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How to Choose Between a 2019 and 2020 Toyota 4Runner

With a refreshed 2020 Toyota 4Runner just around the corner, buyers are left with a really difficult decision. Wait for the 2020 model or buy a 2019? Here are some tips to help.
2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Midnight Black Metallic

A new model year in the automotive industry is something to get excited about. Like Christmas. Or learning your favorite band is coming to town again. We just cannot wait.

This is the time when we find out if our favorite vehicle will be changed or refreshed or will it even stay the same. The Toyota 4Runner is a perfect example. The 2020 version will be released to dealers next month with some helpful upgrades and improvements, although the powertrain will remain the same. It is a refresh year and not a complete redesign. However, you should like these updates.

But, while new 2020 4Runner trucks are lining up for sale, there is a huge stockpile of great 2019 4Runner models just waiting for new homes.

How do you decide what one is the best fit for you and your family, though?

What is new with the 2020 Toyota 4Runner?

Updates for the 2020 Toyota 4Runner revolve mainly around safety and technology. Although the 4Runner is one of the toughest, most reliable vehicles on the planet, customers have consistently suggested improvements in these areas. They are about to be rewarded.

First off, Toyota is adding Toyota Safety Sense to its entire lineup of 2020 4Runners. This comprehensive package of safety features includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane departure alert and dynamic radar cruise control. These important updates should help lessen the chance for front and side collisions, as well as helping during nighttime driving.

Watch How JBL Will Affect 2020 Toyota 4Runner and Tacoma Entertainment and Click To Subscribe to Torque News Youtube Channel for Daily Toyota and Automotive News.

2020 4Runner will have CarPlay and Android Auto

In addition, look for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features on all 4Runner grades. Customers have been looking for ease of use and convenience and Toyota wants to establish itself as a leader in multimedia technology. These are very welcome additions.

Along with the 2020 Sequoia, 2020 Tundra, and 2020 Tacoma, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is available in the new TRD Pro exclusive color Army Green. This should prove to be an extremely popular color and customers are already pre-ordering this TRD Pro Army Green combination. I might suggest putting your deposits in sooner than later with your dealership of choice if you want to have any chance of getting it within a reasonable time period.

Also, look for 8” multimedia touch screens standard across all trim levels, as well as 2 more USB ports for backseat passengers.

There are deals on the 2019 4Runner

There is one chief reason why SUV shoppers will want to look long and hard at buying a 2019 4Runner as opposed to waiting for a 2020. The deals will be much better.

Most everyone I talk with on a weekly basis asks about deals and prices and monthly payments. In other words, we all have budgets. At the end of a model year, often dealers across all brands will offer more attractive incentives to turn car shoppers into car buyers. This should be the case with 2019 4Runner.

There are still plenty of 2019 4Runners available and there should continue to be for at least the next couple months. This means people in the market will still have a great selection of all 4Runner SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited and TRD Pro grades available. You can even have your choice of colors at this point.

I would not wait too long, though, to pick out your 2019 4Runner. The reason I say this is that if you are someone who likes to choose your own color, as opposed to taking the only color left on the lot, sooner will be better than later.
The key is balancing the selection with the deal. I look forward to hearing what you all decide to choose.

Do you plan on buying either a 2019 or 2020 4Runner? If you are waiting, what new features will influence your decision? What 4Runner trim level is your favorite?

Compare all 2019 4Runner trim levels and click to subscribe to Torque News for daily Dodge and automotive news analysis.

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story where I am discussing how truck buyers are lining up for the refreshed 2020 Toyota Tacoma release.

Bookmark Jeff Teague's Toyota News and Reviews at Torque News Toyota. You can reach Jeff on Facebook and Instagram. Twitter @toyotajeff1 and tweet him tips for new stories. Jeff also shares Toyota news videos on his Youtube Channel at ToyotaJeff1.

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Comments

Shelley ChinQuee (not verified)    May 3, 2020 - 1:53PM

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I was initially looking at 2019s, assuming that they had the TSS features because my bf's 2018 Tundra has them. When I realized the 2019 4Runner did not have the TSS features I started looking at 2020s. However, now I am back to the 2019. I am old school, prefer to have an ignition key instead of a fob and a CD player and although I would like to have the latest safety features, I prefer to have the CD player and did not want to go the aftermarket radio route. But I do wish I had the option to get a 2020 SR5 Premium or TRD OffRoad Premium with a key and a CD player. Also, I really wanted to get the Remote Engine Starter feature dealer-installed on the 4Runner, which is available on the 2019s but not the 2020s in the trim levels I want.

Ari (not verified)    August 8, 2019 - 9:39AM

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Jeff, I decided on the 2019 and I had the intention on waiting for the 2020 to compare. It was $9k off of MSRP and those saved funds could be used for other upgrades to the vehicle. The deals on the 2019 were tough to pass up.

Jim (not verified)    August 9, 2019 - 9:31AM

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Could you elaborate on how you achieved saving $9k off a brand new 2019 4Runner? Where, what model, was it a demo, how did you save that much, was it specific discounts or just hard ball negotiation. ? I am in Northern NJ near NYC. I would expect to possibly save $3-4k off MSRP sticker. Thank you.

Shelley ChinQuee (not verified)    May 3, 2020 - 1:46PM

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Great negotiating! Here in South Florida I have been trying hard to negitiate with the local dealers but they are not budging on either the remaining 2019s or the 2020s.

Gregory (not verified)    August 8, 2019 - 10:06AM

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4Runner sales have been down three months on year to year sales and down 5% for 2019. I have read that some have 2018s in stock. The market is slowing, but no great deals.

Toyo4RLover (not verified)    August 8, 2019 - 10:23AM

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The 4Runner has now become the perfect truck with the addition to the safety features. Couldn't understand why it took Toyota so long to add Safety Sense. That was the only thing stopping me from buying it.

Bill Wolfson (not verified)    August 13, 2019 - 2:54PM

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Hi Jeff Best video explanation of all the 4RUNNER models ever. I’ve been asking Toyota @ LA Auto Show for past 3 years when the 4RUNNER would get the safety suite ? Finally it’s a reality!!! Almost bought a Voodo Blue 2019 TRD Pro but luckily details of the 2020 appeared recently. I’m putting a deposit on a Army Green 2020 TRD Pro 4RUNNER today!!! I’m in Laguna Beach, California & greedy dealers want to add $5-$10,000 market adjustments to msrp sticker $
I’m forced to purchase out of state in Arizona or Utah where the mark up is minimal or $ @ sticker!
Best, Bill

UGR (not verified)    August 16, 2019 - 2:26PM

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I wonder if there will be a way to add the safety sense to a current model?

I had a 2016 that was totaled last October from a red light runner so I got the 2019, but was told they most likely wouldn't add the safety sense until the next major makeover, which I now want because of my accident. That would be the only reason I would upgrade. Otherwise I love my 19. I had an 11 also.

However. If you do get in an accident, just know that the 5th Gens are beasts. I was T-boned at 60 miles an hour and it saved my life.