2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium - Better Buy Than the TRD Pro?

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium shares many things with its big brother the TRD pro and costs $7k less. Does that make it a Better Buy Than the TRD Pro? Is this the best 4Runner to get? Find out!
Check out Contential Toyota: www.continentaltoyota.com/
To see where this 4Runner ranks, check out driversonlyrankings.com

[@DriversOnly]

To see where this 4Runner ranks, check out driversonlyrankings.com Car Care and Routine Maintenance Tips: driversonlyrankings.com/car-care/

[@pekanpi434]

4runner community is amazing. Speaks volume about it. Every 4runner owner LOVES theirs. Thanks for the great video!

[@brianpetersen3429]

I have been driving my 2008 4Runner for 11 years now and still feel like it is the best vehicle I have ever owned. With just normal dealer maintenance there have been zero problems. It still looks and rides like new. This SUV fits my personality perfectly, and I plan on keeping it for a long time. Unlike many other SUV's this one doesn't faint at the first sign of dirt.

[@TheIaluma]

I am not going to change from 2007 until a new redesign comes out of the Toyota 4Runners. For some reason I am not impressed with the current design of the 4Runners, I hope it just me.

[@schmingusss]

@@TheIaluma I agree. I was hoping the 5th generation would look nicer. It looks like absolute crap. I should have kept my 2004 Limited, looked way better than this horrendous thing.

[@terrynichol577]

@@schmingusss then you're not a true Toyota fan of the 4Runner

[@RagingBad]

@@TheIaluma it's just a few of you, the majority LOVES this tank

[@terrynichol577]

@@RagingBad exactly, the guy is just a hater. One of the best SUVs around

[@mikec3454]

Ask yourself - when was the last time you saw a 4Runner broken down on the highway or getting a tow? I'm planning on getting one next year when one of our leases is up. Been researching it for a while, I think the TRD Off Road is the best bang for your buck when it comes to 4Runner trims.

[@danc1197]

With modern cars, most broken down ones are due to lack of routine maintenance, not always design issues. Ive owned 3 different brands over the last 25 years and reached 300k with all three of them. Toyota, Nissan, and most recently a Ford truck.

[@22Picks]

I absolutely love my 2019 TRD off road. They are just a capable but don’t have the cool grill, TRD skid plate or top rack.

[@lingimee]

@@22Picks I just bought 2019 TRD off road..

[@scrapmetal4163]

@@22Picks you can add all of those to your off-road

[@RagingBad]

@@danc1197 not true

[@jenniferharris7633]

4Runner's automatic 5 speed transmission will still be on the road when lesser, inferior CVTs are incurring costly repairs in the shop.

[@EGGMANNoriginal]

Everyone knows CVTs are shit... but 5 speed still? Cmon, that’s just lazy and price gouging for old technology.

[@lkae4]

@@EGGMANNoriginal This 5 speed is more durable and reliable than any 8 or 10 speed transmission built by human hands. That can mean everything when you are hundreds of miles away from anything built by human hands.

[@RagingBad]

@@EGGMANNoriginal this is a tank that will take you to the end of the world and back, no "price gouging" bullshit here, that's reserved for European garbage

[@lunamaria1048]

I own the TRD Off Road Premium and my husband owns the TRD Pro, and IMHO my TRD Off Road is better.. It handles better and doesn't have that annoying lean when turning... I find it more comfortable off road as well.. My husband's Pro is a lot more stiff on technical off roading.. I know that is better for off roading, but the TRD Off Road Premium is perfectly capable of going everywhere the Pro can, so i prefer being more comfortable in the Off Road trim.

[@Shadow-lq7rx]

you probably have the kdss in your 4runner which makes it not lean on the highway. i have it too, i love it.

[@Hobinator17]

I have the Off Road Premium w/o the KDSS suspension system, and let me tell you that baby leans HARD in turns (its a truck, I can live with it). Yours must have KDSS, it's a hydraulic system that keeps it upright. I find the stock suspension to be wayyyyy to soft and springy, I'm changing it for thicker, stronger bilstein shocks. The body lean is annoying, along with the nose dip/rocking when braking at parking lot speed.

