Used 2021 Toyota 4Runner for Sale nearMesa, AZ

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 2,713 listings available, which suggests you have a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner a good car?

Yes — you’re looking at a 4.77/5 user-rated SUV with an expert score of 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 trade-offs are familiar: many owners wish for better gas mileage, and some miss features such as park assist or memory seating.

That lines up with the vehicle’s mission: it’s aimed at buyers who want durability, utility, and go-anywhere confidence more than a soft, carlike commute. If that’s your use case, the market still shows 35.9% good or great deals, which is a healthy sign of availability.

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 a reputation that inspires confidence. The expert evaluation also emphasizes dependability, saying you can depend on its dependability and that it seems indestructible even when used hard.

That durability story is reinforced by the model’s long-term value proposition: it’s the kind of SUV you can keep for years if you’re willing to live with its compromises. For used buyers, the main ownership risk is less about whether it can last and more about whether you can accept the fuel and comfort trade-offs over time.

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

At 73.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

Start with a vehicle history report and make sure you understand any prior damage before you get too far into the process. Then prioritize a thorough inspection of the body, suspension, and interior condition, since this SUV’s rugged reputation can hide hard use. You should also focus on whether the truck-like driving feel and older cabin layout still fit your needs.

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 fitted with premium packages, and the Trail Special Edition is based on the SR5. The Limited is the notable exception to the more rugged look, while the Trail Special Edition adds a cargo basket, all-weather mats, a sliding rear cargo tray, and a custom cooler. If you want the best value, the Trail Special Edition stands out for adding useful gear without pushing all the way to the top of the range.
• 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 with 4-Hi and 4-Lo. The Trail Special Edition does not offer automatic 4WD. The setup is built for durability and off-road use rather than quick acceleration or efficiency.
• 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 system uses an 8-inch touchscreen and includes 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 SUV is rated at 17 mpg in combined driving and no better than 19 mpg on the highway. 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, and it gives you the core 4Runner formula without the extra off-road hardware or luxury touches. It makes sense if you want the lowest starting price and plan to add only the equipment you truly need.
• TRD Off-Road: This is the best-value choice if you want the 4Runner’s rugged personality to show up more clearly in daily use and weekend adventures. It adds the more trail-focused character buyers usually want from this SUV.
• Limited: Choose this if you want the most upscale feel in the lineup and prefer comfort and appearance over trail hardware. It’s the trim that leans furthest toward a more polished on-road experience.
• TRD Pro: This is the most specialized choice for buyers who want the most capability-focused version in the range. It sits at the top of the lineup and is the one to consider if off-road use is your priority.

Toyota also offers premium packages on the SR5 and TRD Off-Road, and the Trail, Venture, and Nightshade special editions are based on the SR5, TRD Off-Road, and Limited respectively.

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: 35.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,713 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.80% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 73.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $35,612, 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 $36,749 sits slightly below last year's $37,807.

That kind of softening can help you as a buyer today, but it also suggests future sellers may need to price competitively if the market stays cautious. The current range still shows meaningful demand, which matters for a vehicle with a loyal following and a reputation for durability.

Because this model is strongly associated with long-term satisfaction and rugged utility, it should continue to attract buyers who specifically want a 4Runner rather than a generic SUV. 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 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. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning are not available.

The main caveat is that the crash results reflect the vehicle’s age, and the missing blind-spot system is a notable omission for a modern SUV.

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:

• 35.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 73.9% 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 4.77/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It blends rugged utility with easy-to-use tech and strong resale appeal.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $34,772, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $36,749 average.
• It emphasizes capability and ruggedness, with a more value-oriented price.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $39,353, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $36,749 average.
• It adds modern infotainment and safety touches while keeping the same adventure-ready 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 your budget is tighter, the 2020 is the better price-first alternative; if you want to spend more for a newer-feeling package, the 2022 is the upgrade path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 20, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.