2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner had a design that remained largely unchanged for over a decade. While it received updates over the years, the core design and functionality stayed consistent, making it similar to older models but with fewer modern infotainment and safety technologies. The 4Runner's design was not conventionally attractive, with most versions featuring a bold, aggressive front end, except for the more refined 4Runner Limited. Despite its age, the two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches maintained balanced proportions, timeless styling, and undeniable utility. The 4Runner was like a reliable tool, not needing frequent redesigns to stay relevant.

Toyota offered the 2021 4Runner in various trims, including SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro, with special editions like the Trail Special Edition, Venture Special Edition, and Nightshade Special Edition. Pricing ranged from $36,950 for the SR5 RWD to $50,570 for the TRD Pro 4WD. The Trail Special Edition, priced at $38,565 for RWD and $43,729 with added features and 4WD, was a new addition for 2021. It featured dark gray TRD Off-Road wheels, a Yakima RoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket, black cloth upholstery with tan stitching, all-weather floor mats, a sliding rear cargo tray, and a custom-made 40-quart cooler. The interior had hard plastic materials, a traditional dashboard with large knobs and buttons, and a manual air conditioning system, adding to its old-school charm.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner continued to embrace its rugged roots, tracing back to the SUV craze of the 1980s. Unlike many modern SUVs that evolved to car-based platforms, the 4Runner maintained its truck-based construction, sharing underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma pickup. This design choice was not due to stubbornness but rather a strategic decision by Toyota, allowing the 4Runner to cater to a niche market of off-road enthusiasts while the Highlander handled family-hauling duties.

The 2022 4Runner's adventurous spirit was evident in its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper designed for obstacle approach. Inside, the functional design continued, though the dash layout showed its age, reminiscent of the late 2000s. The 2022 model offered trims like SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited. Standard features on the SR5 included push-button start, remote keyless entry, a power-sliding rear window, satellite radio, multiple USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Trail Special Edition featured 17-inch dark gray alloy wheels, a unique monotone paint scheme, a Yakima LoadWarrior cargo basket, a sliding rear cargo deck, a 40-quart premium accessory cooler, and all-weather floor mats. The TRD Sport and Limited trims offered more road-oriented features, while the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro focused on enhancing off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was tested at the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreational Area, where it showcased its off-road prowess. Equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm, the 4Runner had a five-speed automatic transmission powering the rear wheels, with a part-time 4WD option. The Trail Special Edition, lacking automatic 4WD, relied on A-Trac, the standard off-road traction control system, to navigate challenging terrains. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, tackling mud, hills, and ruts with ease. However, on paved roads, it felt slow, heavy, and clunky, with a rough ride, significant body roll, and cumbersome handling. The 4Runner's age and truck-like driving characteristics contributed to its charm but also highlighted its limitations in urban environments. Fuel efficiency was another drawback, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined and an average of 16.8 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained the same 4.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The engine's reliability and decent off-the-line performance were its strengths, but it felt underwhelming in most driving situations. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with significant body roll and a rough ride over bumps. However, these critiques faded away once the 4Runner ventured off-road. The suspension, which felt garish on pavement, effortlessly absorbed rocks, bumps, and root beds on the trail. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, more than most car-based crossovers but less than compact pickups.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's high ground clearance could pose a challenge for shorter individuals, but once inside, the seats offered proper support and comfort. The rear seats provided ample legroom, good visibility, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. The 4Runner's sunroof, power windows, and rear tailgate glass created an open-air feeling similar to a Jeep Wrangler. The test vehicle did not have the optional third-row seat, instead featuring a sliding cargo deck with a 440-pound capacity. Cargo space measured up to 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 89.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down, complemented by the Trail Special Edition's roof rack.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model. With the second-row seats in use, the two-row 4Runner provided 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The optional third-row seat, available on the SR5, SR5 Premium, and Limited models, reduced maximum cargo space to 88.8 cubic feet, with 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row and just 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window, making it easy to stow items in the back. While the 4Runner's cabin packaging showed its age, it still offered plenty of space for gear.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition had limited technology features. It included a windshield wiper de-icer system and a 120-volt AC power outlet in the cargo area. The standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and five USB ports. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation, dynamic point-of-interest search, dynamic voice recognition, and a one-year subscription to Destination Assist concierge services. The infotainment system's physical shortcut buttons and knobs made it easy to use, even with gloves on.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. While there was no option for a larger screen, navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system were available. The infotainment system's straightforward layout and tactile controls were beneficial, especially when driving with gloves on. However, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display, which could have enhanced the driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic forward emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked a blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a "Good" roof crush strength rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, its protection for the driver in a small overlap frontal-impact collision was rated as Marginal by the IIHS, and the NHTSA gave the front passenger protection a three-star rating in a frontal-impact crash.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree parking camera system were available. The TRD Pro also included an off-road camera system. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars for frontal and side-impact testing from the NHTSA and three stars for rollover testing. It had not yet been evaluated by the IIHS. The 4Runner was backed by a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.