Used 2021 Toyota 4Runner for Sale nearSan Jose, CA

How much does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner cost?

Prices have softened 2.58% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,785 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing prices and trims.

Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Toyota 4Runner earns a 4.8/5 user rating and a 6.2/10 expert rating. 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 reliability and resale value, plus strong utility and go-anywhere versatility.

The trade-offs are clear: poor fuel economy, poor ride quality, and interior materials that feel cheap. If you want a midsize SUV that prioritizes toughness and utility over refinement, this model year fits that use case well.

Only 35.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the market is selective rather than deeply discounted.

Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

Owners rate it 4.8/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback highlights rugged durability, dependable ownership, and a vehicle that feels like a solid long-term investment. The expert review reinforces that theme by describing it as dependable and even “indestructible” under hard use.

That said, used buyers should still expect age-related wear and verify maintenance history carefully, especially on higher-mileage examples.

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

At 73.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Focus on body condition, signs of off-road use, and any evidence of uneven wear or deferred maintenance. Because this SUV is often bought for rugged duty, condition matters as much as mileage.

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 equipped with premium packages, and the Trail Special Edition is based on the SR5. The Limited is the notable exception for a more chrome-heavy, upscale look, while the lower trims are more basic and less feature-rich.
• 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; the Trail Special Edition does not offer automatic 4WD.
• 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 available.
• 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. The premium audio upgrade adds dynamic navigation, dynamic point-of-interest search, dynamic voice recognition, and Destination Assist.
• Fuel efficiency: The EPA says this SUV will get 17 mpg in combined driving and no better than 19 mpg on the highway. The test vehicle averaged 16.8 mpg during the review week.

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 upscale touches of the higher trims. It makes the most sense if you want the lowest starting point 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 character to show up more clearly in daily use and weekend adventures. It adds the more capability-focused setup that suits buyers who actually plan to leave pavement behind.
• Limited: Choose this if you want the most polished-feeling version of the 4Runner lineup, with the more upscale presentation called out in the review. It is the trim for buyers who care more about comfort and appearance than trail hardware.
• TRD Pro: This is the most specialized version and sits at the top of the range. It is the one to buy if you want the most capability-focused 4Runner 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.

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

This is a moderate, selective-buyer market, so you have room to shop carefully without expecting huge discounts everywhere.

• Deal availability: 35.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,785 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.58% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 73.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $35,610, 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 $36,736 sits slightly below last year's $37,707.

That modest decline suggests the market has softened, but not dramatically. For you as a future seller, that means the 4Runner is still holding value reasonably well relative to its recent history.

Its reputation for durability and long-term ownership appeal should continue to support demand, especially among buyers who want a rugged SUV with a proven name. If you keep the vehicle in strong condition and maintain it well, you should be in a better position when it is time to sell.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.8/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner safe?

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner earns a Marginal IIHS result for small overlap frontal-impact protection and a three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA, along with a three-star frontal-impact rating for the front passenger.

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 vehicle to a stop, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning is not available.

The main caveat is that the crash results reflect the 4Runner’s age, and the missing blind-spot monitoring is a notable gap for a vehicle in this class.

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:

• 35.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 73.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.58% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 keeps the 4Runner’s rugged utility, easy-to-use tech, and strong resale-value appeal.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $34,708, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $36,736 average.
• It emphasizes capability and ruggedness over compromise.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $39,184, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $36,736 average.
• It adds modern infotainment and safety tech while keeping the 4Runner’s off-road focus.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of current pricing, strong owner satisfaction, and proven ruggedness, the 2021 is the primary year to target. If you are more price-sensitive, the 2020 is the value play; if you want a newer-feeling setup and can spend more, the 2022 is the upgrade path.

How does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner compare to the 2021 Ford Bronco?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Toyota 4Runner:

• Pros: Excellent off-road capability, Stylish design, Easy-to-use technology.
• Cons: Poor ride quality, Poor fuel economy, Interior materials feel cheap.

2021 Ford Bronco:

• Pros: Excellent off-road capability, Stylish design, Great ride quality.
• Cons: Poor fuel economy, Noisy, Stereo is lacking.

Our experts score the 2021 Toyota 4Runner 6.2/10 and the 2021 Ford Bronco 8/10. The Bronco comes out ahead on overall expert score and ride quality, while the 4Runner leans more heavily into proven utility and easy-to-use tech. Both are strong off-road choices, but the 4Runner’s rough ride and cheaper-feeling interior are bigger compromises. The Bronco’s drawbacks are different, with noise and a weaker stereo standing out more than cabin materials.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.