I might prefer to know what sort of eye cream the 4Runner is utilizing, as a result of in spite of everything these years, Toyota’s ol’ gal nonetheless seems to be unbelievable. For 2020, the 4Runner will get various noteworthy updates, not in contrast to these discovered on the refreshed Tacoma pickup truck.

For starters, Toyota’s new Security Sense-P suite of driving aids is now customary throughout all trims. Which means each 2020 4Runner comes with pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, automated high-beam headlights and high-speed adaptive cruise management (learn: it would not work underneath 25 miles per hour). Nevertheless, these in search of blind-spot monitoring shall be disillusioned. It is nonetheless not accessible on any trim.

The face of the 2020 4Runner is without end younger.

Toyota

One other massive replace is discovered inside, the place the 4Runner will get improved compatibility with telephones. The infotainment system itself carries over unchanged, displayed on an Eight-inch touchscreen. However now the 4Runner comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Freaking lastly.

In any other case, the 4Runner’s cabin is usually the identical because it ever was. Up entrance, the motive force will get a redesigned instrument panel, whereas rear-seat passengers now have entry to 2 USB ports.

The place issues have not modified is underneath the hood — the 4Runner nonetheless makes use of Toyota’s super-old, four.Zero-liter, naturally aspirated V6 engine. It produces an solely enough 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, and runs by means of a easy however unsophisticated five-speed automated transmission.

On paved roads, the 4Runner’s powertrain actually reveals its age. Granted, the excessive altitudes of the Rocky Mountains do not assist — naturally aspirated engines at all times undergo at larger altitudes. However with solely meh quantities of energy and a lazy transmission, the four,500-pound SUV feels downright gradual in these situations.

Add this to the listing of issues I assumed I might by no means see: Apple CarPlay within the 2020 Toyota 4Runner.

Toyota

The place the 4Runner excels most is off the crushed path. It is one of many few body-on-frame SUVs within the midsize class, which means it is lots harder than a Honda Passport or Kia Telluride. The TRD Off-Street and Trd Professional trims include an electronically locking rear differential, a Multi-Terrain Choose system and Crawl Management. Collectively, these techniques enable the 4Runner to scamper up the slick rocks of Moab, Utah, and crawl over the rocky passes close to Ouray, Colorado.

The Multi-Terrain Choose system has modes for Mud and Sand, Free Rock, Rock and Filth, Mogul and Rock. Every can modify wheel spin and throttle sensitivity to tackle the tough stuff like royalty. The five-level Crawl Management manages throttle and braking, permitting the motive force to focus on choosing the most effective line by means of robust terrain. It is a cool function, however it’s fairly noisy and I do not discover myself utilizing it that a lot.

In the event you assume you may actually be venturing off the grid, the TRD Professional trim is the 4Runner for you. The Nitto Terra Grappler tires on the TRD Professional are a bit grabbier than the all-terrains on the TRD Off-Street, and the Professional makes use of 2.5-inch Fox inner bypass shocks with distant piggyback reservoirs within the rear. The entrance of the TRD Professional has a 1-inch carry over different 4Runners, and solely the Professional will get a brand new cat-back exhaust that sounds nice.

There’s loads of room to hold all of your off-road gear, due to 47.2 cubic ft of area behind the second row of seats. Fold these down, and cargo area expands to 90 cubes. And hey, the 4Runner is the one SUV that provides an influence rear hatchback window to let in some extra wind.

Added functionality comes due to a 1,500-pound payload capability, and the 4Runner is rated to tow as a lot as 5,000 kilos.

Search for the 2020 4Runner to hit dealerships in September, at which level ultimate pricing needs to be accessible. Given its modest updates, do not count on costs to alter an excessive amount of from the 2019 4Runner.

There are few automobiles that may stick round for this lengthy with out an replace and nonetheless be as cool because the 4Runner. It seems to be nice, has severe off-road chops and now comes with higher driving aids and higher cellphone integration. The 2020 mannequin yr tweaks won’t be large, however they make an endearing SUV somewhat simpler to stay with.

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