[@promethea8916]

Why is the pro better for off roading

[@terrynichol577]

@@promethea8916 that's not, it's literally the same truck. The pro has the fox shocks that's the only difference. The off-road there's no less capable, it's probably the better buy. Pros are overrated and overpriced

[@terrynichol577]

@John Dough you sound like a broken comment. Get it together. Broke people dont spend money on a more expensive lift kit, tires, etc. Haha but keep it going. Since when is any 4Runner cheap? LOL

[@lucky-rowe2623]

I've watched 25 other videos on the 4Runner and no one else talked about the rear seats reclining . Good job! This was a great review!

[@zachtravis6551]

In 2017 I sprung for the TRDORP over the Pro only because the Pro didn't have the moonroof option. The Pro looks awesome, but functionally they're virtually indistinguishable. Saved $$$ and more options. Win-Win. Love the 4Runners!

[@denttech2515]

Spend a couple grand on Fox shocks and a few cosmetic upgrades and you literally have the same vehicle for way less. Anyone that buys a TRD Pro and lifts it has no idea what they're doing. For the record, ORP here

[@charliehastings6982]

U do a really good job..good mic..and u touch on what consumers need to know..A+!

[@salvadorzavaleta6385]

Love this review. Just requested a certified 2020 TRD Offroad. So excited!

[@Billybobthor]

Shopping for one right now. Liked the video and subscribed!

[@Drogos79]

best advise on trim selection among all videos I have seen...and yes, I've seen them all!

[@BluePatch-pc7sx]

My 2015 SR5 4x4 Premium W/third(3 kids) row served me well for 5 years and 65K, It was my wifes' turn to get a new car, she like my 4Runner so much she told me to get a sequoia and she would take the Runner. The 4Runner had been rock sold from day 1. I really like the Sequoias' 5.7 engine the Runner got like 17 MPG Sequoia gets 14.5. If you have small kids the Runner is fine, but plan on get the Sequoia as they grow. Good Video thanks.

[@omar1462]

I appreciate your honest feedback and the fact that you werent giving me a sales pitch. Because of that i am interested,

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Good review. Nice to see someone that knows what they are talking about on the 4Runner. I bought a new TRD Off Road in 2018 because of the KDSS suspension and it rocks! Nice job 🍻 🤠

[@Left_Field_Lou]

How the ride quality on the road with the kdss??

[@mikec3454]

Planning on getting a 4Runner Off-Road next year when one of our leases is up. I think the Off-Road is the better buy personally, considering it can probably do almost all the TRD Pro could do. If you're really serious about off-roading it anyways, you'll be doing suspension upgrades and more so what's the point on spending the money on the TRD Pro. The Off-Road package is the best bang for money out there.

[@itsyaboimat2393]

I'm buying a Off Road next year as I live in Maine and am keeping it stock besides icon wheels and a lift I'm so freaking excited it's going to be my first 4Runner

[@davidcarter6475]

GREAT REVIEW.. perfect.. no BS, no fluff, no attempt at shiity humor- no "look at me" attitude- and GOOD info- done slowly enough to be plain and clearly understandable- and yet fast enough to cover everything.... YOU helped me make up my mind- I want the OFFROAD PREMIUM-- only I want mine modified with Bogman custom headers (made espeically for this truck and tuned) and a supercharger... proven to give pep to the performance AND return some of the missing gas mileage!!! :)

[@ericdelrosario6779]

How’s the supercharger you installed so far? Give us some updates. I’ll be getting my 2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road (Canadian version) Lunar Rock in about a month or two. Thanks 🙏

[@ericdelrosario6779]

Thanks for the the great video. I should be able to get my 2023 TRD Off-Road (Canadian version) Lunar Rock in about one to two months from now. Appreciate what you do.

[@fjbT2024]

I have a 2013 SR5 premium that I bought brand new. I now have 67000 miles and the only problem I've had so far was a back door actuator. I'm in NY and have the worst winters and roughest roads and never ever felt I couldn't get to where I am going. I hope this platform stays for the years to come because I'm passing this to my college bound kid and I'm getting a brand new one to have for atleast 15 years.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Stock up on classic 4Runners while you can.

[@fernmon8208]

2014 with 100K here, only issue I’ve had was a cool cover that came off from the wiper base. I’ve done a lot of off roading in Moab. The only mod is putting KO2 tires on it. I think my grandson will drive it in 50 years.

