Archived model-year dossier
2021 Toyota 4Runner
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner enters the year with a new Trail Special Edition, several TRD Pro enhancements including re-tuned Fox shocks, and LED headlights across the lineup. NHTSA lists one recall, for incorrect load labels on 20-inch Black Gunner wheels, and 36 complaints, led by steering (13). Used ones run $29,900 to $42,300 per Kelley Blue Book.
Configurations3
Model/option labels2
Combined efficiency17 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers6
What changed on the 2021 Toyota 4Runner
Toyota (opens in a new tab) says the 4Runner enters 2021 with a new Trail Special Edition, several TRD Pro enhancements and new LED headlights across the lineup. Passport Toyota (opens in a new tab) adds re-tuned 2.5-inch Fox Internal Bypass Shocks on the TRD Pro, and Offroading.com (opens in a new tab) notes new flow-form wheels and a new Lunar Rock color on the TRD Pro.
Autoweek (opens in a new tab) says the 4Runner does not mess with a good thing, and Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) keeps a common-problems page. EPA rates the 2021 4Runner at 17 mpg combined and $3,650 a year in fuel.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists one recall campaign for the 2021 4Runner. 22V480000, from July 2022, is a Southeast Toyota Distributors recall of 2020-2022 4Runners with 20-inch Black Gunner wheels whose load carrying capacity labels are incorrect.
Owners have filed 36 complaints: steering with 13, suspension with 10, service brakes with 6, wheels with 4, and exterior lighting and electrical system with 3 each. ProblemsByVin (opens in a new tab) rates the record above the segment average, and CarFactBase (opens in a new tab) lists the filings.
2021 4Runner against the Wrangler, Bronco and Tahoe
The Jeep Wrangler lists 14 to 25 mpg combined at $2,700 to $5,550, the Ford Bronco 17 to 21 at $2,950 to $3,650, and the Chevrolet Tahoe 16 to 24 at $3,450 to $4,850. The 4Runner's 17 mpg matches the Bronco's lowest rating and trails the best of each rival.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner: 9 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SR5 | 4.0-liter V6 | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | 4WD | 270 | 278 | 16 / 19 / 17 mpg | 7 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| TRD Off-Road | 4.0-liter V6 | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | 4WD | 270 | 278 | 16 / 19 / 17 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| SR5 Premium | 4.0-liter V6 | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | 4WD | 270 | 278 | 16 / 19 / 17 mpg | 7 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| TRD Off-Road Premium | 4.0-liter V6 | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | 4WD | 270 | 278 | 16 / 19 / 17 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Limited | 4.0-liter V6 | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | 4WD | 270 | 278 | 16 / 19 / 17 mpg | 7 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Trail Special Edition | 4.0-liter V6 | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | 4WD | 270 | 278 | 16 / 19 / 17 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Venture Special Edition | 4.0-liter V6 | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | 4WD | 270 | 278 | 16 / 19 / 17 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Nightshade Special Edition | 4.0-liter V6 | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | 4WD | 270 | 278 | 16 / 19 / 17 mpg | 7 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| TRD Pro | 4.0-liter V6 | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | 4WD | 270 | 278 | 16 / 19 / 17 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Towing | Payload | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SR5 | 4,675 lb | 190.2 in | 71.5 in | 109.8 in | 9.6 in | 37.4 ft | 23 gal | 39.3 in | 41.7 in | 5,000 lb | 1,625 lb | P265/70R17 |
| TRD Off-Road | 4,750 lb | 191.3 in | 71.5 in | 109.8 in | 9.6 in | 37.4 ft | 23 gal | 39.3 in | 41.7 in | 5,000 lb | 1,550 lb | P265/70R17 |
| SR5 Premium | 4,675 lb | 190.2 in | 71.5 in | 109.8 in | 9.6 in | 37.4 ft | 23 gal | 39.3 in | 41.7 in | 5,000 lb | 1,625 lb | P265/70R17 |
| TRD Off-Road Premium | 4,750 lb | 191.3 in | 71.5 in | 109.8 in | 9.6 in | 37.4 ft | 23 gal | 39.3 in | 41.7 in | 5,000 lb | 1,550 lb | P265/70R17 |
| Limited | 4,805 lb | 190.7 in | 71.5 in | 109.8 in | 9.6 in | 37.4 ft | 23 gal | 38.6 in | 41.7 in | 5,000 lb | 1,495 lb | P245/60R20 |
| Trail Special Edition | 4,675 lb | 190.2 in | 79.1 in | 109.8 in | 9.6 in | 37.4 ft | 23 gal | 39.3 in | 41.7 in | 5,000 lb | P265/70R17 | |
| Venture Special Edition | 4,750 lb | 191.3 in | 79.1 in | 109.8 in | 9.6 in | 37.4 ft | 23 gal | 39.3 in | 41.7 in | 5,000 lb | P265/70R17 | |
| Nightshade Special Edition | 4,805 lb | 190.7 in | 71.5 in | 109.8 in | 9.6 in | 37.4 ft | 23 gal | 38.6 in | 41.7 in | 5,000 lb | 1,495 lb | P245/60R20 |
| TRD Pro | 4,750 lb | 191.3 in | 72 in | 109.8 in | 9.6 in | 37.4 ft | 23 gal | 38.6 in | 41.7 in | 5,000 lb | 1,550 lb | P265/70R17 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2021 Toyota 4Runner trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | SR5 | TRD Off-Road | SR5 Premium | TRD Off-Road Premium | Limited | Trail Special Edition | Venture Special Edition | Nightshade Special Edition | TRD Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||||||||
