The 2021 Toyota 4Runner lasts around 350,000 miles with relatively minor suspension and steering issues reported. At $36,075 to $54,675, it’s expensive, but worth it for an extremely dependable midsize SUV.
Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – 2021 is an excellent year for the Toyota 4Runner since it offers outstanding reliability and great-off road performance. Owner reviews praise the strong four-wheel drive system, comfortable cabin, along with the smooth suspension.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are very basic for a midsize SUV, the seats are supportive on longer trips, cargo space is also good for its size.
- Reliability 10/10 – There are no widespread problems found on the 2021 4Runner, in general models from 2010–2022 are all very dependable choices.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the standard V6 engine, with a decent towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2021 4Runner is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control along with automatic emergency braking. Optional upgrades include parking sensors.
- Gas Mileage 6/10 – Fuel economy is poor at up to 17 MPG, giving 391 miles of range out of the 23 gallon tank. Gas costs are $77 higher than average at $316 per month.
- Value 9/10 – The 2021 Toyota 4Runner holds its value better than other midsize SUVs, making it a great long-term value for shoppers.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Toyota 4Runner?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Toyota 4Runner offers a classic body-on-frame design that’s great for off-roading, with very high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Toyota 4Runner at 4/5, praising the spacious cargo area, but doesn’t like the inefficient engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the 2021 Toyota 4Runner a 4.6/5, enjoying the excellent off-road performance, but owners don’t like the outdated interior.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Toyota 4Runner include noise from the front suspension, vibration from the steering wheel, along with some paint issues. Overall, these problems are similar to other midsize SUVs on the market, leading to average repair bills as the 4Runner ages.
Noise from the front suspension is the most widespread complaint on the 2021 Toyota 4Runner, showing up in the first 500 miles. There are reports of suspension transport blocks not being removed, or removed incorrectly, which can lead to noise. Having the blocks removed and the springs tightened properly fixes the problem, and most dealers will do the work for free.
Vibration from the steering wheel is another issue which has been reported on the 4Runner in the first 5,000 miles. If you take your 4Runner off-road a lot it can throw the alignment off, which leads to excessive vibrations while steering. Re-aligning the SUV costs around $150, depending on local labor rates.
Paint issues, primarily with the front bumper, also show up on the 2021 4Runner. The 4Runner’s vertical front bumper gives it a muscular look, although it’s also a large surface for catching stone chips. The only way to fix the issue is by repainting the bumper, which costs around $950.
There is only one recall on the 2021 Toyota 4Runner, which is better than other SUVs. The recall is minor, covering an incorrect load carrying label, which Toyota will replace for free on affected models.
How Long Will the 2021 Toyota 4Runner Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Toyota 4Runner can last over 350,000 miles, which is longer than nearly another midsize SUV on the market, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than other midsize SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $465 per year.
As a used 2021 Toyota 4Runner reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the transfer case output oil seal which costs $300, transmission shift cable which costs $450, along with the starter which costs $600.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good, offering an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Optional upgrades a more powerful stereo system from JBL.
Standard safety technology is excellent for a midsize SUV, offering:
- Rearview camera
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Automatic high-beam headlights
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Front and rear parking sensors
Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner is a good value since it’s one of the most reliable midsize SUVs on the market. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $36,075 to $54,675, making it more than a Jeep Cherokee or Honda Pilot. When new, the price range was $36,765 to $50,745. Depreciation is better than other SUVs, only losing about 3% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Toyota 4Runner?
