The Toyota 4Runner is a body-on-frame mid-size SUV that Toyota has built since 1984. The 2020 model year belongs to the fifth-generation N280 series, which was introduced for 2009 and remained in production until August 2024. For 2020 the 4Runner carried over its proven mechanical package but gained an important update in standard safety equipment, making it one of the more capable and durable choices in its class.
The 4Runner name was coined by an advertising copywriter as a play on “forerunner.” According to Toyota, the “4” referred to the vehicle’s four-wheel-drive system, while “Runner” pointed to its all-terrain ability. In Japan the same vehicle was marketed as the Hilux Surf until it was withdrawn there in 2009.
A Brief History of the 4Runner
Toyota introduced the 4Runner in 1984 as essentially a Hilux pickup with a fiberglass rear shell, and sold it in Japan as the Hilux Surf. A second generation arrived in 1989, followed by a third in 1995 that moved the model into the mid-size class. The fourth generation, from 2002, offered both a V6 and a V8. The fifth generation debuted for 2009, and the Hilux Surf name was withdrawn from the Japanese market that same year, leaving the 4Runner as a North American-focused model.
What the 2020 4Runner Was
The fifth-generation 4Runner is a truck-based SUV with a separate frame, a live rear axle and, on four-wheel-drive models, a low-range transfer case. It is sold mainly in North America and Central America, alongside the closely related Tacoma pickup and Land Cruiser Prado. The layout favors off-road durability over car-like refinement, which is why the model built a reputation for longevity: a 2019 iSeeCars study found that nearly four percent of 4Runners had covered more than 200,000 miles.
2020 Model-Year Changes
The headline change for 2020 was that Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) became standard on every trim. The package includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams and dynamic radar cruise control. All trims also gained two rear-seat USB ports. The TRD Pro received an updated grille to house the front radar sensor, and its JBL premium audio system became standard. The infotainment system was upgraded to Entune 3.0 with a larger, higher-resolution touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa and 4G LTE connectivity.
Engine and Drivetrain
Every 2020 4Runner used the 4.0-liter 1GR-FE V6, a naturally aspirated engine with an aluminum block and heads. It produced 270 hp at 5,600 rpm and 278 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard on the SR5, while most trims offered part-time four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case and low range. The engine favors durability and low-end torque over fuel economy, which keeps real-world consumption relatively high for a mid-size SUV.
Off-Road Hardware
The 4Runner’s off-road credentials are central to its appeal. The TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims add a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control and an upgraded suspension. The TRD Pro also uses TRD-tuned springs and dampers and sits on all-terrain tires, while some models offered Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. Ground clearance and approach and departure angles are tuned for trail use rather than for the road.
Exterior
The fifth-generation 4Runner has a tall, blocky profile with a high belt line, muscular fenders and a roof rack or raised roof on some trims. It measured about 4,825 to 4,860 mm (189.9 to 191.3 in) long and 1,925 mm (75.8 in) wide, on a 2,790 mm (109.8 in) wheelbase. The 2020 TRD Pro’s cosmetic changes were subtle, centered on the grille and badging.
Interior and Technology
The cabin is functional rather than plush, with durable materials, a upright dashboard and controls designed to be used with gloves. Seating ranges from five to seven depending on trim, and the sliding cargo deck remained available on some models. The 2020 update to the touchscreen and smartphone integration addressed the biggest criticism of earlier fifth-generation cars, which had lagged on connectivity.
The 2025 Redesign
A sixth-generation 4Runner (N500) went into production in December 2024 for the 2025 model year. It moved to the TNGA-F platform, switched to a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and added a hybrid option called i-Force Max with an eight-speed automatic. That means the 2020 model is a fifth-generation car, and no sixth-generation 4Runner existed in 2020. Buyers cross-shopping other Toyota SUVs can read the 2019 Toyota Fortuner Price and Review and the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Limited Price and Engine Specs for comparison.
Trims and Equipment Levels
For 2020 the 4Runner was sold in several trims, including the SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited and TRD Pro. The SR5 and Limited targets road users, with the Limited adding leather trim and more comfort features, while the TRD versions focus on trail capability. Premium grades add upgraded audio, navigation and heated seats. The TRD Pro sits at the top of the range as the most off-road-focused version.
Fuel Economy and Running Costs
Fuel economy is the 4Runner’s main compromise. The 4.0-liter V6 and five-speed automatic are an older combination than the turbocharged and multi-speed setups used by many rivals, and the truck-like weight and aerodynamics keep consumption high. In exchange, the simple, proven drivetrain and body-on-frame construction give the model strong durability and slow depreciation, which has kept resale values high and made the 4Runner a frequent pick on lists of long-lasting vehicles.
