A few among old designs become popular after they age and the Toyota 4 runner is one of them. It is an old-school, body-on-frame SUV, not a crossover like its kin the Highlander. The 2020 Toyota 4Runner is a rugged and off-road capable, yet it's spacious and family-friendly.
Every 4 runner variant is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 generating 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque which is a mate to a five-speed automatic transmission and 5,000-pound tow rating. The suspension is a bit rough and it lacks modern technology you will find in other options, but the 4Runner is one of the most capable SUVs on the market today.
Nightshade limited edition with blacked out grille and trim
TRD pro has new Fox shock absorbers, new skid plate and roof rack, standard sunroof and JBL sound system
Features
vehicle bio
base price
$35310
bodystyle
4dr SUV
passenger capacity
5
drivetrain
RWD
engine type
displacement
241 cu.in.
horsepower
270 hp @ 5600 rpm
torque
278 lbs.-ft @ 4400 rpm
transmission
5-speed shiftable automatic
chassis
frame type
Unibody
suspension front
front independent suspension
suspension rear
Rigid axle rear multi-link suspension w/anti-roll bar
brake rotors (f/r)
63.2/63.2
dimensions
wheelbase
109.8 in.
length
190.2 in.
width
75.8 in.
height
71.5 in.
curb weight
4400 lbs.
ground clearance
9 in.
capacity
passenger volume
38.6 cu ft.
cargo volume
89.7 cu ft.
towing capacity
5000 lbs.
payload capacity
1700 lbs.
performance
zero to 60 mph
7.2 sec.
fuel economy
city/combined/highway
17/18/21 mpg
highway range
483 mi.
warranty
basic warranty
3 yr. / 36000 mi.
drivetrain warranty
5 yr. / 60000 mi.
corrosion warranty
5 yr. / unlimited
roadside assistance
2 yr. / Unlimited
Pictures
exterior
interior
Colors and Styles
Barcelona Red Metallic
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
The 4runner has go anywhere capability, although the ride and handling are not as good as Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia or Honda Pilot. The 4runner is a no frill SUV but if you seek modern ornamentation than this good old Toyota is not for you.
7.5/10 Features
7.4/10 Engine and Performance
7.0/10 Fuel Economy
7.0/10 Interior
7.0/10 Exterior
7.0/10 Safety
7.0/10 Competition
7.0/10 Final Verdict
2020 Toyota 4Runner Features
7.5/10
The 2020 Toyota 4Runner is a midsize SUV available in seven trim levels:SR5,SR5 Premium,TRD Off-Road,TRD Off-Road Premium,TRD Pro,Limited and Limited Nightshade. All 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 rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive and a two- or three-row seating configuration. The remaining trim levels are 4WD-only and seat five. A low-range transfer case comes on 4WD versions of the SR5, TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trim levels.
Toyota provides two years of complimentary scheduled maintenances. The coverage in other categories include:
The limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance is covered for 2 years or 25,000 miles
Trim
SR5
SR5 Premium
TRD off Road
TRD off Road Premium
Limited
Limited Nightshade
MSRP(RWD)
$35,110
$36,940
N/A
N/A
$43,195
$45,165
MSRP(AWD)
$36,985
$38,815
$38,285
$40,195
$45,460
$ 47, 200
Features
4.0L V-6 Engine
Adds or replace :
Adds or replace :
Adds or replace :
Adds or replace :
Adds or replace :
5-speed auto w/OD Transmission
Driver and front passenger heated-cushion, heated-seatback Heated front seats
SofTex leatherette Seat trim w/painted accents
Driver and front passenger heated-cushion, heated-seatback Heated front seats
Rear-wheel Drive type
20" black aluminum Wheel
270 @ 5,600 rpm Horsepower
Leather Seat trim
Navigation system
20" machined aluminum Wheels
1st row regular express open/close sliding and tilting glass Sunroof
278 @ 4,400 rpm Torque
Parking assist
Rear-wheel Drive type
Front air conditioning, dual zone automatic
ABS and driveline Traction control
17" silver aluminum Wheels
Front air conditioning, manual
SiriusXM AM/FM/HD/Satellite, seek-scan Radio
The 1st row LCD monitor
Front Fog/driving lights
Heated mirrors
2020 Toyota 4Runner Engine and Performance
7.4/10
There is only one engine available with the 4runner, powered by 4.0 liter V6 that pumps out 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. It is potent enough to pass traffic on the highway and surge from a standstill with ease. SR5 and Limited trims are available with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive while remaining trim levels are 4WD. All of the trim levels have a similar 5,000 – pound tow rating.
