carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $42,234–$54,503 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.3/10, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner S earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.9/10, while Technology at 5.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the Toyota 4Runner S's reliability at 8.9/10 — among the strongest in our suv database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. On safety it earns 7.1/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.1/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 5.9/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $42,234–$54,503, 15 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota 4Runner S sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.7/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2020 Toyota 4Runner S, but it needs the right buyer. Its value and technology scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2020 Toyota 4Runner S ranks #1384 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 44% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $42,234 starting price is about 17% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Toyota 4Runner S scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.3 — and starts roughly $4,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.6/10 | $49,435 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $47,995 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.5/10 | $46,554 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.4/10 | $45,114 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.3/10 | $43,674 | Read review → |
| 2020 (this review) | 7.3/10 | $42,234 | |
| 2019 | 7.3/10 | $40,795 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.2/10 | $39,355 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.2/10 | $37,915 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $36,475 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.1/10 | $35,035 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.