How much does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner cost?

Prices have softened 4.75% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,673 listings available, which gives you a meaningful amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $35,679.35, 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 its rugged durability, spacious interior, and off-road capability. They also like the convenient tech features, including adaptive cruise control and Apple CarPlay. The main trade-offs are poor fuel economy and the absence of some convenience features that some shoppers expect.

That fits the 4Runner’s mission well: it’s aimed at you if you want utility, a rugged image, and real off-road ability more than everyday refinement. With 33.3% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still gives you 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 vehicle you can count on over time. The expert evaluation also describes it as dependable and even suggests it can take a lot of abuse while still holding together well. Toyota’s long-term ownership appeal is reinforced by the model’s reputation for durability and its simple, old-school hardware.

If you buy used, the main long-term risk is less about catastrophic failure and more about living with age-related wear, especially if the vehicle has seen hard use or off-road duty.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a vehicle history report on any candidate, even if it looks clean on the lot. Prioritize a thorough inspection of the suspension, brakes, tires, and interior wear, especially if the SUV may have been used off-road. Focus on how well the vehicle has been maintained and whether its condition matches the seller’s story.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup includes SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro. Base versions miss some of the more upscale or specialized equipment, and the Trail Special Edition sits on the more affordable end 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. It is built for capability more than efficiency, and fuel economy is weak.
• 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 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 interface is functional, but the screen is on the small side.
• Fuel efficiency: The EPA says it returns 17 mpg combined 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, and 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 touches found farther up the range.
• Sweet-spot trim: TRD Off-Road is the best fit if you want the 4Runner’s core mission with added capability, including the off-road-focused hardware mentioned in the expert review.
• Premium/top trim: Limited is the best choice if you want the most upscale feel in the lineup, while TRD Pro is the most capability-focused top-end option.
• Off-road trim: TRD Off-Road is the one to choose if you want the strongest balance of daily usability and trail-ready hardware.

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, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find value.

• Deal availability: 33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,673 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.75% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 75.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $35,679.35, 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 $37,314 sits slightly below last year's $39,174.

That price movement suggests the market has eased a bit, which can help you buy more selectively now. For a future seller, the current softness may limit short-term upside, but the model’s strong reputation still supports demand. If you keep the vehicle in good condition and avoid heavy wear, it should remain appealing to buyers who value durability and capability.

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 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 crash as Marginal, and NHTSA gives front passenger protection 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 emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and pedestrian detection. It does not include blind-spot warning or rear cross-traffic warning.

The main safety caveat is that the 4Runner’s crash performance reflects its age, especially in the small overlap frontal test and rollover-related results.

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:

• 33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.75% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.77/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Despite its age, it still stands out for reliability, resale value, and go-anywhere utility.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $35,687, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $37,314 average.
• It emphasizes rugged off-road capability and dependable performance.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $40,029, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $37,314 average.
• It adds modern infotainment while keeping the same rugged, adventure-ready character.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of current pricing, strong owner satisfaction, and proven capability, the 2021 is the primary year to target. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 is the better value play; 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 August 7, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.