Used 2021 Toyota 4Runner for Sale near California

How much does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner cost?

Prices have softened 4.19% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

With 2,652 listings available, you have a solid amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

If you find a listing below $35,630.60, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Toyota 4Runner earns a 4.77/5 user rating and a 6.17/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Form and function at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its rugged durability, spacious interior, and off-road capability, and they also like the convenient tech such as adaptive cruise control and Apple CarPlay. The trade-offs are familiar: many owners wish the gas mileage were better, and some miss features like park assist or memory seating.

That lines up with the 4Runner’s intended use case: you’re buying it for utility, adventure, and a tough, family-friendly layout rather than polish. Even so, 32.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

Owners rate it 4.77/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to rugged durability, reliability, and a vehicle that feels like a solid long-term investment. The expert evaluation also emphasizes dependability, saying you can count on the 4Runner’s durability and that it seems indestructible even when it’s used hard.

Toyota’s cost-effectiveness notes reinforce that long-haul reputation, with the model described as having real long-term value. For used buyers, the main ownership risk is less about whether it lasts and more about whether you can live with its age-related compromises over time.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Toyota 4Runner?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the truck has seen off-road use. Focus on wear items that reflect how the vehicle was driven, and pay close attention to the condition of the interior and suspension-related components.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The 4Runner is offered in SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro trim levels. The base setup is more old-school and can miss some of the nicer touches found higher up the range, while the Limited leans more toward a chrome-heavy, comfort-oriented feel.
• Powertrain: Every 4Runner uses a 4.0-liter V6 with 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and part-time 4WD is available; the Trail Special Edition does not offer automatic 4WD.
• Safety package: Toyota Safety Sense P includes adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic forward emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and pedestrian detection. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning are not included.
• Infotainment: The standard setup is an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, five USB ports, Safety Connect, and WiFi Connect trial access. The interface also supports physical shortcut buttons and knobs for easier use.
• Fuel efficiency: The EPA says this SUV gets 17 mpg in combined driving and no better than 19 mpg on the highway.

Which 2021 Toyota 4Runner trim should I buy?

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner is offered in 4 trim levels: SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, TRD Pro.

Here's the short version:

• SR5: This is the entry point, and it gives you the core 4Runner formula without moving far from the model’s rugged, straightforward character. It makes sense if you want the lowest starting point and plan to keep the truck simple.
• TRD Off-Road: This is the best-value choice if you want the 4Runner’s off-road personality to show up more clearly. It’s the trim to target if you care most about capability and want a stronger adventure focus.
• Limited: This is the more comfort-leaning pick, with the chrome-festooned look and a more upscale presentation. Choose it if you want the 4Runner’s utility with a more polished appearance.
• TRD Pro: This is the most specialized version and sits at the top of the range for buyers who want the most capability-focused setup. It’s the one to consider if you want the most serious off-road character.

Toyota Safety Sense P is standard, but blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning are not available on the 4Runner.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Toyota 4Runner?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully without expecting deep distress pricing.

• Deal availability: 32.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,652 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.19% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 76.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $35,630.60, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner's resale value?

The current average of $37,190 sits slightly below last year's $38,818.

That price movement suggests the market has eased a bit, which can help you buy more confidently now while still preserving a decent resale position later. Because the 4Runner has strong demand from buyers who value durability and utility, it tends to hold interest even when prices soften. If you buy well and keep mileage and condition in check, you should have a better chance of protecting value over time.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.77/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner safe?

It earns a three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA, and the IIHS gives the roof crush strength its top rating of Good. The IIHS also rates driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision as Marginal, and NHTSA gives the front passenger a three-star rating in a frontal-impact crash.

It earns a 3/10 safety score from our experts.

Toyota Safety Sense P includes adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic forward emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and pedestrian detection. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning are not included.

The main caveat is that the crash results reflect the 4Runner’s age, and the marginal small-overlap result is a meaningful weakness you should keep in mind.

Should I buy a 2021 Toyota 4Runner or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 32.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.19% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.77/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It blends rugged utility with easy-to-use tech and strong resale-minded appeal.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $35,578, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $37,190 average.
• It leans hard into purpose-built off-road capability and durability.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $39,707, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $37,190 average.
• It adds modern infotainment and safety tech while keeping the rugged character.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, inventory, and the 4Runner’s core strengths, the 2021 is the smart default. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2020 is worth a look; if you want a slightly newer take with more contemporary tech, the 2022 is the better alternative.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.