2022 Toyota 4Runner / Turning Back Time

[@PrepperDawg]

4Runner is still the quintessential SUV.

[@mattyice5503]

I’ve always been a simple person and maybe that’s why I love the 4Runner. It’s simple, trustworthy and fucking gorgeous. I do love the aesthetics of it, the bulky knobs and etc. I also love that essentially I can drive it anywhere for the end of days, it’s just great. I can admit the gas mileage sucks but I guess I’d rather buy gas than new parts every month

[@louiep9862]

Nothing is gonna change no matter who the reviewer is.Either buy it or you don't .It's a badass rugged vehicle ...period! If you want unreliability,terrible resale value then go get a GM or Ford product.

[@markolar3161]

This thing is a beast! I’d take this over any other vehicle 👍🏼

[@regmatt]

nautical blue is one of my favorite colors with those trd wheels black out package !!!!

[@joeythedime1838]

Really a very good and honest interview. I own a 2019 Limited and 2021 TRD ORP and agree with every thing you said. I be very hard pressed to think of another vehicle that's this reliable and provides so much utility.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

Fantastic off-road car

[@aky19832001]

I've owned 3 4runners. I'm currently in a 21 trd off road sport. Suspension is everything. What you want in this order. The KDSS Suspension that disconnecting sway bars.. It provides the best on road and off road handling. Where the kdss shines is onroad. It allows the 4runner to make lane changes with minimal body roll and sudden emergencies lane. It's not offered in the trd pro models. Only in the trd models. You must ask for it!. Next up is the Xreas. It's a system of xlinked hydronic lines that provide for superior handling. It's soo good that you can put a wallet on the dash and it won't slide around on turns. It has no dip when your towing. Downside is when paid to the 20 inch rims. It's a rough ride. The trd pro Suspension. Is the trd off road premium and trd line up for springs. Just recolor. But it's the shocks that are different. They are stiffer than the trd line up. Reducing body roll. Not as good ass the kdds but is inch higher and more Suspension travel. Eats up bumps better.

[@Zenergist]

Personally I think KDSS is too complicated for what it offers. When it fails ( and it will fail), it's a ridiculously expensive fix. All it does is smooth out turns and provide some additional articulation off-road.

[@Rfk1966]

There’s still a place for this old girl. Wish there was more of a stripped down, non-posh version that can be upgraded for off-road use tho.

[@Realistick]

I agree, I'd say that the trd-offroad (non premium) might fulfill that the best as is. However, if Toyota were to really go after that market, they'd probably need to make another FJ imo

[@agrisizkulak]

yeah. there's a base diesel prado they still sell overseas. "farm edition" doesn't even have a stereo in it.

[@Realistick]

@@agrisizkulak That's badass, I can't remember if a diesel has ever made it into a Toyota in the United States.

[@Rfk1966]

@@Realistick Not in truck form, unfortunately.

[@Zenergist]

A basic off-road or base trim SR5 would fit your criteria

[@damilolaakanni]

Toyota shouldn't have replaced this with the 3.5 in the Tacoma. This is a much better, more reliable engine. I have not ridden in this generation of 4runner before, but I've been in a GX460 which is related to this, and I agree with you about that 4.6 being an option in the 4runner. It would be cool to have that as an option. Plus you can only get the 4.6 with the better 6 speed automatic transmission. It doesn't have much more power than this @301hp but much more torque @329lb-ft. That would make towing (for those who do so with this) easier. I know most people would have wanted that 4.6 without having to spend $60k on a Lexus, or something as big as the Sequoia and tundra.

[@Realistick]

I haven't heard that the 3.5 was less reliable, but it is less proven so far and more complicated with dual injection so they each have their pros and cons. Chances are, both engines will be killed off here soon which will be a sad day. The v8 seems like an easy thing toyota could have done, I don't know why the didn't since this already gets v8 gas mileage! Maybe price, who knows.

[@paultrottier2860]

It’s my dream vehicle, but I can’t get past the gas mileage.

[@JRocLopez]

I want this color 4 runner with a Kings lift with some KO2s with a westcott roof rack and rock sliders 🔥

[@mountainhobo]

With all of its pluses, the idea that a battleship-sized Ford Expedition Max gets much better mileage is hard to swallow.

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

The 5th Gen 4R got 17/22 mpg when it came out in late 2009. This is the exact mpg of an AWD Highlander of that era. Now it gets 16/19 and the larger but lower Highlander gets 20/27 mpg. It needs a turbo 4.

[@skoolynugenator1802]

@@user-tb7rn1il3q turbo 4’s aren’t nearly as reliable.

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

@@skoolynugenator1802 It will be more reliable than the V6.

[@skoolynugenator1802]

@@user-tb7rn1il3q stop. That 4.0 is one of the most reliable engines ever made. Anytime you introduce turbos you are inviting failure.

