2021 Toyota 4Runner Review

Name: 2021 Toyota 4Runner Review
Brand: Toyota
Price: 27698 USD

2021 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

2021 Toyota 4Runner Nightshade Special Edition 4dr SUV Exterior

+506

The 4Runner isn't the most polished SUV around, and its V6 is thirsty compared to the engines in a lot of similarly priced crossovers. Still, it's hard to find a vehicle that offers this much capability with this much utility and seating for up to seven people. The 4Runner isn't the SUV for everyone, but it might be perfect for some.

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2021 Toyota 4Runner Review

byBrent Romans^{Senior Manager, Written Content
Brent Romans has worked in the automotive industry since 1996. He has written or edited thousands of expert car reviews and road-tested hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Brent is a senior manager of written content at Edmunds and previously contributed to publications such as Super Street and Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road. His personal car is a 2019 BMW M2 Competition, which he bought for its ideal combination of performance, style and practicality.}

Pros

Lots of off-road capability
Wide variety of configurations to suit many buyers
Versatile cargo area, especially with the optional slide-out floor

Cons

Choppy ride quality compared with more modern crossover SUVs
V6 engine is not particularly fuel-efficient
Tall step-in height makes for awkward entry and exit

What's new

New 4Runner Trail Special Edition
Standard LED headlights for all 4Runners
TRD Pro trim gets new wheels and retuned shock absorbers
Part of the fifth 4Runner generation introduced for 2010

Overview

A relic of a bygone era, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner is definitely not your typical crossover SUV. Indeed, with its high stance and big-shouldered styling, the 4Runner looks like Bill and Ted time-warped it in from the 1980s. Yet this classic style is undoubtedly a big part of the 4Runner's appeal.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$252/mo

$201/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Toyota last redesigned the current-generation 4Runner back in 2010, which in automotive terms might as well be the '80s. This is a truck-based SUV that makes only slight concessions to the latest market trends. You've dialed up the wrong SUV if you want great fuel economy, a comfy ride and a tech interface that orders you a pizza while it parallel parks itself. But it does give you rugged off-road ability, plenty of towing capacity and a versatile cargo area.

Changes are slight for 2021. There's a new Trail Special Edition that comes with a Yakima roof rack and a custom 40-quart beverage cooler. The top TRD Pro trim gets new, stronger wheels and Fox shock absorbers retuned to improve off-road performance. Is this the right SUV for you? Check out our Expert Review to get our in-depth take on the 2021 4Runner.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Average

7.6

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the 4Runner drive? The 4Runner's performance is adequate. It's not terribly fast, but the engine and transmission are smooth. It can hold its own in traffic. The brakes are a bit jumpy, and there's some nosedive when you really mash the brake pedal, but you'll get used to it. Around corners, the 4Runner turns in quickly and provides a pleasing amount of stability for a truck-based SUV. Even so, other car-like crossover SUVs are more nimble.

The 4Runner becomes a superstar if you're the sort who would take it off-road for exploring or adventure camping. Its multimode 4WD system, high ground clearance and special TRD features make it capable of taking on rocky trails. If that's important to you, then the 4Runner's otherwise mediocre performance will be more or less insignificant.

Comfort

7.0/10

How comfortable is the 4Runner? You wouldn't be far off the mark if you sized up the 4Runner's comfort potential just by looking at it. You actually can judge this book by its cover. Its truck-based construction results in a somewhat bouncy and stiff ride. It's not terrible, but just about any other crossover SUV rides more smoothly.

The same goes for wind noise as the 4Runner's boxy shape stirs up more than the generally sleeker and more low-slung competition. Interestingly, road noise from the tires is relatively tame because body-on-frame construction provides an extra layer of sound suppression between road and cabin.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? Living with a 4Runner is a pretty pleasant experience, but it has one fairly obvious drawback: its tall ride height. That makes getting in and out somewhat difficult, though side steps are available to help out. It's really no worse than any full-size pickup in this regard, but other crossover SUVs are easier to access.

Once you're inside, you'll find easy-to-understand controls and a highly adjustable driving position that affords a commanding view ahead. There's plenty of space in both the front and back rows. Visibility to the sides and back is surprisingly good because of the 4Runner's squared-off shape and windows.

Technology

8.0/10

How’s the tech? The 4Runner's touchscreen audio system has clear graphics and numerous fixed shortcut buttons that make it easy to drill down into the menus without staring at the screen as much. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. Standard driver aids include traffic-adaptive cruise control and forward collision mitigation.

