Used 2020 Toyota 4Runner

As crossover SUVs become ever more popular, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner SUV looks increasingly like a different breed. It isn’t based on a car platform but uses a body-on-frame construction, putting it in that category known as “old school.” But hey, Harvard is an old school. These places have their advantages.

The 4Runner midsize SUV is tough and remarkably capable when tarmac gives way to tougher terrain. Ford Explorer? Nissan Pathfinder? These are just nice names compared with the 4Runner’s affinity for the wild. It also enjoys Toyota’s virtually bombproof reliability. Now with Toyota Safety Sense and a larger 8-inch touch screen the 4Runner gets closer to the competition in the tech department.

A relatively unsophisticated ride quality brings bearable manners on smooth roads and some cushioning over rougher surfaces, but the 2020 4Runner will lean noticeably if a corner is taken with anything like gusto. In general, this body-on-frame setup results in truck-like rather than car-like ride and handling.

However, the 270-horsepower V6 is a superb engine, with plenty of muscle for passing, towing and getting up to freeway speeds. Fuel economy, on the other hand, is not its best feature. The 4Runner’s weight and having only five forward gears in its automatic transmission have their impact on this situation. And we’ve found the brake pedal can be tricky to modulate. On challenging terrain, the 4Runner excels, thanks to a fairly narrow body and potential 9.6 inches of ground clearance (with the dedicated off-road suspension).

The cabin layout in the 2020 4Runner is simple but effective. Buttons and dials are large and easy to use, even when selecting the low-range gearing. The center console has the option of a 120-volt outlet and now includes an 8-inch touch screen for the multimedia system that has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the first time. It also sports a new instrument panel that’s more easily visible.

The power-adjustable front seats are comfortable and supportive, fine for longer trips, while the reclining 2nd-row seats split and fold in a 40/20/40 configuration for some passenger/cargo versatility. Folding them flat opens up a load area of almost 90 cubic feet. The SR5 and Limited trim levels offer a 3rd-row seat, but that’s more kid-friendly than adult-sized, especially now that they’ve included two USB ports in the second row.

Of all the trim levels available with the 2020 4Runner, the all-wheel-drive TRD Pro looks the most rugged, with a hood scoop, skidplates, chunky tires and raised suspension. Every version has a roof rack as standard.

The overall design is essentially a “2-box” approach enlivened somewhat by flared fenders. The front overhang is relatively short, which is good news for off-roaders. Even the base SR5 however, retains unique good looks among a sea of indecipherable mall crawlers.

The one reason Toyota’s been able to get away with not redesigning this SUV in over 10 years is that it did such a good job the last time.

TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE
Toyota finally gets the 4Runner up to speed in the safety department by including its suite of safety features.

SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY
The 4Runner finally meets the future by integrating a larger 8-inch touch screen into the center stack and providing Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility to the infotainment equation.

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Toyota Safety sense are huge wins when it comes to new standard features in the 4Runner across all trims that include the SR5/SR5 Premium, Limited, and TRD Off-Road/Off-Road Premium/Pro trim levels. The basic SR5 has an 8-inch touch screen, Entune Audio Plus with the Connected Navigation app and Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth music streaming, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.

The TRD models deploy all-wheel drive (the default is rear-wheel drive), add water-resistant seat fabric, locking rear differential, and multi-terrain selection with crawl control. TRD Pro receives a 15-speaker JBL sound system, navigation and the Fox suspension. Limited models have 20-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, leather-trimmed seats (heated/ventilated in front), moonroof, and an X-REAS (cross-linked relative absorber system) suspension for better body control.

All-wheel drive is optional in the SR5 and Limited versions, standard in the TRD models. Other extras include the 3rd-row seat and a handy sliding cargo deck, while the off-road specialist TRD versions are also available with the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) that can disconnect the stabilizer bars to allow more axle travel and therefore help conquer tougher terrain. Other extras such as running boards, sliding rear cargo deck with under-floor storage and moonroof with sliding shades are offered as options on lower-trim levels.

Toyota’s midsize SUV is motivated by a strong 4.0-liter V6 generating 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard in the SR5 and Limited versions. A part-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is fitted to the TRD models, while a full-time AWD setup with a limited-slip locking center differential is offered in the Limited. In all cases, the transmission is a 5-speed automatic; AWD versions have low-range gearing. The 2020 4Runner is rated to tow 5,000 pounds. It’s okay to use regular gasoline, but fuel consumption is relatively poor, with all versions achieving an average of 18 mpg.

4.0-liter V6 engine
270 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
278 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/19 mpg