Used 2021 Toyota 4Runner for Sale nearMalibu, CA

How much does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner cost?

Prices have softened 2.80% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,772 listings available, which suggests you have a meaningful amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Toyota 4Runner earns a 4.8/5 user rating and a 6.2/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Form and function at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its rugged durability, off-road capability, spacious interior, and convenient tech features like adaptive cruise control and Apple CarPlay. The expert review also points to its go-anywhere utility, strong reputation for reliability and resale value, and tough image as core reasons it appeals to the right buyer.

The trade-offs are clear: poor fuel economy, a rough ride, and cheap-feeling interior materials. If you want a rugged SUV that prioritizes utility and durability over refinement, the 4Runner fits that use case well. 34.9% 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 4.8/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback highlights rugged durability, dependable ownership, and a vehicle that feels like a solid long-term investment. The expert review reinforces that theme by describing it as dependable and even “indestructible” under hard use.

Toyota also frames the 4Runner as a vehicle you could theoretically keep for decades, which supports its reputation for long-term ownership confidence. For used buyers, the main risk is less about whether it can last and more about accepting the age-related compromises that come with it.

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

At 71.7% 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 careful inspection of bodywork, alignment, and signs of prior repair. Because this model is often bought for rugged use, it makes sense to focus on wear from off-road driving, suspension condition, and how well the interior has held up.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Toyota offers the 4Runner in SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro trim levels. The SR5 and TRD Off-Road can be paired with premium packages, while the Trail Special Edition is based on the SR5, the Venture Special Edition is based on the TRD Off-Road, and the Nightshade Special Edition is based on the Limited. The base SR5 is the most affordable entry point, while the higher trims add more capability and equipment.
• Powertrain: Every 4Runner uses a 4.0-liter V6 with 270 horsepower and 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, 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 will get 17 mpg in combined driving and no better than 19 mpg on the highway. The expert review also notes an average of 16.8 mpg during testing.

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 most affordable way into the 4Runner lineup. It makes the most sense if you want the core rugged SUV experience and plan to add only the equipment you truly need.
• TRD Off-Road: This is the best-value trim if you want more backcountry capability. It adds the off-road hardware that makes the 4Runner especially appealing for trail use, and it is the trim to target if capability matters more than luxury.
• Limited: This is the trim to consider if you want the most upscale feel in the lineup. The review notes that it is the notable exception to the 4Runner’s more aggressive styling, and it suits buyers who want a more polished presentation.
• TRD Pro: This is the top-end choice for shoppers who want the most capability and the highest-priced version of the 4Runner. It is the trim for buyers who want the most serious off-road-focused setup.

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 is a moderate market for selective buyers, so it pays to compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 34.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,772 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.80% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 71.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $35,605, 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 $36,267 sits slightly below last year's $37,311.

That softer pricing can help you buy more strategically now, but it also suggests the market has already adjusted downward from prior levels. If you plan to resell later, the 4Runner’s strong reputation for durability and utility should help support demand.

Because this model has a loyal audience and a clear identity, well-kept examples should remain easier to move than more ordinary SUVs. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.8/5, 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 and a three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA, while also earning a three-star frontal-impact rating for the front passenger from NHTSA.

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

Toyota Safety Sense P is the standard driver-assistance suite, and it 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 the Marginal IIHS result for small-overlap frontal protection, which is a meaningful weakness for used shoppers to 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:

• 34.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 71.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.80% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It balances rugged utility with easy-to-use technology and strong resale appeal.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $34,735, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $36,267 average.
• It is built around terrain-first capability and a rough-and-ready luxury feel.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $38,856, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $36,267 average.
• It adds modern technology and safety while keeping the 4Runner’s rugged character.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of current pricing, strong owner satisfaction, and broad inventory, the 2021 is the primary path to consider. If you are price-sensitive, the 2020 can save you money while keeping the same basic rugged formula.

How does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner compare to the 2021 Ford Bronco?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Toyota 4Runner:

• Pros: Excellent off-road capability, Stylish design, Easy-to-use technology.
• Cons: Poor ride quality, Poor fuel economy, Interior materials feel cheap.

2021 Ford Bronco:

• Pros: Excellent off-road capability, Stylish design, Great ride quality.
• Cons: Poor fuel economy, Noisy, Stereo is lacking.

Our experts score the 2021 Toyota 4Runner 6.2/10 and the 2021 Ford Bronco 8/10. The Bronco comes out ahead on expert score and ride quality, while the 4Runner leans more heavily into rugged utility and easy-to-use tech. Both have excellent off-road capability and poor fuel economy, so your choice comes down to whether you value the 4Runner’s proven toughness or the Bronco’s more refined road manners.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.