If you’ve got a heavy load to move, you want to be sure that your vehicle has the towing power to do the job. The 2020 Toyota 4Runner has a long pedigree to live up to as it has been a popular choice since it first hit the market in 1984. The most recent model has seen a number of updates to the engine, bodywork, and extras making this one of the most impressive vehicles of its size.
Here at Panama City Toyota, we make it our business to know the specifications of the vehicles we carry so that we can help you find the perfect car for your needs.
Toyota 4Runner Towing Capacity
Image via Flickr by Jacob Frey 4A
There are three versions of the Toyota 4 Runner available, and each model has a five-speed automatic gearbox and a towing capacity of 5,000lbs. They all have an integrated towing hitch receiver and a wiring harness that has both 4- and 7-pin connectors fitted as standard. It’s easy to use, so you can be on the road in no time with everything hitched up securely.
The Toyota 4Runner can easily manage lighter loads like motorcycles, jet skis, or canoes, but it can also tow a more substantial load, such as a large, well-equipped camping trailer, complete with everything you need for a fantastic trip in the great outdoors.
The 4Runner’s towing capacity puts it in pole position over similar vehicles:
- 2020 Honda Pilot LX FWD has a towing capacity of 3,500lbs.
- 2020 Jeep Wrangler 4-Door Sport has 3,500-lb towing capacity.
- 2020 Jeep Wrangler 2-Door model tops out at 2,000lbs.
Engine Features
Each trim level of the 2020 Toyota 4Runner comes standard with a 4.0-liter V-6 engine and an array of other features that make it a great drive.
Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control
Wheelspin can be a problem for those traveling on loose surfaces or uneven terrain. The Multi-Terrain Select system has five different modes to give you the control you need. The system automatically adjusts the brakes and engine throttle to improve traction and regulate wheelspin.
Crawl Control uses automatic acceleration and braking to enable you to focus on steering. This makes it ideal for anyone who needs to navigate through tricky terrain or likes to put their vehicle to the test on different surfaces. Towing is much easier when you can focus on steering and keeping your load steady while the 4Runner regulates the throttle for you.
Hill Assist Controls
The Toyota 4Runner comes with both uphill and downhill assist. The hill start assist control comes in handy when you’re on a steep incline because it prevents your vehicle from rolling backward when you move from the brake to the accelerator.
The downhill assist automatically applies the brakes when you are on a particularly steep or slippery descent. This helps you maintain a steady pace, making it easier for you to concentrate on the road ahead. This is vital when you are towing, especially at the top end of the 4Runner’s 5,000lbs capacity.
These features make the Toyota 4Runner the ideal car for anyone who wants to be able to tackle anything, from unsurfaced roads or rarely-used tracks to ravines and riverbeds.
Locking Rear Differential
If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a ditch or encountered a particularly loose or slippery surface, then you may have encountered a rear wheel losing contact with the road surface and spinning. The Toyota 4Runner has a locking rear differential that you can use to regulate the power going to your rear wheels and gain more control at low speeds.
This is an essential option when you are towing heavy loads over soft or uneven surfaces. And, it’s a must-have for those who spend a lot of time on loose or rough tracks, as it allows you to free yourself from tough situations and lets you perfectly adapt your vehicle to the conditions.
How Does The Toyota 4Runner Compare?
The Toyota 4Runner has many features that appeal to all kinds of drivers, but how does it compare to some of the other SUVs on the market?
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 may have a higher MRRP, but is it worth the extra compared to the 4Runner? The towing capacity of the Mercedes is only 3,500lbs, compared to the 4Runner’s 5,000lbs. This may be due to the fact that the Mercedes’ engine is only 255 horsepower, compared to the 4Runner’s 270. The Mercedes’ engine is four-cylinder while the 4Runner’s is a V-6, giving the 4Runner a definite edge when it comes to comparing what’s under the bonnet.
Honda Pilot
Similarly, the 2020 Honda Pilot struggles to keep up with the 4Runner. It has a 3.5-liter engine, compared to the 4Runner’s 4.0 liters, and its towing capacity is only 3,500lbs on the standard model. The Pilot is front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available for when the conditions require it. The 4Runner has rear-wheel drive with four-wheel drive available, making it a much more capable vehicle when it comes to off-roading. The taller body and better ground clearance also give the 4Runner a distinct advantage when it comes to handling difficult terrain.
Chevrolet Traverse
The 4Runner also stacks up well against the Chevrolet Traverse. The standard version of the Traverse can only tow 1,500lbs, and you’ll need to opt for the highest specifications to get a towing capacity of 5,000lbs., unlike the 4Runner, which can tow 5,000lbs with all models.
The Traverse is front-wheel drive, making it less reliable when it comes to maintaining control on uneven terrain compared to the 4Runner’s rear-wheel drive. The 4Runner’s smaller turning radius and higher profile bodywork give it an advantage over the Traverse when it comes to maneuverability, too, which helps turning while towing much more manageable.
One of the most impressive things about the Toyota 4Runner is its versatility. You can take it on the school run or your daily commute and still explore the world around you in comfort and style. It’s powerful, spacious, and safe, making it perfect for family life, outdoor adventures, and high-octane exploration. If you want to know more about the Toyota 4Runner and how it might suit your needs, then call Panama City Toyota today, and we’ll help you find your perfect car.