"There are many shortcomings to the 4Runner with its veteran drivetrain, less-than-stellar fuel economy, lack of creature comforts and slim technology offerings, but there's something still undeniablycool about it. When driving it, you don't get lost in a sea of features. There's beauty in simplicity. Driving a no-frills car like the 4Runner is refreshing. It's a perfect SUV for people who subscribe to the less-is-more way of thinking. But if it's modern accouterments you seek, the 4Runner isn't for you.” CNET
The V6 is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, which performs well. Shifts are smooth and precise, and the transmission always finds the right gear for the situation. The all-wheel-drive variant has low-range gearing. The 5-speed automatic works fine, but could use another cog for composed highway driving.
Models
Toyota 4 runner
GMC Acadia
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Honda Pilot
Ford Explorer
Subaru Ascent
Toyota Highlander
Dodge Durango SXT
Chevrolet Traverse
MSRP
$37.045
$32,800
$31,695
$31,450
$32,365
$31,995
$31,330
$29,995
$29,840
Engine
4.0 litre V6
2.5 Liter Inline-4
3.6 Liter V6
3.5-liter V6
3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6
2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer 4-cylinder
2.7-liter 4-cylinder
3.6 Liter V6
3.6L V6
Transmission
5-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
8-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Automatic
6 –speed CVT
6-Speed Automatic
Gas engine
9-speed shiftable automatic
Horsepower
270 @5600rpm
193 @ 6300
295 @ 6400
280hp @ 6000
288 @ 6500
260 hp @ 5,600
185 hp @ 5800
8-speed automatic
310 hp @ 6800
Torque
278 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
188 @ 4400
260 @ 4000
262 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm
254 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
277 lb-ft. @ 2,000 rpm
184 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm
293 hp @ 6400 rpm
266 lb. ft. @ 2800 rpm
After just a brief look at the table of comparison, you’d notice that the 4Runner being pricier than most of the vehicle’s delivers the almost same performance and a better transmission.
Acceleration
The 4runner being a 7 seven seated SUV is surprisingly smooth. Despite being old, the acceleration from groaning 6 cylinders is linear and powerful. The 60 mph mile mark is achieved in 7.5 seconds while taking 15.3 seconds to pass the quarter-mile flag. Due to the tall gearing ratio, the power is evenly distributed with no ropy lag. It’s not fast but comes with real off-road capability and ruggedness.
Models
Toyota 4runner
GMC Acadia
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Honda Pilot
Ford Explorer
Subaru Ascent
Toyota Highlander
Dodge Durango SXT
0-60 MPH
7.5
6.8 sec*
N/A
6.2 sec
8.2 sec
6.9 sec
7.2
7.6 sec
Quarter mile
15.3
15 sec*
N/A
14.8 sec
16.3 sec
15.5 sec
16.1
15.8 sec
Engine
4.0 liter V6
2.5 Liter Inline-4
3.6 Liter V6
3.5 Liter V6
3.5 Liter V6
2.4 Liter Boxer-4
2.7-liter Inline-4
3.6 Liter V6
Emission
(Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
8.4
7.7
8.4
8.2
7.9
8.4
N/A
N/A
On paper with rivals, the Ford Explorer is the fastest SUV to 60mph @ 6.4 seconds. The Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Nissan Pathfinder both do the same in 7.4 seconds.
Ride and Handling
The 270 hp and torque-rich V6 is a heavenly motor, with a lot of muscle for passing, towing and getting up to the mountains. Remember, the brake pedal can be uncertain sometimes. On the rough landscape, the 4Runner exceeds expectations, because of narrow-body structure and useful 9.6 inches of ground clearance. The 4Runner is one of few SUVs that still uses a body-on-frame setup. It makes the handling more like a truck than a car, with some body roll while cornering hard. On highway speed, it is less stable because of the taller height and you have to work with the steering a lot.
The ride is composed over smooth asphalt but it turns to bouncy and stiff on rough terrain. In any case, the steering is light and precise for easy mobility. TRD models have the most upgrades for going off the beaten path, like a locking rear differential, multi-terrain select, and crawl control. Other features include Fox shocks, TRD-tuned springs, a kinetic dynamic suspension, and special skid plates.
Braking
4runner’s braking effect is vague and one needs to squish the pedal to two-third of travel for a sudden stop. The majority of the stopping power remains in the last third of the pedal travel. The car takes 183 feet to stop from 70 mph which is below average for this segment. It tends to nosedive during an emergency situation. You can also hear weird squeals from tires while enthusiastic driving on corners.
Model
Toyota 4runner
GMC Acadia
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Honda Pilot
Ford Explorer
Subaru Ascent
Toyota Highlander
Dodge Durango SXT
Brake Front (in.)
12.2
12.6
13
12.6
12.8
13.1
12.9
13.0
Brake Rear (in.)
12.6
12.4
13
13
12.8
13
12.2
13.0
Curb Weight (lbs.)
4767
3956
4513
4036
4458
4430
4134
4680
60-0 MPH (ft.)
