This week I bring you my all-time favorite Toyota 4Runner yet. The new for 2022 TRD Sport trim. Already a fan of this iconic old-school SUV, the TRD Sport adds road-worthy upgrades that enhance its driving dynamics in the city, without losing its off-road credibility.
Exterior
Based on the SR5 grade, the TRD Sport swaps 17-inch wheels for new machine-faced 20-inch wheels with Dark Gray accents. The wheels looks terrific set against my model's Lunar Rock hue.
Other trim specific features on the exterior include a TRD Sport front hood scoop, color-keyed front grille bar, front bumper and lower spoiler, along with black roof rails and TRD Sport badging. For 2022, all 4Runners come equipped with LED high beams in addition to LED headlamps (low beams) and fog lamps.
Performance
The 4Runner's lineup features a 4.0-liter V6 that delivers 270-horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. TRD Sport is available in 2WD or part-time 4WD, this is the latter. Power feels nicely matched to this 4,600+ pound SUV, but fuel economy isn't terrific at 17 mpg combined.
Interior
The 4Runner's interior may not be a modern marvel of technology, but it always wins me over with its old-school rugged appeal. The TRD Sport features Toyota's black SofTex-trimmed seats with unique gray contrast stitching, and TRD-stitched logos on the front headrests. TRD Sport floor mats and a tall TRD shift knob are also trim-specific.
An 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support is comfortable, the passenger's seat is four-way power. The TRD Sport is equipped with a leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The digital driver's display is 4.2-inches and flanked by analog dials.
Large silver dials on the center stack controls the single zone climate. Above those, an 8-inch multimedia touchscreen surrounded by glossy black and buttons houses a multimedia system with large graphics. It's responsive and has advanced voice recognition and is compatible with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa.
The 4Runner is as always a roomy SUV. Second-row passengers enjoy comfortable seats, along with drop-down center console with cupholders, nice seatback pockets, 2 USB ports and A/C vents. The stadium style fold-flat reclining rear seats offer plenty of legroom, but head-room could be limited for someone on the tall side.
Utility
The 4Runner TRD Sport doesn't lack for utility. There's a power rear liftgate, and tons of cargo room. An optional sliding rear cargo deck hides an under-floor storage compartment. Optional automatic running boards are a must on my list.
TRD Sport, like all 4Runner grades, come with a standard integrated tow-hitch receiver and wiring harness with a maximum towing capability off 5,000 pounds. A120V outlet and two 12V outlets are standard.
Ride and Drive
Toyota delivers on the premise of the TRD Sport, and that's to make it a more enjoyable, every day city ride. It does exactly that and I found it extremely easy to drive and maneuver around town. That because Toyota's equipped it with the X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension system. The automaker says it automatically adjusts the damping force of shock absorbers when driving over bumpy surfaces or when cornering. The result is a more refined ride.
Safety
All 2022 4Runner models feature standard with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) that includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Sway Warning System, Automatic High Beams, and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The entire 4Runner lineup also adds standard Rear Occupancy Alert.
Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert is part of an available technology package. Front and rear parking sonar are not available on the TRD Sport.
Options
Options include the must-have automatic running boards ($1,500), key for helping people like my mom get into the vehicle. A sliding rear cargo deck ($350) is also a fantastic optional feature. The Premium 8-inch multi-media systems and 8-speaker audio system package is $1,585. A technology package adds $1,310 to the bottom line. Other options include a roof rack ($185), cargo mat ($100), hitch ball mount ($60) and a dual USB front charger port ($129).
Verdict
The Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport is an excellent addition to the lineup and delivers on its enhanced driving dynamics promise.
- What I liked most: Its terrific ride and overall enjoyable drivability. Color and wheels. Running boards.
- What I would change: Improve fuel economy and add a sunroof.
- MSRP: $42,025 base price: as equipped $47,959 with destination.
- Fuel Economy: 16 city/19 highway/17 overall.a
- Odometer reading when tested: 3,165 miles.
- Weight: 4,675 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Full-sized spare mounted underbody.
- Length-Width-Height: 190.2” long/ 75.8 wide/ 71.5” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 23 gallons, filler on the driver's side.
- Official Color: Lunar Rock.
- Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds.
- 2022 4Runner TRD Sport in a few words: An off-roader with sophisticated on-road manners.
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile Comprehensive; 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain; 5-year/unlimited-mileage Corrosion Perforation
- Final Assembly Location: Tahara, Aichi, Japan.
- Manufacturer's website: Toyota
