I am Adrianna, an avid outdoor adventure mom and Toyota has fuelled my adventure life even more. Having driven a Toyota Tacoma since I was a teenager and throughout university, I became accustomed to the reliability and performance of Toyota vehicles. When I got pregnant with my first child, I decided it was time to trade in my beloved truck at the local dealer for a 4Runner. It was a limited edition, perfectly suited my lifestyle of commuting into the city, and with five seats, it quickly became our adventure vehicle on wheels. After my second child was born, we realized we needed something roomier for our growing family, so we opted for a more mountain-built suspension and an off-road adventure vehicle, upgrading to the spacious 7-seater 2022 4Runner. This vehicle has truly transformed our explorations and outdoor life. I did trade-in my Toyota vehicles at local dealers and had great experiences with each vehicle holding its value. I have always purchased used vehicles from Toyota and have a built a lot of trust with the brand.
As an Adventure mom, I have really put the 4Runner to the test when it comes to adventure and durability. First, I did get the pet grade seat spray done as kids can absolutely trash the inside of my 4Runner. With happy meal hauls and snacks on the long road trips, food and sticky things end up everywhere including the roof. Second, we are always on mountain roads and needing the 4X4 option here in the Rockies during the winter months. I have spent a significant amount of time in my 4Runner with my kids. Whether it's nursing, layering, napping, resting, or eating on the go the hours are endless. It is our home away from home.
Here are the adventures we are on most often with the 4Runner:
Camping Adventures with a Rooftop Tent
One of my favourite aspects of our outdoor adventures is camping under the stars. The 4Runner's roof rack makes it easy to set up our rooftop Thule tent, providing us with a cozy place to sleep without needing to haul a bulky ground tent. I love the feeling of being up high, surrounded by nature, and having the flexibility to camp in diverse locations. Packing is a breeze—everything fits perfectly in the spacious cargo area, leaving room for the kids and their gear. The rooftop tent lives on my 4Runner in the summer months so that we can camp often. The tent is easy to set up and we actually feel a lot safer on the roof in Grizzly terrority because we have had a few close encounters on the ground in tents.
Off-Roading to Scenic Hiking Trails
Our family values time spent in nature, and that often means venturing off the beaten path. The 4Runner's off-roading capabilities have opened up a world of hiking opportunities. We can navigate rocky trails and traverse through forested areas with ease, reaching breathtaking viewpoints that are off-limits to most vehicles. It’s thrilling to share the excitement of rugged terrain with my kids and teach them the importance of respecting nature while we embark on our hiking adventures. I feel a lot safer in the 4Runner when exploring off the beaten path as I know we can get through most places.
Weekly Mountain Drives
Living near the mountains means we can escape to the serene beauty of the Rockies weekly. Whether it’s a quick day trip or a weekend getaway, the 4Runner is our gateway to some of the most stunning scenery around. The spacious interior allows us to pack everything we need—from our hiking gear to snacks and warm clothes—ensuring we're always prepared for anything Mother Nature throws our way. Plus, the comfortable ride makes long drives enjoyable for the whole family. You can find us in the trunk space mostly getting layered up or down for adventures. Our home-base has been the 4Runner for all of our getaways.
Backpacking Together
Backpacking has become a cherished family activity. We love to hit the trails, and the 4Runner allows us to carry all our essentials, from hydration packs to camping gear. The kids are learning to appreciate the beauty of nature as we hike together, often pointing out wildlife and enjoying the fresh air. It’s a joy to see them gain confidence in their abilities as they tackle new trails and discover new landscapes. The kids favourite thing is making it back to the 4Runner after a backpacking trip. It is kinda like an adventure diaper bag on wheels so we keep all the baby and toddler extras in the 4Runner.
Family Road Trips, Scenic Picnics, or Mountain Biking Trips
In addition to camping and hiking, our 4Runner is perfect for spontaneous family road trips. I am often driving through the mountains to get to Penticton or the Coast of Vancouver where my family lives. Or we make our way up to our family Ranch in Alberta. I've also explored Montana too and road-tripped to Yellow Stone National Park, Tetons, Salt Lake City, and beyond with our 4Runner. We love exploring nearby state parks, scenic overlooks, and hidden gems off the beaten path. The generous cargo space is ideal for packing our food in the yeti and meal supplies, allowing us to stop for scenic picnics amidst beautiful backdrops. There’s something magical about enjoying a homemade lunch with my kids while surrounded by nature.
