Date Night Ideas

So, it’s time for a date night — but where to go? If you’re in Rochester, you’re in luck, as the city offers many and varied places and activities that are perfect for date nights. Ranging from top-class restaurants to pubs to quirky venues, Rochester is home to the perfect date-night venue for all occasions.

Casablanca

Nothing beats a romantic dinner at an upscale restaurant when you want that special date night. For such occasions, Casablanca is the perfect choice. At this restaurant, you’ll receive personalized service and excellent food from owner Chef Bojji — who has worked in multiple European cities — and his wife, Amber. To boot, the small venue is both cozy and classy, featuring big chandeliers, dark wood, and a beautiful bar decorated with Moroccan tiles.

Moroccan-born Chef Bojji combines the traditional flavors and food of his home country with French-style cooking, to create unique and delicious dishes. For starters, you can opt for dishes like the Boulevard de Clichy, which is a caramelized, port-wine-baked brie, or Bruschetta with mango pico, Dubliner cheese, basil, and garlic. On the entree menu is a delectable Tagine a la Francaise, which offers a French take on the traditional Moroccan dish, and an Italian-inspired Tuscan Pork, served with mushrooms and plums.

Canvas & Chardonnay

Although a romantic dinner is a great way to spend a date night, one sometimes wants to try something a bit different. If you feel like getting creative with your partner in a relaxed and cozy environment, an art class at Canvas & Chardonnay is just the thing. Patrons don’t need any previous experience in arts and crafts, and receive step-by-step guidance from the friendly instructors.

To add to the cozy and fun atmosphere, the facility offers live music, as well as wine, beer, and soft drinks that patrons can enjoy while tapping into their creativity. You and your partner can choose from a variety of art classes that all offer different themes and techniques. Upcoming events, for instance, include Seasonal Wood Signs, where patrons learn to apply calligraphy onto wood surfaces, and Golden Moon Shine, which involves creating artworks that feature the moon.

The Redwood Room

If you’re into sultry live jazz performed in a low-lit, wood-paneled downtown bar, you and your partner should drop by The Redwood Room. Apart from savoring the romantic ambience and great music, the two of you can enjoy craft beers, excellent martinis, and home-style comfort food, such as Bolognese, apple-cider pork, shrimp risotto, and gourmet pizza. If, after your evening at The Redwood Room, you think it was one of the most romantic dates you have had, you are not alone. The Redwood Room has been voted as the venue with the “Most Romantic Ambience” in Rochester twice in a row by locals!

These are just a few of the things you can consider when planning your next date night in Rochester. Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion, get creative together, or relax while listening to jazz, Rochester has the venue that’s just right for a memorable date night.

2020 Toyota Sequoia in Rochester, MN | New SUV Amherst, OH

If you’re looking for a comfortable and well-equipped family car, you should take a look at the 2020 Toyota Sequoia. Apart from a spacious cabin, this SUV also boasts a state-of-the-art infotainment system and many convenient features. In addition, the Sequoia comes with impressive standard driver-assist features to keep your family safe on the road.

The Sequoia features five trims: the base SR5, the performance-focused TRD Sport, the off-road-ready TRD Pro, and the Limited and Platinum trims that offer many luxury features. Here’s some more information on what you can expect from this comfortable and reliable family SUV.

Comfortable and Spacious Interior

The cabin of the Sequoia offers plenty of passenger space, as well as a large cargo area of 18.9 cubic feet that can be extended to 66.6 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded flat. If you opt for the SR5 or Limited trims, your Sequoia will seat up to eight passengers, whereas the second-row captain’s chairs that come with the TRD Sport, TRD Pro, and Platinum trims reduce the passenger capacity to seven.

The standard infotainment system is well-equipped and features a 7-inch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and eight speakers. Higher trims add an integrated navigation system, a 14-speaker JBL sound system, and a rear-seat entertainment system with a Blu-Ray player that will keep the kids entertained.

The base SR5 trim offers impressive standard features that include a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 60/40 split-folding and reclining third-row seat, as well as tri-zone automatic climate control that will keep all passengers comfortable and happy. The higher trims add a lot of nice-to-haves, such as leather upholstery, a power-adjustable passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a power third-row seat, and heated second-row captain’s chairs.