[@on-site4094]

Great detailed review 👍

[@tales_by_lens]

The best and simple review. Thanks guy

[@aleccole7122]

We are all George! Haha I didn't know you had this channel! I clicked to see a 4runner review and then I was like wait a second... I know that voice.

[@bennywong1085]

Great review. Thanks

[@davidwelty9763]

Great review.thank you!

[@panama-canada]

Good review. Thank you.

[@teslaxyz4660]

The name of this 4runner is as long as it will last.

[@Mjr1348]

I just bought my 6th 4Runner 2023 off road premium I also opted to go non kdss. I also have a 16 trail edition premium with kdss.

[@maggie0285]

I just bought one off carvana today. This is going to be a big change from a prius. I travel and car camp alot. This fits me

[@DriversOnly]

Congrats! Big upgrade.

[@marksummers463]

GOOD review! And no blasphemy!

[@RussellMcCollom]

In the market for one. Have watched many videos. Good talk about the 4Runner.

[@teamhmongolhmongoutdoorsch638]

Thanks just pick one up today...

[@user-dx1dp3bg3j]

Got a 24 TRD off-road premium recently, once I learned they will not be producing this proven quality & reliable vehicle with the simplicity it is known for, I found one & purchased it, the fuel mileage could definitely be better, but other than that, I really like it!!!! Plan to keep it til it falls off it's wheels or I fall in my grave!! Definitely appreciate the simplicity & quality off it!!!

[@Hobinator17]

I've had mine for almost 4 months and I love it. Only disappointment was I found out mine doesn't have KDSS, thought it was a standard feature. I do plan on keeping it forever so I guess that's one less thing to break in the long run. Was talking to a tech about a leveling kit/shock upgrade, and he said they charge more money to work on 4runners with KDSS. It apparently creates a tight space to perform undercarriage maintenence. Overall not too bummed, I can reduce body lean with new shocks and sway bar bushing upgrades.

[@PartyUpLive]

I thought about getting KDSS too but I also tend to keep my vehicles "forever" so will most likely not.

[@2GIANTS5]

Great review! I’m waiting for my 2022 TRD ORP (Lunar rock, KDSS)to arrive from Japan in the next week and will be able to pick up in 2 weeks!! Trading in my Tacoma. Very excited 😃👍🏻

[@youngprince716]

Same here, literally everything you Said lol

[@andyking4701]

Love this review!

[@lancenguyen9175]

Nice Vid. Very helpful. Thanks.

[@willienillie6337]

I’m glad you don’t have road rage. Nice vid. Considering a 4Runner but the gas mileage seems horrible.

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

Hello fellow Illinoisan! Great videos! I love your Ridgeline. Have a GX470 myself. Stay well and stay safe!

[@max3835]

Whoah! It's George. Hope to see my ADA pump so I can pay off my TRD off road premium by end of this year.

[@drivethrucountertops4709]

Good stuff thank you

[@montheramer222]

Excellent review

[@doobedi]

I see no dislike about the 4runner. If your not that tall,you know what your getting yourself into. Gas is fine with a vehicle like that so no complains. The vehicle is FANTASTIC and won't even hesitate to own one.

[@Cheddar_Curtain]

Good review. As a former Chicagolander I got a laugh from hearing that Chicago accent slip into some of your phrasing.

[@FindingIsaac]

Same!

[@irfanspace]

FYI just for people : i got in october 2019 from Maryland with KDSS - off road premiere : on the road price $43K

[@Hobinator17]

Mine was $46k including destination charge and New York's crazy sales tax.

[@popsncracks9108]

It’s not good price.

[@doobedi]

I wonder what they will say about the Toyota Landcruiser 70 series GXL (DREAM RIDE 😍)

[@Wild1995]

I love your reviews. You deserve every one of your 82k subscribers. I agree. Love the Off Road premium over the TRD Pro

[@dmarkj22]

Toyota makes such solid, reliable vehicles.

[@gs98999]

The only issue now is the poor safety in a collision from the ancient design. I like everything else they have done to slowly put more tech in it.

[@williamsealy8781]

@@gs98999 who cares. Drive a minivan if you need all that shit.

[@edawg792]

@@williamsealy8781 Yeah lol caring about crash safety is pussy shit right fellas?

