2020 Toyota 4Runner Review

　　

2020 Toyota 4Runner Review

byReese CountsVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　There's not much else on the road quite like the 2020 Toyota 4Runner. This SUV can seat seven people and serve as a daily family hauler. Yet it also has strong off-road capability and a healthy towing capacity. It's not the most refined SUV around, especially compared to more modern car-based crossovers. But given the vehicle's popularity with consumers, this doesn't seem to be much of a drawback.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$202/mo  for 4Runner SR5

　　4Runner SR5

　　SR5 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $36,020 MSRPSR5 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $37,895 MSRPSR5 Premium 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $39,215 MSRPSR5 Premium 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) (Most Popular) - $41,090 MSRPTRD OFF-ROAD 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $39,740 MSRPTRD OFF-ROAD Premium 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $42,470 MSRPVenture Special Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $44,285 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $44,885 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $46,920 MSRPNightshade Edition 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $46,625 MSRPNightshade Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $48,660 MSRPTRD PRO 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $49,765 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　As a truck-based SUV, the 4Runner is a good option for those who want something with a little more attitude and presence than the standard crop of car-like crossovers, including Toyota's own RAV4 and Highlander. Toyota has also made the 2020 4Runner a little more up-to-date. The big news is that the Toyota Safety Sense P package, which adds a variety of advanced driver aids, is now standard on all models. Until this year, it wasn't even available on the 4Runner. There's also a new infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

　　The 4Runner isn't the most polished SUV around, and its V6 is thirsty compared to the engines in a lot of similarly priced crossovers. Still, it's hard to find a vehicle that offers this much capability with this much utility and seating for up to seven people. The 4Runner isn't the SUV for everyone, but it might be perfect for some.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the 4Runner drive? The 4Runner's performance is adequate. It's not terribly fast, but the engine and transmission are smooth. It can hold its own in traffic. The brakes are a bit jumpy, and there's some nosedive when you really mash the brake pedal, but you'll get used to it. Around corners, the 4Runner turns in quickly and provides a pleasing amount of stability for a truck-based SUV. Even so, other car-like crossover SUVs are more nimble.

　　The 4Runner becomes a superstar if you're the sort who would take it off-road for exploring or adventure camping. Its multimode 4WD system, high ground clearance and special TRD features make it capable of taking on rocky trails. If that's important to you, then the 4Runner's otherwise mediocre performance will be more or less insignificant.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the 4Runner? You wouldn't be far off the mark if you sized up the 4Runner's comfort potential just by looking at it. You actually can judge this book by its cover. Its truck-based construction results in a somewhat bouncy and stiff ride. It's not terrible, but just about any other crossover SUV rides more smoothly.

　　The same goes for wind noise as the 4Runner's boxy shape stirs up more than the generally sleeker and more low-slung competition. Interestingly, road noise from the tires is relatively tame because body-on-frame construction provides an extra layer of sound suppression between road and cabin.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? Living with a 4Runner is a pretty pleasant experience, but it has one fairly obvious drawback: its tall ride height. That makes getting in and out somewhat difficult, though side steps are available to help out. It's really no worse than any full-size pickup in this regard, but other crossover SUVs are easier to access.

　　Once you're inside, you'll find easy-to-understand controls and a highly adjustable driving position that affords a commanding view ahead. There's plenty of space in both the front and back rows. Visibility to the sides and back is surprisingly good because of the 4Runner's squared-off shape and windows.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? 2020 represents a big change for the 4Runner in this area. Those looking at last year's model should know we didn't like the technology equipment on 2019 and earlier ones nearly as much. The new touchscreen audio system has a larger screen, clearer graphics, and numerous fixed shortcut buttons that make it easier to drill down into the menus without staring at the screen as much. It also now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.

　　Another improvement has to do with active driver safety aids. Previous 4Runners lacked such systems, but this one has a full suite as standard equipment.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The 4Runner's squared-off cargo area is big. Fold the rear seats down and you can even roll out sleeping bags back there. Cargo can be accessed by opening the hatch, of course, or by lowering the 4Runner's power rear window.

