Toyota 4RUNNER 2020 as the eccentric that it is: It fits the mold of the modern mid-size SUV in size (two rows of seats), horsepower (270), and cargo volume (above average for its class), but from behind the wheel, it's nothing like the mainstream family haulers.

Toyota 4RUNNER 2020 as the eccentric that it is: It fits the mold of the modern mid-size SUV in size (two rows of seats), horsepower (270), and cargo volume (above average for its class), but from behind the wheel, it’s nothing like the mainstream family haulers.

This body-on-frame off-roader features control feel that’s better suited to rock-crawling than mall-crawling. So if you care at all about how your daily driver goes around a freeway entrance ramp and Moab isn’t in your vacation plans, look elsewhere.

But if the gravel roads of your adventures lead to rocks, ruts, or mud, then the 4Runner is your winchline to a better life.

Toyota 4RUNNER 2020

All 2020 4Runners receive Toyota’s Safety Sense P (TSS P), an integrated suite of driver-assistance features including a pre-collision system with autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beams.

A new infotainment system increases in screen size from 6.1 to 8.0 inches and features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

A redesigned instrument cluster now includes a 4.2-inch screen for trip meter and fuel-economy data as well as TSS P function display.

Every 4Runner now has two rear USB ports; SR5 Premium and TRD versions get Toyota’s smart key (keyless entry and push-button start).

TRD Pro trims offer a cat-back exhaust and come in four new colors (green, white, gray, and black).

If you’re not buying a 4Runner for its off-road strengths, then you should probably be buying something else that’s better suited to domestic duty.

Our pick is the mid-level TRD Off Road 4×4, which delivers the fundamental off-road hardware without the unnecessary addition of luxury features. Here you’ll get a spartan truck with a real locking rear differential, crawl control, and multi-terrain select, an adjustable terrain-specific traction control system.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 4Runner’s 4.0-liter V-6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission can team with either rear-, four-, or all-wheel drive.

Entry-level SR5 models are rear-wheel drive, while all other trims except the tippity-top Limited model come with selectable, part-time four-wheel drive.

Those models have a manually selectable two-speed transfer case with a low-range setting. Limited models have full-time all-wheel drive with a Torsen center differential that can apportion torque to the front or rear wheels as necessary, depending on road conditions and which wheels have traction.

In our testing, the mid-level 4Runner TRD Off-Road model accelerated to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, its old-school V-6 groaning along with a gruff exhaust note.

Aged though the Toyota feels in action, its performance is right in the mix with its more modern competitors, including the V-6 Dodge Durango and turbocharged Hyundai Santa Fe Sport.

And the Toyota’s rugged frame and torque-rich engine give it a leg up in towing; its 5000-pound capacity beats the aforementioned Santa Fe Sport, as well as the Ford Edge and Jeep Wrangler, while falling short of the more powerful Dodge Durango’s 8700-pound limit.