Item: 2021 Toyota 4Runner
Rating: 2.6
Author: Willis Kuelthau

Overview

What's New

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner continues its long career with the addition of LED headlights and fog lights on all models. The range-topping TRD Pro receives new wheels and shock absorbers for enhanced off-road performance. The debut Trail Special Edition comes equipped with custom camping accessories.

The 4Runner belongs to the shrinking class of traditional SUVs with truck-like construction and capability. The basic design dates back to 2009.

Choosing Your Toyota 4Runner

The 4Runner lineup consists of nine trims levels: SR5, Trail Special Edition, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Venture Special Edition, Limited, Nightshade Special Edition, and TRD Pro. Pricing starts at $37,515 including destination for the base SR5 and tops out at $51,645 for the TRD Pro.

Engine Choices

Every 4Runner comes with a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission.

The SR5, Trail Special Edition, and SR5 Premium start out with rear-wheel drive. Part-time (selectable) four-wheel drive is available on these trims for $1,875. The Limited and Nightshade Special Edition also come standard with RWD, and a full-time 4WD system is optional at $2,035. The TRD models and the Venture Special Edition come exclusively with part-time 4WD.

With either rear- or four-wheel drive, the 4Runner can tow up to 5,000 pounds and is EPA-rated at 16 miles per gallon city, 19 mpg highway, and 17 combined.

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

The 4Runner's standard cabin offers ample room for five passengers, along with 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the rear seat opens up an impressive 88.8 cubic feet of load space.

A two-person third row suitable for children is optional on the SR5 ($305), SR5 Premium ($335), Limited, and Nightshade Special Edition ($365). Cargo space shrinks to just 9 cubic feet with all rows in use.

Safety Features

For a truck-based vehicle, the 4Runner does quite well it comes to safety technology. Every model gets adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and automatic emergency braking.

The Limited and Nightshade Special Edition also get front and rear parking sensors.

Connectivity

The 4Runner is generously equipped for infotainment as well. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen, eight audio speakers, one media and four charging USB ports, satellite radio, and a wi-fi capability. Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay integration are all included.

The Premium Audio Package, which provides navigation and HD radio, is available on the SR5 and Trail Special Edition for $1,585, and for $1,040 on the TRD Off-Road. It's standard on all other trims. A 15-speaker JBL sound system is exclusive to the Limited and above.

SR5 - From $37,515

The SR5 comes equipped with cloth upholstery, keyless entry, an eight-way power driver seat, manual climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated side mirrors, and a power tailgate window. Also standard are LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights. The SR5 rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels

Trail Special Edition - From $39,490

The newest member of the 4Runner family comes ready for adventure with dark off-road 17-inch wheels, a 40-quart food and beverage cooler, a sliding cargo tray, floor liners, and a Yakima LoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket. Style elements include black badging and black seats with tan stitching.

SR5 Premium - From $40,725

The SR5 Premium gains imitation leather SofTex upholstery, heated front seats, a four-way power passenger seat, push button start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with an integrated garage door opener, and turn signals in the side mirrors.

A sunroof can be added for $630.

TRD Off-Road - From $41,480

The TRD Off-Road receives a terrain selector, a locking rear differential, a transfer case skid plate, all-terrain tires on matte black wheels, and TRD badging throughout. Otherwise, it's equipped like the SR5.

TRD Off-Road Premium - From $44,225

The TRD Off-Road Premium combines the SR5 Premium's comfort and convenience features with the upgraded hardware of the TRD Off-Road.

Venture Special Edition - From $45,795

The Venture Special Edition adds a Yakima MegaWarrior cargo basket, all-weather floor liners, and black exterior trim, such as the door handles and rear spoiler.

Limited - From $46,570

The 4Runner Limited goes in a luxury direction with perforated leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, memory for the driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic headlights, and the JBL audio system. The sunroof is also standard.

Outside are LED high beams, chrome door handles, and 20-inch wheels. The suspension is tuned for sharper on-road handling.

Nightshade Special Edition - From $47,985

The Nightshade Special Edition is equipped like the Limited, but with black chrome exterior trim and black 20-inch wheels.

TRD Pro - From $51,645

The TRD Pro picks up some of the Limited's features – like the sunroof and automatic climate control – but otherwise returns to off-road duty. In addition to the regular TRD treatment, the TRD Pro gets upgraded shocks and front springs, a roof rack, unique wheels and grille, and special badging.

Compare 4Runner Trims Side-By-Side

CarsDirect Tip

Although any 2021 Toyota 4Runner model can leave the road when it pleases, the SR5 and Limited are better suited to everyday driving. If off-road capability is equally important, only a TRD model will do.

John Diether

Automotive Editor - October 28, 2020

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Expert Review

Pros

Goes anywhere
Still looks good
Modern safety features
Generous infotainment screen

Cons

Aging interior
So thirsty
Light steering
Smaller cabin than you'd think

Expert Rating

2.6 (Fair)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Willis Kuelthau

Automotive Editor - October 30, 2020

A modern dinosaur. The 2021 Toyota 4Runner is a new vehicle in name only. The 4Runner hasn’t had a full redesign for more than a decade, giving it the dubious honor of being one of the oldest models on the road.

Some elements have aged well. The 4Runner’s tough exterior stands out in a sea of boxy SUVs, and the large body gives creases and accent lines room to breathe. The muscular wheel wells declare its considerable off-road credentials.

