Your 2020 Toyota 4Runner May Have Remote Engine Start, and You Might Not Know It
I have been waiting nearly a full year for this fall season. It is my favorite time of year. The weather here in North Carolina is a little cooler, I get to watch my Detroit Lions football and I get to run a Rugged Maniac race later this month.
The main reason I have been excited lately, though, is because I knew Toyota was introducing its 2020 model year lineup with brand new models, along with many more new features and additions. Perhaps the model with the biggest amount of new exciting toys and gadgets is 2020 Toyota 4Runner.
2020 4Runner has many new upgrades
There are many new upgrades coming to the 2020 4Runner, including Toyota Safety Sense. This important package of safety features includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control and lane departure alert.
Also look for standard across-the-board larger multimedia touch screens and Apple CarPlay with Android Auto, along with Amazon Alexa commands. A refreshed multimedia control display brings a high-tech look into the interior cabin. These are very welcomed changes. 4Runner joins the Tacoma, Tundra, Sequoia and Camry in adding Android Auto to its technology and convenience portfolio.
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In addition, rear seat passengers can now plug in and charge their devices with 2 standard rear USB ports.
Remote Engine Start may be on your 2020 4Runner
One of the features I did not see listed on the “what’s new” section for 2020 Runner is remote engine start. One of my "Toyotajeff" Instagram page followers, Darwin, sent me a tip showing his 2020 4Runner has this convenient perk: name the engine remote start.
For my testing purposes I had 2 of the 2020 Toyota 4Runner models available to try – a Limited in Midnight Black Metallic and a TRD Pro in Magnetic Gray Metallic. I did not have the entire lineup of 4Runners together like I did a few months ago with all 7 of the 2019 4Runner models. Spoiler alert: it worked perfectly for both the Limited and TRD Pro.
Watch as I test out my 2020 4Runner remote engine test for my YouTube channel
Here is how to test it out on your 2020 4Runner. Lock, lock and lock. Three times. That is the key. Using your Smart Key, 1) press Lock, 2) press Lock again, 3) press Lock and hold it down for about 3 seconds. While holding Lock button down for that third time, you will see the lights start to flash. Your engine will start a few seconds after.
My theory on remote start with 2020 4Runner
A few months ago, I tested and wrote about the 2019 Avalon, Camry and RAV4 for remote engine start with successful results. It seems any of these models that also have Toyota connected services, including Remote Connect, could also be started remotely using the vehicle’s key.
I suspect this is also the case with the 2020 4Runner. I just need more trim levels to try, including SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Off-Road Premium.
It is time for your thoughts on 2020 4Runner
You may also enjoy reading my other Torque News stories about changes coming to the 2020 4Runner or about the TRD Pro. Feel free to click these links if interested.
I would enjoy hearing about your current Toyota 4Runner if you own one. What year and how many miles on yours? Do you use it mainly for staying on the roads or more for off-roading? What about the 2020 4Runner? What do you think of some of the changes coming, especially with the additions of Toyota Safety Sense and the Android Auto / Apple CarPlay combo?
Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I tell you why bringing back the RAV4 V6 engine is a good idea.
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. Twitter him @toyotajeff1 and tweet him tips for new stories.
Watch as we talk about the 2020 Toyota 4Runner changes coming. Please click here to subscribe to Torque News YouTube channel for the latest Toyota news and automotive analysis.