[@labmom68]

Premium audio with dynamic navigation comes standard in this premium trim. You need to press the Map button. Otherwise, very informative video.

[@DriversOnly]

Thanks for the correction!

[@lucky-rowe2623]

When you spend $8000 replacing your 8 speed trans you will think..Damn I could have bought a lot of gas for $8000 dollars!! Also the cylinder deactivation will cost you $6000 on the Silverado when the lifters fail in 70,000 miles.

[@bernardobotero6751]

Muy hermosa la Toyota Runner mi Carro favorito

[@justincesarski314]

Crypto George! Did not expect to see you here lol. Nice review.

[@DriversOnly]

You found me ! :)

[@davidcarter6475]

OH- and for the comment that on the inside it's TRUCK-LIKE-- that's because it IS a truck and unlike some crossovers and even trucks-- is NOT too damn much like a freakin car.. I don't want an OFFROAD CAR-- I want an offroad TRUCK and this is.. but beautiful and stylish- and loaded just right!!! THANKS AGAIN-- excellent review.

[@vasisthavishal33]

Does it have blind spot moniter

[@Mr813Fla]

What color is that Classic Silver

[@justin.porter]

I wish the SR5 premium came with an interior option like this, with completely black softex, all black stearing wheel, and blacked out features on the dash and center console 😐

[@Tully3674]

Comparing this SUV to a Highlander is wrong. The 4Runner is for the serious off-roader who needs a daily commuter. Someone willing to tolerate 10 year old technology Monday thru Friday so he can go after his passion of conquering rocks and mud on the weekend. The Highlander is a soccer mom SUV (sister to a Lexus RX350) who may want 4WD because she lives in a snowy climate or her city has gravel roads. These two SUVs serve two different purposes for two different mindsets. These two SUVs are not cross-shopped.

[@SvenTSchixe]

The Highlander is just a high sitting car, it is not an SUV anymore than a Prius is, like I said it just sits higher.

[@Czech91]

This was the trim that had me sold

[@TinyIslandMaine]

I love the 4Runner but hate the lack of current tech. For the $$$ I want more from Toyota, they always seem to be behind the tech curve in all the models.

[@dangerdanadv1445]

Too much advancement leads to lack of reliability. Toyota takes R&D, and technological progression slower in no small part because it gives them more time to prove their designs--and their designs have proven themselves time and time again.

[@Chief_5]

Alligators are dinosaurs and they’re still around. Just put some BFG KO2 makes it looks different and more capable.

[@pekanpi434]

KDSS was the difference for me. Love my 2019 trd or premium. Leveled w bilstein 5100s w bfg ko2s 275/70/17 on trd 17" wheels. Amazing handling! Made my buddy (2020 trd pro army green) sad. Buy the off road. Do your favorite mods to make it your OWN and still thousands.

[@DriversOnly]

Congrats!

[@pekanpi434]

Thank you!!!🤙

[@jbizz1320]

You have kdss on yours? Im thinking of going this way too say a bit n toss in some wheels n tires n rack

[@pekanpi434]

@@jbizz1320 yes. Love Kdss. Huge difference for me. Too much body roll on the pro. Went to buy a pro but left with off road premium!! Test drive both but i think love the OR.

[@RagingBad]

Get real tires for that thing

[@Mdot555]

Can I buy this with eth?

[@bjardine13]

With MSRP mark up all dealers do in my area on the pro , the OR premium or venture are a better buy, they at least take off of MSRP on those models, maybe not much but better than add on.

[@Epitopi]

Did you change your camera? Seems higher quality.

[@DriversOnly]

No, the light probably helps. Gopros aren't good when its dark out.

[@SakibLH44]

The TRD ORP is a much better guy than the TRD Pro. For $7k you can get all the cosmetic upgrades (if not better cosmetic upgrades) and you can get a much better suspension with more lift than the stock fox shocks it comes with. TRD Pro only worth it if you have to have one of the Pro exclusive color ways.

[@jameskocks4734]

Wow im just happy wirh my 2005 with the 4.7 of course.

[@paulm1690]

No one cares

[@taylorlowinger1206]

For this model, did you opt to get the KDSS or no? Do you think it is worth it? I had a 1989 Land Cruiser for years and that was before this new tech stuff and I was totally fine. Thoughts?

