2021 Toyota 4Runner Test Drive Review: The Off-Roader That Always Can
It almost feels like the Toyota 4Runner has been around forever, and that is largely because it has undergone almost no changes for the last decade. Some shoppers will argue that this is a bad thing, but considering how popular it was upon release, many of us appreciate the nostalgia. And then there's the risk that a redesign would see the 4Runner lose its prestige as one of the last remaining body-on-frame midsize off-road SUVs. Powered by a V6 engine with loads of torque on tap, it is sure-footed in any environment and can even handle a fair amount of manual labor, handily lugging around up to 5,000 pounds. Sure, there is a lot of competition in the US from more modern rivals like the Ford Edge, but classics are popular for a reason - just look at the Jeep Wrangler. We were handed the keys to a Trail Edition for a few days to see how it measures up.
What's the Price of the 2021 Toyota 4Runner?
With so many trims to choose from and multiple ways to configure each, the price of the Toyota 4Runner varies quite a bit. The most affordable models are those with 2WD. The SR5 starts things off at $36,765, while the new Trail Special Edition slots in right above it at $38,740. Still, under $40k, the SR5 Premium has a base price of $39,825. The remaining two trims that are offered with RWD are the Limited and Nightshade Special Edition, set at $45,670 and $47,085, respectively. Adding the four-wheel drivetrain to the lower three trims increases their cost by $1,875, while the upper-tier trims need an investment of $2,035 to make the change. The remaining options all come with 4WD as standard and their prices are as follows: TRD Off-Road at $40,730, TRD Off-Road Premium at $43,325, Venture Special Edition at $44,895, and the TRD Pro with the highest starting cost of $50,745. It is worth noting that these are MSRP prices, which means you will still need to factor in tax, registration, licensing, and Toyota's $1,215 handling fee.
2021 4Runner Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 190.2 in | 109.8 in | 71.5 in | 75.8 in | 63.2 in | 63.2 in | 4,400.0 lbs |
2021 4Runner Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
It's really hard to find anything to comment on around town. The Toyota 4Runner is, in every way, utterly average for a body-on-frame vehicle and below average compared to its crossover cousins. It is not quick by any mark, but its handling wouldn't be able to manage any more speed than it has. Similarly, it doesn't offer the greatest ride comfort, and highways can be a real nightmare at higher speeds. However, the seats are comfortable enough to offset much of this. This is no light-handed city slicker SUV, so if you intend to spend most of your time navigating the urban jungle, consider something better suited from the competition.
But if you want to venture out of town and into the wild, you'll see what the 4Runner is really capable of. Once it gets dirty, the SUV really gets down to business. Where the handling is clunky on the asphalt, it is communicative and surefooted on uneven terrain. Similarly, the suspension earns its keep by absorbing all the rocky bumps without complaint. This is even more true for the TRD Pro's upgraded Fox suspension.
Multiple speed settings are offered with the off-road-purposed crawl control so that less confident drivers can face hillside descents without fear. But going uphill is a breeze thanks to the abundance of torque, while a variety of terrain modes, courtesy of the available Multi-Terrain Select, help you deal with difficult road conditions.
2021 4Runner Interior
2021 4Runner Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 2 Years / Unlimited Miles | 2 Years / 25,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner A Good SUV?
This feels like a bit of a trick question. If you truly think of it as a car, then the Toyota 4Runner is not a good one. It feels alien around town and handles even the most basic of tasks without any grace. It also lacks many of the safety and comfort features we expect from our commuter SUVs. It is eminently practical, though, and supplies loads of cargo space. Still, there are far more competent rivals on the market in the USA.
However, we dearly love the 4Runner, despite its flaws. If you're looking for a spirited off-road trailblazer, then the Toyota most definitely fits the bill. For a start, it definitely looks the part, but it's also extremely rugged and dependable. With several models specially designed to play in the mud, shoppers will always find what they're looking for.
On a more personal note, it's not often we're reluctant to hand the keys back on a loaner car. However, this was the case with the 2021 4Runner. Sure, it's a bit dated now, but it has been so good for so long that we don't want it to change. If you break it down on paper as we have here, the 4Runner isn't great in modern terms, yet we loved having it for a week and put a lot of miles on it - both road and trail. It's with a heavy heart we remind you that there will come a day when people will say, "They don't build them like that anymore," with regard to the current 4Runner. It'll be a sad one.
What Toyota 4Runner Model Should I Buy?
The best Toyota 4Runner for you will depend on your needs. If you don't plan on going off-road, then the first question is, why are you buying a 4Runner at all? But if you simply must have one, then you need to ask yourself if you need seating for five or seven, and work your way up from there. The SR5 Premium serves as a decent town commuter and offers some of the more luxury-centric upgrades, like leatherette-trimmed seats and a premium sound system. You can bump up from there to the Trail Special Edition that we drove for this review and take advantage of the sliding rear cargo tray, Yakima Loadwarrior roof rack, all-weather floor liners, and a lockable 40-quart cooler. It would probably be less expensive to go to the expansive aftermarket for the 4Runner, but then you wouldn't get the black exterior badging marking it as a limited edition.
If you are actually buying the 4Runner for the purpose it was intended, then the TRD Off-Road is an excellent starting point, or even an ending point if your budget is tight and you place a priority on value. You may want to add on the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension package, although it is a little pricey at this trim level. If you want a little more luxury for your outdoor escapades, then the Off-Road Premium is a great balance of value, capability, and comfort. If money isn't an issue, though, it is hard to pass up the TRD Pro.
2021 Toyota 4Runner Comparisons
2021 Toyota 4Runner vs Toyota Highlander
These two siblings are both great at what they do, and what they do is dominate the unbeaten path. They are in many ways alike, but the Highlander is like a higher-quality version of the 4Runner. Slightly larger overall, the Highlander fits a third-row bench as standard, though it doesn't offer a whole lot more room for those seated there. It is more customizable in other ways though, particularly in terms of powertrains. If the V6 is a little more than you need or too thirsty, then there is a lower-displacement four-cylinder hybrid that develops 243 hp in exchange for much better fuel economy of 36/35/36 mpg. Since it seats five as standard, the 4Runner has more starting cargo capacity, but the Highlander offers better quality materials in the cabin. Neither is particularly up to date in terms of tech or style, though. But since you buy these vehicles for their off-roading expertise rather than luxury or tech, the 4Runner is our choice between the two, since it does this so well.
2021 Toyota 4Runner vs Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep prides itself on building some of the most rugged off-roaders in the world, and the Grand Cherokee is one of its oldest nameplates in production at the moment. A bit cheaper than the 4Runner, it also gets a bit more raw power from the Pentastar V6 - 295 hp and 260 lb-ft, to be exact. Despite the lower torque, it can actually tow a whole load more than the Toyota, with a max capacity of 7,200 lbs. It is also a little more at home around town and has a more premium interior. But in terms of sheer off-roading ability, the Jeep needs a few add-ons to even compete with the 4Runner, such as the optional air suspension. Even so, it isn't quite as confident on rougher terrain, and it can't stow as much gear in the trunk for a camping trip. If you're going to be using your SUV for commuting around town with the occasional outdoor adventure, the Grand Cherokee is the more balanced choice and easier on your budget. But, if you want a dedicated off-roader to go alongside your family hauler, then the Toyota 4Runner is the better choice.