2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Review

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner is a capable off-roader that borrows from the tough looks, packs key features and a few handy tricks. It can accommodate up to 7 people when transporting family and friends, yet is incredibly capable when taking it off the beaten path. In a world of cushy SUVs, the 4Runner stays put with its body-on-frame design and is ready to climb rocks and tackle the mud. With an upgraded infotainment system and Toyota Safety Sense-P fitted as standard, drivers will also find better technology in the 4Runner. If that sounds like what you're looking for in a new SUV, read on for the details.

You can choose the Tundra in a base model that starts at around $36,120, or you can go up to off-road capable models and trims with more luxurious features inside. There are also several special editions to choose from. I spent the week testing the 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Offroad Premium with the optional sliding deck, a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and TRD Pro Exhaust.

Ride the 4Runner

The 2020 4Runner doesn't offer the same on-road comfort as many other SUVs, but it makes up for it with better off-road performance. This is partly due to the body-on-frame design, which offers better off-road performance. Under the hood is a 4.0-liter V6 that delivers 270 hp and 278 lb.-ft of torque and is mated to a five-speed transmission. There's ample power and the 4Runner is peppy. The five-speed gearbox shifts smoothly, but it tugs against eight-speed gearboxes, and ultimately this affects fuel economy.

What is it like to drive the 2020 Toyota 4Runner?

On the road, you'll experience a rougher, springier ride than a Rav4 or many other SUVs. The 4Runner shares more with a truck than most SUVs, which is why it's so all-terrain. If you plan to be on the go almost all the time, this might not be the right choice. Buyers who want to get on the trail and then enjoy the mud, rocks and sand will enjoy everything the 4Runner offers. In addition to the abilities, you get an electronic rear-axle locking differential, creep control, and a terrain-selecting four-wheel-drive system that can help you conquer what lies ahead. Skid plates on the engine, front suspension and fuel tank all add to the 4Runner's off-road capability.

The 4Runner is said to tow up to 5,000 pounds, putting it ahead of the Wrangler but still behind the Grand Cherokee.

Fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg combined, with 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.

4Runner interior & style

Useful and serviceable with nice accents on the TRD Off-Road Premium fairing.

The 2020 4Runner's distinctive look is bold and looks particularly good in bright red or army green. I like that the exterior doesn't contain any punches when it looks like it's ready to hit the trail. It's noticeable when many SUVs just look the same.

Toyota focuses on usability over luxury inside, even with the TRD Off-Orad Premium trim level. I like the ease of getting in and out of the driver's seat and the spaciousness of the front seat. The rear seat offers good legroom, and headroom is good thanks to the higher roofline on the rear seat. Our model was equipped with 5 seats, but you can optionally choose a folding third row.

The layout on the front of the 4Runner reminds me of a truck with chunky dials and buttons that are easy to reach, grab, and press—even with gloves on. There is plenty of storage space in the doors and center console. The TRD Off-Road Premium model features TRD badging and accent stitching throughout. The front seats are heated.

Lots of space in the second row.

You'll find more cargo capacity than many competing SUVs in this class, especially when you fold down the second row. There's a standard outlet and a 12V outlet at the back of the vehicle so you can charge gear, power a tailgate accessory, or do other random tasks. This rental car came with a sliding rear cargo deck, which is a $350 option. This deck slides past the bumper to attach a tailgate, serve as a base camp on the trail, take a picnic, or just hang out after a long day. It's a really cool option and one I highly recommend.

One of my favorite features is that the rear window goes all the way down in the tailgate. Push a button and it retracts into the tailgate. Combine this with open windows or an open sunroof and you get plenty of air and a very open cabin feel. The tailgate isn't powered, which feels like an oversight for a beefy and high-opening rear.

Love the option to slide out the cargo area.

4Runner technology and safety

Toyota now includes a standard 8-inch infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa. This is an 8-inch touchscreen in the center of the dash, which is easy to see and the system has a snappy feel. Connect your iPhone or Android and you can choose to use CarPlay or Android Auto to easily manage your calls, messages, music and navigation. The Toyota system is fine, but ultimately most users should plan on using one of these options.

With Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Alexa Standard you have a competent infotainment system.

The 8-speaker premium audio option is standard on TRD Off-Road Premium trim and sounds good, with enough volume to fill the cabin even when driving with the windows and liftgate windows down. The speakers are also good for taking calls and navigating.

Toyota Safety Sense P is standard on the 4Runner. This brings a variety of safety and comfort features to all trim levels. With this you get;

• Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
• Dynamic radar cruise control
• Lane Departure Warning
• Automatic high beam

Radar cruise control works well, but remember it only works above 25mph. That means it's great for the freeway, but it doesn't handle stop-and-go traffic like many systems do now. There is no blind spot monitoring option on any trim level.

By: 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Review