“I love that I have enough room to pack for long trips or move large amounts of stuff anywhere I want. Sitting up higher is also really nice and I can see over and around larger vehicles. It's comfortable and does exactly what I need it to do and then some. However, the gas mileage is not great so that is for sure a compromise.”
2020 Toyota 4Runner: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2020 Toyota 4Runner is that Toyota Safety Sense P became standard on every trim. This was a meaningful safety and cabin-technology update rather than a full redesign.
About the 2020 Toyota 4Runner
5th generation (2010-2024), technology and safety update within the existing generation
Toyota positioned the 4Runner as a rugged, body-on-frame SUV for family hauling, towing and travel beyond paved roads. Its key differences from car-based midsize crossovers were low-range 4WD configurations, substantial ground clearance, a 5,000-pound towing rating and a large, square cargo area. The range also covered distinct needs, from everyday SR5 models to trail-focused TRD versions and the road-comfort-oriented Limited.
The 2020 4Runner ranges from the practical SR5 to specialized trail models and the more road-focused Limited. TRD Off-Road models have low-range 4WD and a locking rear differential, while TRD Pro adds FOX shocks, lifted front springs and an aluminum skid plate. Limited emphasizes comfort with ventilated leather seats, a road-tuned suspension and premium JBL audio.
What changed, by category
Safety
Toyota Safety Sense P became standard across the lineup. It adds pedestrian-detecting pre-collision assistance, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams and radar cruise control.
Tech
Every trim gained a redesigned instrument panel with a 4.2-inch information display, an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility and two rear USB charging ports. Navigation and premium audio changed from standard to optional on SR5 and TRD Off-Road.
Styling
Toyota made slight grille revisions. The adventure-focused Venture and Nightshade Special Edition joined the lineup, while the prior Limited Nightshade Edition was dropped.
2020 Toyota 4Runner specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| Horsepower | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp |
| Torque | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 88.8 cu-ft | 88.8 cu-ft | 88.8 cu-ft | 88.8 cu-ft | 88.8 cu-ft | 88.8 cu-ft | 88.8 cu-ft | 88.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 32.9 in | 32.9 in | 32.9 in | 32.9 in | 32.9 in | 32.9 in | 32.9 in | 32.9 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||||
| Power Side Steps | ||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2020 Toyota 4Runner?
The biggest change is standard Toyota Safety Sense P on every 2020 4Runner. The suite includes pedestrian-detecting pre-collision assistance, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams and radar cruise control.
Does the 2020 Toyota 4Runner have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Every 2020 4Runner has a new 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Amazon Alexa compatibility.
Was the Toyota 4Runner Venture new for 2020?
Yes. Venture joined the 4Runner lineup for 2020 as an outdoor-travel-focused model based on the TRD Off-Road Premium. It has low-range 4WD, a locking rear differential, heated SofTex seats, navigation and push-button start.
Is the 2020 Toyota 4Runner substantially different from the 2019 model?
Yes, mainly in safety and cabin technology. The 2020 model adds standard Toyota Safety Sense P, a larger touchscreen with smartphone integration, a redesigned instrument panel and rear USB ports, but it keeps the same V6 and five-speed automatic transmission.
Did the 2020 Toyota 4Runner get a new engine or transmission?
No. The 2020 4Runner continues with the 4.0-liter V6 and five-speed automatic transmission used across the lineup.
2020 Toyota 4Runner Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Toyota 4Runner.
4.4
2020 Toyota 4Runner
(219 reviews)
“I am obsessed with my 2020 Toyota 4Runner. It is fun to drive, very spacious, and feels extremely safe. I do wish it had 4WD or AWD, but otherwise I have no issues with it.”
“100% dependable. I drive 100 miles a day on an interstate and feel totally safe!”
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — The Adventurer Toyota 4Runner Gains New Safety And Multimedia Tech For 2020
- pressroom.toyota.com — Dare To Explore Toyota 4Runner Venture Edition New For 2020
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2019 Toyota 4Runner Strengthens Legacy 35 Year
- pressroom.toyota.com — Happier Trails 2021 Toyota 4Runner Adds New Trail Special Edition