Toyota has announced updates to the 2022 Toyota 4Runner, and the most significant change is the addition of a new TRD Sport model. The 2022 4Runner TRD Sport will join the other 4Runner TRD models, the TRD Off-Road and the TRD Pro. Unlike the off-road emphasis of those two trims, the TRD Sport is designed more for street driving than doing it in the dirt.
An obvious example is the fact the new 4Runner TRD Sport is available in both rear-drive and part-time 4-wheel-drive configurations. Though it has an off-road-ready 9 inches of ground clearance (9.6 inches in the 4WD version), it rides on street-oriented 20-inch machine-faced alloy wheels.
Another tip that the 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport has an on-pavement driving emphasis is its electronically controlled Cross-Linked Relative Absorber System suspension that Toyota has dubbed X-REAS.
This system automatically adjusts the damping force of the shock absorbers when the vehicle encounters surface irregularities. It also has a center control absorber that cross-links the shock absorbers on opposite corners of the vehicle to reduce pitch and yaw while driving. The goal is to improve the 4Runner's on-pavement ride and handling traits.
For many years, the X-REAS system was exclusive to the 4Runner's luxurious Limited and Nightshade Edition trim levels.
In addition to its X-REAS suspension, the 4Runner TRD Sport advertises its special nature with appearance changes inside and out.
The exterior styling cues include the same front styling as the 4Runner Limited but without the shiny chrome trim. A signature TRD-style hood scoop adds to the look, along with a front spoiler, black roof rails, and color-keyed accents on the grille, rocker panels, and body moldings.
Occupants will immediately grasp they are inside of a 4Runner TRD Sport. The heated black SofTex (leatherette) seats have gray stitching, and the front headrests have gray TRD stitched logos. The floor mats also carry the TRD theme, as does the shift knob.
Aside from adding the street-performance TRD Sport model, Toyota hasn't changed the 4Runner very much for 2022. The only substantive modification improves the 4Runner's lighting. Last year, all 4Runner trims added LED low-beam headlights. This year, LED high beam headlights are also standard.
As was true before, Toyota equips the 2022 4Runner TRD Sport with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display and the automaker's Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). This collection is not as comprehensive as Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) or the even more advanced TSS 2.5.
The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. It also features voice-recognition software and Bluetooth streaming technology. Finally, it offers free trial subscriptions to SiriusXM satellite radio and connected services, including Toyota Safety Connect and Wi-Fi Connect.
Like all other 2022 4Runners, the 4Runner TRD Sport uses a 270-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine bolted to a 5-speed automatic transmission. With its standard integrated tow-hitch receiver and wiring harness, the TRD Sport can tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds with a maximum 500-pound tongue weight.
Toyota is the source of information for this article. It was accurate on June 1, 2021, but it may have changed since that date.
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