The Toyota 4Runner first broke cover as a pickup truck-based sport-utility in 1984, and by the mid-1990s, it was in the thick of a fast-expanding segment of mid-size SUVs such as the Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Jeep Cherokee, and Chevrolet S-10 Blazer. In the ensuing decades, sport-utilities became the dominant market segment — but one inhabited mostly by car-based “soft-roaders” such as Toyota’s own RAV4 and Highlander, and the present-day successors to all those 1990s SUV stalwarts.
With the passing of the FJ Cruiser and prices of the Land Cruiser approaching triple digits, the 4Runner has emerged as Toyota’s only affordable, truck-tough SUV. For 2020, the 4Runner adds standard safety features, gets much-needed updates to its infotainment system, and expands its model lineup, adding a new Venture trim merging TRD Off-Road content with a huge Yakima Megawarrior roof rack. Toyota also continues its recently rolled-out Nightshade Edition 4Runner with blackout trim inside and out. Including the $1,120 destination charge, the extensive 2020 Toyota 4Runner lineup starts with the $37,240 SR5 and includes the $40,435 SR5 Premium, $40,960 TRD Off-Road, $43,690 TRD Off-Road Premium, $45,505 Venture Edition, $46,105 Limited, $47,845 Nightshade Edition, and $50,985 TRD Pro.