Used 2021 Toyota 4Runner for Sale nearRaleigh, NC

How much does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner cost?

Prices have softened 3.68% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,606 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Toyota 4Runner earns a 4.77/5 user rating and a 6.17/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Form and function at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its rugged durability, spacious interior, and convenient tech like adaptive cruise control and Apple CarPlay. The expert review also points to its excellent off-road capability and easy-to-use technology as major strengths.

The trade-offs are clear: poor ride quality and poor fuel economy. It also leans heavily toward utility over refinement, which fits buyers who want a tough SUV rather than a polished daily driver.

For you, that means the 4Runner makes the most sense if you value capability, durability, and a straightforward ownership experience over comfort and efficiency. Good and great deals account for 33.5% of listings, so there are still worthwhile opportunities in the market.

Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

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

User feedback repeatedly describes the 4Runner as rugged, durable, and solid for long-term ownership, with many owners calling out its dependable nature and strong utility. The expert review reinforces that theme by saying you can depend on its dependability and that it seems indestructible even when used hard.

The cost-effectiveness review also emphasizes real long-term value, noting that the 4Runner can be the kind of vehicle you keep for years. For used buyers, the main ownership risk is not durability but the ongoing cost of fuel and the compromises that come with an older, truck-like design.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.2% — 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 truck has seen off-road use. Focus on overall condition, because this model’s appeal depends heavily on how well it has been maintained and whether its rugged hardware has been used hard.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Toyota offers the 4Runner in SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro trim levels. Premium packages are available for the SR5 and TRD Off-Road, and each series gets its own special edition model. The Trail Special Edition is based on the SR5, the Venture Special Edition on the TRD Off-Road, and the Nightshade Special Edition on the Limited. Base versions are more basic inside, with old-school controls and fewer luxury touches than the higher trims.
• Powertrain: Every 4Runner has a 4.0-liter V6 engine making 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Part-time 4WD is standard on the Trail Special Edition, and the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro add more serious off-road hardware.
• 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 setup is an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, five USB ports, Safety Connect, and WiFi Connect trial access. The premium audio upgrade adds dynamic navigation, dynamic point-of-interest search, and dynamic voice recognition.
• Fuel efficiency: The EPA says this SUV gets 17 mpg in combined driving and no better than 19 mpg on the highway. The expert review says it averaged 16.8 mpg during testing.

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 of the higher trims. It makes sense if you want the lowest starting price and plan to keep things simple.
• TRD Off-Road: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds more serious trail capability while staying below the top-end models. If you want the 4Runner’s rugged character to be the main reason you buy one, this is the trim to focus on.
• Limited: This is the more comfort-oriented choice, with the most upscale feel in the lineup and the chrome-festooned look that stands apart from the tougher trims. It suits you best if you want the 4Runner’s utility with a more polished presentation.
• TRD Pro: This is the most expensive and most capability-focused trim, aimed at buyers who want the strongest off-road setup in the lineup. Choose it if you want the most serious hardware and are willing to pay for it.

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

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop patiently and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 33.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,606 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.68% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 75.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $35,621, 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 $37,039 sits slightly below last year's $38,454.

That softer pricing can work in your favor if you buy now, because you may be entering ownership at a more favorable point in the cycle. For a future seller, the current trend suggests the market has cooled a bit, so resale gains may be more modest than they were a year ago.

Even so, the 4Runner’s reputation for durability and strong demand helps support long-term value. 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 Good roof-crush rating from IIHS, but it also gets a Marginal result for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact crash and a three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA. It also earns 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. Adaptive cruise control does not bring the 4Runner to a stop, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning is not available.

The main safety caveat is that the crash results reflect the vehicle’s age and older design. If safety is a top priority, you should pay close attention to those ratings and the missing driver-assistance features.

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:

• 33.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.68% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.77/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It combines rugged utility, easy-to-use tech, and strong resale appeal.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $35,236, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $37,039 average.
• It leans into capability and ruggedness, with a rough-and-ready character.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $39,370, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $37,039 average.
• It keeps the rugged formula while adding modern infotainment and safety tech.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, inventory, and the 4Runner’s core strengths, the 2021 is the smart default. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2020 can save you money, while the 2022 is worth considering if you want the newer-year premium and are willing to pay for it.

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