Fans Torn on 2022 Toyota 4Runner Changes: Not Sure What to Do Now

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New changes coming for 2022 4Runner. People unsure how to proceed next.

We Toyota fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming months.

Toyota Tundra will be redesigned and out by the end of this year. This is big and should add some electricity to the full-size truck market.

Also, look for Toyota to announce three new vehicles in 2021. This includes another plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and two battery electric vehicles (BEV).

Plus, there is Toyota 4Runner news in the pipeline. Specifically, for the 2022 4Runner. Get ready for Toyota to discontinue both Venture Special Edition and Nightshade Special Edition. Something new and unnamed will replace them.

This is exciting news. But how do 4Runner owners, fans and potential buyers feel about it?

Fans comment on 2022 Toyota 4Runner

2021 Toyota 4Runner Nightshade - Blizzard Pearl

I recently created a video for my “Toyotajeff” YouTube channel in which I talked about these changes and surmised what might come next.

People were not shy to leave a comment on 4Runner and what is new for 2022.

MY LATEST STORY: The Toyota Tundra trim level strategy that makes NO sense to me. Do you agree or disagree?

RM is not pleased. “No more Venture (sad face icons). Must think hard about trading Tundra for 4Runner.”

“Sad to see the Nightshade go. It’s better looking than the Limited with shiny chrome.” Added K Lambert.

“Too bad cause that Nightshade edition looked awesome.” Lamented Lone Wolf.

Lion Runner had these thoughts. “I too wasn't a big fan of "Trail" & "Venture" trims. I prefer TRD Off-Road Premium. As for the Limited I do like the Nightshade for colors other than Classic Silver.”

James will not miss the departing trims. “Glad to see Nightshade go. Still waiting for the V8 option.”

RELATED VIDEO: I suggest a possible replacement for the outgoing 2022 4Runner trim levels.

WW had thoughts on current and future 4Runner. “No loss on the 2 outgoing trims. 1 is an extension of a TRD, w/out the label and has a roof basket. 1 is a blacked-out package. Can get the TRD and do those things afterward for far less than paying factory prices for it to already be done for you. Either way, the prices right now are outrageous. IF Toyota wants to encourage buyers right now, they desperately need to update the 4Runner with 6 speed or more transmission. And make that lovely engine a hybrid for increased MPG and torque. That would be the bare minimum. Extras like front facing camera would have been a nice option. Being able to pick tires as an option would be nice. Proper rock sliders instead of those "let's get hung up on everything step bars" would be a good idea as well.”

“Never liked Venture - very clumsy cross between SR5, TRD OFF RD and Pro. But Nightshade is a cool trim, not sure about that decision.” Wondered Abhinav.

On a related Toyota note, there was this comment from Peter. “Can’t wait to see the Sienna Woodland.” Me too Peter. Here is more on 2022 Sienna Woodland in my recent Torque News story.

Happy with 2021 4Runner purchase

2021 Toyota 4Runner Venture - Classic Silver

Fortunately for some 4Runner fans, they were recently able to buy their perfect vehicles ahead of this announcement. You can sense a bit of relief in their words.

Ivan said. “Thanks God I got my Venture in magnetic gray two weeks ago... it’s my third 4runner and I have never been happier!”

“Thanks for the updates Jeff, glad I bought my 2021 Nightshade 4Runner last month!” Announced a happy Dakota.

Borriq01 commented. “Glad I got my 21 venture in April. It was hard to find but I’m happy it’s awesome.”

“Just got my nautical blue 2021 Venture on May 6th with the trd pro tires and skid plate brand new difficult to find these. Bought mine at Hendrick Toyota of Concord next to Charlotte motor speedway.” Thanks for your update Cody. And congratulations.

Time for your comments on Toyota 4Runner

2021 Toyota 4Runner Limited - Magnetic Gray

I suspect we will be learning more updates and changes coming to 2022 Toyota 4Runner in the coming weeks.

Even though I already know what new trim level is replacing 4Runner Venture and 4Runner Nightshade for 2022, I am not allowed to reveal it until Toyota makes the official announcement. The burden I carry is killing me.

I am looking forward to everyone learning what it is.

What do you think is missing in the Toyota 4Runner lineup right now – is it something sportier, or maybe something more luxurious, or more “off-roady?”

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I discuss a Toyota Tundra trim level strategy that confuses me. Do you agree or disagree?

READ MORE:
- Could we see a yellow 4Runner TRD Pro soon?
- How buyers are dealing with the vehicle shortage these days
- Learn about next-gen 2022 Camry NASCAR

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Thank you everyone for following me.

Submitted by cm (not verified) on May 17, 2021 - 11:17AM

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This is the twelfth year of this gen of 4runner. Toyota has been a total disappointment with regard to updating their trucks and SUV's. The Tacoma is great, other than the weak-a** engine they put in it. Ford is leading the way in turbo 6's. Hopefully Toyota will be a follower.

I bought a new 2012 2012 Trail 4 Runner and it’s been bullet proof. I am ready to a buy a new one and after looking at the new models I felt like I was back in 2012. Not competitive improvements. Trans and engine still under powered. Display screen 3?” Wider, a new roof rack, darkened emblems then back to 2012. And mpg still too low. Improve engine power, transmission and mpg or add plug in hybrid and buyers will stop local dealers. ME

Submitted by Pt250 (not verified) on May 17, 2021 - 11:28PM

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Pretty useless bs article posting everyone's thoughts that don't really matter because you don't know whether or not they'll release even better/more appetizing models of the 4Runner.

Submitted by Rel (not verified) on May 17, 2021 - 11:28PM

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I’m glad I bought my 2021 Special Edition Venture two weeks ago with the TRD package & Yakima roof rack.

Submitted by JAP (not verified) on May 18, 2021 - 10:38AM

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It's about time for the 4Runner to follow the Nissan Pathfinder and ditch the body-on-frame for the Unibody construction. Make it like the Grand Cherokee: longitudinal engine RWD based and the options of having either AWD or 4WD (with 4Lo). A turbocharged In-line 4 and a 8spd auto would be sufficient for the base model with the V6 as the performance option. This will work for 80% of 4Runner drivers needs.
For real Off-Roaders: It's time to bring the Prado or the 70 series to the US.

Submitted by Adam (not verified) on May 19, 2021 - 11:18AM

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Maybe finally issue a recall on 2003 4runners, and get me a new frame.

Article earlier this year deeming it the worst year gave me hope maybe enough complaints would surface. Bleeping tailgate issues among other things.

Submitted by Wiley Wright (not verified) on May 19, 2021 - 3:35PM

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I had a 2004 land cruiser and a 2017 4runner limited. Never happy with the latter. Bought a 2020 Lexus GX460. Better in every way. Worth the extra money.