2020 Toyota 4Runner Review

Name: 2020 Toyota 4Runner
Brand: Toyota

Price Range: $28,990 - $49,990

2020 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

Average

7.6

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The 2020 4Runner finally comes with active driver safety gear such as automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. It also gets an enlarged touchscreen audio system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Overall, this Toyota is a great SUV to get if you plan on a lot of off-roading or recreational use.

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Average price: $37,769

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Appraise My 2020 Toyota 4Runner

Toyota 4Runner model years

Toyota 4Runner for Sale

Pros

Lots of off-road capability
Variety of configurations to suit many buyers and price points
Versatile cargo area, especially with optional slide-out floor

Cons

Choppy ride quality compared with more modern crossovers
V6 engine is not particularly fuel-efficient
Tall step-in height makes for ungraceful entry and exit

What's new

Advanced driver safety aids (Toyota's Safety Sense P) are standard on all models
New infotainment system now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
USB ports for rear passengers
Part of the fifth 4Runner generation introduced for 2010

Overview

Written by automotive expert Reese Counts

10/31/2019

There's not much else on the road quite like the 2020 Toyota 4Runner. This SUV can seat seven people and serve as a daily family hauler. Yet it also has strong off-road capability and a healthy towing capacity. It's not the most refined SUV around, especially compared to more modern car-based crossovers. But given the vehicle's popularity with consumers, this doesn't seem to be much of a drawback.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

43 listings

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2020 Toyota 4Runner
SR5 Premium 4dr SUV
$34,995
fair price
$878 above market
- 80,720 miles
- 5 Seats, 17 City / 20 Hwy MPG
- 6 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Leesburg, VA
Recent Arrival! **LEATHER INTERIOR**, **SUNROOF**, **NAVIGATION**, **1-OWNER**, 4Runner SR5 Premium, 4D Sport Utility, 4.0L V6 SMPI DOHC, 5-Speed Auto...
Vehicle History:
No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (17 City/20 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
JTEBU5JR4L5774858
Stock:
L7821PA
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
05-25-2026
Stock photo^**
Certified 2020 Toyota 4Runner
Limited 4dr SUV
Not Priced
- 81,044 miles
- 7 Seats, 17 City / 20 Hwy MPG
- 15 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Vienna, VA
4WD, Beige Leather.RECALL NOTICE: Some vehicles offered for sale may be subject to unrepaired manufacturer safety recalls. To determine the recall s...
Vehicle History:
1 accident, 1 owner, personal use only
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (17 City/20 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
JTEBU5JR0L5824445
Stock:
KTTP251023A
Certified Pre-Owned:
Yes
Listed since:
04-22-2026

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As a truck-based SUV, the 4Runner is a good option for those who want something with a little more attitude and presence than the standard crop of car-like crossovers, including Toyota's own RAV4 and Highlander. Toyota has also made the 2020 4Runner a little more up-to-date. The big news is that the Toyota Safety Sense P package, which adds a variety of advanced driver aids, is now standard on all models. Until this year, it wasn't even available on the 4Runner. There's also a new infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

The 4Runner isn't the most polished SUV around, and its V6 is thirsty compared to the engines in a lot of similarly priced crossovers. Still, it's hard to find a vehicle that offers this much capability with this much utility and seating for up to seven people. The 4Runner isn't the SUV for everyone, but it might be perfect for some.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Average

7.6

out of 10

We drove the 2020 Toyota 4Runner on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the 4Runner drive? The 4Runner's performance is adequate. It's not terribly fast, but the engine and transmission are smooth. It can hold its own in traffic. The brakes are a bit jumpy, and there's some nosedive when you really mash the brake pedal, but you'll get used to it. Around corners, the 4Runner turns in quickly and provides a pleasing amount of stability for a truck-based SUV. Even so, other car-like crossover SUVs are more nimble.

The 4Runner becomes a superstar if you're the sort who would take it off-road for exploring or adventure camping. Its multimode 4WD system, high ground clearance and special TRD features make it capable of taking on rocky trails. If that's important to you, then the 4Runner's otherwise mediocre performance will be more or less insignificant.

Comfort

7/10

How comfortable is the 4Runner? You wouldn't be far off the mark if you sized up the 4Runner's comfort potential just by looking at it. You actually can judge this book by its cover. Its truck-based construction results in a somewhat bouncy and stiff ride. It's not terrible, but just about any other crossover SUV rides more smoothly.

The same goes for wind noise as the 4Runner's boxy shape stirs up more than the generally sleeker and more low-slung competition. Interestingly, road noise from the tires is relatively tame because body-on-frame construction provides an extra layer of sound suppression between road and cabin.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? Living with a 4Runner is a pretty pleasant experience, but it has one fairly obvious drawback: its tall ride height. That makes getting in and out somewhat difficult, though side steps are available to help out. It's really no worse than any full-size pickup in this regard, but other crossover SUVs are easier to access.

