Used 2021 Toyota 4Runner for Sale nearSan Jose, CA

How much does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner cost?

Prices have softened 2.55% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,734 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner a good car?

Yes — owners rate it 4.8/5, and our experts give it 6.2/10. 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 4Runner also comes across as a solid investment for families and off-road enthusiasts, with a reputation for reliability and long-term value.

The trade-offs are clear: poor fuel economy and a rough ride remain part of the package, and some shoppers will also notice the cheap-feeling interior materials. That makes it best for you if you want a tough, utility-first SUV rather than a polished daily driver.

The current market shows 35.8% good or great deals, so there is some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

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

Owners describe it as rugged, durable, and a vehicle you can count on, with several noting its solid investment value over time. The expert review also emphasizes its dependability and even suggests it could be the kind of vehicle you keep for the long haul.

Toyota’s cost-effectiveness commentary reinforces that theme by calling out the 4Runner’s long-term value and indestructible feel. For used buyers, the main ownership risk is less about whether it will last and more about accepting its age, fuel costs, and old-school character.

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

At 71.6% 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 careful inspection of bodywork, frame condition, and signs of prior repair. Because this SUV is often bought for rugged use, it’s smart to focus on how well the vehicle has been maintained and whether any off-road wear shows up in the condition.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Toyota offers SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro trim levels. The SR5 and TRD Off-Road can be equipped with premium packages, while special editions are built from those trims or the Limited, so base versions may miss some convenience and appearance upgrades.
• Powertrain: Every 4Runner uses a 4.0-liter V6 with 270 horsepower and a five-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard, part-time 4WD is available, and 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 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 dynamic navigation, dynamic point-of-interest search, and dynamic voice recognition.
• Fuel efficiency: The EPA says it gets 17 mpg in combined driving and no better than 19 mpg on the highway.

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:

• SR5: This is the entry point, and it makes sense if you want the 4Runner’s core ruggedness and don’t need the extra off-road hardware or luxury touches found higher up.
• TRD Off-Road: This is the best-value trim if you want the strongest balance of capability and equipment, especially because it adds the off-road-focused hardware that suits the 4Runner’s mission.
• Limited: This is the trim to consider if you want the most upscale feel in the lineup, including the more polished appearance and comfort-oriented presentation.
• TRD Pro: This is the one to choose if you want the most capability-focused version in the range 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 market for selective buyers, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 35.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,734 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.55% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 71.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $35,611, 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 $36,569 sits slightly below last year's $37,525.

That modest decline suggests the market has softened a bit, which can help you as a buyer today but may slightly temper what a future seller can expect. Even so, the 4Runner’s reputation for durability and utility helps support demand over time.

Because this model year still carries strong owner satisfaction, it should remain appealing to shoppers who want a rugged SUV with a proven name. 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 Good roof-crush rating from IIHS and a three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA, while also receiving a three-star rating for front passenger protection in a frontal crash.

It earns a 3/10 safety score from our experts.

Toyota Safety Sense P is the standard driver-assistance suite, and it includes adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic forward 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 caveat is the small-overlap frontal-impact result, which IIHS rates Marginal. That, combined with the age of the design, is the key safety concern to keep in mind.

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:

• 35.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 71.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.55% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Despite its age, it remains a rugged, utility-first SUV with strong reliability and resale appeal.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $34,622, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $36,569 average.
• It is a purpose-built off-road SUV with a rough-and-ready character.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $38,927, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $36,569 average.
• It adds modern tech and safety while keeping the 4Runner’s rugged personality.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, inventory, and proven owner satisfaction, the 2021 is the smart target. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2020 can save you money, while the 2022 is worth considering if you want a newer-feeling version and can stretch your budget.

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 4Runner leans harder into durability and easy-to-use tech, while the Bronco brings a better ride and a higher expert score. Both are strong off-road choices, but the Bronco looks like the more refined daily driver, while the 4Runner is the more old-school, utility-first option.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.