How much does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner cost?

Prices have softened 4.76% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,542 listings available, which gives you a meaningful pool to compare before you commit.

If you find a listing below $35,689.90, 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 — the 4.77/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the expert rating is 6.17/10. The standout strength is Form and function at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise the rugged durability, spacious interior, and useful tech like adaptive cruise control and Apple CarPlay. The 4Runner also earns repeat credit for off-road capability and long-term value, which helps explain why many buyers stick with it.

The trade-offs are clear: you give up ride comfort and fuel economy, and the interior materials feel less upscale than many rivals. That makes the 4Runner a better fit if you value utility, durability, and an authentic SUV feel over refinement.

In practical terms, this is a strong match if you want a midsize SUV that feels built for real use rather than suburban polish. Even so, the market still shows 31.3% good or great deals, so you can shop selectively without rushing.

Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

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

The owner feedback repeatedly points to reliability, durability, and a trouble-free ownership experience. It also emphasizes that you can count on the 4Runner for long-term use, especially if you value a vehicle that feels built to last.

The expert evaluation reinforces that dependability angle by describing it as something you can beat on and still expect to keep going. The cost-effectiveness commentary also suggests real long-term value, with the caveat that you will spend a lot on fuel.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is not catastrophic failure so much as living with age-related compromises and higher running costs.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.4% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check every candidate carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper inspection. Prioritize the vehicle history report, then focus on signs of hard use, especially if the SUV has seen off-road duty. Pay close attention to wear items, interior condition, and whether the truck-like driving feel has been masked by cosmetic fixes.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base setup is light on luxury and convenience, and the cabin leans heavily on hard plastics and old-school controls. Higher trims and special editions add more personality, but the lower trims still feel sparse compared with newer rivals.
• Powertrain: Every version uses a 4.0-liter V6 with 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic. Efficiency is not a strength, and the part-time 4WD setup means you should understand how it behaves before you buy.
• 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 8-inch touchscreen includes Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM, five USB ports, Safety Connect, and WiFi Connect trial service. The system can add navigation and voice-recognition upgrades with the premium audio package.
• Fuel efficiency: The SUV averages 17 mpg in combined driving and no better than 19 mpg on the highway, and 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, TRD Pro.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: SR5 gives you the core 4Runner experience, but it stays closer to the basics and misses some of the more specialized off-road hardware and upscale touches found higher up the range.
• Sweet-spot trim: TRD Off-Road is the best fit if you want the 4Runner’s rugged character with more capability, especially because it can add locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control.
• Premium/top trim: Limited is the better choice if you want the most polished version of the 4Runner, with the Nightshade Special Edition tied to it for a more distinctive look.
• Off-road trim: TRD Pro is the most extreme choice, but it makes the most sense if you truly plan to use the 4Runner’s backcountry hardware.

Toyota Safety Sense P is standard, but you still do not get blind-spot warning or rear cross-traffic warning.

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

This is a moderate, selective-buyer market, so you can shop carefully and still find value.

• Deal availability: 31.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,542 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.76% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 76.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $35,689.90, 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 $37,511 sits slightly below last year's $39,385.

That softer pricing can help you buy in at a more favorable point, but it also suggests the market has already adjusted for the model’s age and fuel economy. If you plan to sell later, the 4Runner’s reputation for durability and utility should help keep demand steady.

Because buyers still value its rugged image and long-term appeal, the model should remain easier to move than many older SUVs with weaker followings. The biggest resale advantage comes from keeping mileage, condition, and history clean.

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 IIHS gives the roof crush strength its top rating of "Good," while the IIHS also rates small-overlap frontal protection for the driver as Marginal. The NHTSA gives it a three-star rollover resistance rating and a three-star rating for front passenger protection 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, it does not include blind-spot warning or rear cross-traffic warning.

The safety picture is held back by age-related crash-test results and the absence of some modern driver-assistance features. If safety is your top priority, you should pay close attention to the vehicle history, trim equipment, and how much you’re willing to accept from an older design.

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:

• 31.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.4% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.76% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.77/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Despite its age, it still delivers rugged utility, strong resale appeal, and real off-road capability.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $35,542, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $37,511 average.
• It emphasizes rugged off-road capability and dependable performance.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $39,994, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $37,511 average.
• It adds a more practical cabin and keeps the standard 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, inventory, and owner satisfaction, the 2021 is the smart default. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 can save you money; if you want to spend more for a slightly newer example, the 2022 is the next step up.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.