Impressive Safety Equipment

The Sequoia offers advanced driver-assist features that will keep your family safe on the road. The standard Safety-Sense-P system includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, as well as front and rear parking sensors. All trims also feature a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Excellent Performance

With the Sequoia comes a robust 5.7-liter V-8 engine that’s paired with a six-speed automatic to make 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, together with the durable box frame and independent rear suspension of the Sequoia, will give you a maximum towing capacity of 7,400 pounds, which means you can easily tow an RV or a boat on your family holiday.

If the family is into off-roading, opt for the TRD Pro trim that offers standard equipment like Fox shocks Rigid fog lights, running boards, and skid plates that’ll give you the ability to navigate almost any terrain

The Platinum trim offers enhanced performance with its electronically controlled Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system that features three driver-selectable settings, namely comfort, normal, and sport. This trim also boasts a rear pneumatic cylinder height-controlled suspension that allows one to adjust the ride height according to the number of passengers and cargo weight.

Offering plenty of passenger and cargo space, a robust engine, impressive standard safety equipment, and loads of modern features, the Sequoia is the perfect family car. To take one for a spin, drop by Rochester Toyota.

Hotels in Rochester, MN

Rochester, which is the third-largest city in Minnesota, is home to the Mayo Clinic and also boasts a large IBM facility. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the city offers stunning hiking trails and parks, as well as rivers and lakes where one can enjoy fishing, swimming, and other water sports. To boot, the city hosts various festivals and events during the year and also features many excellent shops and restaurants. If you’re planning to visit this bustling city, here are a few of the best hotels Rochester has to offer.

The Kahler Grand Hotel

The Kahler Grand Hotel has been an iconic feature of downtown Rochester for nearly a century. The pedestrian skyway and the underground concourse that run from the hotel to the famous Mayo Clinic do not only provide guests with convenient access to the facility but also boast many shops and restaurants.

However, guests don’t have to leave the Kahler for a good meal, as they can enjoy a fine-dining experience at the Lord Essex Steakhouse, some hearty American comfort food at the Grand Grill, or a hand-crafted martini and a light snack at Martini’s. The hotel offers a variety of rooms that range from economy to luxury suites, and also has a rooftop pool, free Wi-Fi, and many exciting package deals.

DoubleTree by Hilton

The DoubleTree by Hilton is another hotel that is located near Mayo Clinic. Guests can conveniently access the Shops at University Square, which features premium shopping and dining experiences, via a skywalk or pedestrian subway. The DoubleTree also houses the award-winning restaurant, Pescara, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Guests can choose from rooms with either two twin beds or a double bed, suites that feature a lounge area, or executive rooms that offer a large desk and an ergonomic chair. In addition, the hotel offers accessible rooms that feature handicap-accessible bathrooms. Amenities include a salon, indoor pool, and fully-equipped fitness center.

Staybridge Suites

Staybridge Suites is a short commute away from Mayo Clinic, the Shops at University Square, the IBM facility, and Downtown Rochester, and also a short drive away from the Rochester International Airport. The hotel offers comfortable suites that feature desks and Wi-Fi, as well as kitchens that are equipped with a stove, microwave, fridge, dishwasher, and all necessary glassware, pots, and utensils. For business people, or other guests, who need to stay for longer than one or two nights, these suites are perfect.

In addition, Staybridge Suites is also a pet-friendly hotel, offering rates of $75 per pet for a one-to-six-night stay and $150 for seven nights or longer. Amenities include self-laundry facilities, a full housekeeping service, complimentary breakfast, and an on-site fitness center.

If you plan to visit the colorful and bustling city of Rochester for either business or pleasure, these are three of the best hotels where you can stay. Apart from the fact that they all provide easy access to the various attractions in Rochester, such as shops, restaurants, the Mayo Clinic, or the IBM facility, they also offer attractive and well-equipped rooms, convenient amenities, and friendly service.

New 2020 Toyota Corolla in Rochester, MN | Car Dealership in Rochester, MN

Modern cars come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, but the classic sedan is still a very popular option. Its excellent mix of comfort, space, agility, and performance made it a hit with drivers all over the world, so it’s no wonder that Toyota Corolla has been the best-selling car in the world since 1974 until the present day. The 2020 model manages to improve upon a legendary car, with brand new design and extra features.

