You may not have caught it initially but while we were all dealing with other matters, the Toyota 4Runner, a fixture in the SUV sales wars, has made it to its fifth generation of existence. Among the newest model’s upgrades for 2022 are blind-spot and cross-traffic protection, plus a move to LED exterior lighting across most appointment levels. What’s equally important, given what this universe is frequently all about, is a new 4Runner that makes a very noticeable visual statement. It’s the 2022 4Runner TRD Sport, an offering that combines solid manners on pavement, its designated primary home, with the kind of aggressive looks that typify most stuff stylized or otherwise breathed upon by Toyota Racing Development.
The tread pattern of the tires give away that is primarily a pavement runner, rather than dirt, the highly visible front skidplate notwithstanding. The TRD will share its Cross-Linked Relative Absorber System, known as X-REAS for short, with the 4Runner Limited. It’s a controlled-damping system that connects the rear shock absorbers’ rates through the use of a centering link. Rear-wheel or AWD powertrains are offered, which combine its 4.0-liter V-6, producing 270 horsepower, with a five-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds with a maximum 500-pound tongue weight. SoftTex-trimmed seating, heated up front, is standard. The new TRD Sport color, incidentally, is known as Lime Rush.
Jim Donnelly On Wheels 