If you’re interested in buying a 2022 Toyota 4Runner, then you’ll be happy to know that there are currently eight different trim levels to choose from. That’s a good thing because it means that you have a variety of features and colors at your disposal, which will inevitably lead to you picking the right 4Runner for your lifestyle. And while you might naturally gravitate immediately to the top-trim TRD Pro and all of its off-road goodness, here are five reasons that it might be too aggressive for your daily needs.

1. The tuned Fox suspension is great off the beaten path, but not necessary for daily driving

One of the main highlights of any TRD Pro-trimmed Toyota is the upgraded Fox suspension that comes with it. This setup includes re-tuned high-performance shocks with remote rear reservoirs and TRD-tuned front springs that provide a one-inch lift.

Naturally, if you like to spend time driving off the beaten path and over rocks and rivers, then this suspension offers exceptional capability and surprising ride comfort. It also negates the need to match parts and get everything aligned to work well as an aftermarket setup can sometimes necessitate.

That being said, the TRD suspension is the factory solution to making the 4Runnner a serious off-road hauler, but when you’re on the road, it’s really not necessary. Sure, the suspension makes the 4Runner feel planted on city streets, however, it also feels a little stiff for daily driving. Additionally, the meaty Nitto Terra all-terrain tires give the burly SUV a vague road feel and the added lift makes getting in out of the front seat tougher than it should be.

Chances are, you really don’t need this aggressive of a suspension setup in your daily driving needs. In fact, it could get a little annoying after a few years, especially if you take a lot of long trips.

2. The 4Runner TRD Pro’s exhaust drones a lot

Another sporty addition to the TRD Pro package is the TRD-branded cat-back exhaust system. While many off-road enthusiasts may like this feature, I personally didn’t care for it. In short, it drones when you pass other cars or accelerate quickly. Keep in mind that the 4Runner is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 and not a V8, so in my opinion, the exhaust doesn’t really sound all that great.

Instead of a nice loud roar, the exhaust lets out this muted growl that drones loudly when accelerating and then slowly dies as the transmission shifts through the gears. To me, it sounds like a yeti on sleeping pills, which is not exactly the coolest noise on the planet.

3. It gets about 17 mpg on average

This one is a bit of a cheap shot since every Toyota 4Runner has the same engine and thus gets the same fuel economy. According to the EPA, the 2022 4Runner can achieve up to 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, with 17 mpg in combined driving. I personally averaged 15 mpg in mixed driving, which isn’t that great. Again, this stat isn’t isolated to the TRD Pro, but just know that you’ll be paying a lot for gas with this rig. 

4. You’ll probably never use the roof rack

One handy feature that the 4Runner TRD Pro comes with is the roof rack, which is great for storing extra cargo. If you’re not really the outdoorsy type that plans to use all of the cargo room and then some, then you’ll probably never use the roof rack. In that case, it’ll just be a decorative item that makes the SUV unnecessarily taller.

5. The 4Runner TRD Pro is pricey

Lastly, the top-trim 4Runner TRD Pro comes with a top-tier price tag. With the destination charge, my Lime Rush 4Runner carried a selling price of $53,435, which comes out to be around $3,000 more than the Limited trim level. Keep in mind that with the Limited trim, you’ll get a quieter and more comfortable ride, a quieter exhaust system, and a nicer leather interior. Doesn’t that sound like a better deal?

Who is the 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro for?

It’s clear that the 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is mainly for any off-road enthusiast that will regularly make use of all of those added features. It’s for the brave drivers that live in the mountains and have to traverse snowy hills and rocky terrain on a daily basis. But the 95% of other 4Runner buyers that will do none of that – or maybe only once or twice a year – the other seven 4Runner trim levels will work just fine.