Used 2021 Toyota 4Runner for Sale nearDes Moines, IA

How much does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner cost?

Prices have softened 4.30% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,649 listings available, which gives you a decent amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $35,628.24, 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 — owners rate it 4.77/5, and the expert rating is 6.17/10. The standout strength is Form and function at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its rugged durability, spacious interior, off-road capability, and convenient tech like adaptive cruise control and Apple CarPlay. The expert review also points to its go-anywhere utility and strong personality as major reasons it still appeals.

The trade-offs are clear: poor ride quality, poor fuel economy, and interior materials that feel cheap. That makes it a better fit if you value capability and usefulness over refinement.

For buyers who want a midsize SUV that can handle family duty and weekend trail use, the 4Runner’s appeal is easy to understand. With 28.7% of listings marked as good or great deals, there’s enough market flexibility to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

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

The owner summary repeatedly points to rugged durability, solid investment value, and a vehicle that feels dependable over time. The expert review reinforces that with language about reliability, resale value, and a truck-like build that can take abuse.

The cost-effectiveness review also says you can depend on the 4Runner’s dependability, and even suggests it could be the last vehicle you ever own. Toyota’s long-term durability reputation is a major part of the appeal here.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about mechanical fragility and more about living with age-related compromises and higher fuel costs.

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 accident-free status is only a starting point. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on wear, maintenance history, and signs of hard use, especially if the SUV was used off-road. Pay close attention to condition, since this model’s rugged mission can hide abuse better than a softer crossover.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Toyota offers the 4Runner in SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro trim levels. The SR5 sits at the entry point, while the Limited adds a more upscale feel and the TRD Pro is the most expensive version. Premium packages are available for the SR5 and TRD Off-Road, and special editions are built from those trims.
• Powertrain: Every 4Runner uses a 4.0-liter V6 with 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic. 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, 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.

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 the best place to start if you want the lowest-cost path into the 4Runner lineup. It gives you the core 4Runner formula, and premium packages are available if you want to add more equipment without jumping to a pricier trim.
• TRD Off-Road: This is the best-value trim if you want the 4Runner’s off-road character without going all the way to the top. It adds the hardware and capability focus that make the 4Runner shine, and it can be paired with a premium package.
• Limited: Choose this if you want the most upscale feel in the lineup. The content points to a more chrome-heavy, luxury-leaning presentation, making it the trim for buyers who want rugged utility with a more polished look.
• TRD Pro: This is the top-end choice for buyers who want the most capability-focused version in the lineup. It sits at the highest price point and is the most expensive trim mentioned.

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 is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 28.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,649 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.30% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 76.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $35,628.24, 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 $37,222 sits slightly below last year's $38,893.

That price movement suggests the market has eased a bit, which can help you buy more selectively now. For a future seller, the softer current pricing means there may be less immediate upside than a year ago, but the 4Runner’s reputation still supports long-term demand.

Its strong owner satisfaction and reputation for durability help keep buyer interest steady. That matters because vehicles with loyal followings tend to hold value better than more ordinary SUVs.

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 4Runner earns a three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA, and IIHS gives its roof crush strength a Good rating. 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. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning are not included.

The main caveat is that the crash results reflect the vehicle’s age, and the safety package is less comprehensive than what you’ll find in newer SUVs.

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:

• 28.7% 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 4.30% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.77/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 keeps rugged utility, easy-to-use tech, and strong resale appeal.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $35,878, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $37,222 average.
• It leans hard into rugged capability and standard safety features.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $39,820, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $37,222 average.
• It adds modern infotainment and safety tech while keeping the same rugged character.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of current pricing, strong owner satisfaction, and broad inventory, the 2021 is the primary year to target. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2020 is the better value play; if you want a slightly newer take and can spend more, the 2022 is worth a look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.