Why this is the Best Time to Lease a 2020 Toyota 4Runner

Today we explore the benefits of leasing a 2020 Toyota 4Runner. The nice part is that we all have choices when we purchase a new car, truck or SUV. We can finance it with traditional monthly payments. Perhaps we can write a check for the entire amount from our personal savings. A third option is to lease it.

If you have never leased a vehicle before, it is very possible you may be thinking you will never lease a vehicle – ever. Some people have had a bad experience, or have known someone who had a bad leasing experience, in the past. Maybe you were told by someone never to lease a vehicle. There could be many reasons.

The truth is leasing is not for everyone. However, for many people leasing is a practical way to purchase a new vehicle at normally lower payments, with more features, while having choices at the end of the lease term.

With that being said, let’s find out about these reasons to consider leasing your next 2020 Toyota 4Runner.

Leasing means lower 2020 4Runner monthly payments

For many people, the chief justification for considering a lease is to get lower monthly payments. This is not a one hundred percent truth, but it does hold true for a majority of vehicles across all brands and models.

Sometimes a lease offers slightly lower payments than traditional financing, while sometimes it provides potential buyers with significantly lower payments. The key is to do research on the vehicle you are most interested in to see how it will affect your budget.

Here is a real-world buying scenario with real payment options.

I selected a 2020 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4 with third-row seating and running boards as extras. Retail MSRP is $41,599, and in this simulation I received a $6,000 discount. I then ran a leasing vs financing scenario with a local Toyota dealership. With $2000 down payment, a 60-month finance term was $654 per month. Leasing monthly payments, in comparison, amounted to $360/month for 36 months and 12,000 miles per year allowance.

As you can see, leasing is so strong currently for a 2020 4Runner that there is a significant difference. This certainly makes your decision a little more difficult over which way to go with budgeting.

More features for the money when leasing 2020 4Runner

Another benefit to leasing is that customers can often “buy more car” and get more features than with traditional financing.

Scenario #2: Comparing 2020 4Runner TRD Off-Road vs a 2020 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium.

In this example, the TRD Off-Road I selected has a sliding rear cargo deck and running boards, with retail MSRP of $42,849. The TRD Off-Road Premium comes with a moonroof and running boards additional, with an MSRP of $45,609. Both vehicles were discounted $6,000 in this simulation.

A 60-month finance payment for the Off-Road (lower priced 4Runner) was $678 with $2000 down. On the flip side, the more expensive Off-Road Premium lease payment for 36 months and 12,000 miles per year was $427 per month.

An Off-Road Premium has additional standard features such as SofTex seats, Smart Key push button start, Premium Audio with dynamic navigation, auto-dimming rear view mirror and a power passenger seat. These are not found standard with a 2020 4Runner TRD Off-Road.

You get more features for a lower payment, just by doing a little research on your available options.

You have practical options at end of 4Runner lease

Most leases are designed to give owners a choice at the end of their term. Normally there are 3 forks in the road to take. You can turn your vehicle in to the manufacturer. You can trade it in for another vehicle. You could also re-finance it with the intention of buying it outright.

Each course of lease-end action has its benefits based on your objective and preference. With increased flexibility, having choices allows you to make the best decision for you and your family.

VIDEO REVIEW: Compare ALL trim levels of 2020 Toyota 4Runner. What one do you like best?

For those people who plan on getting a new vehicle every 3 years, leasing may be an optimal choice. With how fast technology is changing, customers who enjoy this technology and new gadgetry will be able to have the most cutting-edge safety and multimedia features in their vehicles. They can also stay current with new body styles and designs.

This reminds me of something. Something big.

Leasing now matches a Toyota 4Runner redesign

It has been awhile since the 4Runner was redesigned. Rumors have been circling the automotive world about a potential 2022 4Runner change in body style. If this ends up coming to fruition, it will bring with it a newer body design, as well as the latest safety and technology. There may even be a new powertrain.

Only time will tell about this rumor. However, leasing a new 2020 4Runner now means you will be in line to get the brand new 4Runner when it becomes available.

Time for your thoughts on 2020 Toyota 4Runner and leasing

The Toyota 4Runner is tough, reliable and dependable. It also currently has a very strong resale value compared against all manufacturers and models.

My story is not necessarily to encourage everyone to lease their next 4Runner, but rather to inform you of all possible choices so you can make the best informed buying decision based on your situation.

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I talk about the just-announced 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE.

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Bookmark Jeff Teague's Toyota News and Reviews at Torque News Toyota. Please subscribe to Jeff’s “Toyotajeff” YouTube channel for Toyota news, reviews and how-to videos. Follow Jeff on Facebook and Instagram. Find him on Twitter @toyotajeff1 and tweet him tips for new stories.