The 5th Generation of 4Runners has always been on the go no matter how demanding life can get. But what do we really know about its towing capability?
In this article, we get up-close and personal with the 4Runner’s pulling power and if it has what it takes to get ahead of its competitors.
WHAT’S A TOYOTA 4RUNNER’S TOWING CAPACITY?
The recent versions of Toyota 4Runners have a usual tow capacity of 3,500lbs but can reach up to 5,000lbs. This of course is true if you max out the load limit accordingly and include the tow package. Whether it’s a good thing or not based on your preferences, the normal and max towing capacities stay the same regardless of the trim level you choose:
| Specification | TRD Sport | Trail Special Edition | SR5 Premium Series | SR5 (Standard) Series | TRD Off-road (Standard) Series | TRD Off-road Premium Series | TRD Pro |
| Normal/Average Towing Capacity | 3,000 – 3,500lbs | 3,000 – 3,500lbs | 3,000 – 3,500lbs | 3,000 – 3,500lbs | 3,000 – 3,500lbs | 3,000 – 3,500lbs | 3,000 – 3,500lbs |
In terms of towing or pulling specs, here’s a quick summary of the 2022 Toyota 4Runner based on its 3 models and configurations/transmissions, courtesy of beechmonttoyota.com.
| Model | Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | Fuel Tank | Towing Capacity | Integrated Towing Hitch Receiver & Wiring Harness |
| SR5 Premium 4×2 Premium 4.0L V6 5-Speed Automatic | 4,400lbs | 23 gallons | 5,000lbs | Standard |
| TRD Off-Road 4×4 4.0L V6 5-Speed Automatic | 4,750lbs | 23 gallons | 5,000lbs | Standard |
| TRD Off-Road Premium 4×4 Premium 4.0L V6 5-Speed | 4,750lbs | 23 gallons | 5,000lbs | Standard |
DOES TOYOTA 4RUNNER COME WITH A TOW PACKAGE?
Apart from the integrated towing hitch receiver with the wiring harness, including the 4 and 7-pin connectors that are already found in its 2021 counterpart, not much has been explained regarding the tow package of the latest Toyota 4Runner edition.
Moreover, its gear ratio that’s 3:52:1 remains which meant it’s not intended for heavy pulling tasks and is slow on acceleration.
WHAT CAN TOW MORE: 4RUNNER OR TACOMA?
As far as towing is concerned, the Tacoma has the upper hand because its normal towing capacity is around 4,500lbs. But if you add the tow package, it eventually ramps up to 6,800lbs. The question though, is it stable enough during the trailering process?
The short answer is yes because its wheelbase is also longer than that of the 4Runner. The data below proves it.
2022 Toyota 4Runner Wheelbase Measurements
| TRD Sport | Trail Special Edition | SR5 Premium Series | SR5 (Standard) Series | TRD Off-road (Standard) Series | TRD Off-road Premium Series | TRD Pro | Limited |
| 109.8 inches | 109.8 inches | 109.8 inches | 109.8 inches | 109.8 inches | 109.8 inches | 109.8 inches | 109.8 inches |
2022 Toyota Tacoma Wheelbase Measurements
| TRD Sport | Limited | SR5 | SR | TRD Off-road |
| 127.4 inches | 127.4 inches | 127.4 inches | 127.4 inches | 127.4 inches |
WHAT’S COMPARABLE TO A TOYOTA 4RUNNER?
The latest Toyota 4Runner model won’t be occupying the center stage alone as other similar vehicles are also vying for the people’s attention. See what these rigs are by looking at the table below.
| Model | GCWR | GAWR | Max GTW | Max TW |
| 2022 Toyota 4Runner | 6,100lbs | Front: 2,998lbs
Rear: 3,439lbs |
5,000lbs | 500lbs |
| 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 8,600lbs | Front: 3,200lbs
Rear: 3,700lbs |
6,000 – 7,000lbs | 600 – 700lbs |
| 2022 Ford Bronco | 8,780lbs | Front: 3,170lbs
Rear: 3,070lbs |
3,500lbs | 350lbs |
| 2022 Subaru Outback | 6,000-7,000lbs | Front: N/A
Rear: N/A |
2,700 – 3,500lbs | 270 – 350lbs |
| 2021 Jeep Wrangler | 8,016lbs | Front: 2,700 – 3,000lbs
Rear: 3,000 – 3,100lbs |
3,500lbs | 350 lbs |
CONCLUSION
The 2022 Toyota 4Runner may have some existing flaws just like its other competitors but remains to be special in its own way. While it may not be meant for the purely rugged environment, it can still pass as your everyday go-to ride that can help you get your easy to moderate-level chores properly done.
Â
About Author