Storage

8.0/10

How’s the storage? The 4Runner's squared-off cargo area is big. Fold the rear seats down and you can even roll out sleeping bags back there. Cargo can be accessed by opening the hatch, of course, or by lowering the 4Runner's power rear window.

The roomy second row can accommodate car seats in any of the three positions, even bulkier rear-facing models. The square door openings make for easy access, but little kids will have a hard time climbing up into the cabin. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, a useful figure that covers most boats and many small camping trailers. And the vehicle is prewired for not only four-pin but also seven-pin trailer plugs that come on trailers with electric trailer brakes.

Fuel Economy

6.0/10

How’s the fuel economy? The aging 4.0-liter V6 engine and five-speed automatic make for a rather thirsty pairing that does no better than 17 mpg combined (16 city/19 highway). This is, on average, 4 mpg worse than other rival crossover SUVs with all-wheel drive.

Value

7.0/10

Is the 4Runner a good value? The 4Runner costs more than some of the crossovers it competes with, but in return you get more in terms of off-highway and towing performance. It also has a strong resale value, so much of the extra you'll pay up front will come back when you move on to something else later on.

While you own it, you'll have two years of free scheduled maintenance for things such as oil changes and tire rotations. The warranty, should you ever need it, is fairly standard. The 4Runner's big downside occurs at the pump, which you will be visiting often because its estimated fuel economy is in the teens in both the city and on the highway.

Wildcard

8.0/10

On the road, it's fine. It gets you there. The fun comes in when you take it off-road. As every other SUV has descended into crossover pavement-and-snow mediocrity, the 4Runner still waves the flag for the body-on-frame SUV fans who want real off-road performance.

Which 4Runner does Edmunds recommend?

You buy a 4Runner for its off-road capability, or at least you should. As such, we say go with the Venture Special Edition. It has the same features as the TRD Off-Road that help with off-road performance but stands out a little more with its gray-painted wheels and overlanding-style roof rack.

2021 Toyota 4Runner models

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner is a midsize SUV available in nine trim levels: SR5, Trail Special Edition, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Venture Special Edition, Limited, Limited Nightshade and TRD Pro. Standard feature highlights include:

All come with a 4.0-liter V6 (270 horsepower, 278 lb-ft of torque) and five-speed automatic transmission. The SR5, Trail Special Edition and Limited trims are available with two-wheel drive and seating for up to seven passengers. The remaining trim levels seat five and are only available in four-wheel drive.

SR5
Starts you out with:

LED headlights
17-inch wheels
Roof rails
Power rear window
Power-adjustable front seats
40/20/40-split reclining and folding second-row seats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
120-volt power outlet in the rear cargo area
8-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration

Every 4Runner also comes with:

Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the 4Runner and the car in front)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)

Trail Special Edition
Based on the SR5, this new trim level adds:

Yakima roof rack
Dark-painted wheels and exterior trim
Portable beverage cooler

SR5 Premium
Upgrades the SR5 trim with:

Simulated leather upholstery
Heated front seats
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Keyless ignition and entry
Optional sunroof

TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium
These trims are similar to their respective SR5 trims but have:

Additional drive settings for off-roading
Locking rear differential (helps with maximizing traction off-road)
Optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) that can improve wheel articulation when off-roading

Venture Special Edition
Builds off the TRD Off-Road Premium by adding:

Yakima roof rack
Gray-painted TRD wheels with all-terrain tires
Black exterior accents

Limited
This is the 4Runner's luxury-level trim. It uses a different 4WD system and suspension setup that aims to make it more comfortable. It also comes with:

20-inch wheels
Chrome exterior accents
Sunroof
Leather upholstery
Ventilated front seats
Integrated navigation system
Premium JBL sound system

Limited Nightshade Edition
Enhances the Limited trim with black-painted wheels and black exterior trim.

TRD Pro
The most expensive 4Runner, the TRD Pro is meant for serious off-roaders. It has the TRD Off-Road Premium's standard features plus the sunroof, navigation system and JBL sound system. It also features:

Off-road-focused suspension with Fox dampers
TRD wheels with all-terrain tires
Special front skid plate
TRD roof rack

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Above Average

#7 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Toyota 4Runner from 2008-2022.}

$469/yr

vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.83x/yr

vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

13%

vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Toyota 4Runner.

5 (50%)

4 (21%)

3 (15%)

2 (6%)

1 (8%)

4.0

52 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Great, for what it's intended to do.