[@kevinbreese5739]

@@user-tb7rn1il3q dafuq did u just say? LOL

[@thefamilydog4115]

There is something to appreciate with its old simplicity, but that fuel economy is pretty annoying to live with

[@Realistick]

Yeah I can't imagine getting 19 on the highway and not having a v8 or a ridiculous suspension/wheel setup.

[@blakebullington1225]

@@Realistick 19 on the hwy if you are going 60 mph. I get 17 on the interstate going 80

[@skoolynugenator1802]

It’s a truck. If you are used to driving a truck you are used to bad mpg.

[@jsprite123]

The floor isn't "very flat". It is only flat on models with the sliding cargo board, otherwise you have a 3 inch hump.

[@chrisallen9303]

Thank you!!

[@mongoosevsgt]

These car critics(e.g. Car and Driver) that rated the 4 Runner very low can have their pretty "updated" power-train cute SUVs with their new electronic gadgets and "ergonomic" features . I got it to take me to and from work then use it for what it was meant for. outdoor activities! When I go fishing and camping I drive on many dirt backroads. Looks, good, cost effective(not the new TRD pro), and reliable. Can't beat it. If you want a quiet, cute suv that drives pretty then get you one of the tree-hugging progressive suvs. LOL

[@druglord57]

I have the 2021 Venture edition and noticing allot of stone chip on the bottom of my doors especially in the front. Mine has the same step as yours and I thought that would protect the door from the stones but it doesn’t. Am going to have to constantly fix the stone chips with touch up paint until the time comes that I need to have the doors repainted?

[@aky19832001]

My advice? Get the trd off road premium with kdss Suspension then switch the sticks out to trd off pro. Yiu have the ultimate stock onroad and off road Suspension set up thay will get the majority of introductory and advanced offloading done.

[@jsprite123]

What sticks?

[@robertgraham5486]

What trd off pro ?

[@WesternRAM]

Sticks

[@JJ-uz9vc]

In 2010 I bought my first full size truck f250 diesel fully loaded, then traded it in for a 2012 then a 2015 loved the f250. Then made a huge mistake went to Huntington Beach ram horrible dealership bunch of thiefs. Bought my ram 1500 they had to buy it back since someone took my trk for a joyride they didn't want me to report it to the dmv🤣🤣🤣 traided it in for a 2500 pw loved that truck but gas killed me. Traded it in for a challenger loved it great gas mileage 22 mpg. I needed a bigger car/trk bought a 22 4runner TRd premium only 1 on the lot. Went full circle I used to have a taco in 2002 loved that trk regret selling it. I like thr 4runner it reminds me of my taco, but I miss all the bells and whistles my trucks had big screens premium sound etc. I'm shocked a 50k suv doesn't have auto start.

[@kevinbreese5739]

Pretty sure it does have remote start if that's what you mean. I think you click the lock button 3x than hold it down and it auto starts. The other option is to use the Toyota app to remote start it with your phone.

[@jimmulderig743]

Nice 👍 job

[@michaelpalm2210]

Heated rear seats? ........hell I dont have heated front seats. My SR5 model is a base model with no options........but it's still a great deal imo .I only paid $36K new (MSRP was $39K)or it and its still worth $32K 3 years later. great trade in value😁

[@lucky-rowe2623]

Great review but 2:01 is not the 4Runner engine unless someone has taken off the top cover.

[@Realistick]

Engine cover off! That did make me double take just then😅

[@eduardorubio3031]

that dealership in Bloomington indiana that he is talking about is charging almost $7,000 in markups.

[@Realistick]

Depending on the car, and yeah, I tried to order a Tacoma from them and they were going to mark it up 3k. It's par for the course right now, unfortunately.

[@proofpositive2379]

dood gets it

[@JoeSmith-fr3hl]

What are some solutions that make the throttle more responsive?

[@denispotvin9766]

If your budget is limited then a pedal commander would be a consideration. If you're flush with cash then a supercharger will wake up the beast.

[@JoeSmith-fr3hl]

@@denispotvin9766 which supercharger would you recommend? I was saddened to learn TRD No longer offers their own + installation + warranty (especially impressive keeping the OEM MW)

[@noctilucent7396]

I wonder why your trd seats are white trd instead of red trd

[@Realistick]

Depends on if it is trd offroad or trd sport I believe. I drove a trd sport for this review (because I hadn't tried that out yet) but the blue one I had next to me was the trd off road!

[@dethsyl907]

One drawback for the XREAS suspension is its cost of replacement. So expensive that most people are ditching the system and have it replaced by conventional suspension

[@Realistick]

Yes? That was in my reliability section, I've heard some qoute like 4k to replace it, it's good, but not that good so I completely understand why people would replace it with something else.

