2021 Toyota 4runner Review | What's New, Prices, Features, Pictures
Like the canyons and mountains through which it traverses, the Toyota 4Runner is timeless. Mechanically, this latest 2021 edition is pretty much the same truck that debuted 12 years ago – an eternity in car terms. On the one hand, that's great: it has the same rugged truck-based chassis, capable suspension, ample clearances and bulletproof reliability that makes it a darling among off-roaders everywhere (and keeps its residual values sky-high). Its abundant interior space has also allowed it to be a realistic alternative to more family-friendly crossovers.
On the other hand, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner cannot escape the ravages of time. The carry-over engine produces less horsepower than a V6 Camry, the transmission has five (!) fewer gears than a Ford Explorer or Chevy Tahoe's, the fuel economy is a truly dismal 17 mpg combined, and calling the handling "imprecise" would be an understatement. The interior is also closer to the antique end of scale, though substantial tech updates last year at least ushered it into this century.
These are all significant reasons to skip the 2021 4Runner in favor of any number of crossovers or perhaps one of the more civilized Jeep Wrangler variants (we'd suggest the new Ford Bronco, but it's been delayed and there's a waiting list anyway). Yet, there is another reason the 4Runner has stuck around so long with few changes: people love them. They're chock-full of character, can go just about anywhere, are surprisingly practical and offer a diverse number of models to match your tastes. It won't make sense for everyone and certainly requires some sacrifices, but the 4Runner's appeal hasn't eroded yet.
New, standard LED headlights should correct the 4Runner's rather dim view forward. The TRD Pro trim gets new wheels and Fox Bypass shocks, while its signature color for 2021 becomes Lunar Rock green, replacing the oh-so-cool Army Green. On the upside, that becomes an option on the new Trail Edition. It's basically an SR5 with dark TRD Off-Road wheels, a Yakima cargo basket, all-weather floor liners, the otherwise optional sliding cargo tray and a custom 40-quart cooler available in Army Green or Cement gray pictured above. Although it's missing many common features like automatic headlights and climate control, we found the Trail Edition delivers the capability people expect from a 4Runner with the extra coolness they crave through its unique paint and accessories. It's definitely a welcome addition for those who were really only attracted to the most expensive TRD Pro for its similarly distinctive aesthetics (it's OK to admit it).
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