Woodsman, 10/25/2020

2021 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

If you plan to spend much more time on the highway than in the woods with your 4Runner, the Limited is the model to get. More amenities, and a slightly more roadworthy ride. Commanding driving position gives you a feeling of confidence behind the wheel. Just keep in mind this is still an old-school truck, albeit with modern safety and electronic technology, disguised as an SUV. …

Love the new 4runner

Donna S, 12/09/2020

2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD OFF-ROAD 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

This is my 3rd Toyota 4Runner and I have to say I am very impressed with the TRD Off Road Premium edition, I love the Magnetic gray metallic and the interior is wonderful I love everything about it bumper to bumper and the 4 wheel is great also defiantly has a lot of traction, Haven't even had it a week and almost 1000 miles already I usually travel 5000 miles a month, so I am really …

Honda Pilot Convert. 4Runner is Better

J Bradley, 04/29/2021

2021 Toyota 4Runner Venture Special Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

We traded in a 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD on a new 21' 4Runner Venture. The Honda had been replete with mechanical and quality control issues since the day we bought it new. It was approaching the end of its factory warranty. We also have a Toyota Land Cruiser, so we know what Toyota reliability is. We really tried to love the Pilot for its room, fuel economy, road manners and crisp … handling. But, the reliability was terrible. During the first 90 days, it spent 30 days at the dealership while most of the rear suspension was replaced. That's just the beginning... but enough about the Pilot. Suffice to say it was one of the least reliable cars we've owned. The 4Runner is a lot things, but one thing it isn't is highly-refined. It's a bit rough around the edges like any super-tough vehicle. It's a Tacoma pickup truck underneath and it acts like a truck because it IS a truck. Know that going in. The mileage isn't great, we have averaged 18.1 over the 4k miles we've owned it. There's nothing really aerodynamic about it. The on-road tech is a generation behind the current state-of-the-art. All this considered, the 4Runner is probably my favorite vehicle I've ever owned. Reasons: I don't have to baby it - it's just tough - and I am longer no longer trying to tune-in to every sound the vehicle makes for fear that something else might be going wrong that could strand us. The build quality is superb. The materials are excellent and made to last for decades. The body style is great (yes, it's dated, but still turns heads everywhere I go). The 4WD system is manual and bulletproof. Lots of people complain that it only has a 5 speed transmission. It's bulletproof too. I'd take it any day over the 9 speed Honda transmission in our Pilot that has a high failure rate. Our Venture edition has the same off-road tech that the Land Cruiser has - and - that's really handy when/if you need it (we live in a remote area where lots of our roads aren't paved and are hilly and a total mess when wet). In the Venture edition, you get lots of TRD tech, but you also get standard SUV tires (M&S) which are plenty good for 90% of the casual off-road driving that most people do, yet ride super-nicely on the interstate and are quiet. Overall, the 4Runner is just rock solid, built to last for hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal repairs or hassles. You just know that wherever you're going, you're going to get there and back. Whether your vehicle is up to the task, or if it will fail mechanically during a trip, becomes the least of your worries and you can relax and enjoy the drive, with confidence and peace of mind. There is nothing I regret about trading the Pilot for the 4Runner. The cost benefit in the Honda's better MPG would be deleted completely with the cost of 1 transmission or 1 fuel injection system (both fail on Gen 3 Pilots). Our 4Runner give every indication that it will with us for years and years. Keep up the good work Toyota and I truly hope that if you ever update the 4Runner, it won't be at the expense of the decreasing the 4Runner's incredible reliability and longevity, along with the many other things which make it the workhorse it is.

Fantastic! Toyota converted!

DesertGirl, 11/10/2020

2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD OFF-ROAD 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

I have owned Jeep products in the last 9 years and wasn’t really looking to take the leap to a Toyota. As soon as I sat in the 4Runner Off Road I was sold! I love the height, the clean lines, aggressive look and ruggedness! I know there are a lot of complaints about the interior but I like the fit and finish of the dash, simple, clean, understated, I like the variety of surfaces with …

See all 52 reviews of the Toyota 4Runner

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2021 4Runner Highlights

Trim:

SR5

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$36,765
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	17 MPG
Cost to Drive	$252/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	47.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the 4Runner models:

Downhill Assist Control: Improves directional control during descent on steep or slippery surfaces.
Pre-Collision System: Uses radar and cameras to scan the road for people or other objects, alerting the driver. May automatically brake if the driver doesn't.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Uses radar to maintain a set speed and distance to a vehicle in front of you. Will slow down and speed up based on traffic speed.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger3 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover3 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover24.6%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Marginal
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2021 Toyota 4Runner Review

2021 Toyota 4Runner Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which 4Runner does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Toyota 4Runner models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Great, for what it's intended to do.

Love the new 4runner

Honda Pilot Convert. 4Runner is Better

Fantastic! Toyota converted!

2021 4Runner Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}