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Excuse me, but someone might want to tell the Toyota 4Runner that its age is showing. The 2022 Toyota 4Runner is still a great option to consider, but rivals like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler have modern updates that could make it feel a little outdated. 

Is the 2022 Toyota 4Runner worth buying? 

A red 2022 Toyota 4Runner splashing through a puddle.
2022 Toyota 4Runner | Toyota

Yes, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner is a durable, capable, and reliable SUV to consider. But it hasn’t changed much since the current generation emerged in 2009. Car and Driver mention that it’s from a Jurrasic Era. 

We know that Jurassic sounds cool and Jeep Wranglers were the star in Jurassic Park, so what’s the problem? Instead of helping people survive in the dinosaur park, the 4Runner is the dinosaur. Car and Driver meant Jurrasic as in old! 

But it still looks great and can tackle the wild with confidence. So, its age might not be a dealbreaker. The Toyota 4Runner sold 144,696 units in 2021, proving that it’s still incredibly popular. 

The Toyota 4Runner feels old on the pavement 

According to Car and Driver, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner feels old on the pavement. It has a 4.0-liter V6 engine with 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.7 seconds. 

This time is average, and it’s just fine for merging into traffic and passing others on the highway. But the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco have turbo four-cylinder options, and they are both much faster. 

The engine is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, and it can be prone to shifting slowly and taking a while to hunt for the right gear. It makes it challenging to make the most of the Toyota 4Runner’s power. 

Plus, the 4Runner has noticeable body roll around curves with vague steering, and the brakes will nosedive. The ride is a little stiff and bouncy, and you can hear the engine roar as you mash the acceleration pedal. But on a positive note, the wind and road noise are tame. 

Also, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner doesn’t have the best fuel economy. It gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in the city and up to 19 mph on the highway. 

The 4Runner could use an updated interior 

2022 Toyota 4Runner interior
2022 Toyota 4Runner interior | Toyota

The interior of the 2022 Toyota 4Runner is durable and functional, but it lacks modern features that rivals offer. For example, you can’t remove the roof or doors. You can’t get a heated steering wheel or a power liftgate. However, the rear window that rolls down is still neat. 

You can get started in a new Toyota 4Runner for about $37,605 Both the Wrangler and Bronco start at about $29,300. So, because the 4Runner’s interior is still loaded with hard plastics, it may lack a luxurious feeling. 

It does come with an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though. The graphics are crisp, and the system works quickly. You can opt for built-in navigation and ventilated front seats. 

Standard safety features include forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. But it still only has a four-star safety rating. 

Some might say that the Toyota 4Runner is old school, not outdated. Also, its age isn’t turning people away. The 4Runner is still highly capable of off-roading and has an attractive look. While critics may want it to feel better on the inside, they will have to wait for the new model to arrive in 2023.

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