Hello I haven't had any experience with the first gen 22re 4runners and ive been interested in getting one, however I live on top of a big hill with lots of hills to drive up. Does anyone know if these SUVs can handle well in these situations at normal speeds?

 

I am not sure what you mean by big hill or normal speeds .

I live up on a mountain down in a hole .

Then the public road has a 20 mph speed limit.

For good reason.

As long as you drive the posted speed limits or slower .

The only time I pass vehicles is when they are parked.

 

Mine is a 87' 22re... only time I've noticed it slowing on big hills was with two fat dudes and 10 guns in the back. You'll be fine.

 

Heck yeah.

Real-life examples:

Tejon Pass (here) AND
Scripps-Poway Parkway (here), AND
Cajon Junction (here): 50-55 MPH in 4th gear...
So yes, Normal speed; Not too slow as to create a dangerous condition.

 

I've never really regretted the power I have with my 22RE, but I drive the speed limit. Sure, there have been a few times on the highway I could have gone faster, but no big deal, I'm saving gas the other 99% of the time by having a 4cyl. That said, I really like my brother's 2.7L in his Tacoma -- rated at 150HP and it felt great in the mountains. And, I've spent a pretty penny making my motor spin like a top. But even my old ~200k miles (original, not yet rebuilt) were adequate.

Only once did I have an issue -- I think it was Sonora pass in the Sierras. I pulled over in the tight switchbacks at the top so my wife could take a photo and it was so steep, I could not get going again! I jumped out and put it in 4-low in order to make it to the top. If I didn't stop, I could easily have made it, it was just getting the torque I needed from a dead stop.

I think the modest HP of the 22RE may be easier to manage if you have a MT. This is my third vehicle with a 22RE, but they have all been 5-speeds, so I can't comment with any authority, but I would expect a 22RE+AT to be lacking in the mountains.

 

Thank you for the detailed responsed! by big hills I mean short distance but pretty steep going around 25

 

I agree with the rest of the responses above. You just need to make sure the engine is running nicely and smoothly and that the brake system is in good working order (along with the rest of the drive train, suspension etc.) and you are good to go!