How much does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner cost?

Prices have softened 4.48% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,515 listings available, which gives you a meaningful pool to compare before you buy.

If you find a listing below $35,676.69, 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 utility, rugged image, and go-anywhere capability as major strengths.

The trade-offs are clear: you give up ride comfort, fuel economy, and some modern refinement. That fits the 4Runner’s use case as a durable SUV for families and off-road enthusiasts who value toughness over polish.

With 33.1% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

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

The owner feedback emphasizes rugged durability, reliability, and a trouble-free ownership experience, with many drivers describing it as a solid long-term investment. The expert review reinforces that dependability theme, calling it indestructible and highlighting real long-term value.

Toyota also frames the 4Runner as a vehicle you can keep for decades, which lines up with the model’s reputation for durability. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about mechanical fragility and more about accepting 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 75.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a vehicle history report on any candidate and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the SUV has seen off-road use. Focus on overall condition, signs of hard use, and whether the equipment level matches what you expect for the price.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base setup leaves out some convenience and safety features, and the lower-positioned Trail Special Edition is described as light on technology.
• Powertrain: Every 4Runner uses a 4.0-liter V6 with 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic and part-time 4WD; fuel economy is a weak point.
• 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, but 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 navigation and voice-recognition features.
• Fuel efficiency: The SUV is rated at 17 mpg combined and no better than 19 mpg on the highway, and the expert test drive returned 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, TRD Pro.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: SR5 is the entry point, but it lacks some of the more specialized off-road hardware and higher-end equipment found higher up the range.
• Sweet-spot trim: TRD Off-Road is the best fit if you want the 4Runner’s core mission with more capability, especially because it can add a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control.
• Premium/top trim: Limited is the most upscale-feeling choice in the lineup, and the Nightshade Special Edition based on it adds a more distinctive appearance.
• Off-road trim: TRD Pro is the most extreme choice, but it is the priciest path and best suited to buyers who will actually use its extra capability.

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

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Toyota 4Runner?

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop selectively without expecting a fire sale.

• Deal availability: 33.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,515 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.48% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 75.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $35,676.69, 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 $37,481 sits slightly below last year's $39,240.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled a bit, which can help you buy more confidently now. For a future seller, it also means you should expect value retention to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and equipment.

The 4Runner’s reputation for durability and strong buyer interest should continue to support demand. Well-kept examples with the right trim and history should remain easier to move than many other used 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 the IIHS rates its roof crush strength as Good. 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 is standard and 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 safety results reflect the 4Runner’s age, and the marginal small-overlap result is the main caution for used shoppers. If safety is a top priority, you should pay close attention to crash history, trim equipment, and overall condition.

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:

• 33.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.48% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.77/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Despite its age, it remains a rugged, utility-first SUV with strong off-road capability and long-term value.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $35,634, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $37,481 average.
• It adds Toyota Safety Sense P and emphasizes rugged durability.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $40,013, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $37,481 average.
• It keeps the same rugged formula while leaning into adventure-ready capability and user-friendly tech.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest mix of current pricing, owner satisfaction, and available inventory, the 2021 is the best starting point. If your priority is saving money, the 2020 is the better value play; if you want to spend more for a newer example, the 2022 keeps the same core appeal.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 31, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.