183(70-0)
N/A
N/A
117 (est.)
108 (With optional tires)
119
126 (est.)
121
The high curb weight of 4runner than most of the rivals do affect the braking performance and take a considerable amount of time to stop in an emergency situation. The Ford Explorer has the best brakes when it comes to sudden stops.
Towing Capacity
The rugged body on frame construction and torque-rich engine account for a 5,000-pound tow rating. It is good for camping trailers and small boats. The 4runner does not come with a factory electric brake controller and you have to search aftermarket to get the feature.
Model
Toyota 4runner
GMC Acadia
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Honda Pilot
Ford Explorer
Subaru Ascent
Toyota Highlander
Dodge Durango SXT
Towing Capacity
5.000
4,000
N/A
3500
5000
5000
1500
6200
The tow rating is the highest when compared to other rivals, while the Dodge Durango with its powerful engine tops the competition.
2020 Toyota 4Runner Fuel Economy
7.0/10
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 average for a midsize SUV. A four-wheel-drive 4Runner gets 17 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.
Model
Toyota 4runner
GMC Acadia
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Honda Pilot
Ford Explorer
Subaru Ascent
Toyota Highlander
Dodge Durango SXT
MPG (city)
17
21
19
19
17
21
20
18
MPG (highway)
20
26
26
27
24
27
24
25
MPG (combined)
18
23
21
22
20
23
22
20
Fuel Tank (gallons)
N/A
19
24.6
24.6
V6-powered rivals like theJeep Grand Cherokeeand theToyota Highlanderfare better. The Grand Cherokee gets up to 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, while the Highlander earns up to 20/27 mpg city/highway. That places the Toyota at the back of the mid-size SUV class alongside the similarly off-road-focused Jeep Wrangler.
2020 Toyota 4Runner Interior
7.0/10
Seating and Comfort
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.
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.
Model
Toyota 4runner
GMC Acadia
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Honda Pilot
Ford Explorer
Subaru Ascent
Toyota Highlander
Dodge Durango SXT
Passenger Capacity
7
7
5
8
7
8
8
7
Front Row (cu. ft) Headroom
41.2
40.3
39.9
40.1
41.4
41.3
40.7
39.9
Shoulder room
57.6
59.4
58.7
62
61.5
61.1
59.3
57
Legroom
42.0
41
40.3
40.9
42.9
42.2
44.2
40.3
Second Row (cu. ft) Headroom
39.7
39.6
39.2
40.2
40.6
40
40
39.8
Shoulder room
57.2
58.7
58
62
61
60.3
60.3
42.8
Legroom
37.2
39.7
38.6
38.4
39.5
38.6
38.6
38.6
Third Row (cu. ft) Headroom
37.5
N/A
38.9
37.8
36.3
36.3
37.8
N/A
Shoulder room
55.2
54.3
N/A
57.6
50.8
57.2
57.2
42.8
Legroom
31.4
31.1
N/A
31.9
32
31.7
31.7
31.5
On paper with rivals, the 4Runner is actually the smallest in terms of passenger space. Both Nissan Pathfinder and Ford Explorer share the same head/shoulder/led room but Ford manages to find the top spot with its mighty big 151.7 ft.cube. Passenger volume.
Interior Features
Dual-zone automatic climate control with air filter and second-row vents
Multi-Information Display (MID) with outside temperature, clock, average fuel economy and
Fabric-trimmed front seats; 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support
Fabric-trimmed 40/20/40 split reclining and fold-flat second-row seat
Fabric-trimmed 50/50 split fold-flat third-row seat and sliding the second row with passenger-side one-touch access to the third-row seat
Cruise control
Leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel
The in-key remote keyless entry system
Power door locks with programmable auto door lock logic
Backup camerawith projected path
One cargo area 120V 100W/400W AC power outlet
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Infotainment System
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 touchscreen infotainment system is standard in the 4Runner. It is a simple, intuitive setup that responds quickly with a minimal amount of lag. For 2020 it still lacks Android auto and Apple car play.
1-inch screen
Satellite radio
120-volt power outlet
Navigation
Bluetooth audio and USB port
15-speaker premium JBL stereo (TRD Pro variant)
Cargo volume
A crucial reason to buy the 4 runners along with off-road build and capability is its cargo space. It can hold 46.3 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. Campers can easily stretch out a sleeping bag in the rear. The hatch opening is wide which enhances the utility, also the rear liftgate power window allows you to load stuff without opening the tailgate entirely.
