2021 Toyota 4Runner Review: An old reliable 4x4 | CarGurus

A long-lasting favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and off-roaders.

The 4Runner isn't here to surprise people. The big, boxy 4x4 hasn't changed much over the years, yet it remains incredibly popular--no doubt due in large part to its reputation for reliability and longevity. Forrest Jones test a new Trail Edition and shares his thoughts on the vehicle's style, interior, and driving dynamics.

Presenter: Forrest Jones
Cinematography: Phil Shuyler
Written overview: Christian Wardlaw

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0:00 The 2021 4Runner
0:18 Trail Edition Exterior Styling
1:39 Under the Hood
1:53 Interior Overview
3:15 Rear Seats and Cargo Space
4:38 Driving Impressions
7:05 Pricing and the Competition
8:36 Final Thoughts

[CJDiecast]

I've always loved the look of a 4Runner. Despite its age, it still looks modern. Boxy, utilitarian SUVs never go out of style. I've always wanted one of these. And once you have one, you can't go wrong. They're bullet-proof reliable, practical, have tremendous resale value, and they're good-looking. The only downside is the fuel economy. Since it's such an old engine and transmission setup, fuel economy is atrocious with averages only in the teens. If it had a smaller turbo V6 with an 8 or 10-speed automatic, it could probably average 23-25 mpg. However, you would have to compromise the long-term reliability of a proven engine. It is coming. The 4Runner will get redesigned in the next couple of years but that's only going to raise the value of the current fifth gen.

[melmar]

I got mine in 2016 sr5. It looks the same as the $43k 2023. I love it and I love it more today. I get a lot of compliments with my 4Runner. It’s very reliable and good rugged looks.

[b.lemire]

The interior doesn't bother me one bit. I don't think it's lacking in quality, either. Everything is logically laid out and it just works. I'm surprised to see 4Runner's still have a keyed ignition and a key required to roll down the rear window. I thought they all moved to push-button start for 2021...guess not. 4Runners hold their value extremely well, too. That's huge.

[TigerKittay]

Noted interior critique and well received. However, there is a breed of people who buy 4Runners for capability, reliability and dependability - not the interior. Cute interiors are useless during a zombie apocalypse.

[jmarxful]

Go ahead. Buy the latest and greatest with all the techy gadgets. And watch your "asset" depreciate by 40% in a few years. Toyota on the other hand will last and hold its value better then almost any other.

[Anomize]

2016 4runner here and zero issues. Still love it and wont stop owning it til the wheels fall off. This tank is made to get beat up. From the desert heat to the cold Canadian weather its just unstoppable.

[mattbrown]

This is literally my dream car. Same trim same color, everything.

[pyrmrk]

4Runners are a different thing. They stay on the road so much longer than your average popular car. There is nothing like going down a gravel road or washboard and notice just how well constructs these trucks are. Nothing shakes. Everything is solid. It's just a separate category to me. Other cars have much better interior for sure.

[fakhreddinemouffak]

Toyota tends to squeeze every possible penny from their models before doing any update. I don't mind old reliable V6 but the interior.. Come on Toyota!

[kevinwong]

I'm loyal to "DEPENDABILITY"

[redmob]

Got my Barcelona Red 2015 SR5 last year as college graduation gift and I love and cherish it 😢

[juanhenriquez]

I have a 2021 4runner and I know it will take me where I want to go and will last forever so everything else doesn't matter.

[Nostromo_]

The perfect off-road machine. Love my 21.

[williemaykit]

We are going to purchase a 2020 SR5 on Saturday. My wife likes the simplicity of the dashboard controls and she loves the look of the 4Runner. I don't think the interior is bad at all. I have an F150, so the truck like ride is fine. The road noise was not bad either. Mind you, it has road tires and not all terrains yet. We are looking forward to the legendary reliability and longevity. BTW, my wife's 12 year old Grand Cherokee has been a fine vehicle also. Just the base V6 Laredo. It's at 180K miles and still strong. We're keeping it as a back up vehicle.

[tyconner]

Reliability, and simple. Why it’s always Toyota for me. I want a vehicle that will last and get me everywhere I need to go, not gonna happen with other makes and models, no matter what goodies they come with.

[La-huh]

This 4Runner seems like at least 20 years old they never updated any thing the outside look is not bad but interior is ancient…

[andybub]

That's definitely not a fisher price interior... have you been inside a recent GM product? Yes it uses a lot of plastic but its durable and is in all the right spots. This is a rugged off road truck not a soccer mom vehicle, although soccer moms for some reason seem to buy them.

[miggitymikeb]

Interior is rock solid and exactly what it should be

[cosmiccowboy]

Just got the 2021 and I absolutely love it this makes my second I have owned and honestly don’t see anything else in future

[rcbigdaddy]

Bought a TRD Pro last February and having been loving the capability and versatility of the vehicle. The 500lb tongue weight limit is great for hauling my motorcycle on a hitch rack. Have done two long road trips carrying moving related stuff. Have taken the 4Runner off road many times. Great all around truck. Perfect fit for my needs. Both the Jeep and the Bronco make too many off road compromises for my needs.