New Tech Comes to the 2020 TRD Pro 4Runner

We got a Sneak Peek at the 2020 TRD Pro 4Runner: New Stand-Out Features + Tech Upgrades Seen at the Sacramento Auto Show

The biggest tech list for the 5th Gen 4Runner has finally arrived. If you have been waiting for the 4Runner to get better in the tech department, this model is for you.

I had a chance to take a look at the all-new 4Runner in a few models, including the Army Green TRD Pro, at the Sacramento Auto Show.

Some of the new features on the 2020 models really stood out, including redesigned dash, push-to-start button, upgraded exhaust and of course the new Army Green TRD Pro color.

Capability + Durability Upgrades

Most of the suspension and off-road capabilities of the new model flow over from the 2019 model and earlier models as well.

The new 4Runner includes Crawl Control, available at five different speeds. It comes with the trusty 4.0-liter v-6 engine, the same as last year.

The Multi-Terrain Select system, which adjusts the wheel slip depending on your terrain (mud, sand, rock or mogul) is also back.

For the TRD Pro, another return is the 2.5” Fox internal-bypass shock absorber suspension.

Drivetrain Options (all models) 

1. (2WD) Rear-Wheel Drive with Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto LSD)
2. Part-time 4WD with Active Traction Control (A-TRAC)
3. Full-time 4WD with Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) and Torsen limited-slip Electronic Diff Locker
4.  TRD PRO: Electronically controlled locking rear differential, Multi-terrain Select and Crawl Control (CRAWL) with Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)

Suspension Options (all models) 

• Independent double-wishbone front suspension with stabilizer bar; coil-spring 4-link with stabilizer bar
• TRD Off-Road: Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) – Not an option on the TRD Pro.
• X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension
• TRD PRO: TRD FOX high-performance shocks with rear remote reservoirs and TRD-tuned front springs

Interior Features & New Tech

Moving forward, the SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road Premium, and the TRD Pro models now have a push-to-start button.

The entire infotainment system and the dash of the 2020 4Runner are redesigned from the previous years. The new infotainment features a two-inch larger touchscreen display, bringing the display up to 8.0”. Also included, across all models, is the newly designed 4.2” instrument panel screen. This new screen has exceptionally better graphics and colors. The speedometer and tachometer now appear more future-forward and modern looking.

The audio features eight speakers, AM/FM, Android Auto, and finally – the long-awaited Apple CarPlay along with Amazon Alexa compatible voice commands along with standard hands-free phone capability and advanced voice recognition. For USB ports, you will find your common USB media port, and two all new USB charge ports in the rear for your passengers.

The SiriusXM® comes with your basic 3-month all-access trial.

For seating, the premium models offer a 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat in addition to heated front seats. The limited model also gives you all of this as well as heated and ventilated front seats and driver’s seat memory, which automatically goes back to your ideal driving position each time you buckle up.

Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P)

Toyota Safety Sense is now standard on all models.

• Automatic Collision Notification: In the event of an airbag deployment or severe rear-end collision, the 24/7 Toyota Saftey center is automatically notified. A team of response center agents will attempt to speak with the vehicle’s occupants and then notify local emergency services to request dispatch of emergency services to the vehicle’s location based on GPS technology.
• Emergency Assistance Button: Engaging the Emergency Assistance button in your vehicle can connect you with a 24/7 response center agent who can request dispatch of necessary emergency services to your vehicles location in case of an emergency.
• Enhanced Roadside Assistance: At the press of the Emergency Assistance Button, you can connect with 24/7 Roadside Assistance.
• Stolen Vehicle Locator: Toyota now uses GPS technology to locate your vehicle, should you find yourself in a vehicle-theft situation. Just immediately file a police report and notify the response center so agents can assist authorities in locating your vehicle.

Power Moonroof (Standard on Limited & TRD Pro Models)

Premium models have optional power moonroof which is standard on the limited and TRD Pro models. The moonroof has the standard power tilt/slide options to give you those 360 views of every adventure you take.

I was really surprised by how spacious the rear cargo area is. With fold-flat second-row seats, one can accommodate up to 88.8 cubic feet of cargo space.

Did you know, you can also get an optional sliding rear cargo deck?

This optional sliding rear cargo deck can support up to 440lbs and makes it incredibly easy to reach items in the rear of the cargo area or packing up gear for whatever adventure is coming next.

For those running power accessories, the rear cargo area also includes a 120V AC power outlet. The 4Runner does continue the offering of the optional 3rd-row seat for those bigger families as well, however, it is not available on all models.

The optional 3rd row is only available on the SR5, SR5 Premium, Limited and Nightshade editions, which unfortunately leaves out the TRD models and the Venture Special Edition.

Exterior Features

The most notable difference to the 2020 TRD pro exterior is the color. The beautiful Army Green.

Army Green was first seen on the Toyota line of 2011 Trail Teams Special Edition FJ Cruiser and was reintroduced to the 4Runner and Tacoma on the 2020 TRD Pro models. I wasn’t really sure about the color when hearing about it in early discussion but seeing it in person really set the tone.