The 4Runner is one of a dwindling number of SUVs to stick with a body-on-frame construction. The truck-like chassis is part of what makes it so capable away from pavement, but it makes the SUV feel distant on the road. The ride is comfortable, but gets bouncy at times.

Bigger on the outside. The 4Runner’s tall profile isn’t all about aesthetics – the high ride height and considerable clearance make it one of the most adventure-ready vehicles short of a Jeep Wrangler. It also gives the driver a high perch, although it makes climbing inside more of a chore.

Inside, however, things are less spacious than you might expect. The second row has only 32.9 inches of leg room, which is less than some compact crossovers. Shoulder room isn’t spectacular, and head room suffers with the optional sun roof. A third row is available, but we wouldn’t recommend it.

Luckily, the 4Runner saves room for cargo and canines. Behind the seats is 47.2 cubic feet of space, which expands to nearly 90 after folding the second row. The liftover height is fairly high, which can make loading more of a chore.

Toyota 4Runner

Old on the inside. The Toyota 4Runner’s interior design shows its age. The knobs and controls feel outdated, with an LCD climate control display pulled straight from 2009. Even the steering wheel feels old, and the infotainment controls are placed awkwardly.

What’s under the hood is equally old-fashioned. The V6 engine is reliable and the five-speed automatic transmission usually finds the right gear, but together they manage an abysmal 17 miles per gallon combined, according to the EPA. These days, even behemoths like the BMW X7 can do better.

Technology and safety are two welcome exceptions to the rule. Every 4Runner gets automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring, which aren’t common on vehicles this utilitarian. An 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with smartphone compatibility gives the cockpit a welcome dash of modernity.

Go-anywhere trims. The 4Runner is at its best when conditions are at their worst. Deep snow, muddy backroads, rocky terrain – the 4Runner doesn’t blink at any of them.

Our favorite trims are the ones that lean into this personality. The TRD Off Road is a good balance, adding a locking rear differential and crawl control without pushing too far past $40,000. An optional hydraulic suspension tames body lean and boosts off-road ability even further, making it a worthy addition.

For ultimate capability, the TRD Pro lifts the suspension even further and swaps in Fox shocks. It’s hugely impressive, but it starts over $50,000. Both TRD trims come with standard all-wheel drive, which is optional in the rest of the lineup.

Final thoughts. The 2021 Toyota 4Runner is an SUV with limited appeal. For suburban duty, newer cars will provide better space and efficiency. For buyers who tread far from the beaten path, however, the 4Runner still offers a combination of ruggedness and reliability that’s hard to beat.

Check prices for the 2021 Toyota 4Runner »

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Specs & Features

Highlights

Overall Crash Safety Rating

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque

4.0L V-6 / 270 HP / 278 ft.lbs.

Transmission

5-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD

Drive Type

Rear-wheel

Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined

16 / 19 / 17 Mpg

Passenger Capacity

5 / 7

Bumper to Bumper Warranty

36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Mechanical Specs

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque	4.0L V-6 / 270 HP / 278 ft.lbs.
Drive Type	Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined	16 / 19 / 17 Mpg
Brakes	4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension	Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension	Rigid Axle Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel	Full-size Steel
Fuel Tank	23.0 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type	Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank	$88

Dimensions & Capabilities

Maximum Cargo Volume	89.7 Cu.ft. / 88.8 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume	97 Cu.ft. / 128 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length	190.2 "
Exterior Width	75.8 "
Exterior Height	71.5 "
Front Headroom	39.3 "
Rear Headroom	38.6 "
Front Legroom	41.7 "
Rear Legroom	32.9 "
Front Shoulder Room	57.8 "
Rear Shoulder Room	57.8 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight	4,400 Lbs.
Wheel Base	110 "
Turning Radius	18.7 '

Exterior Features

Door Count	4 Doors
Wheels	17.0 " Silver Aluminum / 20.0 " Black Aluminum / 17.0 " Painted Trd Aluminum / 17.0 " Black Trd Aluminum
Paint	Clearcoat Monotone / Clearcoat Monotone With Badging
Exterior Mirrors	Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers	Body-colored With 1 Front Tow Hook(s)
Grille Moldings	With Body-colored Bar / Black
Rear Spoiler	Lip
Exhaust	Stainless Steel / Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish / Stainless Steel With Dark Chrome Tailpipe Finish / Stainless Steel With Black Tailpipe Finish

Interior Features

Seating

Passenger Capacity	5 / 7
Seat Trim	Cloth
Front Seat Type	Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls	(8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls	4-way
Front Armrests	(8-way Power)
Rear Armrests	Center
Rear Seats	40-20-40 Split-bench

Radio & Infotainment

Radio	Siriusxm Am/fm/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers	8
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity

Convenience Features

Steering Wheel Type	Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control	With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror	Day-night
One Touch Open Window	Front And Rear
Tinted Windows	Deep
Vanity Mirrors	Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry	Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets	5

Safety Features

Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags	Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags	Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag	Driver And Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag	Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Front
Anti-Lock Brakes	4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning	Pre-collision System (pcs) Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning	Lane Departure Alert (lda) Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection	Pre Collision System With Pedestrian Detection Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams	Auto High Beam Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems	Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable	Immobilizer

Warranty

Bumper To Bumper Months Miles	36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months	60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months	24 Months / 25,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months	24 Months / Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Perforation	60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months	36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2021 Toyota 4Runner for Sale

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