2022 Toyota 4Runner: US Specifications and 2026 Ownership Guide
Verified market: US. US model year 2022.
2022 vehicle identity and buyer context
The US-market 2022 fifth-generation 4Runner is unusual among family SUVs because it keeps a truck-like, body-on-frame layout when many competing crossovers use a lighter unibody design. That makes it an honest candidate for buyers who repeatedly need low-speed trail capability, but not automatically the most sensible commuting vehicle. Its generation is N280; the considerably newer 4Runner introduced later is outside this entry.
Powertrains and market-specific specifications
The familiar naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V6 develops 270 hp and works with a five-speed automatic. A buyer must determine whether a particular listing has two-wheel drive or the relevant 4WD arrangement; appearance packages alone do not establish transfer-case hardware. The body-on-frame architecture and relatively old automatic are meaningful mechanical attributes, not evidence of any unmeasured reliability superiority.
Verified variant distinctions
| 2022 US variant | Powertrain | Transmission | Drive | Applicable certified figure / note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4Runner gasoline | 4.0 L naturally aspirated V6 | 5-speed automatic | 2WD, part-time 4WD, or Limited full-time 4WD | output hp: 270; scope: US 2022 V6 family; Limited 4WD uses a different system |
Trims, equipment and model-year distinctions
The 2022 change most worth noting is the addition of TRD Sport, aimed at road driving and differentiated from the more terrain-focused TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro. Toyota added LED high beams and expanded equipment availability such as Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, but some features were grade dependent. Seats and camera systems also change with grade, so used photographs require careful equipment checks.
What matters to a 2026 used buyer
For a used buyer, weigh parking, fuel consumption and highway comfort against true requirements for access tracks or rugged use. Inspect the underbody, suspension mounting points, tire type, evidence of off-road damage and 4WD engagement where fitted. Any towing figure applies only to a properly equipped vehicle, trailer and market, and should be verified against its own identification plate and manual.
Should you buy it? Alternatives and limitations
Compare with a unibody Highlander if the vehicle will mostly carry children on paved roads; compare with a Wrangler if regular technical off-road travel dominates. A TRD Sport should not be presented as an equivalent substitute for the more trail-focused TRD grades simply because its name says TRD.