Although the color stands out, it is not bright and obnoxious. Plus, the contrast between the green and the black wheels and emblems makes for a very clean looking truck.

Following the lead of last year’s model, it includes the same roof rack. This rack was one of the “come back” items from the discontinued FJ Cruiser.

That 2020 4Runner Roof Rack

Although it is not exactly the same as the FJ Cruiser rack was, it is very similar.

The rack is loved by some and hated by others. I personally don’t care for it much but it is easily removable and replaceable with multiple aftermarket options. I don’t think it is much of a “negative” from the buyer’s perspective because I feel that most people who care that much about the roof rack will switch it out anyways.

The 2020 TRD Pro model also comes with beloved TRD Pro wheels and All-Terrain Nitto Terra Grappler tires.

One of the first things that most people change out after buying a vehicle is the wheels and tires so it’s nice to see that Toyota is using the desired wheel and tire combo for their factory option.

2020 4Runner Upgrades

The biggest change to the 2020 model is the new multimedia system.

It has an 8in touchscreen display that is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Audio, and Amazon Alexa.

Another really cool feature is that all 4Runner models now include two USB ports for the rear passengers.

On the exterior, the TRD Pro model now comes with an all-new TRD cat-back exhaust. Although there doesn’t seem to be any type of performance improvement, the new exhaust will give the TRD Pro 4Runner a little different sound from the other models.

The 2020 models are also offered in a couple of new colors. You have the TRD Pro exclusive Army Green and, Magnetic Gray Metallic.

Your 4Runner is now a Verizon or ATT Hot Spot

Remotely Connect Your vehicle To An Apple or Andriod Device!

One of the coolest features of the new model is its ability to remotely connect to your smart device.

With this connection, you have the ability to lock and unlock doors, start and stop the engine, and find and monitor vehicle status. The 4Runner is also equipped with Wi-Fi Connect.

When enabled, you now have a wi-fi hotspot with 4G connectivity for up to five devices.

Introducing the Venture Special Edition!

The 2020 4Runner comes in an all-new model, the Venture Special Edition.

This new model comes with all the standard features plus exclusive 17-in dark metallic gray alloy wheels, a Yakima MegaWarrior roof-mounted cargo basket, black door handles, a black rear spoiler and all-weather floor mats.

The 4Runner has a starting price of $36,020 with estimated MPG at 17/21 city/highway miles.

Other models available:

• SR5
• SR5 Premium
• TRD Off-Road
• TRD Off-Road Premium
• Venture Special Edition
• Limited
• Nightshade Edition
• TRD Pro

2020 TRD Pro 4Runner Owner Interview

Questions for an owner:

1. Q: What vehicle(s) did you guys drive before switching to the 2020 TRD Pro 4Runner?
2. Q: What mostly drew you to the 2020 TRD Pro?
3. Q: What has been your favorite/most stand out feature of the 2020 TRD Pro 4Runner so far since you have had it?
4. Q: On the other hand, what is one thing you like the least or hope Toyota improves on future models?
5. Q: Were there any optional add-on features that you chose when purchasing your 4Runner?
6. Q: What was the first modification you guys made to the 4Runner since purchasing? If you haven’t made any modifications yet, what do you plan on changing first?

To get a little more insight into the ownership of a 2020 Army Green TRD Pro, I sat down with Josue Martin (@joswayzee) to ask him a few questions on his and his fiance’s recent purchase.

Q: What vehicle(s) did you guys drive before switching to the 2020 TRD Pro?

A: We switched from a 2008 Ford Edge and a 2017 SR5

Q: What mostly drew you to the 2020 TRD Pro?

A: What mostly drew us in was the color, head unit, roof rack, TSS-P, and suspension.

Q: What has been your favorite/most stand out feature of the 2020 TRD Pro so far since you have had it?

A: Favorite feature so far has been the head unit and integration of Apple Car Play

Q: On the other hand, what is one thing you like the least or hope Toyota improves on future models?

A: I wish that they would have added blind-spot monitors on it and the steering wheel adjustment that my 2019 XSE Camry has.

Q: Were there any optional add-on features that you chose when purchasing?

A: We got the 4Runner stripped from the factory so it came as-is with no add-ons.

Q: What was the first modification you guys made since purchasing? If you haven’t made any modifications yet, what do you plan on changing first?

A: So far we have changed out the light bulbs to HIDs, added tiny, and 17×9 Stealth Custom Series (SCS) SR8 wheels. We also have added a Revtec leveling kit and changed out the tires to the Nitto Ridge Grapplers. In the near future, we plan to add Baja Design fog lights, raptor lights, and running boards.

Final Thoughts?

If you are looking for the most tech-forward 4Runner out, this is it.

Featuring many new add-ons everyone has been waiting for, this 4Runner is packed. The price will be steep but if you want that upgraded FOX suspension and the interior TRD Pro styling, you will pay for it.

The 2020 TRD Pro starts at $49,765 and can easily get into the mid to high $50K range. Plus taxes and all the extra fees, you can be well into a new TRD Pro for $55-60k.

What do you think? Worth it new or wait for a used one?