 |
| 2020 Toyota 4Runner 4X4 TRD PRO. |
By 2014, it was clear that I had called it wrong, underestimating the American driving public's love for bigger, better and beefier. And looking over my notes, I see that I also reviewed the 4Runner in 2015 and 2016---by which point, I was saying things like "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
And Toyota hasn't. There's been a refresh or two of the grille and tail, a re-do of the instrument panel, but for the most part, the 2020 4Runner is the 2010 4Runner.
That includes the powertrain, which, then and now, consists of a 270-horsepower, 4.0-liter V6 with a five (yes, five)-speed automatic transmission. That V6 has always been the 4Runner's strong suit with 0-60 times around 7.5 seconds. The EPA fuel economy estimate, on the other hand, is pretty grim....16 city/19 highway. That's actually down from the 2010 model, which boasted 17/22 (for the record, we questioned that as overly optimistic at the time).
There's also a part-time 4WD system with Active TRAC, a locking rear differential, multi-terrain select and crawl control, hill-start assist control and a tow hitch receiver with seven and four-pin connector, a power sliding rear window and a full-size spare tire.
What you can get in 2020 that you couldn't in the 2010 4Runner is the TRD PRO trim level. That debuted in the 2015 model year, and makes the 4Runner a much more capable off-roader than it is in base trim.
Base price for the 2020 Toyota 4Runner 4X4 TRD PRO is $49,765 and that brings the following as standard equipment:
- 17-inch TRD alloy wheels
- Nitto Terra Grappler tires
- TRD-tuned Fox shocks and springs
- TRD stamped aluminum front skid plate
- "TOYOTA" front grille
- "TRD PRO" badges
- TRD shift knob
- TRD PRO all-weather floor liners
- High-performance LED fog lights
- Black roof basket
- Toyota Safety Sense (Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, automatic high beams)
- Star Safety System (Vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brake system with electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and smart stop technology)
- JBL 15-speaker audio system with subwoofer and amplifier
- Eight-inch touchscreen navigation system
- Bluetooth handsfree for phone and music
- USB media port and two USB charging ports
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio (three month All Access trial)
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Smart Key with pushbutton start
- SofTex-trimmed power heated front seats with "TRD" lettering on headrests.
Our tester also came with some extra-cost options:
- Sliding rear cargo deck with under-floor storage compartment ($350)
- Running boards ($345)
- Cargo divider ($149)
- Blackout emblem overlays ($79)
- Cargo cover ($160)
- Preferred owner's portfolio---a black leatherette zippered case to hold the owner's manual, warranty information and other documents ($179)
\
With $1,120 delivery processing and handling fee, the bottom line on the window sticker reads $52,147.
The Toyota 4Runner has literally stood the test of time. It's a solid value for a solid vehicle. There is a new-generation 4Runner on the horizon, most likely as a 2023 model, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with rolling old school here.
