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2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro crawling over a rock

How Capable Is The Toyota 4Runner?

The Toyota 4Runner is known for being a reliable, off-roading SUV. It’s a popular model that’s been around since 1984, making it one of the oldest models on the road. However, does the 2020 Toyota 4Runner live up to its name?  How Capable Is The Toyota 4Runner?  If you would like to get started in …

The Toyota 4Runner is known for being a reliable, off-roading SUV. It’s a popular model that’s been around since 1984, making it one of the oldest models on the road. However, does the 2020 Toyota 4Runner live up to its name? 

How Capable Is The Toyota 4Runner? 

If you would like to get started in the 2020 Toyota 4Runner, then prepare your wallet. This SUV begins around $36k, and higher trim options quickly climb in price to about $49k. 

2020 Toyota 4Runner Venture Edition
2020 Toyota 4Runner Venture Edition | Toyota

And to our disappointment, the 4Runner will not provide any savings at the pump. It only gets an average of up to 16 mph in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. These numbers feel like they would have been good a decade ago. 

At least the 4Runner base model doesn’t have a lack of power. It has a 4.0-Liter V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. This engine is available in a five-speed transmission and can tow up to 5,000 lb. 

But to disappoint us again, the 4Runner has a slow acceleration. It takes 7.6 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. 

Toyota 4Runner Off-Roading Specs 

The Toyota 4Runner is marketed as the vehicle you can use to ‘Stay Wild,’ and it can go anywhere. It has a ground clearance of 9.6” to glide over obstacles. 

Plus, with an approach ables of 30 degrees and departure angle of 26-degrees, this SUV is perfect for climbing over rocks, dunes, and whatever else is in the way of your adventure. 

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner even has Hill Assist Control and Hill Descent Control to analyze the engine torque and braking pressure to make adjustments to power as needed to prevent slippage automatically. 

The highest trim option has an exceptional Crawl Control feature to enhance further control and stability in sand and other adverse conditions. 

It’s Coil-spring independent double-wishbone front suspension with a stabilizer bar and Coil-spring 4link lateral rod rear suspension, and stabilizer bar provide a smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride. 

The stabilizer bars assist with enhanced stability and control while hauling trailers and boats by reducing the amount of sway you face. 

Because the 4Runner comes with 17” all-terrain tires, it has a smooth ride that’s more cable for cornering and off-roading as well. 

You also don’t have to worry about scraping the undercarriage. It’s protected with aluminum armor skid-plates to make sure the crucial vehicle components don’t get damaged while off-roading. 

Toyota 4Runner Tech 

The Toyota 4runner has standard technology features. There isn’t anything new included with this model that blew us away. 

The infotainment center can connect to Alexa, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, like most of its competitors, can. However, the 4Runner does have a Wi-fi hotspot to keep you connected and 24/7 roadside assistance. 

You can also connect your 4Runner to your smartwatch to start the engine, lock the doors, and more from the touch of a button. 

2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro | Toyota

While the 2020 Toyota 4Runner is extremely capable of off-roading and adventuring, it seems stuck in the past. It hasn’t received a notable update in years. 

This makes us hesitate when it comes to purchasing this SUV. It may be better to save with a used option until significant updates and improvements are made.