Used 2021 Toyota 4Runner for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner cost?

Prices have softened 3.55% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,659 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare.

Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner a good car?

Yes — the 4.77/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the expert rating is 6.17/10. The standout strength is Form and function at 9/10.

Owners repeatedly praise the rugged durability, spacious interior, and off-road capability. They also like the convenient tech, including adaptive cruise control and Apple CarPlay.

The trade-offs are clear: poor fuel economy and a rougher, less refined driving experience. The 4Runner is best if you want a tough SUV for utility, adventure, and long-term ownership rather than a polished daily driver.

With 34.6% of listings marked as good or great deals, there is meaningful shopping room if you are selective.

Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

Owners rate it 4.77/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback emphasizes rugged durability, reliability, and a vehicle that feels solid over time. The expert evaluation also describes it as dependable and even “indestructible” in hard use, which reinforces its reputation for long-term toughness.

The cost-effectiveness assessment adds that you can depend on its dependability, and that it has real long-term value if you plan to keep it for years. The main ownership risk is that its age and truck-like design can mean more compromise in comfort and efficiency than many used-SUV shoppers expect.

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

At 74.9% 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 body panels, alignment, and underbody condition. Because this model is often bought for rugged use, it is smart to focus on signs of off-road wear, neglected maintenance, and any evidence of hard use. A clean-looking listing can still hide past damage or heavy-duty abuse.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Toyota offers SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro trim levels. The Trail Special Edition sits on the SR5 foundation, and the base setup is described as light on technology, so you should pay close attention to feature gaps if you are comparing lower trims.
• Powertrain: Every 4Runner uses a 4.0-liter V6 with 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Part-time 4WD is standard, 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 trial access. The premium audio upgrade adds dynamic navigation, dynamic point-of-interest search, and dynamic voice recognition.
• Fuel efficiency: The EPA says this SUV gets 17 mpg in combined driving and no better than 19 mpg on the highway, and the test average was 16.8 mpg.

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 at the lowest starting price. It is also the foundation for the Trail Special Edition, so it is the trim to watch if you want the most affordable path into the lineup.
• TRD Off-Road: This is the best-value choice if you want more serious trail hardware without jumping all the way to the top. It adds the kind of capability-focused equipment that suits buyers who actually plan to use the 4Runner off pavement.
• Limited: Choose this if you want the most upscale feel in the lineup. The content points to this trim as the one with the most chrome and a more luxury-leaning presentation.
• TRD Pro: This is the most expensive trim and the one for buyers who want the most capability-focused version of the 4Runner. It sits at the top of the range and is priced accordingly.

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, so you should shop selectively and be ready to move when you find a strong listing.

• Deal availability: 34.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,659 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.55% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 74.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $35,619, 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 $36,849 sits slightly below last year's $38,207.

That price movement suggests the market has eased a bit, which can help you buy more confidently now. For a future seller, it also means you should expect value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and how well the vehicle has been maintained.

The 4Runner’s reputation for durability and strong owner satisfaction should help support demand over time. If you keep it clean, documented, and accident-free, it should remain appealing to used buyers.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.77/5, 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. It also earns a three-star rating for front passenger protection in a frontal-impact crash.

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. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning are not included.

The main caution is the Marginal IIHS result for small-overlap frontal protection, which is a meaningful weakness for a used-SUV shopper to weigh carefully.

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:

• 34.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 74.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.55% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.77/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Despite its age, it remains popular for reliability, resale value, utility, and go-anywhere capability.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $35,007, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $36,849 average.
• It emphasizes capability and ruggedness, with a rough-and-ready luxury angle.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $39,271, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $36,849 average.
• It keeps the rugged formula while adding modern infotainment and safety tech.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, availability, and the 4Runner’s core strengths, the 2021 is the smart default. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2020 can save you money, while the 2022 is worth considering if you want to pay more for a newer-feeling package.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.