It may seem like we’ve gotten to a point where cars can’t possibly be getting smarter than they already are, right? Wrong! Technology has come a long way in the auto industry, but they’re always coming up with bigger and better ideas. The new 2020 Toyota 4Runner is an excellent example of that.

The 4Runner took a big step into the new decade with the 2020 model, and it includes many of the high-tech features that car shoppers most want in a new vehicle.

What safety technology does the 4Runner offer?

One of the biggest additions to the 2020 4Runner is that Toyota’s Star Safety System and other driver safety aids are standard on all models. This includes a lane departure alert, which detects when your vehicle veers out of the lane’s visible lines and gives you an alert so you are able to safely adjust back into the lane.

There’s also the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection. This alert is triggered when a vehicle in front of you abruptly stops or a pedestrian walks out in front of your SUV. Your 4Runner gives you an auditory and visual alert so you can quickly adjust your driving. If you don’t react quickly enough, the system applies automatic brakes to assist you.

The new 4Runner comes standard with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. This feature allows you to choose a speed at which to set your cruise control, but automatically adjusts that speed based on the vehicle in front of you. If you get too close, your vehicle slows down to match their speed. This results in less rear-end collisions since you’re kept at a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of you. Results like this show why safety features are always being reviewed and improved.

Comfort and convenience

The 2020 4Runner’s technology offers more than just safety. We all want tech that makes our lives easier and more enjoyable, and our lives on the road are no different. The new 4Runner has a ton of convenience features like Android Auto. Android Auto allows you to connect your Android smartphone to your vehicle’s touchscreen control system, giving you the freedom to use features on your phone while it’s safely tucked away when you’re busy driving. You’re able to make and receive calls, listen to your favorite playlists or podcasts, and a lot more, while controlling it all with your voice.

When you enable Wi-Fi Connect on your 4Runner, you’re able to connect up to five smart devices to a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. This gives you and your passengers the freedom to browse the internet on any smart device without killing the battery or data plan. They’re Remote Connect feature even allows you to lock and unlock doors, turn your vehicle on or off, and check your vehicle’s status all from your smartphone through the Toyota app.

The future is here

With a new decade upon us, it’s great to see automakers responding to consumers’ wishes for more connectivity and convenience. According to a recent survey of people looking to buy a new car in the next year, 72.4% of people consider technology and special features to be an important factor in what car they buy.

With vehicles like the Toyota 4Runner coming in with a bang in 2020, it will be a tough decision for car shoppers, given how many vehicles are out there competing with the same high-tech safety and convenience features. It’s a new decade and we can’t wait to see what features we’ll have in our cars in the next 10 years.