One of the best off-road SUVs on the market has some pretty solid strengths but is not without its faults.
The Toyota 4Runner — specifically the TRD Pro — was always at the top of our potential “next vehicle” list. My wife and I had outgrown our 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek with the arrival of our son. And when the pandemic postponed our need to immediately replace it, we took our time to sort out exactly what vehicle we wanted next.
Sure, there were some other SUVs in contention, but ever since the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro debuted back in 2015 in Inferno Orange, my wife and I had our eyes on it. It even become a bit of a game, pointing them out when one passed us on the road: “Oh look, TRD Pro.”
Eyeing the 4Runner from the beginning was helpful in our final decision, but I want to take you through the reasons the 4Runner TRD Pro excels — and touch on a few of the features that I found were lacking. And, yes, we bought one as my wife’s daily driver.
2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro: Great On- and Off-Road
If I were to guess, I would estimate 50% of TRD Pro trim-level 4Runners will never see a trail in their lifetime. 4Runner enthusiasts might hate that callout, but honestly, most owners will enjoy the supple suspension, commanding driving position, and aggressive presence of the TRD 4Runner in their everyday on-road lives.

The Toyota 4Runner, no matter the generation, is well-respected as a capable off-road/overland vehicle. While our 4Runner isn’t going to be on weekend overlander rig duty often, since it’s my wife’s daily driver, my intention is definitely to get it off the pavement when I get the chance.
After experiencing firsthand what this vehicle can do off-road on some trails in Georgia on a press trip with Toyota, I can assure you that its off-road credentials are backed up in the real world.
The 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro features 4WD, a locking rear differential, Crawl Control, and Active Traction Control (A-TRAC). It also comes equipped with a visually appealing set of matte black TRD wheels wrapped in Nitto Terra Grappler all-terrain tires.

Perhaps the crown jewel upgraded feature on the 4Runner TRD Pro model is the FOX suspension. The front features some unique TRD-tuned springs wrapped around monotube FOX shocks, while the rear has FOX shocks with remote reservoirs.
So what does all this do for you on the road? Horrendous city roads filled with potholes? Don’t need to slow down. Train tracks? Don’t need to slow down. Speed bumps? Don’t really need to slow down (but please do, as most are there to protect pedestrians).
True Old-School 4×4

Rugged, Aggressive Looks

Reliability, Ease of Maintenance

A Possible Investment

It Can’t All Be Good, Right?

Real-World MPG … Not So Great
Sub-300 Horsepower Is Adequate but Unimpressive

Roof Rack Prioritizes Looks Over Functionality

4Runner TRD Pro Conclusions