[@jasonritchey8610]

Taylor Lowinger I would like to know his answer on this question as well! I’m getting ready to buy a TRD ORP and wanting to know if I should add the KDSS option.

[@trdeos7347]

Not available for ORP!

[@taylorlowinger1206]

@@jasonritchey8610 do you mean PRO?

[@jasonritchey8610]

Taylor Lowinger Hi Taylor! I was talking about the Off Road Premium he is reviewing. Not the pro as I know with the pro you can’t get the KDSS. I wanted to know is it worth it to get the KDSS for the off road premium. ORP at the Toyota dealership stands for off road premium is what I was referring to. Taylor, did you buy your 4Runner yet?

[@IgnatiusCaelestis]

Great review. My wife wants a forester and I want a 4runner. I'm having difficulty choosing one. I HATE the way the forester looks but it's alot more practical. I'm not an offroader but I would become one in a 4runner. The mpg kills me but the 4runner looks so much more bad ass. Help!

[@DriversOnly]

Forester is a great suv but its no 4runner. 4runner is better if you want to look like a man and to go off road with but the Forester does everything else better :).

[@cricky6239]

Get a 4Runner, if you guys don’t like it they hold their value amazing so sell it for what you paid for it and get the forester. Have a feeling you’ll like it though

[@RagingBad]

Foresters are for moms

[@bertos8665]

Great review! I’m getting the TRD Off Road Premium because of the KDSS. It’s makes a HUGE difference in handling and body roll.

[@DriversOnly]

Congrats!

[@AmericanWorker1127]

Can you explain what kdss is all about and when it activates?

[@shoogledonk]

@@AmericanWorker1127 KDSS is a swaybar system that uses hydraulically controlled end-links. Over 12 mph, the pistons fully extend, locking the swaybar into a fixed, rigid position that allows for better road handling and cornering. Under 12 mph, the pistons are relaxed, meaning that the swaybars no longer have fixed positions and can articulate much more. It's actually better in both conditions because you can use thicker swaybars than normal, without losing articulation offroad. It's not quite the same as a true swaybar disconnect on a Jeep Wrangler, but it works well.

[@tehallanaz]

@@AmericanWorker1127 you can also just take the whole sway bar off....

[@IgnatiusCaelestis]

I'm stuck deciding between this exact trim and the subaru forester sport.

[@NRGRX]

You’ll spend 2X more on gas but it will last twice as long as Subaru.

[@Andrew-on5do]

Are you driving by Palos heights?

[@MrXiong]

Doe the trd pre come with third row seat

[@DriversOnly]

No it does not

[@melcollado9108]

It doesn’t come with 3rd row seating anymore??

[@alloutkx450]

You can select to have it.

[@daved7024]

TOYOTA=QUALITY and DEPENDABILITY if you want Bling then buy the other endless money pit piles of JUNK 🤣 Nice Video👍👍

[@volcalstone]

Thanks for the video! I like the TRD versions vs the Limited trim look cause of that front in. I'm not a big fan of the silver painted lower fascia though. I'm going to wait for the next gen 4runner which is just around the corner.

[@volcalstone]

@@rv2167 Yeah Tundra first then the 4runner. It definitely need to be better with the MPG. I'm in no rush so I could wait. Toyota really needs to update their models a lot more often. They're so OG which is strange because they were the first mainstream company to intro a hybrid system. It's fine if they want to keep their true and tested engines but at least make them more efficient over the year.

[@heyitschinoable]

Hang Nguyen thats the Yota way. They stick to what works and keep it old school.

[@tsizzle]

With regards to safety features... what about blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and braking? What about lane keep assist (along side the land departure warning)? What about a front camera to help you when going off road (like the one in the Tacoma)? Also, what about a power lift gate?

[@RagingBad]

What about you learn how to drive?

[@guaiaco23]

Does this trim come with the 3 row seats option?

[@fernmon8208]

That’s only the Limited, not the TRDs

[@heyitschinoable]

Only on Limited and SR5 premiums. I was sad to find that out.

[@matthewchandler2647]

Anybody know if I can fit a 3rd row seat from a Limited to a TRD Off Road?

