For nearly 40 years the Toyota 4Runner has roamed the highways, byways, and dirt trails of America, becoming a household name in the process. The 4Runner is a do-anything SUV that offers good affordability, comfort, and legendary off-road performance, and just like its sibling the Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, the 4Runner is offered in a bunch of interesting trim levels, the most desirable of which is the TRD grades.

Toyota updated the TRD Pro model for 2021, and the TDR Off-Road trim still offers incredible capability, but what about those who don't need all the hardcore features that come with these models? Toyota has clearly thought of this and is now introducing the 4Runner TRD Sport for the 2022 model year. The new model adds mild off-road upgrades and a bunch of styling features.

Toyota claims that the new trim line "looks to add style, flair, and some road-worthy upgrades" to the 2022 4Runner with an emphasis on everyday comfort and driving dynamics. In terms of off-road capability, TRD Sport models get an upgraded cross-linked relative absorber system (X-REAS), which automatically adjusts the damping force of the shock absorbers when driving over rough terrain. A center absorber creates an X-like structure that helps reduce pitch and yaw for increased off-road stability.

The drivetrain of the TRD Sport is offered in 2WD or part-time 4WD with a two-speed transfer case. RWD models offer a healthy 9 inches of ground clearance, but 4WD examples get an impressive 9.6 inches. Based on the SR5 trim, the TRD Sport gets a set of machine-polished 20-inch wheels as well as a full-size spare tire. All 4Runner models will also benefit from standard LED headlamps, fog lamps and LED high beams.

The 4Runner TRD Sport also benefit from some choice styling upgrades. First off, the front grille gets color-keyed accents, and an aggressive TRD hood scoop and front spoiler, while the rocker panels and body moldings also get color-keyed highlights. The look is finished off with a set of black roof rails.

Go inside and we find upholstered seats in black with unique gray stitching, TRD-stitched logos in the headrest, and heated front seats as standard. TRD Sport floor mats and a TRD shift knob wraps up the interior styling. As for tech, the sporty truck boasts an eight-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, a USB media port, advanced voice recognition, Bluetooth streaming, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

The new trim also offers other standard features such as an eight-way power driver's seat, a leather steering wheel, a power-sliding liftgate, a 120V, and two 12V power outlets, and a 4.2-inch multi-info display. Standard driver assistance features include lane departure warning, dynamic cruise control, pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, sway warning, and auto high beams. Eight airbags are also standard.

The 4Runner TRD Sport is a very practical machine with cargo space of up to 47.2 cubic feet when the second-row seats are in use. Folding the second row down opens that space up to 89.7 cubes.

Getting this Japanese SUV up your favorite dirt trail is the job of a 4.0-liter naturally-aspirated V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque which gets evenly spread throughout the rev range via Toyota's VVT-i variable valve timing technology. Power is sent to the wheels via a five-speed ECT-i automatic transmission which offers a manual shift mode and an automatic limited-slip differential for maximum off-road performance.

The optional part-time 4WD system makes use of low-range transfer gearing and Toyota's advanced active traction control system to find grip when needed. A standard tow-hitch receiver and wiring harness allow the 4Runner TRD Sport to tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds.

This exciting new model is offered with Toyota's 36-month/36,000-mile basic warranty with an additional 60-month/60,000-mile drivetrain warranty, and a two-year/25,000-mile maintenance plan. The Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport is expected to go on sale this fall with pricing to be announced nearer the time.