Used 2021 Toyota 4Runner for Sale nearCharlotte, NC

How much does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner cost?

Prices have softened 3.14% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,605 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare.

Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner a good car?

Yes — the 4.77/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the expert rating is 6.17/10. The standout strength is Form and function at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise the rugged durability, spacious interior, off-road capability, and convenient tech such as adaptive cruise control and Apple CarPlay. The trade-offs are familiar: poor fuel economy and some missing convenience features, including park assist and memory seating. For you, that means this is a strong fit if you want a durable SUV with real utility rather than a softer, more carlike daily driver. Good and great deals account for 34.5% of listings, so there is still some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

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

User feedback emphasizes rugged durability, solid investment value, and a vehicle that owners feel good about keeping for the long haul. The expert evaluation also points to dependability, describing the 4Runner as something you can count on and even keep for decades if you accept its compromises. Toyota’s cost-effectiveness commentary reinforces that long-term ownership appeal by noting that the SUV seems indestructible even when it is used hard. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is not whether it can last, but whether you are comfortable living with its age-related compromises and fuel costs.

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

At 74% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially if you are considering a truck that may have seen off-road use. Pay close attention to body condition, underbody wear, and signs of hard use, since this model’s appeal often comes from capability rather than gentle commuting. It is also worth checking that the equipment you want is actually present, because some trims leave out features that matter in daily driving.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro each bring a different mix of style and capability, and the base SR5 is the most stripped-back starting point. Premium packages are available for the SR5 and TRD Off-Road, while special editions add their own equipment and appearance touches.
• 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. The Trail Special Edition does not offer automatic 4WD, and the truck-like driving feel is part of the package.
• 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, five USB ports, Safety Connect, and WiFi Connect trial access. The premium audio upgrade adds dynamic navigation, dynamic point-of-interest search, and dynamic voice recognition.
• Fuel efficiency: The EPA says this SUV returns 17 mpg in combined driving and no better than 19 mpg on the highway, and the test vehicle averaged 16.8 mpg.

Which 2021 Toyota 4Runner trim should I buy?

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

Here's the short version:

• SR5: This is the entry point, so it makes sense if you want the 4Runner experience at the lowest starting price and do not need the extra hardware or appearance upgrades of the more specialized trims.
• TRD Off-Road: This is the best-value choice if you want the core off-road hardware without jumping all the way to the top end. It is the trim to focus on if capability matters most.
• Limited: Choose this if you want the most upscale feel in the lineup, including the chrome-festooned look that sets it apart from the more rugged trims.
• TRD Pro: This is the one to buy if you want the most serious factory off-road setup and are willing to pay for it.

Toyota Safety Sense P is standard, but blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning is not available.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you are patient.

• Deal availability: 34.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,605 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.14% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 74.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $35,621, 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 $36,872 sits slightly below last year's $38,066.

That softer pricing suggests buyers have a bit more leverage today than they did a year ago. For a future seller, that means resale value may be steadier than flashy, with demand supported more by the 4Runner’s reputation than by short-term price momentum. If you buy well and keep the vehicle in good condition, the model’s durability and loyal following should help it hold attention in the used market.

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?

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner earns a Good roof-crush rating from IIHS, but it also gets a Marginal result for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact crash and a three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA, along with a three-star rating for front passenger protection in a frontal-impact crash.

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

Toyota Safety Sense P is standard and includes adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic forward emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and pedestrian detection. The main safety gap is the absence of blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, which are not available on this model. The lower crash results and the lack of those features are worth weighing carefully if safety tech is a top priority for you.

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:

• 34.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 74% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.14% 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 appeal.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $34,849, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $36,872 average.
• It emphasizes capability and standard safety features.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $39,380, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $36,872 average.
• It adds modern infotainment and safety tech while keeping the rugged formula.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, availability, and owner satisfaction, the 2021 is the smart target. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2020 is the better value play; if you want a newer-feeling setup and can spend more, the 2022 is the upgrade path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.