[@heyitschinoable]

Matthew Chandler nope just the sr5 premium and limited models have that option for 3 row seats

[@dannelson4209]

@@heyitschinoable If you prefer more room and third seat , I highly recommend the Toyota Sequoia ,

[@jjulian1783]

Safety Sense has no blind spot monitoring? That’s one of the more useful safety features.

[@DriversOnly]

Blind spot monitoring is extra unfortunately.

[@arduinomega1030]

It's time to make some changes!

[@WeOutHere]

I heard no sunroof option on the Pro, how about the ORP?

[@shoogledonk]

Pro has sunroof standard from 2019 forward. Still no KDSS option.

[@genxiong2695]

We all know the big difference is in the suspension and badge. That's all

[@ezeNdog]

Off-road premium is better because all that makes a pro is wheels, tires, suspension, skid plate, blacked out plastic....for $3k aftermarket u can get better than pro equipment. Fox shocks r good but not worth price difference. I think it's funny when u see a brand new pro with all those options replaced...some people need the word Pro to feel better.

[@michaelvega4751]

ezeNdog your also forgetting the roof rack, premium paint only available in the pro, i want the pro honestly for the voodoo blue paint

[@jeremylindquist9886]

@@michaelvega4751 I guess you couldnt paint your off road voodoo blue for less than $7k lol

[@koehh4652]

It’s also a more exclusive vehicle since only a certain amount are made compared to the other trims lets not forget that 😄

[@will4673]

Just bought a 2021 version of this suv...

[@nyverone]

Imagine this on a 6 speed manual..... 😮

[@rightlanehog3151]

They still offer a manual Tacoma they should offer a manual 4Runner as well.

[@Captain_Brown_Beard]

Still slow lol

[@jumperman1773]

Captain Brown Beard - not supposed to be a sports car.....

[@tehallanaz]

You could also remove the sway bar....

[@Kevin-hv4iz]

So which one would you recommend? Is the TRD Pro worth the extra money?

[@terrynichol577]

No

[@classiccorvettesmusclecars5846]

Does it have the annoying stop/start that all new cars now have? Hate that with a passion...

[@tamaraleeper8201]

Nope

[@durandalfeee1227]

Prices are crazy right now 😩

[@RCGJR_]

I’m averaging 18.5 mpg in the city, am i just driving like a grandpa? 😢

[@learyan]

Thats nice! My sr5 is 15.9 mpg lol

[@Datsun7705]

that's the nature of a rear wheel drive based SUV with a big V6 and big tires. not to mention it's a box on wheels so it's expected to get between 13-20 mpg

[@Datsun7705]

and for people who only drive on the streets 99% of the time, better to get a highlander or rav4 for better gas mileage

[@jaysmith1549]

I get 12.7 but I have 20inch rims with 33s

[@daninspiration4064]

Big Brother TRD Pro (Cain) ...Off Road Premium (Abel) I'll take Abel haha

[@ssarkees]

I would have been a little pissed at that white car that just cut you off!

[@anthonyb2990]

Weird how older 5th gens got 17 city and 22 highway..

[@gorillaninja78]

I want one! But I’m off work because of Covid :(

[@truth959]

Too many gears confuses the computer anyway.

[@mustafamayahi8577]

V8 5.3 Silverado gives you 16-22 same or sometimes better gas mileage Toyota have to change the gas mileage we r in 2020

[@amadeoquilici242]

Too bad you have to push the Chevy

[@georgetown8986]

Not a fan of those predator running boards. The classic running boards look much better--more upscale. And balances it out.

[@seabiscuit726142]

The steering wheel is wrapped in real leather.

[@dancarlton7973]

A dumb advertisement came up and said, "Consider a 4Runner? Check out the Ford Explorer." I'd choose a 4Runner instead. Nothing against Ford however.

[@DriversOnly]

Lolol

[@dickhammerbusch8015]

Goddamn the only thing I don't like about this is that lower half silver bumper on this trim. 🤦‍♂️ Other than that? Frickin' solid

[@Powermoves777]

Good review.but this guy driving on the streets and talking to that camera it doesn't seem to safe

[@denttech2515]

Spend a couple grand on Fox shocks and a few cosmetic/sound upgrades and you literally have the same vehicle for way less. Anyone that buys a TRD Pro and lifts it has no idea what they're doing. For the record, ORP here