Once you're inside, you'll find easy-to-understand controls and a highly adjustable driving position that affords a commanding view ahead. There's plenty of space in both the front and back rows. Visibility to the sides and back is surprisingly good because of the 4Runner's squared-off shape and windows.

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? 2020 represents a big change for the 4Runner in this area. Those looking at last year's model should know we didn't like the technology equipment on 2019 and earlier ones nearly as much. The new touchscreen audio system has a larger screen, clearer graphics, and numerous fixed shortcut buttons that make it easier to drill down into the menus without staring at the screen as much. It also now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.

Another improvement has to do with active driver safety aids. Previous 4Runners lacked such systems, but this one has a full suite as standard equipment.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? The 4Runner's squared-off cargo area is big. Fold the rear seats down and you can even roll out sleeping bags back there. Cargo can be accessed by opening the hatch, of course, or by lowering the 4Runner's power rear window.

The roomy second row can accommodate car seats in any of the three positions, even bulkier rear-facing models. The square door openings make for easy access, but little kids will have a hard time climbing up into the cabin. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, a useful figure that covers most boats and many small camping trailers. And the vehicle is prewired for not only four-pin but also seven-pin trailer plugs that come on trailers with electric trailer brakes.

Fuel Economy

6/10

How’s the fuel economy? The aging 4.0-liter V6 engine and five-speed automatic make for a rather thirsty pairing that does no better than 17 mpg combined (16 city/19 highway). This is, on average, 4 mpg worse than other rival crossover SUVs with all-wheel drive.

Value

7/10

Is the 4Runner a good value? The 4Runner costs more than some of the crossovers it competes with, but in return you get more in terms of off-highway and towing performance. It also has an incredibly strong resale value, so much of the extra you'll pay up front will come back when you move on to something else later on.

While you own it, you'll have two years of free scheduled maintenance for things such as oil changes and tire rotations. The warranty, should you ever need it, is fairly standard. The 4Runner's big downside occurs at the pump, which you will be visiting often because its rated fuel economy is in the teens in both the city and on the highway.

Wildcard

8/10

On the road, it's fine. It gets you there. The fun comes in when you take it off-road. And you can because this is the next best thing to a four-door Jeep Wrangler. As every other SUV has descended into crossover pavement-and-snow mediocrity, the 4Runner still waves the flag for the body-on-frame SUV fans who want real off-road performance. It's more legendary than ever.

2020 Toyota 4Runner trim level differences

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner is a midsize SUV available in eight trim levels: SR5, SR5 Premium, Venture, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, Limited and Limited Nightshade. All come with a 4.0-liter V6 (270 horsepower, 278 lb-ft of torque) and five-speed automatic transmission. The SR5 and Limited trims are available with two-wheel drive and seating for up to seven passengers. The remaining trim levels are 4WD-only and seat five. Compare the 2020 Toyota 4Runner trim levels in-depth.

Which 4Runner trim does Edmunds recommend?

While all variants are relatively capable, we think the TRD Off-Road Premium provides the best combination of performance and features. It's not as capable as the TRD Pro, but it still includes features such as a locking rear differential and a specialized suspension to help you out on the trail. We'd also get the optional Premium package for its set of features that make it a better vehicle to live with day-to-day.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$264/mo

$228/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

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Reliability

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #7 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average

#7 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$469/yr

vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Frequency

0.83x/yr

vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Severity

13%

vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV

Recalls

1 recall found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 22V480000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SET22A
Manufactured from:: 2020-01-01 to 2022-06-08
Number of vehicles affected:: 280
Defect Description:: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2020-2022 4Runner vehicles equipped with 20-inch Black Gunner Wheels. The load carrying capacity modification labels are incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Defect Consequence:: An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: SET will mail replacement labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 4, 2022. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET22A.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 2 years / unlimited miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 2 years / 25,000 miles

Toyota 4Runner Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.3

44 reviews

5(57%)

4(27%)

3(6%)

2(2%)

1(8%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2020 Toyota 4Runner videos

2020 Land Rover Defender vs. Wrangler vs. 4Runner — The New Defender Goes Off-Road With the Big Boys

In this video, see how the new Defender stacks up against the best off-roaders on the market. Our experts evaluate the new 2020 Land Rover Defender on the road and off-road with two of the best and most popular off-road vehicles, the Toyota 4Runner and the Jeep Wrangler. How does the new Defender stack up? Find out in a good old-fashioned off-road comparison test.

2020 4Runner Features & Specs

Trim:

SR5

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$36,020
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$264/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	47.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the 4Runner models:

Downhill Assist Control: Improves directional control during descent on steep or slippery surfaces
Pre-Collision System: Uses radar and cameras to scan the road for people or other objects, alerting the driver. May automatically brake if the driver doesn't.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Uses radar to maintain a set speed and distance to a vehicle in front of you. Will slow down and speed up based on traffic speed.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger3 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover3 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover24.6%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Marginal
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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