Some random objects make us instantly happy because they remind us of the “good old days.” This happens even if the object is not the most technologically advanced or modern one. Occasionally, boring, ordinary things bring more happiness than high-tech gadgets that are supposed to make life easier. This happens even with cars, as random automobiles who are unassuming and have an unostentatious design elements become pop culture items. Take, for example, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro- nearly all drivers agree that this mid-size SUV has an outdated interior and infotainment system, and it falls behind its rivals in most categories, but it still has a solid super-fan community.

Car manufacturers are constantly chasing newness, but Toyota has embraced an unprogressive, backward-looking approach. Considering that Toyota has dived into the Metaverse by constructing “virtual workspaces for its employees to interact in a more immersive way,” this look towards the past, used for the 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro, is refreshing and very surprising. Luckily, this strategy didn’t backfire and the 4Runner TRD Pro has won over legions of nostalgic fans.

Related: 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Fuses Modern Tech With Off-Road Chops

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro: Old Means Gold

2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro 2
via: Toyota

Browse the internet and look for customer reviews about the 4Runner TRD Pro, and you’ll constantly find juxtapositions. Customers love to compare this legendary Toyota to the Land Rover Discovery and the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and they rightfully point out all the shortcomings of the Toyota. Indeed, cargo space is limited, performance is not up to Toyota’s price point, style is questionable, and the infotainment system reminds us of the Flintstones age, but some of us are craving design that is restraint. And we love modest tech features that aren’t overly burdensome.

Drivers looking for a no-frills SUV that is a powerhouse on uneven terrain and impresses with its off-road capabilities, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is the perfect vehicle. The same logic applies even for drivers who want a sport utility vehicle for towing or a dependable SUV for daily commutes. Yes, the massive 4Runner TRD Pro looks and feels like a truck, but that’s exactly what you need when you embark on a new adventure. It’s worth noting that Consumer Reports gave the 2020 4Runner the highest marks for reliability. Meanwhile, Toyota was ranked third in Consumer Reports’ list of the 10 automakers that manufacture the most reliable vehicles; thus, drivers who want one of the most reliable SUVs on the market, will probably turn to the 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro: Shortcomings Are Often Blessings

2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro 6
via: Facebook

The safety technology was updated, but it’s still not up to the standard of Toyota’s rivals. However, the most important safety features like automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning system are available. Meanwhile, the interior cabin of the 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is simple and underrated. This means that novice drivers won’t get easily distracted by a cluttered design, where too many gadgets and surrounding LEDs disrupt their attention. In fact, this is the best vehicle for teens and young drivers who are more interested in the infotainment system than driving.

Lastly, the fuel economy is indeed an issue, especially with gasoline prices skyrocketing in the past months. But a 4.0-liter V-6 engine that generates 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, which is supposed to pull this immense vehicle up the hill and on rough terrain will have higher fuel consumption. Naturally, eliminating aggressive driving and avoiding excessive idling can reduce fuel consumption. If we consider the major benefits of the 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro, the EPA-estimated city fuel economy of 16 miles per gallon and the 19 miles per gallon on the highway doesn’t sound like a bad idea.

Related: The 2020 Toyota 4Runner Will Arrive In Showrooms In September

This Is How Much A 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Costs Today

2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro 4
via: Toyota Forum 

One of the best things about owning a Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is that it has a good resale value. While SUVs depreciate less than sedans, they still lose a significant percent of their value. An industry research by iSeeCars.com highlighted that the average five-year-old car depreciated by 40.1 percent in 2021, but some vehicles depreciated more than that. For example, the compact five-door hatchback Nissan LEAF lost 65.1 percent of its value in five years, while a mid-size luxury SUV like the BMW X5 lost 60.3 percent of its value. On the opposing end, the Toyota 4Runner made the list as one of the 10 vehicles that depreciate the least.

Drivers who are interested in the 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro should set aside around $55,000. According to Kelley Blue Book, a fair market range for a 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is between $53,843 and $59,564, while the typical listing price is $56,354.