Toyota has been hard at work to turn around the perception that it makes rolling appliances. As a result, its models have become sharply styled with better tech and surprising performance. The automaker made news with the all-new Tundra pickup truck, but a few other models need an overhaul. Updates for 2022 are modest across the Toyota line, but there are a few notable changes.
The 4Runner has been on sale since the early 1980s but is still only in its fifth generation, which began in 2009. Though it’s more than overdue for a complete overhaul, the 4Runner is rugged and ready for a challenge. The only update for 2022 is a new TRD Sport trim with 20-inch wheels, aggressive bodywork, and synthetic leather upholstery.
Toyota announced that the Avalon will be no more after 2022, so changes for the model year are light. The large sedan loses its all-wheel drive (AWD) option for 2022, along with the TRD trim. However, a new rear-seat reminder system is standard, and new safety features join the Avalon’s last-hurrah lineup.
Toyota has not yet shared details on the 2022 C-HR crossover SUV, but changes should be minimal.
The stalwart Camry receives few changes for the 2022 model year. Toyota offers the popular Nightshade package for Camry Hybrids now, and there are a few new paint colors. Otherwise, the car’s staggering nine trim levels and three powertrains remain in place.
The Corolla sedan is mostly a carryover for 2022, but that’s good news because the car will continue to be available in Apex and Nightshade Editions. There are also hatchback and hybrid models in the expansive Corolla catalog.
The Corolla Cross is all-new for 2022 and brings many of the Corolla’s styling cues and tech to a crossover format. A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 169 horsepower motivates the Corolla. Front-wheel drive is standard, and AWD is optionally available. The Cross’s interior is nearly a carbon copy of the Corolla sedan, but there’s slightly more room for people and gear. Toyota offers a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is standard.
2022 Toyota GR 86 Changes
The outgoing Toyota 86 was a spritely car with excellent handling and an engaging driving feel, but it always lacked power. Toyota and Subaru—partners on the car—fixed that problem for 2022 with an all-new model. The new Toyota GR 86 and Subaru BRZ get a more powerful 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 228 hp in the Toyota. A manual transmission is standard, along with a sporty interior and updated tech.
The Highlander is Toyota’s mainstay family-hauling SUV, and for 2022 it gets a stylish new appearance package. The Hybrid Bronze Edition is offered in two colors, with 18-inch bronze-color wheels, and features exclusive interior styling. Other trims get height adjustments for front-seat passengers in the XLE trim and higher.
The Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell-powered car with near-luxury finishes and a tech-packed interior. However, it’s only available in California as it’s the only state that offers even a sparse availability of hydrogen refueling stations. Toyota makes no changes to the car for the 2022 model year.
Toyota adds a new Nightshade trim level to the Prius line for 2022. The Prius Nightshade is available in three colors and adds 18- or 15-inch wheels, depending on whether the car has AWD. The Prius also gains a heated steering wheel and heated front seats as standard equipment for the 2022 model year.
Toyota updates the RAV4 for 2022 with new headlights for all but the base LE trim. The lights are more sharply styled than before, and top trims add LED fog lights to the mix. A new SE trim also joins the RAV4 Hybrid lineup, which brings an exclusive color choice, a 7-inch touchscreen, and six speakers. The RAV4 is now available with a new Weather package, bringing heated front seats and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The Toyota Sequoia hasn’t seen a significant update in well over a decade, but there’s a new model expected for 2023. In the meantime, the Sequoia carries over unchanged into 2022 with the same 5.7-liter V8 engine, expansive interior space, and premium-level price tag.
The Sienna minivan was completely overhauled for 2021, bringing a standard hybrid powertrain, sharp styling, and a more upscale interior. Changes for 2022 are less dramatic and include a new Woodland Edition. The trim brings standard AWD and a 0.6-inch lift for better drivability and ground clearance off-road. Other standard gear for the trim includes a roof rack and tow hitch.
The Tacoma is one of the most popular midsize trucks and carries a reputation for ruggedness and durability. Toyota adds to the truck’s mystique for 2022 with a more aggressive lift kit on the Trail Edition and TRD Pro, both of which rise more than an inch in front and back for the new model year. The Trail Edition brings bronze 16-inch wheels and unique badging, while the off-road-ready TRD Pro trim offers new paint colors that include a wild Electric Lime hue.
The Tundra was well past due for an overhaul before 2022, but Toyota took care of that problem with an all-new truck. The Tundra’s venerable V8 engine is gone, replaced by a pair of twin-turbo V6 engines, one of which is a hybrid. The base engine now makes 389 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque, and the upgraded hybrid mill produces 427 hp and 583 pound-feet.
The new Tundra full-size truck gets a load of new tech, including an available 14-inch touchscreen, and delivers a towing capacity of up to 12,000 pounds when properly equipped.
The Venza returned in 2021 after several years off the market. The frumpy, awkward styling that defined the original Venza was gone, and a sharp hybrid-only crossover took its name. The reimagined Venza rolls into 2022 unchanged and retains standard AWD, a premium interior, and frugal hybrid power.
Toyota is the source of information in this article. It was accurate on December 16, 2021, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
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