2020 Toyota 4Runner Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner has been upgraded with lots of technology. It was the last to offer Toyota Safety Sense, but now the suite is standard. The model also picks up a bigger touch screen and important smartphone connectivity.

The 4Runner is still made with the body-on-frame construction that makes it a true sport utility vehicle. Shoppers will appreciate that Toyota has improved the 4Runner interior while maintaining its rugged capability. The vehicle is much more competitive as a result. Overall the quality is higher even at the entry level.

The most affordable model is the SR5. The 4Runner SR5 Premium is the second-tier choice. After that, you have the TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium. A new special edition called the Venture is fifth in the lineup. The Limited and Nightshade special edition are after that. By that point, you can see that it’s quite a price leap to the top-tier TRD Pro. Most models are offered with eight color choices.

A standard power liftgate gives you access to the large 46-cubic feet rear storage area. The seats fold 40/20/40 for flexibility. With the seats down, the user claims up to 88.8 cubic feet of space. Available on every trim level, an available sliding rear cargo deck comes with an under-floor storage compartment. The SR5, SR5 Premium and Limited offer an optional third row.

Toyota did not change the 4Runner powertrain. This proven V6 produces 270 horsepower and 278 pound feet of torque. It is controlled by a five-speed automatic transmission. Tow ratings top out at 5,000 pounds with the integrated towing hitch receiver.

Compare the 2020 Toyota 4Runner SR5 vs SR5 Premium Trims. What is the difference?

The best news for 2020 model shoppers is the level of technology and comforts at the base level. 4Runner owners will appreciate a bigger eight-inch touch screen. Eight speakers are standard.

New this model year, the touch screen comes with Apple CarPlay to enhance iPhone connectivity. Android Auto connects Google Android smartphone owners. Allowing you to connect with your home, SUV and phone, the vehicle offers a Toyota+Alexa app. This can be further enhanced by a Remote Connect app. This lets you check on your SUV and start it up, using Amazon Alexa at home.

A one-year trial for Remote Connect lets you lock, unlock or start your 4Runner via your smartphone or other smart device. A ten-year trial for Service Connect is another smartphone app included with every 4Runner. If you choose Wi-Fi Connect, your vehicle can be a 4G hotspot. This allows up to five devices to connect to the internet.

Standard safety tech includes forward collision watch, pedestrian watch, a related autobrake and radar-enhanced adaptive cruise control. A lane assist and automatic high beams are also standard. Furthermore, a one-year trial to Safety Connect is also included. This provides accident or emergency notification with the push of a button. The airbag count has increased to eight.

The backup camera makes reverse maneuvers simple. The gridlines help the driver hook up to a trailer. In addition to front USB ports, Toyota has added rear USB ports to provide even more connectivity.

SR5 drivers will appreciate the eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and second-row reclining seats. SR5 Premium cabins are definitely a step above. Push button and a Smart Key are standards. Dynamic navigation is added to the touch screen system. Plus, the buyer gets a one-year trial for Destination Assist. This system lets you ask an operator for directions and travel advice.

Toyota add many more comforts such as heated front seats and a four-way power adjustable front passenger seat. The driver’s chair has a memory function to position the chair where the driver needs it each time. Best of all, SofTex leatherette upholstery covers the seats, even if you choose the third row. The available third row comes with one-touch access.

SR5 and SR5 Premium models have rear-wheel drive. Toyota’s automatic limited slip differential makes them especially versatile. Ground clearance is a generous 9 inches. Four-wheel drive is offered on both.

Compare the 2020 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium vs TRD Off-Road Trims:  What is the difference?

Stepping over to the TRD Off-Road, the buyer will not have as many amenities. This TRD level is more like the SR5. For instance, the trim has a power-adjustable driver’s chair and power liftgate. It does not offer SofTex, heated seats, or the available third row.

Special interior detailing includes a TRD shift knob and special floor matts. Toyota adds Audio Plus which has HD radio.

The TRD Off-Road stands taller with 9.6 inches of ground clearance. It trades rear wheel drive for a part-time four-wheel drive system. It includes an electronically controlled rear differential. Tires are upgraded to special mud-and-snow types. There are skid plates for extra off-road protection.

Compare the 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road vs TRD Off-Road Premium.  What is the difference?

Both Off-Road models have skid plates, an electronically controlled rear locker, and 9.6 inches of ground clearance. They are both equipped with the part-time four-wheel drive system.

However, as the name suggests, the TRD Off-Road Premium is a step above the TRD Off-Road. As such, the feature list aligns with the SR5 Premium. You’ll find SofTex upholstery, Dynamic Navigation and the Smart Key system. There are more decorative features such as the TRD Pro headrests.

Compare the 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium vs Venture Special Edition Trims.  What is the difference?