There are nine models of the 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered, from the base SR5, all the way through to the off-road focused TRD Pro. The 4Runner comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
SR5 is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Wheels
- LED Headlights
- Roof Rails
- Cloth Upholstery
- Power Rear Window
- 40/20/40-Split Folding Second-Row Seats
- Power-Adjustable Front Seats
- Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
- 120-Volt Power Outlet In Cargo Area
- Sliding Rear Cargo Deck
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
Trail Special Edition is a step up, adding:
- Yakima Roof Rack
- Dark-Painted Wheels and Trim
- Portable Beverage Cooler
SR5 Premium adds items such as:
- Simulated Leather Upholstery
- Heated Front Seats
- Keyless Ignition and Entry
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
TRD Off-Road adds features including:
- Cloth Seating
- Off-Road Driving Settings
- Locking Rear Differential
TRD Off-Road Premium has more items like:
- Simulated Leather Seating
- Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS)
Venture Special Edition offers minor items such as:
- Gray-Painted TRD Wheels
- All-Terrain Tires
- Black Exterior Trim
- Yakima Roof Rack
Limited is a luxurious version which has:
- 20-Inch Wheels
- Chrome Exterior Trim
- Sunroof
- Leather Upholstery
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Premium JBL Stereo System
Limited Nightshade Edition is a minor upgrade with:
- Black Exterior Trim and Wheels
TRD Pro is the off-road focused model which has:
- Off-Road Suspension
- Fox Suspension Dampers
- TRD Wheels
- All-Terrain Tires
- Front Skid Plate
- TRD Roof Rack
What Engines Come In the Toyota 4Runner?
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner comes with a single engine option: a 4.0-liter V6. This engine produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque while getting up to 17 MPG. It is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, which delivers power to either the rear wheels (in 2WD models) or all four wheels (in 4WD models).
What Colors Does the Toyota 4Runner Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Toyota 4Runner?
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offers a comfortable ride for both short trips and long journeys. Its cabin is spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for passengers in the first two rows. The seats are supportive, and higher trims provide additional comfort features such as heated and ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and leather upholstery. However, the third-row seats might be a bit cramped for adult passengers and are better suited for children or shorter trips.
On the road, the 4Runner’s suspension absorbs most of the bumps and imperfections, providing a smooth ride. Its high driving position also provides excellent visibility, adding to overall driving comfort. While the 4Runner’s handling may not be as agile as some competitors in its class, its off-road capabilities and rugged construction make it a great choice for those who enjoy outdoor adventures and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
In terms of cabin noise, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner does a decent job of insulating occupants from road and wind noise, although some rivals may offer a quieter ride. Overall, the 4Runner provides a comfortable and capable driving experience that should satisfy the needs of most drivers and passengers.
How Much Storage Space Does the Toyota 4Runner Have?
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offers a generous amount of storage space for its class, making it an excellent choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts. With all the seats in use, the 4Runner provides 9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. This area can accommodate items such as a few grocery bags, a small cooler, or a couple of backpacks.
When the third-row seats are folded down, the cargo space expands to 46.3 cubic feet, which is suitable for larger items like bicycles, camping gear, or multiple suitcases. If even more space is required, folding down the second-row seats will increase the cargo capacity to an impressive 88.8 cubic feet. In this configuration, the 4Runner can easily fit larger items such as furniture pieces, sports equipment, or a full-size kayak.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Toyota 4Runner was introduced for the 2010 model year, and is still in production for 2021.
2015: New TRD Pro model introduced with better off-road performance.
2016: Cell phone-based navigation added to base model, towing capacity increased.
2017: Trail and Trail Premium models renamed to TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium models.
2018: No major changes from earlier years.
2019: Upgraded Fox Shocks on the TRD Pro model, Nightshade Edition with black exterior trim offered.
2020: Toyota Safety Sense P is standard on all models, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered.
2021: LED headlights are standard on all models, new wheels on the TRD Pro model.
How Does the Toyota 4Runner Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner is one of the best midsize SUVs on the market since it’s extremely reliable while being capable off-road, although you do sacrifice some fuel economy for the reliability.
The Toyota Highlander is another midsize SUV from Toyota, which is about $3,500 less. Passenger room is better in the Toyota Highlander, while the Toyota 4Runner is much more capable off-road. We recommend the Toyota 4Runner since it is more capable, although some people prefer the smoother ride in the Toyota Highlander.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a competitor which is available for around $2,500 less. Performance is better in the Jeep Grand Cherokee with its strong V8 engine options, while the Toyota 4Runner is much cheaper to own long-term. We recommend the Toyota 4Runner since it’s much longer lasting.
