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The Bottom Line: What is a 4Runner? A 4 Runner is a midsize SUV built and sold by Toyota. In an automotive world that caters to crossovers, the Toyota 4Runner SUV is a purebred in a dying breed. It’s a midsize SUV with body on frame architecture and seating for up to seven people, when equipped with an optional third row seat.

What does Toyota 4Runner mean? The name 4Runner was created as a play on the term “forerunner,” since the SUV sport utility vehicle was the first of its kind for Toyota with an emphasis on its 4×4 capability and seating for four. Technically speaking, a Toyota 4Runner is considered an SUV. This category stands on its own, although SUVs are very similar to pickup trucks. With a body on frame and a solid rear axle, and the ability to tow and haul, a 4Runner is essentially a pickup truck without a bed.

The 4Runner can be a family vehicle, or an overlander. The 4Runner really occupies two segments. First, it competes with vehicles like the compact Jeep Wrangler Limited for body on frame construction. And second, it goes head to head with 10 competitors that are all midsize crossover SUV’s. They are: the Subaru Outback, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Ford Edge, Chevrolet Blazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Passport, Nissan Murano, Toyota Venza and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

With a lot of SUV’s in this segment, the Toyota 4Runner really is in a class of its own. With the ability to go off road easily with its high ground clearance, and its part time 4WD 4 wheel drive system with Active Traction control, plus it has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds on each trim level. The 2022 4Runner also comes with high tech towing features to ensure that your cargo is safe and secure, wherever your travels take you.

To prove that point, this week Toyota sent me a 2022 4Runner 4×4 TRD Sport to test drive and review. The base window sticker price on this model is $42,025. The options on the test 4Runner are: the premium audio and navigation system for $1,585, the technology package for $1,310, and the all weather floor liners and cargo tray for $269. The MSRP manufacturer’s suggested retail price, including the $1,215 destination fee, minus the Keep it Wild Savings $500 discount, is: $45,904.

After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the total out the door and in your driveway purchase price came to: $51,642. This price is right in the middle of the sweet spot for midsize SUVs. At just under $52,000 you have a best of the best in a 4×4 SUV with midsize pickup truck bones. Rugged, dependable, and priced right, this is a great vehicle to buy and drive in the midsize SUV class.

The Toyota 4Runner is a capable SUV in all respects. The 4.0L liter 24 valve V6 engine delivers smooth linear acceleration with 270 HP horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, and it’s bolted to a 5 speed automatic transmission with hill start assist control. Most other midsize SUVs can’t match this Toyota’s off road ability with its active part time 4 WD system, plus inside you’ll find 2 rows of roomy seats, and a nice amount of cargo space.

One of the best things about a 4Runner is that when you get into the SUV you feel right at home. You can instantly recognize all the controls for what they do. The knobs and switches are clearly marked, and are large enough to use with work gloves on. The words on all of the dials are easy to read. The center stack is digital, of course, to keep up with technology, like navigation, and the graphics are easy to see and understand.

There is no need for a learning curve. You get in, start it up, put the a/c on, set the radio to your favorite tunes, put it in gear, and drive away in just a few seconds. Try doing that with an Asian pocket rocket, any European sedan, or a Tesla WannaBe. The Toyota 4Runner is the best of the best original style frame based SUVs for sale today.

So, when you’re ready to buy a new midsize SUV the Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport should be on your ride and drive list, as it is the only body on frame SUV in the midsize class. Call, click or visit your local Toyota dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport. And remember that the base price for a new 4Runner starts at only $38,105. Toyota – Let’s Go Places.

Be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, “You Are What You Drive”© And maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should “Drive one, Buy one, Today”©.

This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a “Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense”© editorial  provided by Tony Leopardo. “Tony the Car Guy”© is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net 

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