The Venture edition and TRD Off-Road Premium have similar amenities. SofTex upholstery covers the power-adjustable, power-heated front seats. All weather floor liners are a Venture standard. The third row is not available.

Its exterior really sets it apart. Every Venture has gunmetal colored TRD wheels, black accents, and black rear spoiler. For extra storage, Venture trims have a Yakima Megawarrior roof rack with a spacious tray. It’s a great place to store your sports equipment or extra supplies for a camping trip.

Like the TRD Off-Road Premium, the four-wheel drive system is a part time unit with a two-speed transfer case and rear locker. Drivers will appreciate Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select.

Compare the 2020 Toyota 4Runner Venture Special Edition vs Limited Trims. What is the difference?

The Limited is offered in rear-wheel drive or full-time all-wheel drive. This four-wheel drive is full-time unlike the TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, and Venture models. It also includes downhill assist control. An X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension gives the Limited a supple ride. 20-inch alloys and chrome door handles dress up the exterior.

Instead of the eight-speaker audio system, the Limited upgrades to a 15-speaker JBL System. Clari-Fi sound features include a subwoofer and amplifier. To enhance Dynamic Navigation, Toyota adds a three-year trial of Dynamic POI Search.
Limited cabins trade the SofTex for perforated leather. Families can choose a third row, also in leather. The heated front seats gain power-ventilation. The climate system is upgraded to dual-zone automatic HVAC. Front and rear sonar are added to the list of safety features.

Compare the 2020 Toyota 4Runner Limited vs. Nightshade Edition.  What is the difference?

With the same amenities as the Limited, the Nightshade Edition is all about style. The exterior is dressed with black chrome bumper accents and 20-inch black alloy wheels. Black dresses up the spoilers, rocker panels, and exhaust tip. It comes in only three colors: Midnight Black Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, and Blizzard Pearl.
With its leather interior, the Nightshade Edition is as dressy as the Limited. The interior has a black steering wheel, shift knob, center console, and door grips. Heated and ventilated seats keep the front row happy. You’ve still got those reclining second-row seats to help adults get comfortable.

Compare the 2020 Toyota 4Runner Nightshade Vs TRD Pro Trims.  What is the difference?

The TRD Pro is the most capable of all 4Runner models. It drops the Nightshade’s extras for some extras of its own. It is fronted by a unique TOYOTA front grille. In giant letters, TRD is stamped on the extra-thick front skid plate.

Of all of these trail-ready rides, it is the most prepared for anything that you could encounter. The suspension has supersized Fox shocks. This high performance equipment has specially tuned front springs and rear remote reservoirs. Toyota’s engineers have made sure that this SUV can take punishment without hurting the owner’s investment. It also helps on the road when hitting bumps and potholes.

Toyota has equipped this model with creative matte-black alloys that are fronts for Nitto Terra Grappler tires. As you can imagine, these are all-terrain types with special grip. Remarkably, Toyota says that these are specially designed for on-road comfort.

The interior is dressed up with special red-stitching on the black SofTex seats. A moonroof adds natural light. The cabin has the 15-speaker JBL audio system. However, the model doesn’t have all of the Limited’s amenities. The front seats are power-adjustable, but they aren’t power-ventilated. As with the TRD Off-road models, a third row isn’t on the menu.

Which Trim to Choose?

Toyota actually has made it harder to narrow down the choices. They all tow at the same rates. Plus every model is either equipped with four-wheel drive or offers it.

As an affordable package, the SR5 is better equipped than it has ever been. The presence of a full touch screen system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are valuable at the outset. Adding to the value proposition, it comes with the safety suite and power driver’s chair. You can upgrade it with either four-wheel drive or the third row, if you need it.

Families may want to stick with the SR5, SR5 Premium or Limited. These allow you to pick a third row. That may be important for your family size or for the daily carpool.

A couple looking to purchase are sure to want the SR5 Premium at a minimum. With its dual power-adjustable, power-heated front seats, there’s a level of comfort implied. The SofTex is an excellent leather substitute. It wears well and looks almost as good as leather.

With the addition of the Venture, adventure seekers will have to weigh the pros and cons of four off-road models. While the TRD Pro is pricey, it doesn’t have as much comfort to offer. You can drop back to the Venture and get ample capability for less money. Yet you will still get style and amenities.

Measuring the Limited against other SUVs in this price range, this is one year that the 4Runner does not fall short. All of that leather upholstery is complemented by a higher quality level. Certainly the technology is on par with any rival. For shoppers in this price range, it really comes down to whether you want the more refined Limited or the edgy Nightshade.

If fuel economy concerns you, the rear-wheel drive versions of the SR5, SR5 Premium or Limited are the better choice. They are more fuel efficient than the four-wheel drivetrains. Overall, efficiency is not a major benefit of this SUV. With its emphasis on incredible spaciousness for its class, this oversight can be forgiven.