A Complete Redesign

The 2020 Corolla’s look has undergone one of the most significant transformations in the model’s long history. Rather than just relying on the model’s rich history and huge popularity, Toyota has gone to great lengths to keep the Corolla one step ahead of its competitors. Its new and aggressive front fascia captures the car’s agility and street performance, the large 18-inch alloy wheels add a bit of class, the LED headlights and taillights mix elegance with utility, while the dark gray metallic sport accents complete the image of a beautiful and fast sedan.

A Variety of trims to Choose From

The 2020 Toyota Corolla is available in five different trim levels: L, LE, SE, XLE, and XSE. The L, LE, and XLE trims are powered by a reliable 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that’s capable of producing up to 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque, while the SE and XSE trims come with a powerful 2.0-liter engine which produces 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. A smooth continuously variable transmission helps both engines transmit all that power down to the wheels.

The L trim is well equipped for a base model, with features such as LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, a 7-inch touchscreen, smartphone connectivity options through Apple CarPlay, USB ports, and Bluetooth, and a crisp-sounding six-speaker audio system, among others. Higher trims bring more features, like keyless entry and ignition, a larger 8-inch touch screen, adaptive headlights, and many more, many of which are optional on lower trims.

Safety as a Top Priority

Any modern car has to be able to help the driver avoid potential dangers and keep everyone inside as safe as possible when something does occur, and the 2020 Toyota Corolla does an excellent job on both. Thanks to its Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 active safety bundle, the driver is alerted and assisted in all potentially dangerous circumstances, making it significantly easier to avoid any potential hazards. In case a collision does occur, the Corolla’s strong frame and standard Advanced Airbag System, everyone inside will be as safe as possible.

One of the hardest tasks in any field is improving a hugely popular product. Toyota’s engineers and designers certainly faced this challenge when creating the 2020 Toyota Corolla, a car that has been at the top of vehicle popularity charts for many decades. Looking at the 2020 model’s looks, performance, features, reliability, and safety systems, it’s fair to say that they have done an excellent job.

Burger Restaurants in Rochester, MN | Car Dealer in Rochester, MN

Although the rise in popularity of international cuisine means that restaurants are more diverse than ever, the classic hamburger is still one of America’s favorite meals. The people living in or around Rochester, Minnesota, are lucky to have some amazing burger-serving places around.

Hot Chip Burger Bar

Located on 16th street in Rochester, this place is known for its wide variety of delicious burgers. They use fresh, locally-made ingredients to make them and there are enough options to satisfy every taste. From a classic American hamburger to other varieties like “Call me the dude” or “Brooklyn baby daddy”, the many available types of burgers mean that there’s something for everyone. Each burger is served with a side of pickles and Hot Chip’s special umami fries.

Newt’s

With four open locations in Rochester, Newt’s is probably the easiest burger place to find in town. Constantly receiving the popular vote for Rochester magazine’s “Best Burger” award in the past 15 years, it’s fair to say that most locals consider this place the best in town. Aside from delicious hamburgers and cheeseburgers, they also serve sandwiches, salads, various appetizers, and a wide range of draft and bottled beers.

The Half Barrel – Bar and Restaurant

Located in downtown Rochester, this is the place to go for great burgers and a good time. Burger lovers will enjoy their Barrel Burger, with whiskey cheddar, applewood smoked bacon, and truffle aioli, while veggie burger enthusiasts have the choice of a fully vegan burger. Sandwiches, steaks, salads, and pasta dishes are also available, as well as a fully stocked bar with over 400 selections of the best whiskey from around the world. With delicious and affordable food, a wide variety of drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s a good place to visit even if you’re not a burger enthusiast.

Snappy Stop

Lovers of classic American fast food will be delighted with Snappy Stop. Founded over 30 years ago and located on 9th street in Rochester, it’s a great place to go for affordable and tasty burgers. Their Snappy Burger is available in regular, double, and triple size, while there’s also a special “burger of the month”. Their menu also includes special combos, including snappy burgers with cheese, a side of fries, and a pop. Try out the delicious nuggets or any of the dessert options from the milkshakes to ice cream sandwiches.

Forager Brewery

Although the name might suggest otherwise, Forager Brewery is a vibrant and stylish local family-friendly restaurant that also serves great burgers. Their food is made with locally grown ingredients that are expertly cooked by their chefs and there’s a large selection of special craft beers to go along with your meal.

