2020 Toyota 4Runner Review: The Mid-Sized SUV For Off-Road Adventures

There are drivers out there who are looking for wild and thrilling rides. Sometimes you just need to reward yourself with a car that scratches that itch. The 2020 Toyota 4Runner is a mid-sized SUV known for its off-road performance. It got everything you’ll ever need to get through all sorts of terrain, meant for adventures that see you travel on mud and gravel roads.

We’ve looked into many customer reviews, comments, and forums to bring you our review of the 2020 Toyota 4Runner. Here, we’ll look into the specs, features, and everything you need to know before you consider getting one for yourself.

The Engine & Performance

Every model of the 2020 Toyota 4Runner makes use of a powerful 4.0-Liter V6 Engine. It’s capable of producing around 270 horsepower and a torque output of 278 pounds-feet. Paired with either a partial all-wheel or a full-time 4wheel drivetrain setup, it makes quick work of rough terrain. Thanks to the Active Traction Control systems and its Torsen limited-slip center differential, the 4Runner is ready to ride on any sort of terrain.

Towing isn’t a problem thanks to its great powertrain setup, capable of towing a maximum weight of 5,000 pounds. It’s also got a Multi-terrain Select and CRAWL control system, ensuring that your SUV can rule the roads. Each of the 4 different drive modes changes up the vehicle’s performance in a way that allows for optimal traversal of terrain.

Although we feel that the V6 engine is a great choice for the 4Runner and the sort of driving it’s made for, we do have some qualms with it. First, the sound it emits isn’t precisely fierce nor impressive, instead replaced with a groan-like sputter. It’s also a bit weak when compared to other rugged off-roader SUVs.

It handles well during off-road drives as the previously mentioned Torsen Center Differential can portion out torque to the front and rear wheels. Although it’s great for rugged terrain, it doesn’t feel that way when it comes to regular urban driving settings. It feels clumsy on the road, and the 5-speed transmission doesn’t help in fixing the problem.

Some of these features are alleviated with the additions found on the 2020 4Runner TRD Pro. This variant of the Toyota 4Runner comes with a cat-back exhaust which changes the engine’s tone to a bold and spectacular growl.

Styling, Interiors, & Infotainment System

If you’re looking for a luxurious interior or a modern look for the cabin, then this may not be the ideal SUV for you. We found that the material work on the 2020 Toyota 4Runner was quite dated and its styling was more akin to vehicles from the 90s. However, we also found that its passenger cabin was quite spacious and was able to comfortably seat 5 passengers.

One thing that the 4Runner has got going for it is its generous cargo holds and the numerous compartments available for stowing items. The 4Runner can be a reliable choice for business owners, able to carry tons of cargo. Although, we found that the floor of the cargo hold was a bit too high for our liking. Luckily, there’s an optional feature for a pull-out cargo deck available for the two-row models of the 4Runner.

The infotainment system of the 2022 Toyota 4Runner is surprisingly versatile. It comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard features, even including Amazon Alexa integration. All these features help drivers and passengers relax a bit while they’re on the way to their next outdoor adventure!

Fuel Efficiency

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner is a bit of a gas guzzler when it comes down to fuel efficiency scores. According to the scores released by the EPA, the 4Runner doesn’t even meet 20 MPG in any of the categories. It’s also beat by a lot of different SUV options released during the 2020 model year, being one of the least fuel-efficient rides for that season.

For both the Partial AWD models and the 4WD models, the 4Runner has a fuel tank capacity of 23.0 gallons. It’s got a total range of 391 miles on a full tank which is respectable for the class.

Safety Features

When the 2020 Toyota 4Runner was reviewed by the NHTSA, they found that it performed decently well when it came to crash testing. Although it got away with a 4-star score from the NHTSA, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or IIHS was a bit stricter with its scores. They noted that the headlights of the 4Runner provided inadequate levels of visibility. They also found the Child seat anchors to be a bit disappointing, garnering them a Marginal score.

The 4Runner received a whole slew of standard safety and driver-assistive features. Some examples include the addition of an Electronic Stability Control system, Pre-Collision System, Front Collision Mitigation features, and a Lane Departure Warning/Alert system. Additional driver-assistive features are available with the Toyota Safety Sense P which introduces a Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system and Pedestrian Detection systems to the 4Runner.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, we feel that the 2020 Toyota 4Runner is meant for nothing but off-road conditions. Its dismal performance on the asphalt, its horrible fuel efficiency scores, and its difficult-to-reach cargo hold doesn’t make it a good family option. This mid-sized SUV is meant for no one else but those adventurous drivers who want an exciting drive on the road less travelled.

When focusing on its off-roading capabilities, it shines thanks to its powerful engine and strong chassis. All its performance features work together to create an off-roading monster that is even able to offer towing capabilities. At the very least, it could also serve as someone’s work vehicle. Although, the fuel costs to run the 4Runner might put them off that idea.

Overall, we feel that the 2020 Toyota 4Runner isn’t meant for urban centers or relaxing cruises through a city. It’s at home when you’re riding through the woods where it can flaunt its off-road capabilities. Consider it if you’re looking for a good off-roader SUV that can weather through any sort of rough road conditions.

Leave a Comment