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-descent control | Std | – | Std | – | Std | Std | – | Std | – |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear parking sensors | – | – | – | – | Std | – | – | Opt | – |
| Rear parking sensors | – | – | – | – | Std | – | – | Opt | – |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Slip control | – | Std | – | Std | – | – | Std | – | Std |
| Technology | |||||||||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Opt | Std | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Opt | Std | Std | Std |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Emergency and security services | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||||||||
| Heated front seats | – | – | Std | Std | Std | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | – | – | Std | Std | Std | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | – | – | Std | – | – | Std | – |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Third-row seat | Opt | – | Opt | – | Opt | – | – | Opt | – |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||||||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Privacy glass | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | – | – | Std | Std | Std | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | – | – | Std | Std | Std | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | – | – | Std | Std | Std | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Limited-slip differential | – | – | – | – | Std | – | – | Std | – |
Complete certification table
3 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 429744Runner 2WD | 4L 6-cylConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S5) | Regular | 16 | 19 | 17 | N/A |
| 429824Runner 4WD | 4L 6-cylConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S5) | Regular | 16 | 19 | 17 | N/A |
| 429814Runner 4WD | 4L 6-cyl Part-time 4WDConventional | Part-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S5) | Regular | 16 | 19 | 17 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
6 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2021 Toyota 4Runner versus the 2020 Toyota 4Runner?
Model year
Against the 2020 Toyota 4Runner: Engine descriptions no longer listed: 4L 6-cyl AWD. Federal recall campaigns on file went from 1 for the 2020 to 1 for the 2021.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02How much is the destination charge on the 2021 Toyota 4Runner?
Pricing
Kelley Blue Book's review of the 2021 Toyota 4Runner puts the destination charge, the fee for delivering the vehicle from the factory to the dealer, at $1,175. It is added to the base price. Source: Kelley Blue Book review of the 2021 Toyota 4Runner, read 2026-09-21.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q03What size wheels does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner have?
Wheels and tires
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's wheel diameter is 17 inches on the 7 trims (SR5, TRD Off-Road and SR5 Premium and 4 more) and 20 inches on the Limited and Nightshade Special Edition. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q04How do the 2021 Toyota 4Runner trims differ from one another?
Trims
All 9 trims share the 4.0-liter V6 making 270 hp. The TRD Off-Road has slip control as standard equipment over the SR5. The SR5 Premium has power front seats for driver and passenger, heated front seats, hill-descent control and 5 more as standard equipment over the TRD Off-Road. The TRD Off-Road Premium has slip control as standard equipment over the SR5 Premium. The Limited has front and rear parking sensors, hill-descent control, leather seats and 2 more as standard equipment over the TRD Off-Road Premium. The Venture Special Edition has power front seats for driver and passenger, heated front seats, an integrated garage-door opener and 5 more as standard equipment over the Trail Special Edition.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q05What engine oil does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner take?
Maintenance
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner owner's manual specifies SAE 0W-20 engine oil. Source: 2021 Toyota 4Runner owner's manual. The 2020 model year has the same figure.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q06What brake fluid, refrigerant and key-fob battery does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner use?
Maintenance
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner owner's manual names DOT 3 brake fluid. Source: 2021 Toyota 4Runner owner's manual. The 2020 model year has the same figure.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2021 Toyota 4Runner.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Toyota 4Runner across model years.
Ownership desk
Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.
Buying, records and recallsSigns a used vehicle may have flood damageRoutine →OBD codes and emissionsP0299 turbo or supercharger underboost codeSoon →Driver assistance and infotainmentLane-keeping assist does not detect lane markingsRoutine →Driver assistance and infotainmentParking sensors beep continuously with no obstacleRoutine →Towing and traileringTrailer plug or connector becomes hotStop driving →Diesel ownershipDiesel engine suddenly revs uncontrollablyStop driving →