If you regularly carpool for your commute or have a large family that often rides together, you will probably look for a vehicle with plenty of passenger seating. Should you consider the Toyota 4Runner and wonder if it has third-row seating, we can help you. We researched this popular vehicle from multiple professional sources so that you will know for sure how much seating it has onboard.
The 2022 Toyota 4Runner has a third row of seating, but only for select trim levels. Below are the trim levels for this model year and whether or not it has the third row. Note that the third-row seating for select trim levels is an option and not automatic.
- 2022 Toyota 4Runner Limited has a third row.
- 2022 Toyota 4Runner SR5 has a third row.
- 2022 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium has the third row.
- 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road does not have the third row.
- 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium does not have the third row.
- 2022 Toyota 4Runner Pro does not have the third row.
- 2022 Toyota 4Runner Sport does not have the third row.
Now that we know that the Toyota 4Runner has available third-row seating for three of its 2022 trim levels, we'll take a closer look at how this changes the overall interior space of this vehicle. You might also be curious if the 4Runner is a roomy vehicle or what the cargo capacity will be. For the answers to these questions and more, read ahead in this post to see what we've been able to uncover in our research.
Third-row seating in the Toyota 4Runner
As we pointed out earlier in this post, third-row seating is available for certain trim levels of the Toyota 4Runner. While the Limited, SR5, and SR5 Premium comes standard with only two rows, an upgrade is available to add a third row of seating. What does this do as far as seating capacity is concerned?
Adding a third row elevates the number of people you can potentially carry on board from five to seven. The third row, however, isn't suited for fully grown adults. We'll address this ahead in this post when we discuss whether or not the Toyota 4Runner is roomy and comfortable.
Should you opt for a third row, you should know that you will significantly decrease the available cargo room you have onboard your 4Runner. The third seat takes up a great deal of the 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space that a two-row 4Runner has. This is something to consider if you routinely carry a lot of gear or luggage with you while you drive.
Can you install a 3rd-row seat in a 4Runner?
The third row of seating can be a real amenity for larger families. While larger SUVs and mini-vans offer this, these vehicles might not be the style someone wants or might be out of their budget. Should you have a 4Runner with two rows of seats, is it possible or practical to add a third row?
While adding a third row as an aftermarket feature is possible, it is not recommended that this be done independently. Getting a bench seat from an older model vehicle will work for this add-on, making the parts very affordable. But since seat belts should be installed and the new seating has to be secured, it works best left up to a professional.
Keep in mind that there won't be any crash test rating or safety rating on this third row. This could impact the resale value.
Are Toyota 4Runner seats comfortable?
If you are going to be spending any time in your vehicle, you'll certainly want to have comfortable seats. There is scarcely anything worse for a person's back than sitting behind the wheel of a car with seating that leaves them feeling stiff after a long commute. And passengers on longer rides will also be happier if they are cruising along in optimum comfort.
Car and Driver rates the seats in the 4Runner as spacious and comfy. The driver's seat is power adjusted, and the front two seats come with optional heated and ventilated front seats. Cloth upholstery is standard, but you can upgrade to synthetic or genuine leather seat material in most trim levels.
While the rear seats don't offer heated or ventilated upgrades, the onboard climate controls still make for a comfortable ride year-round, no matter the climate. And even though the third-row seating [if equipped] is made from comfortable material, the overall room in the third row isn't comfortable for fully grown adults.
How roomy is the 4Runner?
Mechanical reliability is only one factor in a person's decision to purchase a particular vehicle. What they finally select should be comfortable, which we addressed earlier in this post. Whether or not a prospective vehicle is roomy is yet another variable in the buying process.
Car and Driver noted that the 4Runner is relatively roomy for a mid-sized SUV's first and second row. These seats will fit five adults comfortably and give plenty of headroom and legroom. The adjustable seats are easy to operate, allowing taller passengers to maneuver them into a position that gives them the most space.
As for the rear seating, these are generally best for children or adults of smaller stature. Getting in and out of the third row can be a little challenging for a fully grown adult, and the available leg and shoulder room is a bit cramped. But piling one or two children into this row won't be an issue. This is a fairly common scenario for a mid-sized SUV with third-row seating.
What is the cargo capacity of a 4Runner?
Being fully aware of how much cargo room you have is a key figure if you plan a trip with a lot of luggage or want to buy a larger item and see if your vehicle can carry it. We'll look at the cargo room for each trim level with all seats in position, then compare them to the amount of room with all the seats folded down. For those trim levels with a third row, we'll also see how much more room you'll have if only that particular row is collapsed.
Cargo capacity with all seats in position [equipped with second-row seating only]
The overall cargo capacity of a 4Runner with two rows of seating is 47.2 cubic feet. This is average for a mid-sized SUV. With five passengers on board, this is more than enough room in the rear compartment to store luggage and other gear for everyone, even on longer trips.
Note that if you have opted for a trim level that has third-row seating, it will greatly diminish the amount of cargo room you have available from the above number. If the third row is in place, you'll have only nine cubic feet of room for gear or luggage.
Cargo capacity with all seats folded down
If you are willing to sacrifice all of the rear seating onboard the Toyota 4Runner, you will be able to increase the amount of cargo room for additional items greatly. You can fold all the seats down flat, resulting in an overall cargo capacity of 88.8 cubic feet. This is more than enough room for plenty of moving boxes, smaller pieces of furniture, or larger pieces of sporting and camping equipment.
Cargo capacity with third-row seats folded down [select trim levels only]
Folding down the third row will increase your cargo capacity to 47.2 cubic feet. This is the same space you would have if you had a trim level with only two rows of seating on board.
In conclusion
The 4Runner is a roomy and spacious vehicle, suitable for at least five adults, depending upon the trim level you selected. While the Toyota Sequoia will offer more passenger space and a lot more cargo room, the 4Runner is still large enough for long trips with a full load of passengers. Keep in mind that reducing the third row [if equipped] will greatly increase the available cargo room for luggage and other items. Drive safe!
If you found this post on the Toyota 4Runner to be helpful, we believe that you'll enjoy reading the following posts about these popular automakers:
How Much Cargo Space In A Toyota 4Runner?
Does Chrysler Pacifica Have the 3rd Row? [Yes! and Here's What You Need to Know About It]