Think old school durability when contemplating 4Runner ownership.
Sturdy, body-on-framing, solid rear axle design and notably rugged off-road packaging means business on or especially off road. Toyota's mid-size, purpose built sport utility vehicle targets a work-minded audience, but can operate in the general driving universe as well.
Another benefit provided by 4Runner's truck-based underpinnings: goosed-up towing capacity. All trims include a standard integrated tow hitch capable of towing a respectable 5,000 pounds, besting the plethora of mid-sized five-door, car-based crossovers.
Toyota's lineup brings to the fore a respectable number of rugged truck-based SUVs. Besides 4Runner, the larger Sequoia and super-sized Land Cruiser await trail trials.
Toyota debuted the five-door 4Runner back in 1984. The current 2020 effort builds off a fifth-generation design introduced a decade ago, representing a sizable timeframe utilizing the current platform.
That said, Toyota infuses 4Runner 2020 with updates including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Smartphone compatibility working in tandem with the eight-inch in-dash touch screen. Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), now standard in all trims, adds an additional layer of safety with pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, high-speed dynamic cruise control (for speeds above 25 miles per hour) and automatic high beams. A new-for-2020 Venture trim edition also debuts.
Calendar year sales through November 2019 checks in at 120,359, a five percent decrease from the same 11-month period in 2018. However, November sales jumped a healthy 7.8 percent from November 2018.
Ground clearance measures in at 9.6 inches with 4 x 4 models, great if trolling through tall grass, but necessitating a boost up into rather than a sit down motion when entering. Our tester included thick, static (non-power folding) side running boards below door bottoms and come highly recommended. Only Limited trims offer a power-folding version. Generous ground clearance adds to a somewhat bouncy on-pavement experience especially when encountering parking lot speed bumps or other on-road imperfections.
Thick C pillars separating rear side windows from the cargo area glass contrasts with narrow A pillars up front. The cargo region top corner enjoys a near 90-degree angle where the roof joins the manually-operating cargo door. Car-based crossovers tend to covet a smoother curved connection.
Ten-year-old Cara Casey of Lombard insisted readers of this column know she dislikes jumping up and down when attempting to corral an inside-mounted looped pull strap when manually closing the rather weighty rear door; can't blame her. It's one of the few mid-sized SUVs or car-based crossovers without a convenient power assist (standard or optional) for the 2020 model year. Instead, the hatch's window powers down via an inside button near the transmission shifter, adding a certain level of convenience. However, Miss Casey highly recommends side running boards, affording the opportunity to walk in an elevated fashion between front and rear tires mimicking a bold Ninja warrior (with the vehicle safely parked at standstill of course).
Chiseled-and-chunky good looks continue servicing this fifth-generation design well as it ages gracefully. In front, honeycomb patterns fill the upside-down "U" grille design with a horizontal bar across the middle with Toyota splashed across the bar. Round fog lights (our TRD Pro trim upgraded to high performance LED variety), flank the bottom while wrap-around headlight housing accents the top portion. A full-size spare tire stows outside and under the rear cargo region.
Trim levels include entry SR5, Limited, TRD Pro (our tester), TRD off-road and aforementioned Venture. Toyota's pickup trucks and SUVs have tinkered with TRD (Toyota Racing Development) upgrades for the past 40 years.
Think of TRD as an in-house tuning division upgrading existing vehicles with factory-built and specified parts largely gleaned via race track competition (NASCAR, etc.). No need for aftermarket boosts that could void manufacturer warranties.
The TRD tuning designate breaks down into three branches; TRD Sport, TRD off-road and TRD Pro. Consider TRD Sport the on-road choice bosting largely cosmetic nuances while TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro play in the off-road universe. All three boost a prominent hood scoop.
Drop down in front of the vehicle and spy an underframe aluminum skid plate stamped with TRD Pro protecting mechanical parts from unwanted ground terrain interactions. Other TRD Pro specific nuances include specially tuned shocks and springs, Nitro Terra Grappler tires and prominent black roof bracket.
All trims power from a returning 4.0-liter, 24-valve six-cylinder creating a usable 270 horsepower and connect with fairly old-school five-speed automatic transmission. The fuel tank holds 23 gallons of regular, 87-octane fuel. Rear-wheel drive editions deliver 17 miles per gallon city and 21 mpg highway while 4 x 4 editions subtract one mile per gallon highway.
The SR5 comes with standard rear-wheel drive and part-time 4 x 4 optional. Part-time 4 x 4 (with a mechanical transfer case knob) comes standard in both TRD trims. Limited trims remain the only trim with a more traditional full-time 4 x 4 (a system automatically sensing when front wheel traction is needed). It's optional in Limited as the 4 x 2 rear drive comes standard.
The all-new, largely cosmetic Venture edition adds black exterior grab handles rear spoiler and side-view mirrors; gunmetal-colored wheels and roof rack crossbars.
Our drab but appealing U.S. Army regulation camouflage green exterior, 4 x 4 4Runner TRD Pro checked in with a $49,765 starting price. A smattering of stand-alone options including $345 static running boards, $350 sliding rear cargo deck floor, $149 cargo region divider, $79 door edge guard and $160 blackout emblem overlays brought the bottom line to $51,968 after factoring the $1,120 destination charge. The lowest-priced 2020 entry, a 4 x 2 SR5, starts at $36,120
Inside, two rows come standard with 40/20/40 split reclining and fold flat second row seats. An optional third row in SR5 could tempt some, but 4Runner's mid-sized dimensions create a way-back third row much too small for adults to inhabit with any degree of comfort. Stick with the five seater.
The next-generation 4Runner redesign needs to bring on board an inside 'A' pillar grab handle for driver's benefit, matching the already existing handle for shot gun riders. Once stepping inside, head and leg room remain ample. Generous ground clearance coupled with large side and hatchback windows provide commanding road perspectives and good views in multiple directions.
Also available in off-roading in TRD editions, two twist dials up near the rear view mirror to summon electronic rear differential locking. One activates Multi Terrain select options while a Crawl Control dial automatically modulates throttle and brakes when navigating difficult low speed terrain.
Performing HVAC functions may be accomplished while donning heavy work or winter gloves thanks to extra-large, workman-like dials (dual temperature zone settings) flanking sizeable, well-marked push buttons.
Secondary audio push-plate controls locate at 9 o'clock on the steering wheel face. A 3 o'clock push plate operating multiple window selections (current audio selections, compass, etc.) found inside the instrument panel's central digital window.
Flanking the digital window; two sizeable analog dials (left-side tachometer, right-side speedometer) with diminutive quarter gauges clinging their larger brethren in the upper inboard region.
A foot-operated mechanical parking brake (popular in pickups and truck-based SUVs) awaits action when needed.
2020 Toyota 4RunnerPrice as tested: $51,968
Engine: 4.0-liter V-6
Horsepower: 270
Wheelbase: 109.8 inches
Overall Length: 191.3 inches
Overall height: 72 inches
Fuel Economy: 17mpg city/ 21 mpg highway
Curb weight: 4,750 pounds
Powertrain warranty: Five year/60,000 miles
Built: Tahara, Japan