2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner is a midsize SUV available in eight trim levels: SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Venture, TRD Pro, Limited, and Nightshade Special Edition. Of which the main trims are only SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro trim while the rest of them are more of a package added to the primary trim. Although you get a lengthy list of trim levels, sadly all of them share the same 4.0-liter V6 (270 horsepower, 278 pound-feet of torque), five-speed automatic transmission, and 5,000-pound tow rating. SR5 and Limited trims are available with a two- or three-row seating configuration while the remaining trim levels offer seating for five. Drivetrain choice is either an RWD or 4WD on all except the Venture and trims with TRD names, these only come standard with a 4WD. A low-range transfer case comes on 4WD versions of the SR5, TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trim levels.

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The Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium trim hits the sweet spot for regular buyers as it comes with all the needed safety features and a couple of more creature comforts than the base trim. While serious off-roaders should consider the TRD Off-Road trim, priced just below forty-grands, as it comes with the right off-road hardware you will ever need and is decently loaded with convenience and safety features from the base trim.

The 4Runner’s powertrain is a pretty solid unit from Toyota but it shows the age with fuel economy. With standard rear-wheel drive, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner gets 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. Those estimates are below average for a midsize SUV. While a four-wheel-drive 4Runner gets 16 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

V6-powered rivals like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Honda Pilot fare better. The Grand Cherokee gets up to 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, while the Pilot earns up to 19/27 mpg in the city/highway respectively. While the Explorer with the turbo-four is the most efficient returning 4/7 mpg more than the 4Runner in the city/highway respectively.

"In terms of design and feature content, the 4Runner looks its age. Everything is very blocky and utilitarian, and there's too much hard plastic in comparison to the more luxurious Jeep Grand Cherokee (and when you consider the 4Runner's price point)" - Autotrader

With regards to the 4Runner's rough persona, the cabin is without most frills and extravagances. The structure is basic with lots of hard plastic. The base model's fabric upholstery isn't exceptionally alluring, yet the available leather upholstery enhances the quality. The Toyota 4Runner comes standard with five seats, however, you can include a third row that expands the ability to seven. The front seats are firm and steady, yet the outward visibility is limited because of thick rooftop columns and a high dashboard. There's plenty of legroom for passengers in the front seats and the second row for long rides, however, the third-row seats are best left to kids. With the third row, the second row slides and offers one-touch folding for easy access to the back. 

The Toyota 4Runner is a decade old now and its limited technology offering shows it. The interface feels dated when compared to modern systems. The Entune 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard in the 4Runner. It is a simple, intuitive setup that responds quickly with a minimal amount of lag. Other features that you get with this setup are standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with an 8-speaker sound system. While the Limited and above trim gets a 15-speaker JBL sound system.

A crucial reason to buy the 4Runner along with off-road capability is its cargo space. It can hold 47.2 cubic feet of sizable cargo while 88.8 cubic feet are with the rear folding split seat. A squared-off shape and available slide-out tray aid the loading of different belongings.

On paper with rivals, the 4Runner is the smallest in terms of passenger space. Both Grand Cherokee and Honda Pilot share the same head/shoulder/legroom in the first two rows while the Ford Explorer manages to find the top spot with a generous amount of real estate on offer inside the cabin. When it comes to cargo space between the 5-seater Grand Cherokee and the 4Runner the latter offers more space while between the three-row SUV the Explorer again takes the lead.

Interior Features:

• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Fabric-trimmed seats
• 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support
• Cruise control
• Leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel
• A 120V 100W/400W AC power outlet
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror

“Love it or hate it, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner looks like nothing else on the road” -car connection

The 4Runner's essential look has been around for about 10 years, it's an old-school, body-on-frame SUV. The front end has sharp edges and squinty headlights that frown at the street ahead. The high front bumper gives a good approach angle to ascend mountains. From the sides, the 4Runner is a three-box SUV while the rear has been inspired by the Land Cruiser Prado available in Asian markets 

As a truck-based SUV, the 4Runner is a good choice for those who want something with a little more character and presence than the conventional yield of car-like crossovers, including Toyota's RAV4 and Highlander. While dimensionally, the 4Runner is very imposing with a towering 71.5-inches height and 9.0-inches ground clearance.

On paper, there is no match to the length, width, and wheelbase of the Explorer which is the reason why it is the most spacious three-row SUV and still manages to offer decent cargo space with all seats up. But that's the practicality aspect as when it comes to off-roading these same big dimensions put the Explorer at a disadvantage and the 4Runner with taller ride height and ground clearance at an advantage.

Exterior Features:

• Projector-beam headlights
• LED taillights
• Integrated fog lights
• Heated power outside mirrors
• Available power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade
• Skid plates — on engine/front suspension, fuel tank, and transfer case (transfer case on 4x4 models only)

The old platform on which the 2020 Toyota 4Runner is based is like a thorn in its flesh. While Toyota has added a host of driver-assist features in the form of Toyota Safety Sense P standard to keep up with the modern safety standards. As for the safety ratings the NHTSA gave the 2020 4Runner a score of 4 out of 5 stars in overall safety ratings and in individual tests it scored the lowest rating of 3 out of 5 stars in the rollover mitigation test. Moving to the IIHS, the 4Runner got the highest rating of 'Good' in four out of five tests while the driver-side small front overlap test was rated as the second-lowest 'Marginal'.

Safety Features:

• Forward collision warning w/ automatic emergency braking
• Rearview camera
• Lane departure warning
• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Available front and rear parking sensors

2020 Toyota 4Runner Vs 2020 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer and the Toyota 4Runner have been foes ever since they were launched. Both the vehicles have historically been good off-roading tools. But, Ford has veered off towards the masses and has made the Explorer a fine tarmac riding machine.

Both comfortable and tech-loaded, Explorer is miles ahead of the 4Runner in the segment. The 4Runner on the other side has stuck with its rugged fascia. People who are not into extensive off-roading are better off than the Ford Explorer.

2020 Toyota 4Runner Vs 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a far more compliant ride than the 4Runner. It has more creature comforts, safety aids, and tech features than the aging 4Runner. The biggest hit to the 4Runner is the fact that the Grand Cherokee is not only fairly cheap than the 4Runner but also provides a much more plush and upmarket cabin.

Finally, Jeep Grand Cherokee has all the pedigree to become your daily driver. Also, the Grand Cherokee is more versatile with several engine options to choose from. The 4Runner on the other hand offers the optional third-row seats and better cargo space between the two. 

The Toyota 4Runner has been in the market for around 30 years. Its aging 4.0-liter V-6, five-speed automatic transmission, and old-school interior may not shine in a highly competitive midsize SUV segment. Where most SUVs have transitioned into crossovers with unibody chassis, the 4Runner continues its body-on-frame cradle that results in harsh and bouncy ride quality over the tarmac. Although the 4Runner with its highly capable suspension and impressive terrain control systems which comes in handy in tough terrains is the only thing that keeps it going even in 2020.