Burgers are and will probably always be a hugely popular food because they taste amazing, are reasonably affordable, quick to prepare, and easy to eat. By visiting any of the places on this list you are guaranteed to get a delicious burger with all your favorite ingredients.

2020 Toyota Sienna in Rochester, MN | New SUV's in Rochester, MN

Although crossover SUVs are growing in popularity as family vehicles, the classic minivan is still the best car for large families. The 2020 Toyota Sienna is a great example of a spacious minivan that also impresses with its looks, technology, and safety.

Stylish Trims

The 2020 Toyota Sienna is available in five different trim levels: L, LE, SE, XLE, and Limited. They all come with the same engine: a powerful and reliable 3.5-liter V-6 that’s capable of producing up to 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired to a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission.

Even the basic L trim is more than adequately equipped, with features like 17-inch alloy wheels, tri-zone climate control, automatic headlights, keyless entry, a 7-inch touch screen infotainment interface, and a 6-speaker sound system, among others. Higher trims add more features, such as larger rims, roof rails, a power liftgate, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a rear-seat entertainment system. Many of the features on higher trims can be added as options on lower ones.

Comfort and Technology

As you would expect from a family-oriented minivan, the 2020 Toyota Sienna is very comfortable for all passengers, even on long drives. Depending on the chosen configuration, it can seat either seven or eight passengers, with the seats being very soft and supportive. The comfort levels are also enhanced by the great insulation and suspension system, which work together to offer a very comfortable ride. The seats are also easily accessible, while the driver’s seat is easily adjustable so that everyone can find their perfect driving position.

On the technology front, the 2020 Sienna has all the infotainment systems you would expect from a modern vehicle. Smartphone connectivity is easily achievable through Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, and the five available USB ports. The 7-inch touch screen features Toyota’s Entune interface, meaning that every function is intuitive and easy to use. Although all infotainment functions can be controlled via the touch screen, physical buttons and knobs are also available for quick access to the most often-used functions.

Modern Safety Features

Safety is a major factor in choosing a vehicle, and especially for family-oriented ones. The 2020 Toyota Sienna comes with Toyota Safety Sense as standard, meaning that all Siennas will benefit from the latest in active safety technology, no matter the chosen trim. Features like forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with automatic braking, lane-keeping assist, and lane departure warning all work together to help the driver detect and avoid any potential danger encountered on the road.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna is the ideal family vehicle. You could be going across town to a restaurant, or across state lines on an epic road adventure, and you’ll be sure that everyone inside will be supremely comfortable, entertained, and as safe from harm as possible. Choose the trim and configuration that fits you and your family the best and you’ll be ready to hit the road.

Wineries Near Rochester,MN | Car Dealership in Rochester, MN

A weekend day trip to a local winery is one of the most fun activities you can do if you’re a wine lover. It gives you the chance to meet up with friends, spend a day out in nature, and, of course, try some delicious wine. Luckily for those living in or around Rochester, Minnesota, there are many charming wineries in the area.

Four Daughters Vineyard and Winery

Located only a half-hour drive away from Rochester, this charming location features a winery and a cidery, with a restaurant and event center also available to visitors. The 6-acre vineyard produces excellent quality grapes, from which the Four Daughters wines and Sunflake wines are made, so visiting wine enthusiasts will definitely enjoy their time here. As a special bonus, guests are invited to try the Loon Juice hard cider, a product of the local cidery.

There are more surprises and fun activities for visitors, aside from the wine tasting and the gorgeous natural surroundings. There’s a live music show happening every Friday and Saturday in the tasting room, while Saturday mornings also feature gentle flow yoga classes in the vineyard.

Salem Glen Winery

This family-owned winery was established in 2006 about 16 miles west of Rochester, in the Zumbro River valley. It used to be the location of an old dairy farm, but the sun-kissed hills around it are just perfect for winemaking. The 5-acre vineyard has over 3000 vines and all the wine varieties you’ll find here are 100 percent grown on-site. Visitors are welcome all year-round, with a full tasting consisting of over eight wine varieties. There’s also home-made pizza available during the summer months, while the store offers great deals on wines, tea, and souvenirs.

