Throughout the years, Toyota has released many 4Runners, and they all have features for camping. The 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017 editions of the Toyota 4Runner are wonderful examples. They’re built for the great outdoors. Read on to discover some of the features that you can take advantage of on your next solo wilderness excursion or family camping trip.
Price and Value
Every edition of the 4Runner has a reasonable price point. The 2020 4Runner’s MSRP is $38,818, and a 2019 4Runner ranges from $37,000 to $46,000. If you need a more affordable 4Runner, the 2018 model will cost about $29,495, which is the starting price for a base trim. The higher trims in the 2018 lineup are more expensive. Many 2017 4Runners have a respectable price, coming in between $34,995 to $42,500.
Size and Seating Capacity
In a 2020 4Runner, you can have adventures in comfort and style. The boxy cabin design stands out; it makes the vehicle spacious, aerodynamic, and quiet.
Another highlight for the 2020 4Runner is its elevated driver’s seat. It will give you a commanding view beyond the hood.
Also, a 2020 4Runner is easy to drive in reverse. You’ll make smart maneuvers as you look out of the 4Runner’s large square rear window.
The 2019 4Runner‘s cabin has very comfortable seats. In the front of the cabin, the seats have a wide cushion and firm padding that provides lumbar support. If you pick a 4Runner with the third-row seating package, some of your passengers will experience a higher level of comfort. This package adds sliding seats that recline. However, they will only benefit kids and small adults.
If you camp in a 2019 4Runner, you’ll feel cool and comfortable because this edition has a sunroof. You can stretch in this cabin as the layout provides plenty of headroom and legroom.
The 2018 4Runner blocks road sounds quite well. However, when you’re camping in the cabin, this won’t matter since the vehicle will mainly stay in one place. In terms of wind sounds, you’ll hear only faint gusts while you’re in the cabin.
If you drive a 2018 or 2019 4Runner on a campground, you’ll have no problems finding a good position behind the steering wheel. The 2018 edition has an adjustable pedal that lifts the driver’s seat.
When compared to other 4Runners, the seats in the 2017 edition are average. However, they’re still comfortable, so anyone who lounges in the cabin can take a nap.
With a 2017 4Runner, navigating is a breeze. All of the off-road controls are mounted above the driver’s seat, making the cabin more spacious. The 2017 4Runner also cancels out noise quite well, so you can relax quietly, surrounded by nature.
Battery, Range and Engine Specs
The 2020 4Runner has a solid 4.0-liter V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission system. If you’re looking for a great fuel-efficient SUV, a 2020 4Runner may not be the best choice since its fuel economy is average.
With a 2019 or 2018 4Runner, you’ll get a smooth transmission system. Its shifting speed is a bit slow when compared to other 4Runners. However, you won’t notice this while you’re hauling equipment around a campground because this 4Runner’s V6 engine is strong.
A 2017 4Runner is very quick and nimble. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in less than 8.1 seconds. This type of power can help you move heavy cargo to different locations on a campground. If you’re going to move your mobile campsite every time you have the urge to explore, a 4Runner can help you accomplish this.
Trims and Features
There are eight trims for the 2020 edition of the 4Runner. In terms of camping, you should only consider the trims that include off-road features. The 4Runner has two standout trims in this particular category. One trim is called the TRD Off-Road, and the other is called the TRD Off-Road Premium. From a technical standpoint, the TRD Off-Road Premium is the better trim because it equips the 4Runner with a special suspension system that’s specifically designed for rugged off-road conditions.
There are seven trims available for the 2019 4Runner. The 2019 and 2020 4Runner have identical configurations, so you can buy a 2019 edition of the TRD Off-Road Premium trim for a camping trip. If you want to explore other options, all of the regular trims have the same engine specs and transmission system; however, the drivetrains will vary by trim. If you explore a used lineup of Toyota 4Runners, you’ll find Limited and SR5 trims with rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. Always opt for four-wheel drive as this particular drivetrain works best in the great outdoors.
Safety
During a camping trip, some safety systems in your 4Runner won’t be necessary. For example, a lane assist system will have no value on a dusty trail. The Toyota 4Runner does have safety features, though, that come in handy on the way to the campsite.
The 2020 edition of the 4Runner has average brakes. However, they’re always responsive in a pinch. You may need to mash the brake pedal a few times until you’re comfortable with it.
A 2018 4Runner can give a cautious driver peace of mind on a heavily populated campground. If you ever drive this 4Runner with no direction, you can rely on its standard safety systems. It has automatic emergency brakes and a forward-collision warning system.
The 2017 Toyota 4Runner has very useful safety systems for campers who like to explore. Its braking system is very responsive. If you partially mash the brake pedal, you’ll experience the 4Runner’s full stopping power.
Toyota 4Runners from the 2017 lineup also has several off-road systems that relate to safety. They basically make these 4Runners easier to drive. The highlight feature is the part-time four-wheel drive system. It helps a 2017 4Runner effortlessly transit from a trail to a highway. If you invest in a 2017 4Runner, its part-time four-wheel drive system and the standard system will give you better control on different terrains.
Reliability
A 4Runner is a reliable automobile to a certain degree. If you take care of it, it will take care of you in the great outdoors. According to a J.D Power study in 2019, the 4Runner ranked 16th for its performance, layout, and execution. There were 19 SUVs in this particular study.
J.D Power’s reliability score for the 2020 Toyota 4Runner is totally different. It earned an 82 of out 100. This score reflects feedback from a group of verified consumers.
The Takeaway
You can create a very comfortable base of operations inside of a Toyota 4Runner. Typically, any edition of the 4Runner would make a great nesting ground. If you’re going to explore a large portion of the great outdoors, the 2017 edition is a solid choice because its off-road systems are superb.
