2022 Toyota 4Runner Adds Style With TRD Sport Model
The Toyota 4Runner is almost a dinosaur by modern automotive standards. The current generation dates back to the 2010 model year, and the next one sadly will not debut for 2022.
Still, the company today announced some changes including full LED headlights as standard equipment across the line and a new 4Runner TRD Sport that follows in the footsteps of the Tacoma pickup.
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TRD Trifecta
The 2022 Toyota 4Runner now offers three models that were developed by the Toyota Racing Development division, joining the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro. The difference with the 4Runner TRD Sport is that the upgrades are designed to add style and comfort on the road.
First, the Cross-Linked Relative Absorber System (X-REAS) suspension featured on the top-line 4Runner Limited is included. It automatically adjusts the damping force of shock absorbers when driving over bumpy surfaces or when cornering. How? Well, there’s a centre control absorber cross-linking the shock absorbers on opposite corners of the vehicle, like an “X,” to help reduce pitch and yaw by offsetting opposing inputs. Pretty sophisticated stuff.
When it comes to styling, the 4Runner TRD Sport replaces the SR5 model’s 17-inch wheels with new machine-faced 20-inch wheels with Dark Grey accents. It also boasts colour-keyed accents on the grille, rocker panels and body moulding. The signature TRD-style hood scoop is added, of course, as is a front spoiler and black roof rails.
Inside, the 4Runner TRD Sport swaps cloth for SofTex synthetic leather and adds heated front seats to the mix. There’s grey contrast stitching, and the front headrests feature grey-coloured TRD stitched logos. TRD Sport floor mats and a standard TRD shift knob complete the look.
Same Powertrain and Safety Equipment
The 2022 Toyota 4Runner is once again motivated by a 270-horsepower, 4.0-litre V6 engine that delivers 278 pound-feet of torque via a five-speed automatic transmission. The TRD Sport, like all 4Runner grades, includes a standard integrated tow-hitch receiver and wiring harness for a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
Also standard is Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), a suite of driver-assist technologies that includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Sway Warning System, Automatic High Beams and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
Pricing for the 2022 Toyota 4Runner including the new TRD Sport (cheaper than the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro) will be announced closer to launch in late summer or early fall.
