shown here in Negative Zero [White].

If we were going with a 4Runner RWD, we think the SR5 is a solid compromise between standard content and price.

Content includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lights (headlights, taillights, and fog lights), skid plates, heated power outboard mirrors, and windshield-wiper de-icer.

Also included are keyless entry with push-button start, air conditioning, fabric seats, an 8-way power driver’s seat, and cruise control.

A power rear liftgate window and a leather-wrapped tilt-telescopic steering wheel are standard.

The infotainment system has an 8-inch touchscreen, an 8-speaker audio system, five USB ports, Bluetooth, a 120-volt power port, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.

The driver aids are forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and front-rear parking assist.

Adaptive cruise control and high-beam assist are also standard.

For $1,585, you can add a premium audio system with navigation.

Third-row seating will set you back $805. Fixed running boards add $345 to the bottom line.

Adding the $1,215 destination fee to the SR5 base price brings the total to $38,520. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to a monthly payment of $692. See 2022 Toyota 4Runner SR5 models for sale

2022 Toyota 4Runner SR5 includes:

• Front-rear park assist – Sensors on the front and rear bumper detect when an object is close, and the system sounds a warning.
• Keyless entry – If the key fob is on your person, the doors automatically unlock when you touch the door handle. Push-button start is paired with keyless entry.
• Tilt-telescopic steering wheel – Allows the driver to set both the height and distance of the steering wheel.

2022 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition (starting at $39,275)

There is very little daylight between the Trail Special Edition and the SR5, and what there is, consists mostly of appearance enhancements.

To the SR5 content, it adds a Yakima roof cargo basket, 17-inch alloy wheels, black seats with tan stitching, a 40-quart cooler, and under rear cargo floor storage.

The premium audio with navigation package is available.

Adding the $1,215 destination fee to the Trail Special Edition base price totals $40,490. With no money down for 60 months at 3% interest, financing works out to $728 per month. See 2022 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition models for sale

2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport (starting at $40,150)

Also building on the SR5, it adds 20-inch alloy wheels, a hood scoop, color-keyed exterior accents, and an adaptive suspension.

The optional premium audio system with navigation is also available.

Adding the $1,215 destination fee to the TRD Sport base price brings the total to $41,365. With no money down for 60 months at 3% interest, financing works out to $743 per month. See 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport models for sale

2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport includes:

• Hood scoop – This is a cosmetic non-functional affectation.
• Adaptive suspension – Adaptive dampers react to changing conditions to smooth the ride and improve handling.
• Color-keyed accents – The front grille, bumper, and spoiler are the same color as the body, as is the bodyside rocker.

2022 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium (starting at $40,715)

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium poses here in Negative Zero [White].

As the trim name indicates, the SR5 Premium adds to the SR5. The extra content includes color-keyed exterior elements, heated power outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and silver-painted roof rails.

A 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat, heated front seats, and a 40/20/40 reclining split-folding second-row seat are included.

Also standard are an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a Homelink universal transceiver.

A power moonroof is a $630 upcharge.

Adding the $1,215 destination fee to the SR5 Premium base price equals $41,930. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to $753 per month. See 2022 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium models for sale

2022 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium includes:

• Mirrors with integrated turn signals – These are power outboard mirrors with turn-signal repeaters installed on their outer shell.
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror – Using photosensors, it recognizes bright headlights closing from behind. It then automatically dims the reflection of those lights.
• Wi-Fi hot spot – A 4G LTE hotspot, it allows passengers to stream and share online on their smartphones.

2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road (starting at $41,135)

The TRD Off-Road Edition takes to the trails.

If we were buying the 4Runner for some serious off-roading, this would be our choice. We would also opt for the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System.

The TRD Off-Road also builds on the SR5. Consequently, gone are the integrated turn signals on the outboard mirrors, the auto-dimming rearview mirror, and heated front seats.

The TRD Off-Road includes 17-inch alloy wheels, 4WD, Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and a locking rear differential.

You can add the premium audio package with navigation.

Also optional is Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System ($1,750) that automatically uncouples the sway bars as needed when off-roading.

Adding the $1,215 destination fee to the TRD Off-Road base price brings the total to $42,350. Financing with no money down for 60 months at 3% works out to $761 per month. See 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road models for sale

2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road includes:

• Multi-Terrain Select – Drivers have the choice of off-road driving modes (Mud and Sand, Loose Rock, Rock and Dirt, Mogul, and Rock). When engaged, this feature regulates wheel spin, brake pressure, and throttle response to maximize traction.
• Crawl Control – Operating at speeds from 1 mile per hour to 5 mph, this feature allows the driver to concentrate on steering as the vehicle controls the speed.
• Locking rear differential – When engaged, this ties the wheels on the same axle together at the same rotation rate to increase traction.

2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium (starting at $44,080)

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium is shown here in Magnetic Grey.

Building on the TRD Off-Road, the TRD Off-Road Premium brings back the outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals.

It also gets the power moonroof, Homelink transceiver, navigation, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Options include the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and rigid running boards.

Adding the $1,215 destination fee to the TRD Off-Road Premium base price equals $45,295. Financing with no money down for 60 months at 3% interest works out to a monthly payment of $814. See 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium models for sale

2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium includes:

• Auto-dimming rearview mirror – Using photosensors, it recognizes bright headlights closing from behind. It then automatically dims the reflection of those lights.
• Mirrors with integrated turn signals – These are power outboard mirrors with turn-signal repeaters installed on their outer shell.
• Homelink – This universal transceiver offers programming for your automatic garage door, as well as other functions like operating your home’s interior lights.

2022 Toyota 4Runner Limited (starting at $48,925)

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner Limited is seen here in Nocturnal.

Building on the SR5 Premium, the Limited adds 20-inch alloy wheels, a power moonroof, a dual-zone auto climate control, and a Panoramic View Monitor.

Perforated leather seats, heated-ventilated front seats, and a 15-speaker JBL audio system are also included.

Mechanically, Limited adds the adaptive suspension. Plus, 4WD versions get a full-time 4WD system with a limited-slip center differential with locking capability.

For $1,500, you can add automatic-deploying running boards.

Adding the $1,215 destination fee to the Limited base price totals $50,140. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to $901 per month. See 2022 Toyota 4Runner Limited models for sale

2022 Toyota 4Runner Limited includes:

• Dual-zone automatic climate control – A set-it-and-forget-it system, it divides the vehicle into left and right regions. It provides separate temperature settings for each region. Once set, it automatically maintains the preset temperatures.
• Panoramic View Monitor – This is basically a surround-view monitor providing a 360-degree view around the vehicle to aid parking.
• Power moonroof – This glass panel in the roof can be opened and closed electronically.

2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro (starting at $52,120)

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is shown here off-roading in Lime Rush Green.

Building on the TRD Off-Road Premium, the TRD Pro adds TRD Fox high-performance shocks, TRD-tuned front springs, and high-performance LED fog lights.

The Multi-Terrain Monitor and the 15-speaker JBL audio system are also standard.

Oddly, the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System isn’t even available as an option for this grade.

Adding the $1,215 destination fee to the TRD Pro base price brings the total to $53,335. With no money down for 60 months at 3% interest, financing this amount works out to $958 per month. See 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro models for sale

2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro includes:

• Multi-Terrain Monitor – This is basically a surround-view camera for off-roading. It provides different views of the trail around the vehicle.
• High-performance fog lights – These provide brighter illumination than the standard LED fog lights.
• JBL audio system – This is a 15-speaker audio system, including a subwoofer.