2021 Toyota 4Runner review
Toyota 4Runner highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Offers ample off-road capability, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts
- Provides a variety of trims to cater to different needs
- Optional slide-out floor is particularly useful
Cons
- The ride lacks the refinement most crossover owners expect
- The V6 engine can be rough and noisy
- Requires an awkward step-in due to its taller entry height
Mileage (EPA estimate)
16 city, 19 highway, 17 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Amazing off-road adventures await.
The Toyota 4Runner is a five to seven-passenger midsize SUV that delivers impressive off-road performance. The well-equipped 4Runner boasts a wide variety of standard and available features across its nine trim levels. If you're looking for a cool and capable off-road SUV, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner is a perfect choice. While we currently do not have many 2021 Toyota 4Runners on our lots, we look forward to selling more in the future. If you love the 2021 model, you should also consider prior model years of the 4Runner with similar features.
All Toyota 4Runner years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Toyota 4Runner generation from 2011 to 2024
What is new for the 2021 Toyota 4Runner?
- The 4Runner is available in a new trim called the Trail Special Edition.
- The Limited Night Shade and SE trims have been discontinued for 2021.
- 4Runner trims have been upgraded with Running Boards as standard equipment this year.
- The TRD Off Road trim now comes with Smart Key as standard equipment.
2021 Toyota 4Runner trims
SR5:
- 270-hp, 278-lb-ft of torque 4.0L
- Power Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Cloth Seats
- Rear View Camera
- Lane Departure Warning
- Power Mirrors
- Rear Defroster
- Automated Cruise Control
- View our Toyota 4Runner SR5 inventory
SR5 Premium:
- Includes all features available on the SR5
- Leatherette Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Smart Key
- View our Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium inventory
TRD Off Road:
- Includes all features available on the SR5 Premium
- No significant upgrades found on the TRD Off Road
- View our Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road inventory
TRD Off Road Premium:
- Includes all features available on the TRD Off Road
- Navigation System
- View our Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium inventory
Venture:
- Includes all features available on the TRD Off Road Premium
- No significant upgrades found on the Venture
- View our Toyota 4Runner Venture inventory
Trail Special Edition:
- Includes all features available on the Venture
- No significant upgrades found on the Trail Special Edition
- View our Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition inventory
TRD Pro:
- Includes all features available on the Trail Special Edition
- Sunroofs
- View our Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro inventory
Limited:
- Includes all features available on the TRD Pro
- Memory Seats
- A/C Seats
- Parking Sensors
- Leather Seats
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- JBL Sound System
- View our Toyota 4Runner Limited inventory
Nightshade:
- Includes all features available on the Limited
- Running Boards
- View our Toyota 4Runner Nightshade inventory
Toyota 4Runner photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Toyota 4Runner
1. Off-road capability
The Toyota 4Runner has been taking people off-road for more than 35 years. Known for its rugged looks and trail conquering abilities, you can rest assured that adventure awaits a 4Runner buyer. With 9.6 inches of ground clearance, plus reinforced skid plates built to protect the engine, front suspension, and fuel tank, it's got it where it counts. There's also available off-road tech like a locking rear differential, Crawl Control, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), and Multi-Terrain Select, so you'll be able to find the 2021 4Runner that suits your needs.
2. Seating flexibility
Looking to bring the whole family on the next great adventure? Seating for five people comes standard, leaving you space for lots of gear behind the second row. However, you can also find an optional third-row bench seat on SR5, SR5 Premium, Limited, and Nightshade Special Edition trim levels. That brings the passenger total up to seven, but the memories will multiply infinitely!
3. Loads of utility
The choice of seating configurations means that you can ramp up your storage utility, too. Two-row 2021 Toyota 4Runners deliver 47.2 cu-ft of cargo space behind the second row (89.7 cu-ft with the second row folded). That means you can bring more gear on a cross-country trek, or just for a weekend at the campsite. Even if you opt for the three-row 4Runner you'll start with nine cu-ft but will get 46.3 cu-ft with the third row folded, and 88.8 cu-ft with both rows folded. Add in cool options like a Yakima® LoadWarrior roof basket and a 40-quart cooler and you can't go wrong with a 2021 Toyota 4Runner.
4. Top-tier tech
The Toyota 4Runner is more than just a rugged off-roader, it's got the latest tech to accompany you on your journey. All trim levels receive an impressive eight-inch touchscreen that is Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay®, and Amazon Alexa™ compatible. One USB connection upfront plus another two in the second row means that you can bring your own music on your trek. Finally, if the standard eight-speaker audio system isn't enough, you can opt for a 15-speaker JBL sound system to really crank the tunes.
