2023 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, truck-based roots, reminiscent of the SUV craze of the 1980s. Unlike many modern SUVs that evolved into car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its relationship with the Toyota Tacoma pickup. This design choice allowed it to maintain a sense of adventure, with high ride height, boxy proportions, and a sharply angled front bumper designed for off-road obstacles. Inside, the 4Runner's function-first approach was evident, though the dash layout felt dated, harking back to its last full redesign in 2009.

Toyota's decision to keep the 4Runner's traditional design was strategic, given that the Highlander handled family-hauling duties. This allowed the 4Runner to cater to a niche market of off-road enthusiasts. The 2022 model offered various trims, including the SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited, each with unique features. The Trail Special Edition, for instance, boasted 17-inch dark gray alloy wheels, a Yakima LoadWarrior cargo basket, and a sliding rear cargo deck. The TRD Sport and Limited trims focused more on road-oriented features, while the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro were geared towards serious off-roading.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner introduced the 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), based on the SR5 Premium trim. This special edition added $4,505 to the SR5 Premium's price, with $1,875 covering the standard 4WD system. The remaining $2,630 included retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, bronze 17-inch wheels, and various bronze interior and exterior badges. Limited to 4,040 units, the 40 ASE was available in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior.

The 2023 lineup included SR5, TRD Sport, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, 40th Anniversary Special Edition, Limited, and TRD Pro trims, with prices ranging from $39,555 to $54,020. The 40 ASE test vehicle, priced at $48,455, exuded a retro SoCal vibe with its yellow, orange, and red stripes and bronze wheels. Despite its nostalgic design, the 2023 4Runner maintained its truck-based SUV appeal, with a solid and purposeful interior. The controls were user-friendly, even with gloves on, making it a practical choice for off-road adventures.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured a single engine option: a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, powered either the rear wheels or an available 4WD system. While reliable, the V6 felt underwhelming in most driving situations, except for a decent initial jump off the line. The ride quality was harsh and cumbersome, with significant body roll and jostling over bumps, reminiscent of traditional trucks and SUVs. However, off-road, the 4Runner excelled, with its suspension effortlessly absorbing rocks, bumps, and root beds. 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.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner retained the same 4.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. The five-speed automatic transmission sent power to the rear wheels or an optional 4WD system. The 4Runner's towing capacity remained at 5,000 pounds. Two 4WD systems were available: a part-time 4WD system and a full-time 4WD system for the Limited trim. The EPA fuel economy rating was 17 mpg in combined driving, with our 40 ASE test vehicle averaging 16.9 mpg.

The 4Runner offered a minimum of nine inches of ground clearance, Hill-Start Assist Control, and additional off-roading technologies like locking center and rear differentials, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. The TRD Sport and Limited trims featured a suspension designed for improved on-road performance, while the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims focused on off-road capabilities. During testing, the 4Runner impressed with its off-road performance, handling thick mud and standing water with ease. However, on-road, it felt flawed as a grocery-getter and kid-hauler, with leisurely acceleration, heavy and slow steering, and a rough ride over larger bumps. Despite these shortcomings, the 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, making it a reliable choice for adventurous drivers.

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 three-row version had a maximum cargo space of 88.8 cubic feet, 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and just 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The third-row seat was optional on the SR5, SR5 Premium, and Limited models, increasing seating capacity from five to seven. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window, making stowing items in the back easier. Despite its age, the 4Runner's cabin was functional, though not as spacious or efficient as more modern SUVs.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner continued to impress with its power rear window, providing an immersive driving experience when combined with the sunroof and automatic windows. Climbing into the 4Runner required some effort for shorter individuals, but the seats were comfortable once inside. The 40 ASE test vehicle featured Toyota's SofTex artificial leather and heated front seats. The 4Runner offered numerous storage locations, though many lacked rubber liners, causing items to slide and rattle. The second-row seating area was roomy, with good legroom, headroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. The third-row seat, while available, was uncomfortable and took up cargo space, making it a less desirable option.

The cargo area featured several storage cubbies, trays, and a 120-volt AC power outlet. A sliding floor was available for easier loading and unloading of heavy items. With the third-row seat option, cargo space was limited to 9 cubic feet. Without the third-row seat, the 4Runner offered 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seat and a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet behind the front seats, providing ample space for a midsize SUV.

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 the system was straightforward and benefited from hard buttons and dials, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display. Upgrades included navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system. The infotainment system covered the tech basics and relied on tactile controls, making it user-friendly, especially when driving with gloves on.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology remained traditional, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Several connected services plans were available, with complimentary trial subscriptions. Upgrades included a navigation system, additional connected services, and a JBL premium sound system. Despite its dated graphics, the infotainment system's home screen displayed multiple functions simultaneously, a feature not found in newer Toyota models. The voice recognition system performed well, handling most commands accurately and quickly.

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. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for frontal and side-impact testing and three stars for rollover testing. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not yet evaluated the 2022 4Runner. The vehicle was backed by a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's safety features included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trim levels. During testing, the adaptive cruise control performed smoothly, though the lane-departure warning could be irritating. The 2023 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with three-star ratings for front passenger protection in frontal-impact collisions and rollover resistance. The IIHS had not performed a full set of tests on the 2023 4Runner, but it received a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.