Whitewater Wines

Located in Whitewater River’s valley, 30 miles from Rochester, this winery is also a great hiking location, with 30 acres of vineyards, hardwoods, and prairie offering guests breathtaking views. Open since 1996, it’s run by the Hanlon family and currently has over 20 different types of grapes growing on the property. No matter what your favorite wine types are, odds are you’ll find them here in their wine list. Guests can bring their own food and have a picnic on the location, making this the ideal spot for a day trip.

Villa Bellezza

This special winery takes a little longer than an hour to get to by car, but once you’re there you will discover that it’s well worth it. It manages to bring the magic and charm of the Mediterranean wineries from Italy, Spain, or France all the way to Minnesota, making it the perfect escape from everyday life. The quality of their wines matches the location, with a wide variety of white, rose, and red wines to satisfy all wine lovers.

Visiting a winery is one of the most fun weekend activities you can have because it blends the pleasure of enjoying a delicious glass of wine with the beauty of local natural landscapes. By visiting any of these locations you’ll get to immerse yourself in nature and experience the best wine Minnesota has to offer.

2020 Toyota Camry in Rochester, MN | Car Dealership in Rochester, MN

The 2020 Toyota Camry is almost here, and we can’t wait to see everything that will come with it. From what we know so far, the new Camry is sure to not disappoint fans of the model and may switch many fans of other sedans over to our side.

Here’s a quick review of what we know about the 2020 Toyota Camry so far:

Customizability

The 2020 Toyota Camry will come with plenty of options to let you build the perfect sedan for your lifestyle. The three-engine lineup, including a hybrid system, lets you choose your power levels. Your access to these engines will depend on the trim level you choose — the 2020 Camry has six. Between these options and the assortment of handsome colors that will be available when the new Camry is released, finding a Camry with a personality that matches yours will be easy to do.

Engine lineup

The 2020 Camry will have the option between three engines, as we mentioned. The lineup starts with a practical, fuel-efficient 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that will produce 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. But if it’s exciting power you’re looking for, the 3.5-liter V-6 will turn things up a notch — to 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, to be exact. If you want an even more impressive fuel economy and driving range, the hybrid system will scratch your itch.

Enhanced tech

One of the biggest problems we had with the past years’ models is that the touch screen wasn’t compatible with Android Auto. For the 2020 Camry, it is and we’re now out of things to complain about. It’ll also have Apple CarPlay for iPhone users. These two features let you connect to your Camry on a deeper level, letting you use many of your favorite apps and phone features directly through the car’s touch screen.

The 2020 Camry will also have more access to Toyota’s technologically advanced driver-assist systems. These make navigating through the cities and taking on highways much easier. Blind-spot alert, forward collision warning, lane-departure, and adaptive cruise control are just some of the technologies you can expect to see on the 2020 Camry.

2020 Camry TRD

The 2020 Camry will get the Toyota Racing Development treatment. You may have seen the TRD emblem on Toyotas before if they slowed down long enough for you to catch them. The 2020 Camry TRD‘s coil springs will give a lower, sportier height that will increase its stability and handling. Inside, you’ll find a red-on-black, modernly tough ambiance. It uses the V-6 engine that’s also available for the XLE and XSE trims but certainly gets more use out of it. For those looking for the most exciting sedan ride, the 2020 Camry TRD is the way to go.

When the 2020 Camry is released, you can expect your test drive to be waiting for you at Rochester Toyota in Rochester, Minnesota. We’re just as excited to take this Toyota classic out for a spin as you are.

Farmer's Markets Near Rochester, MN

Nothing makes a home homier than a well-stocked kitchen. If you want to pack your kitchen with fresh, locally grown ingredients, then you should head to one of the many farmers markets near Rochester, Minnesota. Feel good by supporting your local producers and businesses while getting the cook with some of the freshest produce you’ll ever taste. It’s a win-win situation.

Here are the best farmers markets in the Rochester area:

Rochester Farmers Market

The Rochester Farmers Market has been around since 1985 and is the go-to-market for the area. It’s held throughout the year, but alternates between two locations: Graham Park and downtown. If you’re looking for some of the freshest food you’ll ever taste, this farmers market has you covered. Seasonal selections fill the booths in the market. You’ll find plenty of raw produce, as well as baked goods, meats, flowers, ready-to-eat food vendors, and more. They’re held rain or shine and offer a great way to spend the day with family while stocking your kitchen with the freshest ingredients.