[@theflyingbrompton4787]

I will take 4Runner’s durability and reliability over ANY other SUV with the exception of the Lexus GX 460 and the Land Cruiser. If you are looking for a “peppy” or a fast vehicle, buy a sports car.

[@fahler14]

Gas mileage is bad. I literally average 14-15 mpg with roof rack and I don’t drive like a grandpa . However power is not bad can cruise at 90… I wouldn’t go over 100. However with that said most cars take premium gas. I came from a 3 series bmw that took 93 gas, so even though I got 30mpg…. gas was expensive. So filling up 4runner is only like $10 more for about 400 miles of range (4runner has 20 gallon tank vs beamer 15 gallon) . 5th gen 4runner makes up for it with holding value and reliability . I would say pros out way cons . Get one why you can, cause naturally aspirated engines will be killed in the next 2 years. Turbo chargers create carbon build up and generally speaking don’t last as long .

[@skoolynugenator1802]

You are getting bad mpg because you drive like a maniac.

[@GUYThanatt]

What is your Height?

[@Realistick]

6'3

[@Papolucho702]

I always see more modern shitboxes on the road as we drive with our 4Runner. 🤷🏽‍♂️ even Teslas

[@gdan8259]

I'm sorry., but I have to disagree with your assesments in a few areas, especially now after 2 4Runners; I am driving a Ford F150, with 400HP and 500 ft lb of torque, matched with a 10 speed transmission. I loved my 4Runners but it is too long in the tooth. I really had to push it to tow a 4,000 trailer in the mountains of Colorado, it was a pig with the 5 speed transmission. As you said gas mileage sucks. Electronics and safety sensors have been lacking. From what I have seen in reviews on the new Tundra, Toyota is not on par with Ford, Chevy, and Dodge. Rumors on the 6th generation 4Runner suggest they might still lag behind their completion. Yyou do have one valid point in that Toyota reliability beats most of the rest. I think the Japanese enginners need to spend more time driving American trucks/SUVs and listen more to what American drivers want.

[@Realistick]

where exactly did you disagree with me? Because all of what you said I agree with. Outside of the tundra not being competitive.

[@WhynotMinot]

g Dan you bring up valid points, but demand of the 4runners are still really high. I personally like the older style, simpler more reliable suv that is still being made today. I daily a mid 90's jeep xj with the 4.0 straight 6 with a 4 speed automatic. It gets around the same mpg as the 4runner, but it's simple and reliable, and that's how I like it. Sure the 4 speed might not be perfect, but there's still plenty of passing power.

[@gdan8259]

@@WhynotMinot I respect you feelings, seriously good luck with it, they are reliable.

[@kizo172]

Too old, tgirsty and unrefined, 4runner is irrelevant in 2022. Astronomical price for this agricultural equipment makes it even more irrelevant. But for Toyota its cash cow milking the customers.

[@Realistick]

That seems logical, except this outsells most large crossovers that are more efficient and agile in the US. If you're comparing it to a Toyota Highlander, it definitely feels like it belongs on a farm. If you compare it to a Bronco or a Wrangler, it feels far more buttoned down. This serves a middle ground that no other vehicle on the market does. And it does it with a simple interior and reliable powertrain, which is why people love it. The price is a little high but you pay for quality.

[@kizo172]

@@Realistick McDonald's sells more junk food than the whole healthy food industry all together does mean only one thing, the power of marketing. Wrangler and Bronco are the class of their own. Company sells you basically a platform and off you go with building your own LEGO car with customization. 4Runner is not that. Its only an old truck that Toyota is afraid to change it cause they know the'll F it up. But smart marketing turns obsolete to profit. The oldest on highway vehicle today which sells at more premium than a brand new as capable and extremely more refined Jeep Grand Cherokee.

[@CapELarry]

You not liking this vehicle does not make it irrelevant. The sales numbers show otherwise.

[@kizo172]

@@CapELarry Its not abt the vehicle. Its about rewarding a lazy manufacturer gifting them billions of dollars for ZERO R&D. Then the whole industry loses courage and incentive to research and develop. Manufacturers say screw innovation ppl still buy Toyota bricks we keep our old bricks undeveloped too. Then suddenly EVs come and we left out with a bunch of old thirsty crap or souless EVs.

[@williambedell3470]

@@kizo172 So if Toyota thinks they will "F it up" by changing it, that says something to the fact that maybe they have it right. It's also why they will take their sweet time in replacing it. As far as your comment on the just as capable and more refined Jeep Grand Cherokee?- You've got to be kidding me. I've never seen a Grand Cherokee on anything but a fire road. I've seen stock SR5 4Runners on level 4 plus trails. The truck is agricultural in nature because that is its intended use. Would I by a Limited? Hell No - a Kia Telluride kicks its ass. But for a capable, hard top off Road or Overland camping vehicle? Sorry Bro - It has no rival.