By Despite the age, the current generation of Toyota’s mid-size SUV has been around for 12 years, but it still makes impressive sales numbers. Moreover, the last couple of years were the best in the model’s complete history, so it’s no wonder that the Japanese manufacturer isn’t rushing with the redesign. According to the latest reports, the new generation won’t come before 2023, which clearly indicates that the 2022 Toyota 4Runner is about to come with familiar design characteristics.
This SUV still has a lot of good things to offer. We particularly like its rugged character and amazing off-road performances. Furthermore, the cabin is spacious and offers a third row of seats. On the other side, it pays debt to its age in many ways, starting from the outdated interior, poor fuel economy, and not particularly smooth on-road ride.
Considering that there are no bigger changes to come, we presume that the 2022 Toyota 4Runner will hit sometime late in the year.
2022 Toyota 4Runner Redesign
Not many things have changed since the launch of the current generation. The current form has been active since 2009 and since then, we have seen just one major update. Even that was years ago, so the styling is unchanged for about seven or eight years. We saw a couple of new visual packages meanwhile, but the overall styling remained the same.
Things aren’t much different in terms of mechanics either. That’s a good thing in our humble opinion. This SUV is old, but it is also rugged and capable. All versions offer impressive off-road capabilities but, of course, TRD Pro stands out. This version comes with additional upgrades, such as FOX shock absorbers, TRD front springs, a TRD-Pro-specific roof rack, upgraded skid plates, etc. Also, it comes with several exclusive features, such as a unique grille design, exclusive color options, wheels, interior features, and accessories.
Interior
This is where the 4Runner clearly shows its age. Just one look at the dashboard and you will realize that this SUV belongs to another era of the automotive industry. It looks outdated and also features mostly hard plastics. Still, the overall build quality is great and there is no doubt that this Spartan interior will last for a year.
While the cabin may not look particularly attractive, it is spacious and practical. Standard models come with a seating capacity for five, but you can also get the optional third row. Of course, that third row is cramped but can be useful sometimes. The driving position is high and provides excellent visibility in all directions.
When it comes to cargo capacity, you may count on about 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind its second-row seats and 88.8 cubic feet with these seats folded. That’s pretty good for the class. On the other side, the optional third row will leave you just 9 cubes behind it.
Features
We don’t expect that things could change in this aspect. The current generation is also and the 2022 Toyota 4Runner will probably represent the final production year. Therefore, the list of features should remain the same as in the current model. To remind you, the current model comes standard with tech features like an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, an eight-speaker stereo, satellite radio, Bluetooth, four USB ports, a Wi-Fi hot spot, keyless entry, household-style power outlet, power tailgate, etc. Additionally, you can get things like navigation, premium audio system, HD radio, dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, a power moonroof, a rear sunshade, and a beverage cooler.
Despite the age, the list of standard safety features is pretty long. All models come with a rearview camera, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights, etc.
2022 Toyota 4Runner Engine
Things under the hood will certainly remain the same. The 2022 Toyota 4Runner will continue with an old and proven combination that consists of a well-known 4.0-liter V6 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. The max output goes around 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. That’s more than enough to move this SUV confidently, though we can’t call it particularly fast. Base models come with an RWD setup but, of course, you can also get four-wheel drive.
One of the biggest drawbacks of this setup is fuel economy, which is really poor by today’s standards. You can get no more than 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. Models with four-wheel drive are even thirstier.
2022 Toyota 4Runner Release Date and Price
We expect to see the 2022 Toyota 4Runner sometime late in the years. Also, the price should remain pretty much the same as for the current model, which starts at around 37.000 dollars. When it comes to the competition, key rivals would be four-door versions of Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco.
Comments