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The Greenest Car of 2024 Isn’t an EV2021 Toyota 4Runner Review
For more than a decade, the Toyota 4Runner has been a reliable rugged four-door off-roader, and it’s better than ever for 2021.
What’s New for the 2021 Toyota 4Runner?
Toyota is adding a few upgrades to the 4Runner TRD Pro, including retuned dampers for better isolation off-road, new black TRD wheels with Nitto Terra Grappler tires, and an available color called Lunar Rock. Toyota also adds a Trail Edition version of the 4Runner that will get special badges, wheels, seats, and floor mats. They say only 4,000 Trail Editions will be built and all will come with a custom 40-beverage cooler. In addition, all 2021 Toyota 4Runners will get LED headlights for 2021.
2021 Toyota 4Runner – pressroom.toyota.com | Shop 2021 Toyota 4Runner on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Unquestionable off-road prowess
Great towing capacity
Flexible trims and design
Very dated on-road ride quality
A bit tall for shorter riders
Fuel thirsty
Time for the next generation
2021 4Runner Specs
- 270 horsepower from base engine
- 278 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 7 available trims
- 46 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 88 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- 5,000-pound towing capacity
- Very nice 8-inch infotainment system
- Standard adaptive cruise control
- 2 years of complimentary maintenance
2021 Toyota 4Runner Powertrain
Undoubtedly, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner is an off-road-focused vehicle. It drives like it too, as high speeds aren’t its strong suit. For those that have driven a modern vehicle of its size, it’s going to feel a bit unrefined and behind the times. That’s not to say that it’s terrible though. The 4Runner is a balanced vehicle that can still get you from A to B without discomfort.
The 4.0-liter V6 engine isn’t very powerful at 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, but it and the archaic five-speed transmission it’s mated to are good partners. They’re calm, fairly quiet, and reliable. Impressively, the powertrain can haul up to 5,000 pounds when needed. That’s better than basically everything in its class, with the exception of the Dodge Durango, a larger vehicle with a bigger engine.
It would be unfair to talk about the Toyota 4Runner without discussing its abilities in its natural habitat, when the road runs out. There, on the dirt trails, it’s simply outstanding. It’s incredibly tough, hard to get stuck, and easy to navigate with. The 4Runner has got more ground clearance than rivals and has the hardware to get it back home in one piece.
2021 Toytoa 4Runner Fuel Economy & MPG
Considering that there’s only one powertrain, there’s really only one set of economy numbers for the 2021 Toyota 4Runner. That means that almost any configuration will get about 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway for an EPA-rated 17 mpg combined.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
It’s rare to find a vehicle like the 2021 Toyota 4Runner. It can be a few different types of vehicles depending on what the customer selects. For those that really just want to go off-road or like the 4Runner but can only afford the SR5, it’s a comfortable, albeit basic, SUV. The seats are fairly supportive, but not particularly special. Folks on the other end of the spectrum that want something pseudo-luxurious will want the 4Runner Limited, Nightshade, or TRD Pro that all offer exceptional material quality.
Ultimately though, as mentioned above, it’s going to ride rougher than most rivals no matter what trim level. In addition, while some of the materials are of high quality, most feel very outdated. The switchgear makes that very obvious, as does the layout of the interior. Still, there are some saving graces including the storage space.
There’s a space for extra gear or extra bits and bobs everywhere you look in the Toyota 4Runner. Technically there is a third-row option, though we wouldn’t recommend it since it’s so tight. Ditch it and enjoy the cavernous rear cargo space. Folding the second row leads to nearly 100 cubic feet of storage.
Entertainment & Technology
There are a number of vehicles that are still sold with small four or five-inch infotainment screens, but thankfully, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner isn’t one of them. Every one of them gets a big, bright 8-inch display. That alone impresses us considering how old the current 4Runner platform is. Not only is it big, but it’s also fast and features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Also, it should go without saying, but other companies could learn from Toyota. While their infotainment system is great, they still include physical buttons, knobs, and switches for vital controls instead of making users sift through menus to make adjustments. Spend a bit more and you’ll get a premium JBL audio system with 15 speakers and built-in navigation.
Safety Features
While the 2021 Toyota 4Runner was not awarded a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, it was given a five-star crash test rating by the NHTSA. We also love that Toyota includes numerous advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, and lane-keep assist on every single 4Runner.
2021 Toyota 4Runner Trims & Pricing
SR5 – $37,480
Every single 2021 Toyota 4Runner gets a 4.0-liter V6 and all use a five-speed automatic transmission and send that power to the rear wheels or all four depending on the configuration. The SR5 starts out with 17-inch wheels, a power rear window, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED headlights, and an 8-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. An SR5 Premier version adds heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, keyless entry and ignition, and opens up the availability for a sunroof.
Trail Special Edition – $39,455
This 4Runner adds a portable beverage cooler, dark wheels, and a Yakima roof rack to the SR5.
TRD Off-Road – $41,445
For those that want an off-roader without spending more than $50,000 on the TRD Pro, the TRD Off-Road version might fit the bill. It gets off-road traction control settings and a locking rear differential. It also opens up the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System which improves off-road capability. There’s a TRD Off-Road Premium version that automatically gets KDSS.
Venture – $45,360
The Venture Special Edition is similar to the Trail Special Edition in that it gets a Yakima roof rack and special grey wheels. It also gets black Venture Special Edition badges.
Limited – $45,885
Buyers who need more luxury in their 4Runner should only look to the Limited. It gets 20-inch wheels, a premium JBL audio system, ventilated front seats, a sunroof, leather upholstery, and GPS navigation.
Nightshade – $47,300
The Nightshade package is little more than a graphics treatment that adds black wheels and trim to the 4Runner Limited.
TRD Pro – $51,960
The most extreme 2021 Toyota 4Runner is also the most expensive. It is similarly outfitted as the Limited, but also adds a TRD roof rack, a TRD front skid plate, TRD wheels, and all-terrain tires, as well as Fox shocks and dampers.
Warranties
Toyota goes above and beyond most competitors by offering 2 years or 25,000 miles of complimentary maintenance on every 2021 Toyota 4Runner. That’s in addition to the standard 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
What we think
2021 Toyota 4Runner – pressroom.toyota.com | Shop 2021 Toyota 4Runner on Carsforsale.com
When this generation of the 4Runner was released, Toyota was still selling brand new FJ Cruisers. That is becoming a visible issue looking at the 2021 Toyota 4Runner. However, when it comes to a rugged, off-road capable Toyota, there’s none better for the money.
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