For 2022, the Toyota 4Runner lineup expands with the addition of the TRD Sport, a road-tuned model that joins the trail-oriented TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models.
With the addition of the TRD Sport, the 4Runner line for 2022 includes the SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited and TRD Pro.
Similar to Toyota’s mid-size Tacoma truck sibling, the new 4Runner TRD Sport grade joins 4Runner TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models in the lineup. Where the latter two add trail-ready equipment and features designed for tackling tough terrain, the TRD Sport sharpens its road-focused manners with sophisticated chassis technology while adding style and flair, the automaker said.
With an emphasis on everyday comfort and road dynamics, the 2022 4Runner TRD Sport adds the Cross-Linked Relative Absorber System (X-REAS) suspension to enhance on-road handling. The X-REAS system, also found on the 4Runner Limited grade, automatically adjusts the damping force of shock absorbers when driving over bumpy surfaces or when cornering. A center control absorber cross-links the shock absorbers on opposite corners of the vehicle, like an “X,” to help reduce pitch and yaw by offsetting opposing inputs.
The 4Runner TRD Sport is available with either 2WD or part-time 4WD with a 2-speed transfer case. The 2WD 4Runners provide an ample 9.0 inches of ground clearance, while 4WD models offer an even more generous 9.6 inches. Based on the SR5 grade, the 2022 4Runner TRD Sport swaps the SR5’s 17-inch wheels for machine-faced 20-inch wheels with Dark Gray accents. All 4Runners come equipped with a full-sized spare tire, regardless of their wheel size.
The TRD Sport gets its own look with color-keyed accents on the grille, rocker panels and body molding, plus the TRD-style hood scoop and a front spoiler and black roof rails. Inside, the 4Runner TRD Sport replaces the SR5 grade’s cloth seat surfaces with black SofTex-trimmed seats, also adding heated front seats. The seats feature unique gray contrast stitching, and the front headrests have gray TRD stitched logos. TRD Sport floor mats are included, and a standard TRD shift knob completes the cabin makeover.
Standard features carried over to the new TRD Sport include an 8-way power driver’s seat, leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel, air conditioning with rear-seat vents and pollen filter and power-sliding liftgate window. A 4.2-inch multi-information display provides the driver with readouts for outside temperature, odometer, trip meters, fuel economy estimate averages and TSS-P features, including Lane Departure Alert and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
The 4Runner TRD Sport features a standard 8-inch multimedia touchscreen display. In addition to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility, the system includes a USB media port, hands-free phone capability, advanced voice recognition and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology.
A 270-horsepower DOHC 4.0-liter V6 engine with 278 lb.-ft. of peak torque powers the 4Runner. The engine’s Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) helps optimize torque across the engine’s operating range responsiveness in a variety of driving conditions.
Mated to the V6 is a five-speed ECT-i automatic transmission that includes a sequential shift mode for manually shifting when more control is desired. Like all 4Runner grades, the TRD Sport is equipped with a standard integrated tow hitch receiver and wiring harness. All models can tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds, with a maximum 500-pound tongue weight.
All 4Runner 2WD models feature standard Automatic Limited Slip Differential (Auto LSD), a function of the traction control (TRAC) that allows some wheel slippage. The available part-time 4WD system uses Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) and bolsters off-road capability with a 2-speed transfer case with selectable low-range.
