The Toyota 4Runner remains a tough, throwback SUV in an era of smooth, samey-looking crossover SUVs. It hasn’t changed much over the last decade and is still popular with those looking for traditional SUVs with strong off-road chops. Sales of the 4Runner haven’t gone below 111,000 for the last six years, and they were up to 146,696 last year.

Still Going Strong

Even though the Toyota 4Runner is still extremely popular, there are many who believe the venerable SUV could use a redesign. The last time it was redesigned was in 2010. Very few changes are on the menu for 2022. A new TRD Sport model debuted to appeal to off-road enthusiasts, but even the basic 4Runner will hold its own off-road better than many current SUVs. However, the 4Runner has a lot to offer in terms of choices. It comes in eight trims, including:

• SR5
• Trail Special Edition
• TRD Sport
• SR5 Premium
• TRD Off-Road
• TRD Off-Road Premium
• Limited
• TRD Pro

It remains a truck-based SUV like the SUVs of the past with a boxy, edgy shape that stands out against the smooth, sleek common crossover on the market today.

Adventure Time

It may be old-school, but that’s part of why the Toyota 4Runner continues to have such strong appeal among the off-road set and those who like their SUVs to be tough and unfussy. The 4Runner does just fine on-road and around town, but it really shines when it takes off down the beaten path. Why is the Toyota 4Runner so good off-road? Let’s take a look.

-High ground clearance
-TRD Pro trim with Fox shock absorbers
-Locking rear differential on TRD Off-Road Premium and Off-Road trims
-Multimode 4WD system
-Strong 4.0-liter V6 that makes 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque

The 4Runner’s truck-based chassis also makes it more durable for off-road adventures compared to unibody crossovers.

Unfussy Interior

If complex technology makes you frustrated, you won’t have to worry about that on the 4Runner. It offers intuitive controls and an eight-inch touchscreen that doesn’t take up too much room. However, it still has niceties like standard Apple and Android connectivity. The passenger room in the Toyota 4Runner is quite spacious in the front and rear rows. Some 4Runner trims offer a third row, but this row is best suited to children. The SUV also boasts a sizable cargo hold that measures 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and can expand to 89.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The rugged Toyota 4Runner will continue offering buyers above-average off-road ability, excellent reliability, and a look that stands out from the rest as it goes into 2023. With eight trims to choose from, most buyers will find something to like about the 4Runner.