Flash Drive

2020 Toyota 4Runner

July 2, 2020 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2020 Toyota 4Runner 4X4 TRD PRO V6

The venerable Toyota 4Runner is a go anywhere SUV, not a city poser.

Engine:4.0-liter V6, 270 horsepower, 278 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 5-speed automatic, part-time four-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 16-mpg city, 19-mpg highway, 17-mpg combined

Base Price: $49,765

As Tested: $52,147

Performance:

Good acceleration

Smooth engine

So-so fuel economy—our best was 19.9-mpg highway

There is ample storage room inside, but sturdy cargo racks are available for extra rooftop gear.

Body-on-frame design

Manual 4×4 shifter for H2, H4, and L4

Separate controls for traction control, hill descent, and clearance variations

Locking rear differential

Trick Fox shock absorbers

Performance TRD springs

Rugged skid plates

5000 pound towing capability

Comfort:

Power driver’s seat

Stretch-out front legroom

Toyota 4Runner interior space and comfort are very good.

Excellent headroom

Big sunroof

Rheostat style heated front seats

Thick, slightly contoured leather steering wheel

Adult size rear seat including center position

Wide rear armrest

Utility:

Totally flat cargo deck and split folding rear seats

Big, wide rear hatch with ample clearance

The split folding rear seats fold flat for lots of space and versatility.

No lift-over

Grab handle on passenger side “A” pillar

Large infotainment screen

Big, deep console bin

Medium locking glovebox

Medium front door bins with two beverage notches

Small rear door bins

Big sun visors

Seatback storage nets

New, larger infotainment screen

WOW Factors:

Rugged, macho styling

High performance Fox shock absorbers are part of the TRD PRO package.

Very confident off-road capabilities

Heated front seats with infinitely adjustable temperature control

Power sliding rear window

Roomy interior

Whines:

Army Green paint—lots of people liked it, we didn’t

Transmission could use another gear or two

Fuel economy lower than many similar size competitors

Bottom Line:

Skid plates are also part of the TRD equipment.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD PRO is any oldie, but definitely a goodie. High tech is fine, but there’s nothing wrong with good old rugged dependability, especially when it comes to challenging off-road adventures. For 2020 the 4Runner received Safety Sense P pre-collision autonomous braking system. The Toyota 4Runner TRD PRO is more of a traditional 4×4 SUV than many citified competitors, but that’s fine with its core audience.

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