(September 3, 2021) PLANO, Texas — A Toyota lineup mainstay for nearly 40 years, the Toyota 4Runner has carved out its place as the ready-for-anything SUV that’s at home whether on pavement or the trail. For 2022, the 4Runner lineup expands with the addition of the TRD Sport, a road-tuned model that joins the trail-oriented TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models. The 2022 4Runner line augments its safety tech roster with new standard features, as well.

With room for up to seven, the fifth-generation 4Runner remains the most capable of its proud family tree, and it is also the most accommodating and most comfortable. Other changes for 2022 make a great SUV even better across all grades. All models now have standard LED high beams, in addition to the LED low beams and fog lights that were already standard on most grades. Blind Spot Monitor + Rear Cross Traffic Alert is now standard on SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro and Limited (and part of an available package on TRD Sport).

With the addition of the TRD Sport, the 4Runner line for 2022 includes the SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited and TRD Pro.

The burly 4Runner TRD Pro adds standard Multi-Terrain Monitor to its roster of off-road tech. Using strategically placed cameras, the system lets the driver check surroundings on the trail, with the ability to spot potential obstacles not easily seen from the cabin. The Limited grade adds a standard Panoramic View Monitor, which provides a similar function for checking surroundings when maneuvering the vehicle in tight spaces. The Limited grade and TRD models also add a premium Multi-Information Display.

All 4Runner models add Rear Occupancy Alert. When operational parameters are met, the system does what its name suggests, reminding a driver to check the rear seat for a child or pet before exiting the vehicle.

Similar to Toyota’s mid-size Tacoma truck sibling, the new 4Runner TRD Sport grade joins 4Runner TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models in the line. Where the latter two add trail-ready equipment and features designed for tackling tough terrain, the TRD Sport sharpens its road-focused manners with sophisticated chassis technology while adding style and flair. The result is an exceptional combination of style and performance in a full-capability SUV.

With an emphasis on everyday comfort and road dynamics, the 2022 4Runner TRD Sport adds the Cross-Linked Relative Absorber System (X-REAS) suspension to enhance on-road handling. The X-REAS system, also found on the 4Runner Limited grade, automatically adjusts the damping force of shock absorbers when driving over bumpy surfaces or when cornering. A center control absorber cross-links the shock absorbers on opposite corners of the vehicle, like an “X,” to help reduce pitch and yaw by offsetting opposing inputs.

The 4Runner TRD Sport is available with either 2WD or part-time 4WD with a 2-speed transfer case. The 2WD 4Runners provide an ample 9.0 inches of ground clearance, while 4WD models offer an even more generous 9.6 inches. Based on the SR5 grade, the 2022 4Runner TRD Sport swaps the SR5’s 17-inch wheels for machine-faced 20-inch wheels with Dark Gray accents. All 4Runners come equipped with a full-sized spare tire, regardless of their wheel size.


The TRD Sport gets its own look with color-keyed accents on the grille, rocker panels and body molding, plus the signature TRD-style hood scoop and a front spoiler and black roof rails. Inside, the 4Runner TRD Sport replaces the SR5 grade’s cloth seat surfaces with black SofTex-trimmed seats, also adding heated front seats. The seats feature unique gray contrast stitching, and the front headrests have gray TRD stitched logos. TRD Sport floor mats are included, and a standard TRD shift knob completes the cabin makeover.

Standard features carried over to the new TRD Sport include an 8-way power driver’s seat, leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel, air conditioning with rear seat vents and pollen filter and power-sliding liftgate window. A 4.2-inch multi-information display provides the driver with readouts for outside temperature, odometer, trip meters, fuel economy estimate averages and TSS-P features, including Lane Departure Alert and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

The 4Runner TRD Sport features a standard 8-inch multimedia touchscreen display. In addition to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility, the system includes a USB media port, hands-free phone capability, advanced voice recognition and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology and a SiriusXM 3-month All Access trial. Connected Services include Safety Connect with 1-year trial and Wi-Fi Connect with up to 3 GB or 1-month trial, whichever comes first.


All 2022 4Runner models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), an advanced suite of driver-assist technologies 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.Along with TSS-P, 4Runner models also come equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety System that includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC, or A-TRAC with 4WD) and Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and the Smart Stop Technology (SST) brake-override system.