　　The roomy second row can accommodate car seats in any of the three positions, even bulkier rear-facing models. The square door openings make for easy access, but little kids will have a hard time climbing up into the cabin. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, a useful figure that covers most boats and many small camping trailers. And the vehicle is prewired for not only four-pin but also seven-pin trailer plugs that come on trailers with electric trailer brakes.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The aging 4.0-liter V6 engine and five-speed automatic make for a rather thirsty pairing that does no better than 17 mpg combined (16 city/19 highway). This is, on average, 4 mpg worse than other rival crossover SUVs with all-wheel drive.

　　

Value

7.0/10

　　Is the 4Runner a good value? The 4Runner costs more than some of the crossovers it competes with, but in return you get more in terms of off-highway and towing performance. It also has an incredibly strong resale value, so much of the extra you'll pay up front will come back when you move on to something else later on.

　　While you own it, you'll have two years of free scheduled maintenance for things such as oil changes and tire rotations. The warranty, should you ever need it, is fairly standard. The 4Runner's big downside occurs at the pump, which you will be visiting often because its rated fuel economy is in the teens in both the city and on the highway.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　On the road, it's fine. It gets you there. The fun comes in when you take it off-road. And you can because this is the next best thing to a four-door Jeep Wrangler. As every other SUV has descended into crossover pavement-and-snow mediocrity, the 4Runner still waves the flag for the body-on-frame SUV fans who want real off-road performance. It's more legendary than ever.

　　

Which 4Runner does zzdcar recommend?

While all variants are relatively capable, we think the TRD Off-Road Premium provides the best combination of performance and features. It's not as capable as the TRD Pro, but it still includes features such as a locking rear differential and a specialized suspension to help you out on the trail. We'd also get the optional Premium package for its set of features that make it a better vehicle to live with day-to-day.

　　

2020 Toyota 4Runner models

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner is a midsize SUV available in eight trim levels: SR5, SR5 Premium, Venture, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, Limited and Limited Nightshade. All come with a 4.0-liter V6 (270 horsepower, 278 lb-ft of torque) and five-speed automatic transmission. The SR5 and Limited trims are available with two-wheel drive and seating for up to seven passengers. The remaining trim levels are 4WD-only and seat five.

　　The SR5 is the base model, but it's not bare-bones. Toyota Safety Sense P is standard for all 4Runners, adding a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control. Other notable features include skid plates, foglights, a 120-volt power outlet in the cargo area, and a trick power-sliding rear window that can be lowered for a relatively open-air feeling. This year, the 4Runner's infotainment system now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

　　Stepping up to the TRD Off-Road adds a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select off-road settings and a crawl control function. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) is optional.

　　Premium variants of the SR5 and the TRD Off-Road get an upgraded interior with nicer upholstery and heated seats. A sunroof is optional. The Venture builds off the TRD Off-Road Premium model but adds a special Yakima roof rack, dark gray TRD wheels and black accents on the exterior.

　　Serious off-roaders should consider the TRD Pro, which starts with the TRD Off-Road Premium and adds revised front springs, Fox dampers with internal bypass rear remote reservoirs, all-terrain tires and a special front skid plate. It also gains the sunroof and a 15-speaker JBL sound system.

　　The Limited model is more luxury-oriented and sacrifices off-road capability in the process. It uses a different 4WD system and a different suspension setup that aims to make it more comfortable. What it gives up off-road it makes up for with features such as keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone climate control and leather seating. The Limited Nightshade Edition just adds black exterior trim, replacing much of the Limited's standard silver and chrome accents.

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2020 4Runner Highlights

Trim: SR5SR5 PremiumTRD OFF-ROADTRD OFF-ROAD PremiumVenture Special EditionLimitedNightshade EditionTRD PROSR5

　　

Base MSRP	$36,020
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$202/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	47.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles