2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Defies Expectations, Says Fox News

Despite its age, Toyota offers a desirable off-road-oriented SUV with its 4Runner, says reviewer.

Toyota introduced the current generation 4Runner just over ten years ago. That’s a demerit for some. But many others feel differently. In fact, last year was one of the 4Runner’s best ever. It turns out buyers interested in a rugged utility turn to Toyota and its legendary body-on-frame vehicles when they want true capability.

That’s exactly what Fox News Autos Editor Gary Gastelu experienced when he got the opportunity to review a 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. Overall, Gastelu enjoyed his time with the 4Runner and felt it represented the exact type of vehicle certain customers want. Sure, the Toyota might be a older than a lot of vehicles on the market. But that doesn’t mean it’s bad. Far from it.

This 4Runner’s Got Old-School Cred and New-School Tech

Fox News Autos called the new 4Runner a “brand-new classic SUV.” That’s an impressively accurate way of referring to the 4Runner. Basically, Fox News Autos liked the combination of new tech and off-road capability that is baked into every example of 4Runner. “But it does get a few updates this year to help it keep up with the times. Including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and an infotainment system equipped with Apply CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa,” says Fox New Autos. Combined with a solid rear axle and the rear window that rolls down, the Toyota has a lot going for it.

What does the 4Runner compete with? Toyota enthusiasts no doubt feel that it exists in its own niche. But there are some rivals that have a similar mission statement. The Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Grand Cherokee are two such vehicles. What makes the 4Runner a worthy competitor to both of those FCA products is its size and handling. “This may not be quite as extreme of a machine as the top Jeep Wranglers but it’s about as close as a competitor as you get these days. And combines that sort-of capability with much better on-road refinement and ride quality,” says Fox News Auto. “It kind of splits the difference between the Wrangler and Jeep Grand Cherokee.”

An Excellent Off-Roader

Unsurprisingly, Fox News Autos found the 4Runner to be extremely capable once it got off the pavement. The TRD Pro comes standard with the type of equipment most people will find suitable for their needs. ” With just 9.6-inches of ground clearance, that front suspension and open front differential, a stock TRD Pro can’t handle the most extreme terrain out there, but you’ll literally have to go out of your way to get it stuck. It scurries up rock-strewn trails with ease and rips through ruts without being a pain in the butt,” says Fox News Autos. The 4Runner has many similarly sized competitors that can keep up with it on the pavement. But when the road turns to dirt those vehicles won’t be able to follow.

When it comes to off-road-oriented utility vehicles, the 4Runner is hard to beat. It may not sport an advanced platform like other vehicles, but it doesn’t need to. The Wrangler isn’t any more sophisticated underneath. And the Jeep Grand Cherokee is about as old at the Toyota. Plus, those vehicles aren’t exactly known for their quality. Toyota’s got that covered. Ultimately, we’re happy to see the 4Runner get recognized for what it is: an extremely competent do-anything SUV.

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