The Graham Park Farmers Market is held from June to September on Wednesday from 2-6 p.m. and then from November to April on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. The Downtown Farmers Market lasts from May to October and is held on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to noon.

Saint Paul Farmers Market

If you’re up to the drive, the Saint Paul Farmers Market is another great destination. You can feel good about supporting Minnesota’s farmers and crafters while saving money on produce. One of the greatest parts about the Saint Paul Farmers Market is its full schedule. Many months of the year, there’s a farmers market every day of the week except Monday, sometimes at multiple locations around the city. You’ll find a great many booths selling anything from locally harvested honey to handmade candles.

If you’re visiting Saint Paul, about an hour’s drive from Rochester, check out the Saint Paul Farmers’ Market calendar to plan a trip to one of their farmers markets.

Plainview Farmers Market

About half an hour’s drive northeast of Rochester, you can take advantage of the Plainview Farmers Market. Every Wednesday, vendors set up their tents in Plainview to sell vegetables, crafts, baked goods, jams, meats, and more. This farmers market runs from May to October, on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m.

Winona Farmers Market

A little further east is the town of Winona along the Mississippi River on the Wisconsin border. Their farmers market is also held from May to October, on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to noon, rain or shine. Head to the Merchants Bank parking lot. The 2019 season brought fresh honey, eggs, nuts, grains, flowers, soaps, granola, maple syrup, and much more. If you’re looking for a rich farmers market scene, Winona is the place to be.

Take some time to explore everything our local businesses and producers have to offer at these great farmers markets. You’ll love that your kitchen looks like you just spent a season of gardening your own vegetables after perusing the booths at the farmers market.

 

Image by James Cohen is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

2020 Toyota 4Runner in Rochester, MN | Car Dealership in Rochester, MN

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner is one of our top picks for SUVs this upcoming year and our number one pick for off-road-ready vehicles. This model has long been known as one of the toughest and most reliable SUVs on the market, and the 2020 incarnation just stepped up its own game. Here are the top reasons we think you’ll love the 2020 4Runner:

Off-Road Capability

If you’re looking for an SUV that can handle its own when it comes to off-roading, the 2020 4Runner is the one for you. It’s loaded with performance features that many other SUVs lack.

You have the option between two four-wheel-drive systems that let you take on rough terrain like the best of them. For the best rock-crawling drivetrain, opt for the TRD Pro trim. Active traction control and the limited-slip locking center differential give you the best grip on the road, paved or otherwise. The TRD Pro 4Runner will also feature sway bars, FOX shocks, and a lifted suspension to better forge its own paths.

Even if you’re sticking to the city streets, these four-wheel-drive systems are a game-changer, especially if you live in a place that experiences a lot of bad weather.

Tough Style

The 2020 4Runner has a personality that isn’t afraid to let other vehicles know how tough it is. The bulky exterior is muscled and looks ready to take on the great outdoors. From the multi-tiered grille and front fascia to the proud hatch-style rear door, the new 4Runner is ready for adventure when you are.

Raw Power

The 2020 4Runner will come standard with V-6 power. Its 4.0-liter engine is designed to use every ounce of its 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque to give you a worthy driving experience. This engine is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission that offers you a smooth shift. With this much muscle, it’s easy to gun it on highways and strong-arm your way through rocky roads.

Updated Tech

One of the major turnoffs for us when it came to previous years’ models was the multimedia technology. But this year, Toyota has pulled out all the stops. The new dashboard-mounted touch-screen is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so all smartphone users will be able to use many of their favorite features directly through their 4Runner. This includes music streaming, directions, and phone calls.

Driver-Assist Systems

The 2020 4Runner will come with more access to more driver-assist features than it ever has. The Toyota Safety Sense suite that was once optional is now standard. It includes features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot assist, and lane departure warning. These technologies improve the way you drive by raising awareness of the road around you, no matter how high your skill level.

When the 2020 Toyota 4Runner rolls into dealerships, you can expect yours to be waiting for you at Rochester Toyota in Rochester, Minnesota. Come by for a test drive — we’ll be looking for any reason to take this SUV out for a spin.