How much does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner cost?

Prices have softened 4.39% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,623 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing trims and conditions.

If you find a listing below $35,674.99, 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 reinforces its reliability-minded appeal, utility, and go-anywhere character.

The trade-offs are clear: you give up ride refinement, and the on-road experience can feel rough, clunky, and less polished than newer rivals. The 4Runner fits you best if you want a durable SUV with real utility and off-road credibility rather than a soft-riding commuter.

With 32.7% of listings marked as good or great deals, there’s enough market flexibility to shop carefully.

Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

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

Owners describe it as rugged, durable, and solid for long-term ownership, with many saying it feels like a vehicle you can count on for years. The expert review also emphasizes dependability, calling it indestructible even when it’s used hard.

That durability is a major reason the 4Runner has such a loyal following, especially if you plan to keep your SUV for a long time. The main ownership risk for used buyers is that long-term toughness comes with frequent fuel stops and an older-feeling driving experience.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.5% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the vehicle history report carefully, because accident-free listings are common but not universal. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on wear, maintenance history, and signs of hard use, especially if the SUV was driven 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: The base setup is more old-school than modern, with hard plastics, manual air conditioning, and a simple cabin layout. Higher trims add more polish, but the entry versions are intentionally basic.
• Powertrain: Every 4Runner uses a 4.0-liter V6 with 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic. It’s capable, but it feels slow and heavy on pavement.
• Safety package: Toyota Safety Sense P includes adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic 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 8-inch touchscreen includes Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM, five USB ports, Safety Connect, and WiFi Connect trial access. The system also supports navigation and voice features with the premium audio upgrade.
• Fuel efficiency: The 4Runner averages 17 mpg in combined driving and no better than 19 mpg on the highway. The expert review also notes an observed average of 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:

• Base trim: The SR5 is the most affordable starting point, but it keeps the cabin simple and misses some of the more advanced off-road hardware found higher up the range.
• Sweet-spot trim: The TRD Off-Road is the best fit if you want the 4Runner’s core appeal, because it adds the hardware that makes this SUV shine away from pavement.
• Premium/top trim: The Limited is the most upscale choice, with the most polished presentation among the standard trims.
• Off-road trim: The TRD Pro is the most serious choice for trail use, but it makes the most sense if you’ll actually use its extra capability.

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 patiently but should move quickly on strong examples.

• Deal availability: 32.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,623 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.39% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 75.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $35,674.99, 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 $37,349 sits slightly below last year's $39,065.

That softer pricing can help you buy at a better entry point today, but it also means future sellers may need to be realistic about expectations. The 4Runner’s reputation for durability and utility helps support demand, especially among shoppers who value long-term ownership and off-road capability. Even with age-related drawbacks, strong brand loyalty can help it hold value better than many mainstream 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?

It earns a three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA, and IIHS gives the roof crush strength its top rating of "Good."

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

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

IIHS also rates driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision as Marginal, which is a notable weakness for used buyers 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:

• 32.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.5% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.39% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.77/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 Trail Special Edition adds useful adventure-focused gear and a more distinctive setup.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $35,853, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $37,349 average.
• It emphasizes rugged off-road capability with a durable, truck-based setup.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $40,076, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $37,349 average.
• It keeps the same rugged formula while adding a more modern-feeling infotainment experience.

The bottom line: You should buy the 2021 if you want the current-year balance of price, availability, and proven capability. 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 14, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.