Model
Toyota 4runner
GMC Acadia
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Honda Pilot
Ford Explorer
Subaru Ascent
Toyota Highlander
Dodge Durango SXT
Cargo Volume in the trunk (ft.3)
46.2
12.8
36.3
16.5
21
17.8
13.8
17.2
Cargo Volume 3rd Row folded (ft.3)
88.9
41.7
N/A
83.9
43.8
47.5
N/A
47.7
Cargo Volume 2nd row folded (ft.3)
N/A
79
68.3
46.8
80.7
86.5
83.7
84.5
2020 Toyota 4Runner Exterior
7.0/10
“Love it or hate it, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner looks like nothing else on the road”- car connection
Design and styling
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. Every variant is equipped with a roof rack as standard.
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 own RAV4 and Highlander.
Model
Toyota 4runner
GMC Acadia
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Honda Pilot
Ford Explorer
Subaru Ascent
Toyota Highlander
Dodge Durango SXT
Curb weight (lbs.)
4230
3956
4513
4036
4458
4430
4134
4680
Length(in)
195.5
193.6
189.8
196.5
198.3
196.8
192.5
201.2
Width(in)
74.2
75.4
63.9
78.6
78.9
76
75.8
75.8
Height(in)
68.2
66
69.3
70.6
70
71.6
68.1
70.9
Ground clearance (in)
8.7
7.2
8.6
7.3
7.8
8.7
8.0
8.1
Wheelbase (in)
112.5
112.5
114.8
111
112.8
113.8
109.8
119.8
Track width (in) F/R
64.8/64.6
64.5/64.5
64.1/63.9
66.3/66.3
67/67
64.4/ 64.2
64.4/64.2
63.9/64.1
When comparing all other dimensions with rivals, you can conclude that most of them are about the same size with minor decrease or increase in dimensions.
Exterior Features
Projector-beam headlights with smoked trim
LED taillights with smoked sport trim
Integrated fog lights & LED fog lights
Heated power outside mirrors
Chrome door handles with touch-sensor lock/unlock feature
Black door handles with touch-sensor lock/unlock feature
Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade
Aerodynamic variable intermittent windshield wipers with mist cycle
Privacy glass on rear side, quarter and rear liftgate windows
Color-keyed rear spoiler with LED center high-mount stop light and integrated concealed rear wiper with mist cycle
Skid plates — on engine/front suspension, fuel tank and transfer case (transfer case on 4x4 models only)
2020 Toyota 4Runner Safety
7.0/10
The old platform on which the 4Runner is based on is like a thorn in its flesh. Toyota has been able to accommodate only a few selective active safety aids on the 2018 model as well. The structural efficiency tests, however, rate the 4Runner TRD Pro as ‘Good’ in most of the sections.
4-Wheel Traction Control
ParkSense Rear Park-Assist with Stop
Electronic Stability Control
Enhanced Accident Response System
Tire Pressure Monitoring Display
Advanced Multistage Front Airbags
LATCH Ready Child Seat Anchor System
Supplemental Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
Supplemental Side-Curtain Airbags
Supplemental Side-Curtain Front and Rear Airbags
Hill Start Assist
Parkview Rear Back-Up Camera
2020 Toyota 4Runner Competition
7.0/10
Toyota 4 Runner VS 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 have 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 then the Ford Explorer.
Toyota 4 Runner VS GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia is reduced in size two years ago, but still, it offers a great amount of interior space. It offers two engine options, a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 193 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque and a 3.6-liter V6 engine generates 310 hp.
Like the other rivals, the Acadia offers modern tech and serene interior which is missing in the 4runner. Toyota, on the other hand, is a more capable off-roader than Acadia. Deciding factor will be if you want roomy third-row seats which the 4runner does and Acadia doesn’t.
Toyota 4 Runner VS 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 4 runners. The final nail in the coffin is the fact that it fairly cheap than the 4Runner as well.
So finally, Jeep Grand Cherokee has all the pedigree to become your daily driver. It, however, will fall short the moment you go off-road. This where the 4Runner is ahead by leaps and bounds and not to forget, it has a large list of aftermarket parts available easily.
2020 Toyota 4Runner Final Verdict
7.0/10
Toyota 4Runner has been in the market for around 30 years. It's aging 4.0 –liter V-6, five-speed automatic transmission, and old-school interior may not shine in a highly competitive SUV segment. While most SUVs have transitioned into crossovers with unibody chassis, the 4Runner continues its body-on-frame cradle. The 4Runner with its highly capable suspension and impressive terrain control systems sells more than enough to justify its existence.
Frequently Asked Questions about 20120 Toyota 4Runner
Is Toyota 4Runner reliable?
The 4runner is proven to be very reliable over the years.
What's new in the 2020 Toyota 4Runner?
TRD Pro has new Fox shock absorbers, new skid plate and roof rack, and standard sunroof and JBL sound system
New Limited Nightshade Edition with black-out color scheme
What is the best price for the 2020 Toyota 4Runner?
The least-expensive 2020 Toyota 4Runner is the 2020 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $35,310.