Toyota 4Runner Safety Rating: Yay Or Nay?

Wendy K. L
Dec 20, 2020

When it’s time to invest in a new car, one of the first things to check out are the safety features of the vehicle you have your eye on. If it’s the 2020 Toyota 4Runner, you’re in luck. It’s racked up accolades across the board for both safety and reliability, though with a few caveats from industry experts.

How safe is the 2020 Toyota 4Runner?   

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner received a 4-Star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA and the highest score of “Good” from the IIHS. Combine that with a 4.71-Star Owner and 3/5 Expert Review Ratings from Vehicle History for a respectable safety rating.

Black 2020 Toyota 4Runner In Motion

The common phrase “Safety First” exists for a reason: We all care about keeping our loved ones safe and secure. In this article, you’ll take a look at the most important safety aspects to consider when buying a 2020 Toyota 4Runner.

2020 Toyota 4Runner Crash Test Rating

IIHS Test/Results

In a comprehensive annual rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Toyota 4Runner took home four out of possible five “Good” scores for crashworthiness in its 2020 version. The Small Overlap Front Test on the driver’s side managed a “Marginal” score, as did the Child Seat Anchors category, which measures the LATCH ease of use.

The headlights lost points for not having high-beam assist and a curve-adaptive feature. However, the IIHS noted the 4Runner’s standard daytime running lights as a positive available safety feature. These ratings by the IIHS apply to Toyota 4Runner models with years ranging from 2024 to 2020.

NHTSA Test/Results

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded 4 out of 5 stars to the 2020 Toyota 4Runner for overall safety. This was determined by rigorous frontal and side crash testing as well as rollover resistance. It fared very well in the side testing categories, with an overall accumulation of 5 stars.

Frontal crash testing, which simulates a head-on collision at 35 miles per hour, earned 4 stars for the driver’s front side but only 3 stars for the passenger front side. Rollover resistance testing revealed a rollover risk of 24.60 percent, earning the 4Runner 3 stars.

Toyota 4Runner Safety Rating – The Tech That Makes It Possible

Date from J.D. Power data reveals that a majority of 4Runner owners, a notable 78 percent, say they are happy to shell out more money for current safety features. Fortunately, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense P driver assistance system. Following are some of its notable advantages.

Pre-Collision System

The Pre-Collision system that comes standard in the 2020 Toyota 4Runner provides extras such as Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection, which detects movement, and Lane Departure Alert that kicks in when you stray across visible lines. Automatic High Beams turn on or shut off high-beam headlights as needed, while Dynamic Radar Cruise Control makes speed adjustments when detecting a vehicle in front of you.

Star Safety System

Toyota’s own Star Safety System gives you goodies such as Vehicle Stability Control, a handy feature that slows down the engine power or activates select brakes when it senses that the driver is losing control of the vehicle. It also provides Traction Control and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution.

The Anti-Lock Brake feature in the Star Safety System modulates brake pressure if it senses a tire has stopped rotating. The system takes things further with its Brake Assist and Smart Stop Technology, which steps in during unintended acceleration.

Airbags

Airbags have become standard in most of today’s vehicles. The 2020 Toyota 4Runner comes equipped with the following airbags for the protection of the driver and passengers:

Car Side Airbag

  • Front-impact airbags, which are designed for head protection in the event of a frontal crash.
  • Side impact airbags for the front seat, offering protection of the torso if a side-impact crash occurs
  • Overhead airbags that kick in during a rollover or a side collision and protect the heads of vehicle occupants.
  • Knee airbags, which offer protection to lower extremities during an accident.

People Also Ask

Here’s What Other People Also Ask About the 2020 4Runner:

Which Engine is Best in the Toyota 4Runner?

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner comes with a 4.0-liter V6 engine under the hood, powering 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s considered an excellent engine for passing, accelerating and towing.

Is the Toyota 4Runner Reliable?

Toyota touts the reliability of its mid-sized SUVs, and that includes the 2020 4Runner. Consumer Reports agrees, giving it five out of five points for reliability across the board. This primarily comes from their own testing as well as reviews submitted by owners and experts. J.D. Power and Associates gives the 2019 Toyota 4Runner a “great” reliability rating of 85 out of 100.

How Much Does a 2020 Toyota 4Runner Cost?

Depending on the model and trim, a 2020 Toyota 4Runner can cost you anywhere from the starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just over $37,000 for the rear-drive SR5, up to $46,000 for the rear-drive Limited. The TRD Off-Road version of the 2020 4Runner ranges from $40,800 to almost $51,000.

avatar Wendy K. L
Wendy L. is a full-time journalist with a secret passion for vintage Mustangs. While road-tripping the world for more than 10 years, she’s published features and content for clients such as USA Today, NBC Universal and King 5 News.
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