Only 1 Toyota SUV Isn’t Recommended by Consumer Reports

Toyota is one of the most popular automakers globally. There are tons of excellent options in the car, SUV, and truck segments in its lineup. Out of five different classes of SUVs reviewed by Consumer Reports, nearly every model received a “recommended” label. However, only one Toyota SUV, the Toyota 4Runner, isn’t recommended by Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports recommends nearly every Toyota SUV

The Toyota RAV4 Prime | Toyota

Consumer Reports judges SUVs in five different non-luxury segments. They are subcompact, compact, midsized, midsized three-row, and large. Toyota is one of few automakers with at least one model in every class. Furthermore, it’s incredibly impressive that almost all of them are recommended by the publication. For example, the RAV4 and RAV4 Prime are both recommended to buyers in the compact segment.

Consumer Reports

The 4Runner is the only Toyota SUV Consumer Reports doesn’t recommend

The Toyota 4Runner | Toyota

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner received just a 61 out of 100 overall score from Consumer Reports. However, significant factors like predicted reliability and owner satisfaction are very high. Moreover, in both categories, the 4Runner scored a 4/5, which is nearly perfect. So what’s wrong with the midsized Toyota SUV?

All of CR’s complaints about the 4Runner came during the road test. The publication didn’t like how high the climb was to enter the vehicle right from the start. In the same vein, pickup trucks often receive the same complaint from CR reviewers. Next, the 4Runner has “clumsy handling and an unsettling ride,” which is far behind smooth-riding models. At nearly $40,000 for the base model, most would expect the 4Runner to feel luxurious.

In addition, the low ceiling inside the cabin lower visibility for the driver. Moreover, this is a common problem with off-road vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler. Additionally, CR was surprised by the tight interior dimensions, noting its sizeable exterior size is deceiving.

Finally, one of CR’s complaints is a loud engine roar. For some, this could be viewed as a positive. However, Consumer Reports wants a luxurious ride, and noisy engines tend to ruin that experience. Other notable issues include a high price and lack of automatic four-wheel drive. Only the Limited trim level offers automatic AWD.

How expensive is the 4Runner?

2022 Toyota 4 Runner | Toyota

One of Consumer Report’s most significant reasons for failing to recommend the 2022 Toyota 4Runner is the price. Given the equipment and interior finish level, CR says it costs too much. For the base SR5 model, Toyota charges $38,520. That’s a reasonably high starting price compared to competitors like the class-leading Kia Telluride, which starts at $33,090.

In addition, the 4Runner is very expensive in its highest trims. Before adding any extras or accessories, the Toyota midsized SUV costs $53,335 in its fully loaded TRD Pro trim level. Any model with a lackluster interior isn’t going to bode well against the Kia Telluride, especially when it costs thousands less and provides more value.

Trim levels and prices are provided by Edmunds.

Should you buy a 2022 Toyota 4Runner?

According to the experts at Consumer Reports, you should avoid buying the 2022 Toyota 4Runner. Consumer Reports don’t recommend only one Toyota SUV. Toyota has a recommended model in the subcompact, compact, midsize, three-row, and large SUV segments. However, the second midsize option, the 4Runner, falls short. CR can’t recommend this Toyota SUV due to its noisy engine, lackluster interior, poor ride quality, low visibility, and more.

Keyword: Only 1 Toyota SUV Isn’t Recommended by Consumer Reports