The 2022 Toyota 4Runner Failed to Impress Critics
Andrew Koole
· 3 min read
Toyota
has maintained the 4Runner’s rugged style throughout its 38 years, but its off-road capabilities haven’t managed to stave off critics of this year’s model. The 2022 Toyota 4Runner got a lousy 4/10 rating from
Car and Driver
. The publication complained that its interior materials look cheap and that overall, the model doesn’t stand up to its rivals like the new Jeep Wrangler
.The poor grade might put a knick in Toyota’s sales, but it won’t be enough to dethrone the 4Runner, whose reputation for reliability keeps drivers coming back every year.
The facts behind the 2022 Toyota 4Runner’s bad grade
Toyota didn’t change a lot for the 2022 4Runner. Fans of the Tacoma might recognize the new TRD Sport model, which Car and Driver says isn’t as sporty as the name suggests. Other than the new trim and the standard LED headlights, it’s basically the same as last year’s model.
While Toyota chose to stay the course with their third most popular SUV, many of its competitors moved their midsized models forward, adding plug-in hybrid powertrains, high-tech infotainment systems, and upgraded camera sensors.
Besides the roast on the new 4Runner’s interior, Car and Driver listed its poor fuel economy (17 mpg average), its awkwardly high trunk, and its lackluster acceleration as reasons for the below-average rating.
The only way the model stood out was in its refusal to follow the industry trend of transitioning into more of a refined street vehicle.
Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
The saving grace: a decades-long reputation
MORE: Good Luck Finding a New Toyota 4Runner at Car Dealerships
Don’t expect Car and Driver’s opinion to make too much of a mark on the 4Runner’s sales. For years, the midsized SUV has maintained its cult-like status amongst off-road enthusiasts and city drivers alike.
Like many Toyota models, the 4Runner is well known for its dependability. Unlike most of its rivals, it’s stuck with a body-on-frame structure that gives it the rugged look and capability it’s known for.
Because it can take whatever you throw at it, be it years of driving the kids to soccer games or weekend getaways up logging roads,
MotorBiscuit
says the model holds its value well. Toyota also equips its base-model 4Runners well, so you use it however you want no matter what trim level you buy.Car insurance for a 2022 Toyota 4Runner
SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner usually cost more to insure than a car or minivan, but other factors like your driving record, where you live, and your credit score might overshadow the effect of the model you choose on your insurance premiums.
No matter what SUV you decide to buy,
Jerry
can help you find the best rate for car insurance. A licensed broker, Jerry does all the hard work of finding the cheapest quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies and buying new car insurance. Jerry will even cancel your old policy for you.And to ensure you always have the lowest rate, Jerry will send you new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal, so you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price. This level of service is why Jerry earned a 4.6/5 rating on the App Store and made it the top insurance app in the country.