5. Cool special editions
There are a grand total of nine trim levels of the 2021 Toyota 4Runner. Between the variety of trim levels, ten available colors, and the list of optional extras, you'll be able to find a 4Runner that stands out in the parking lot or out at the park. The Trail Special Edition and Venture Special Edition are both easy to spot with their cool roof basket and unique exterior trim. The top-spec 4Runner is without a doubt the TRD Pro. From the big TRD-stamped front skid plate to the trim-specific TRD wheels, the list of cool TRD Pro features keeps going.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 Toyota 4Runner, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The 2017-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is well-suited for zipping the family around town, on long trips out of the city, or taking the grandkids to the campsite. A powerful 3.3L V6 has all the grunt for fun weekends away as well as more practical errands. In addition, an available AWD system improves grip by intelligently putting power to the wheel with the most grip. In corners, it gently applies the brakes to the inside wheels, improving turning performance.
Standard equipment in a 2017-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe include:
A five-inch touchscreen and a rearview camera
YES Essentials stain-resistant cloth seats
LED running lights and taillights
Offering an upscale cabin, comfortable seating, and smooth handling, the 2019 Kia Sorento is a great vehicle to consider if you are looking to purchase a well-rounded entry-level midsize SUV. The base model 2019 Kia Sorento comes equipped with a 185 hp 2.4L four-cylinder engine as well as standard features such as a rearview camera, a seven-inch touchscreen display, and more.
The 2020-2021 Hyundai Palisade is a family-friendly three-row crossover SUV with a robust 3.8L V6 engine that can tow an estimated 5,000 lbs., when properly equipped.
Standard features on the 2020-2021 Hyundai Palisade SE include:
LED headlights
Height-adjustable driver's seat
Eight-inch touchscreen display
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Toyota 4Runner an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Toyota 4Runner 7th out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Toyota 4RunnerToyota 4Runner features and specs
Trail Special Edition 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Tow Hitch
- Traction Control
- Full Roof Rack
- Navigation System
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
4.0L
Horsepower
270
Torque (ft-lbs)
278
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
23
Wheelbase
109.8"
Overall length
190.2"
Width
75.8"
Height
71.5"
Leg room
F 41.7"/R 32.9"
Head room
F 39.3"/R 38.6"
Front tires
P265/70SR17
Rear tires
P265/70SR17
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
500/5000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Toyota 4Runner FAQ
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Trail Special Edition : 16 MPG City and 19 MPG Highway
- SR5 : 16 MPG City and 19 MPG Highway
- SR5 Premium : 16 MPG City and 19 MPG Highway
- Limited : 16 MPG City and 19 MPG Highway
- Nightshade : 16 MPG City and 19 MPG Highway
- Venture : 16 MPG City and 19 MPG Highway
- TRD Off Road : 16 MPG City and 19 MPG Highway
- TRD Off Road Premium : 16 MPG City and 19 MPG Highway
- TRD Pro : 16 MPG City and 19 MPG Highway
The Toyota 4Runner received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Toyota 4Runner as 6 out of 32 among Midsize SUV
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner has received an average 4.6 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Toyota 4Runner, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Toyota 4Runner Reviews.
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner has a maximum towing capacity of 5000 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2021 Toyota 4Runner:
- Trail Special Edition
- Running Boards
- Rear View Camera
- Power Mirrors
- Automated Cruise Control
More about the 2021 Toyota 4Runner
Color options
Exterior colors:
Army Green (TRD Pro only)
Barcelona Red Metallic
Blizzard Pearl (Nightshade Edition only)
Cement
Classic Silver Metallic
Lunar Rock (TRD Pro only)
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Midnight Black Metallic
Nautical Blue Metallic
Super White
Interior details
Two-row 4Runners feature 47.2 cu-ft of cargo space (89.7 cu-ft with the second row folded). Three-row 2021 4Runners offer nine cu-ft of cargo space behind the third row (46.3 cu-ft with the third row folded and 88.8 cu-ft with all seats folded).
Eight-inch infotainment touchscreen
Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Amazon Alexa™ capability
Heated seats (SR4 Premium and above)
Ventilated leather seating (Limited and Limited Nightshade)
NHTSA Safety Ratings
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner received an overall 4/5 rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Find out more about this rating and how NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles.
Keep in mind that certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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