(September 13, 2019) PLANO, Texas — The Toyota 4Runner is the family-hauling, boat-towing, hill-climbing SUV that’s been getting it done for five model generations since 1984. With its core DNA as a body-on-frame, do-anything vehicle fully intact, the 4Runner crosses into 2020 with a new safety package and numerous new tech, comfort and convenience upgrades.

For 2020, the 4Runner makes Toyota Safety Sense P standard on all grades, making it an even more compelling choice for the adventurous family. This advanced suite of driver-assist technologies includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Sway Warning System, Automatic High Beams and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

With room for up to seven, the fifth-generation 4Runner is the most capable of its proud family tree, and it’s also the most accommodating and most comfortable. For 2020, all grades debut a new instrument panel design along with a high-resolution 8-inch touchscreen display for the Audio, Audio Plus and Premium Audio systems. 

At the same time, the versatile multimedia systems get even more so with the addition of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Now, you can easily navigate phone content or ask Siri, Google or Alexa to recommend the best campsites, or to perhaps find a pizza place that delivers to the woods. Rear seat passengers, meanwhile, will appreciate the addition of two USB ports to charge their devices. 

The 4Runner TRD Pro, which for 2019 gained its most off-road-capable suspension ever, shares in the above upgrades while also adding standard Smart Key with Push Button Start. The SR5 Premium and TRD Off-Road Premium grades also gain this convenience feature for 2020. 

Only the 2020 4Runner TRD Pro, though, gets the new TRD-branded cat-back exhaust, which gives the 270-horsepower V6 engine a powerful-sounding growl. TRD Pro also gains updated HVAC controls borrowed from the Limited. A new Army Green exterior color that’s available only on 2020 Toyota TRD Pro models will bring out your inner drill sergeant. Magnetic Gray Metallic will also enter the fold as an option on TRD Pros, while Super White and Midnight Black Metallic colors will continue.

Those opting for the top-of-the line 4Runner Limited grade can once again choose the Nightshade Special Edition that debuted for 2019. Available in Midnight Black Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic or Blizzard Pearl, the Nightshade Special Edition gets its name from 20-inch black wheels, and extensive black exterior trim, including: rear bumper, grille accents, exterior mirrors and door handles, window moldings, rocker panels, door garnish, roof rails, badging, front moldings, and even the exhaust tailpipe tip. 

Black interior trim features include the steering wheel, center cluster and console panels, shift knob and shifter panel, and inner door grips. (With the new-for-2020 8-inch multimedia systems, just ask Siri, Google or Alexa to play the Rolling Stones’ “Paint it Black.”)

The Premium Audio system in TRD Pro and Limited models builds further, adding Dynamic Navigation, six JBL speakers with subwoofer and amplifier, Dynamic Navigation with 3-year trial, Dynamic POI Search, Dynamic Voice Recognition, Remote Connect with 1-year trial, Wi-Fi Connect with up to 2 GB within 3-month trial, and Destination Assist with 1-year trial.