Used 2021 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner SUV rages against the car-based crossover machine. While other vehicles move away from body-on-frame construction and place little turbocharged engines under their hoods, the 2021 4Runner (now in its 11th year) keeps the traditional flame alight, inhabiting that category known as “old school.” But hey, Harvard is an old school. These places have their advantages.

It’s not the ideal choice for everyday suburban errands, but the Toyota 4Runner midsize SUV is tough and remarkably capable when tarmac gives way to rougher terrain. Ford Explorer? Nissan Pathfinder? These are just nice names compared with the 4Runner’s affinity for the wild. It also enjoys Toyota’s virtually bombproof reliability.

A relatively unsophisticated ride quality brings bearable manners on smooth roads and some cushioning over rougher surfaces, but the 2021 4Runner will lean noticeably if a corner is taken with anything like gusto. In general, this body-on-frame setup results in truck-like rather than car-like ride and handling.

However, the 270-horsepower V6 is a superb engine, with plenty of muscle for passing, towing, and getting up to freeway speeds. Fuel economy, on the other hand, is not its best feature. The 4Runner’s weight and having only five forward gears in its automatic transmission have their impact on this situation. And the brake pedal can be tricky to modulate.

On challenging terrain, the 4Runner excels, thanks to a fairly narrow body and a potential 9.6 inches of ground clearance (with the dedicated off-road suspension).

Cabin layout in the 2021 4Runner is simple but effective. Buttons and dials are large and easy to use, even when selecting the low-range gearing. The center console sports an easily visible instrument panel, an 8-inch touchscreen for the multimedia system that incorporates Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration and Amazon Alexa compatibility, plus the option of a 120-volt outlet.

The power-adjustable front seats are comfortable and supportive, fine for longer trips, while the reclining second-row seats split and fold in a 40/20/40 configuration for some passenger/cargo versatility. Folding them flat opens up a load area of almost 90 cubic feet. The SR5 and Limited trim levels offer a third-row seat, but it’s more kid-friendly than adult-sized.

The overall look is essentially a 2-box approach, enlivened by flared fenders. The front overhang is relatively short, which is good news for off-roaders.

Even the base SR5, however, retains individual looks among a sea of indistinguishable mall crawlers. The new-for-2021 Trail Edition has 17-inch alloy wheels with a dark gray finish, a 40-quart cooler, and a basket-style roof rack.

Of all the 2021 4Runner trim levels, the all-wheel-drive TRD Pro is the most rugged. It comes with a hood scoop, thicker skidplates, black-finished alloy wheels (now flow-formed, a construction method that results in a stronger yet lighter rim than regular casting), chunky Nitto Terrain Grappler tires, and a raised suspension with components supplied by Fox (a highly regarded manufacturer of such items).

Every version has LED low beams and a roof rack as standard.

POWERED TAILGATE WINDOW
This feature has a two-fold benefit. It allows stuff to be loaded into the cargo area without opening the entire tailgate. And if rearward vision is hampered by caked-on dust or mud, simply lower the window for a short-term fix.

KINETIC DYNAMIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM
Also known as KDSS. This is an option in the TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium variants. This system senses when the vehicle is off-road and automatically disconnects both anti-roll bars for maximum axle travel. This is a serious boon when tackling challenging terrain. Strangely, it’s not available in the top TRD Pro off-road specialist variant.

The SR5 version of the 2021 4Runner represents the entry level, but is nevertheless well equipped. It includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED low beams, LED fog lights, heated mirrors, wiper de-icer, skid plates, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the Toyota Safety Sense driver aids.

The infotainment system employs an 8-inch touchscreen for users to enjoy Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Amazon Alexa compatibility, three USB ports, Siri Eyes Free, and Bluetooth phone/music streaming.

TRD models deploy all-wheel drive, add water-resistant seat fabric, locking rear differential, and multi-terrain selection with crawl control.

All-wheel drive is optional in the SR5, Trail Edition, and Limited versions. The TRD Pro receives a 15-speaker JBL sound system, navigation, and the Fox suspension.

Limited models have 20-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-trimmed seats (heated/ventilated in front), moonroof, and an X-REAS (cross-linked relative absorber system) adaptive suspension. This trim is eligible for retractable running boards.

The sliding rear cargo deck with under-floor storage and the moonroof with retractable shades are offered as options in the lower trims. Other extras include the third-row seat, while the off-road specialist TRD versions are also available with the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS, see Favorite Features above).

Toyota’s 4Runner midsize SUV is propelled by a 4.0-liter V6 generating 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard in the SR5 and Limited versions.

A part-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is fitted to the TRD models; a full-time AWD setup with a limited-slip locking center differential is offered in the Limited.

In all cases, the transmission is a 5-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive versions have low-range gearing. The 2021 4Runner is rated to tow 5,000 pounds.

Regular gasoline is fine, but fuel consumption is relatively poor, with all versions rated at 16 mpg city/19 mpg highway/17 mpg combined, regardless of the number of driven wheels.

4.0-liter V6 engine
270 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
278 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/19 mpg (RWD or 4WD)