Used 2021 Toyota 4Runner for Sale nearColumbia, SC

How much does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner cost?

Prices have softened 3.78% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,660 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of inventory to compare.

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 convenient technologies like adaptive cruise control and Apple CarPlay. The review summary also points to strong off-road capability and a reputation as a solid investment for families and off-road enthusiasts.

The trade-offs are clear: poor fuel economy, a rough ride, and iffy handling. In practical terms, this is a fit for you if you want a rugged SUV with utility and character more than refinement.

Good and great deals account for 33.6% of listings, which suggests there are still some attractive opportunities in the market.

Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

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

The review summary emphasizes rugged durability, dependable ownership, and a vehicle that feels like a solid long-term investment. Expert commentary reinforces that theme by describing it as something you could theoretically keep for decades, with real long-term value in that kind of durability.

Toyota also frames the 4Runner as a vehicle you can depend on for dependability, even after hard use. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about whether it can last 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 76.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper records review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on wear, maintenance history, and signs of hard use. Given the 4Runner’s rugged mission, condition matters as much as mileage.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Toyota offers the 4Runner in SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro trim levels. The Trail Special Edition sits on the more affordable end of the scale and adds black cloth upholstery with tan stitching, all-weather floor mats, a sliding rear cargo tray, and an exclusive custom-made cooler. The Limited is the notable exception to the 4Runner’s more aggressive styling, while the base SR5 is the most affordable entry point.
• Powertrain: Every 4Runner has a 4.0-liter V6 engine making 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard on some versions, while 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. The premium audio upgrade adds dynamic navigation, dynamic point-of-interest search, and dynamic voice recognition.
• Fuel efficiency: The EPA says this SUV gets 17 mpg in combined driving and no better than 19 mpg on the highway. The test vehicle averaged 16.8 mpg during the weeklong evaluation.

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 if you want the lowest starting price and the core 4Runner formula without paying for extra hardware or luxury touches. It makes sense if you mainly want the rugged SUV experience and plan to add only the options you truly need.
• TRD Off-Road: This is the best-value trim if you want the 4Runner’s off-road character to be the main reason you buy it. It adds the kind of capability-focused equipment that better matches the SUV’s mission, and it is the trim to target if trail use matters most.
• Limited: This is the trim to consider if you want the 4Runner’s utility with a more upscale presentation. It stands apart from the more rugged versions and suits you best if you care more about comfort and appearance than maximum trail hardware.
• TRD Pro: This is the top choice if you want the most capability-focused version in the lineup and are willing to pay for it. It is the trim for buyers who want the most serious off-road setup Toyota offers here.

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

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 feeling rushed.

• Deal availability: 33.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,660 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.78% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 76.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $35,627, 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 $37,237 sits slightly below last year's $38,701.

That decline suggests the market has eased a bit, which can help you buy more selectively now. For a future seller, the softer trend means you should expect some pressure on resale if the market keeps cooling. Even so, the 4Runner’s strong reputation and loyal buyer base help support demand better than many SUVs in this segment.

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 three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA, and the IIHS gives its roof crush strength a Good rating. 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 caution here is that the safety results reflect the 4Runner’s age, and the marginal frontal-impact result is a meaningful drawback if safety 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:

• 33.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.78% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.77/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Despite its age, it remains popular for reliability, resale value, utility, and go-anywhere capability.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $35,421, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $37,237 average.
• It leans even more clearly toward rugged capability and off-road purpose.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $39,601, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $37,237 average.
• It keeps the rugged formula while adding modern infotainment and safety tech.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, inventory, and the 4Runner’s core strengths, the 2021 is the sensible pick. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2020 is worth a look; if you want a slightly newer take and can spend more, the 2022 is the better path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.