2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner had not seen a complete redesign in 12 years, although it had received periodic updates. This meant that a used 4Runner was quite similar to a new one, minus some of the latest infotainment and safety technologies. The 4Runner's design was not conventionally attractive, with most versions adopting a somewhat aggressive look, except for the chrome-laden Limited trim. Despite this, the two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches had aged well, maintaining balanced proportions, timeless styling, and undeniable utility. The 4Runner was like a reliable tool, not needing frequent redesigns to remain effective.

Toyota offered the 4Runner in several trims: SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro, with special editions like the Trail Special Edition, Venture Special Edition, and Nightshade Special Edition. Pricing ranged from $36,950 for the SR5 with rear-wheel drive to $50,570 for the TRD Pro with standard four-wheel drive. The Trail Special Edition, priced at $38,565 for the RWD model, added features like a premium audio upgrade, a cargo cover, and a TRD front skid plate, bringing the total to $43,729. Toyota planned to build only 4,000 units of this edition, available in colors like white, black, Cement (gray), and Army Green, and featuring dark gray TRD Off-Road wheels and a Yakima RoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's design was typical of compact crossovers, with a nearly identical styling to its competitors. The daylight opening—the side window shape—was similar across the board, making the CR-V blend in with the crowd. However, details like the grille opening and some chromed plastic features set it apart slightly. The CR-V was not a vehicle bought for its exterior looks.

Honda offered the CR-V in eight colors, though many were shades of gray, black, or white. The more vibrant colors, like Aegean Blue Metallic and Radiant Red Metallic, were limited to higher trims. The interior came in black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, depending on the trim level. Higher trims featured wood panels and more chrome for an upscale appearance. The seats had a modern, angular design, offering a more contemporary look compared to some competitors. Vehicles like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson had an edge in styling, especially at mid-tier trims.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was tested at the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreational Area, where it showcased its off-road capabilities. The 4Runner's A-Trac off-road traction control system proved beneficial, especially on challenging terrains like the Frame Twister. The Trail Special Edition handled mud, hills, and ruts with ease. Upgrading to the TRD Off-Road or TRD Pro added features like a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control for more extreme off-roading.

Every 4Runner came with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The maximum tow rating was 5,000 pounds. On regular roads, the 4Runner felt slow, heavy, and clunky, with challenging steering and braking. Its truck-like driving characteristics were part of its charm, but not everyone could live with them daily. Fuel economy was poor, averaging 16.8 mpg during testing, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not built for high performance but offered smooth, steady acceleration and predictable cornering. All trims featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with a 0-60 mph time of about 7.8 seconds. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a less engaging driving experience compared to competitors with conventional transmissions, like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

The CR-V came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an option. Its unitized body structure and MacPherson strut front suspension with a multi-link rear suspension were standard for the class. Handling and ride quality were decent, with no real surprises.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner sat high off the ground, which could be challenging for shorter individuals without running boards. Once inside, the 4Runner offered comfortable seating with proper support in both the front and rear. The back seat provided ample legroom, good visibility, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. The sunroof, power windows, and rear tailgate glass created an open-air feeling similar to a Jeep Wrangler.

A third-row seat was available but not included in the test vehicle, which featured a sliding cargo deck holding up to 440 pounds. Cargo space measured up to 47.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The Trail Special Edition's roof rack added to the cargo capacity, making it suitable for various adventures.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed to fit five people comfortably and carry their gear. It offered 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, more than the Toyota RAV4. With the rear seats folded, the CR-V provided 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Accessing the cargo area varied by trim, with manual, power, and hands-free tailgate options.

The CR-V's interior featured charging ports throughout, including USB ports in the front console and second row, and a 12-volt outlet in the center console. The Touring trim added a wireless phone charger. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition lacked advanced technology. It featured a windshield wiper de-icer and a 120-volt AC power outlet in the cargo area. The standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and five USB ports. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation, point-of-interest search, voice recognition, and a one-year subscription to Destination Assist concierge services.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity. Other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SMS text messaging. The Special Edition and EX trims had a 180-watt audio system with six speakers, while the EX-L added two more speakers. The Touring trim had a 300-watt system with a subwoofer and satellite navigation.

Charging ports were abundant in the CR-V, with USB ports in the front console and second row, and a 12-volt outlet in the center console. The Touring trim included a wireless phone charger.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked a blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" roof crush strength rating from the IIHS. However, it had lower ratings for driver protection in small overlap frontal-impact collisions and front passenger protection in frontal-impact crashes.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It did not receive the highest IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating due to lower scores in headlight evaluation and the updated side crash test. The CR-V's LATCH child safety seat anchoring system received an "Acceptable" rating.

Honda's approach to safety was commendable, making advanced safety features standard across all trims. The Honda Sensing system included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard from the EX trim onwards.