Winter Adventures: Skiing, Snowboarding, Ice Fishing, Sledding, and Snowshoeing
When winter rolls around, our 4Runner becomes our trusty vehicle for ski trips and winter fun. It handles so well on the ice and snow and we actually prefer taking our 4Runner over my husband's truck. We load up our skis, snowboards, and sleds and head to local mountains for a day on the slopes. The 4X4 drive handles snowy roads with ease, ensuring we get to our destination safely. It does get to be a tight fit with all of our winter adventure items and layers that are needed in these super cold Canadian winters. There is an option to have a storage cargo added to the top of your 4Runner but we haven't added one of those to our adventures yet. We have been able to fold down the 3rd row of seats and fit everything that we need into the trunk space like a fishing auger and the thule chariot and cross country ski gear too.
Purchasing from a Local Dealer: Support and Convenience
Choosing to purchase my 4Runner from a local dealer has made a significant difference in our ownership experience. Not only did I find a vehicle that perfectly fits our adventurous lifestyle, but I also gained access to reliable services right in my community. My local dealer provides regular check-ups, oil changes, tire rotations, and maintenance, ensuring our vehicle runs smoothly for all our adventures.
The convenience of having a trusted service centre nearby means I can quickly schedule appointments for inspections and necessary repairs, so we’re always ready for our next adventure. Plus, they offer cleaning services to keep our 4Runner looking pristine, even after our wild outdoor excursions. Strong support from a local dealer adds peace of mind, allowing us to focus on what truly matters—making unforgettable memories together.
Pros and Cons of the 2022 4Runner for Adventure Moms
Pros:
Spacious Interior: With seating for seven, there's ample space for the whole family and all our gear. We do lose a lot of our trunk space when we do put the 3rd row seating up but it is nice to able to pile everyone in one vehicle when grandparents and family visit.
Off-Road Capabilities: The 4Runner's rugged design allows us to tackle challenging trails and reach remote camping spots. Winter is so much safer for us in the 4Runner.
Easy Setup for Rooftop Tent: The roof rack makes it simple to deploy our rooftop tent for camping. I did purchase my 4Runner used it already has the roof rack installed.
Comfortable Ride: It offers a comfortable driving experience, even on long journeys. I love being able to see out easily because it is higher. Plus, being able to get fresh air and sun with the sunroof is amazing too.
Versatile Cargo Space: It accommodates everything from hiking gear to adventure supplies with ease. I have put the middle seat down between my kids and you can fit skis and other gear between the seats too.
Great for All Seasons: Whether it's summer camping or winter skiing, it’s versatile for year-round adventures. Mud or snow, the 4Runner is built for all of it.
Cons:
Fuel Efficiency: Being an SUV, it may not have the best fuel economy, especially on longer road trips. As gas prices have risen, the cost to drive my 4Runner has risen too. Toyota has many other fuel efficient and hybrid options for your adventures.
Size: Parking and maneuvering in tight like corporate parkades can be a little tricky. I have height issues as my 4Runner is lifted and does have the rooftop tent on top so I cannot go into underground parking at all spaces. I find urban driving and parking easy with the 4Runner compared to trucks and biggers SUVs.
Cost: As a higher-end SUV, it can be a significant investment in both purchase price and maintenance but the resale really holds its value and is worth it.
Weight: The added weight of the vehicle may make it less efficient for certain off-road conditions. That being said, we were able to camp on a frozen lake and ice fish with the 4Runner.
Towing Limitations: While it can tow, heavy loads may affect performance, especially on steep trails. So you cannot really haul a huge travel trailer but there are options to pull units behind the 4Runner for family camping trips. Things like tent trailers are ideal with the 4Runner.
Final Thoughts
My 2022 4Runner is more than just a vehicle; it’s our adventure mobile. It has transformed the way we explore, making family outings not only easier but also more exciting. With its spacious interior, off-road capabilities, and the ability to host our rooftop tent, we can enjoy the best of what the outdoors has to offer. Whether we’re camping under the stars or exploring new trails. Choosing an adventure doesn't have to be overwhelming, the 4Runner is an amazing option for those out enthusiasts and adventure parents.
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