Toyota redesigned the current 4th gen 4runner in 2010 (in other words, ages ago), and the 2021 Toyota 4Runner only makes slight concessions. In fact, compared to the 2020 Toyota 4Runner, this model only brings a few changes like LED headlights and a new Trail Special Edition.
A relic of a bygone era, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner is not an SUV wannabe (I mean, crossover). The high stance and big, boxy styling of this truck-based SUV are what make this classic truly appealing. If you want an SUV with great fuel economy and tech features like self-parking, you've got the wrong vehicle.
But make no mistake, the 4Runner packs many features, including rugged off-road ability, a versatile cargo area, and plenty of towing capacity that would make many modern-day crossovers jealous. Which is the coolest, though? Let's find out.
The 4Runner's Performance
The 2021 4Runner offers an impressive nine trim choices, all powered by the same 4-liter V6 engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The setup sends 270 HP and 278 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels as standard. Four-wheel-drive is optional on all trims, except on the more off-road focused variants where it's standard.
The V6 gets the job done. It provides enough low-end torque to move the 4Runner around town and get it up to highway speeds. Just don't expect it to do anything with any degree of haste, though. Plus, its handling is pretty clunky on asphalt. Its truck-like setup does really well on uneven terrain.
Perhaps, the major drawback of the 4Runner is its abysmal gas mileage, returning 16/19 MPG for city/highway cycles. In comparison, the V6-powered Toyota Highlander manages up to 21/29 MPG city/highway.
Overall the 4Runner's performance is a mixed bag. It's more civil than a Jeep Wrangler, but against a midsize SUV like the Honda Passport, you'll find the 4Runner to be sluggish and noisy. Still, it's slower than both, and it's not helped by a sometimes reluctant transmission with insufficient gears.
4Runner Interior: Roomy And Well-Built, But Is It Dated?
The 4Runner is offered in two configurations: all models come with five seats as standard, but there's an optional third-row seat that increases seating capacity to seven for the SR5, SR5 Premium, Limited, and Nightshade trims. The front seats are comfortable and roomy enough for tall occupants. They provide a high position that gives you an excellent road view. The second-row seat is also spacious and can comfortably seat adults. However, the optional third row is best reserved for kids. It offers significantly less room than competitors like the Chevrolet Traverse and Volkswagen Atlas.
The seats feature cloth upholstery. The driver’s seat is power-adjustable, and the front passenger seat is manually adjustable, as standard. There's an option for a power-adjustable front passenger seat, SofTex synthetic and leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats.
This SUV is not the most premium out there. It features many hard plastic surfaces that look quite outdated by current standards. The one takeaway is that the sturdy and well-built cabin, though.
On the infotainment front, there's an intuitive 8-inch touch screen with crisp graphics and support for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto systems, and Amazon Alexa. Dashboard knobs for audio and climate controls are also present. Other standard features include an eight-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi hot spot, four USB ports, and a satellite radio. You can always opt for any of the available additional features too.
Overall, the 4Runner doesn't offer the most comfortable rides. It feels somewhat bouncy and stiff. It's not terrible, though, and the seats do help out a lot, but just about any crossover will ride smoother.
The 4Runner's Wildcard Factor Is Way Up There
The coolest feature of the 2021 4Runner, by far, is its off-road ability. It's not the best for smooth city driving, but the 4Runner's true home is off-road. Its suspension incorporates a double-wishbone in front and a 4-link and coil spring structure at the rear. When driven at low speeds, it allows the tires to articulates nicely over rocks and bumps.
This SUV has high approach and departure angles, with 9.6 inches of ground clearance allowing it to climb over large obstacles. Skid plates also come standard to protect the 4Runner's undercarriage. There's also a two-speed transfer case with high- and low-range gearing to maximize traction on rough terrain for all four-wheel-drive models.
If that's not enough for you, consider opting for the top-of-the-line Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. You get even more off-road performance with an upgraded Fox suspension, wider tires, Toyota's Multi-Terrain Select system, low-speed Crawl Control system, additional skid plates, and a locking rear differential that distributes engine power evenly to both rear wheels. There's also an optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) that can automatically decouple and reconnect the 4Runner's sway bars depending on the terrain. Toyota accurately describes it as allowing the 4Runner to make molehills out of mountains.
Overall, the 4Runner's demonstrated body-on-frame construction, advanced off-road tech, and rugged powertrain keep it ahead of the pack in the off-road department.
Most modern SUVs have adopted the versatility of a Swiss Army knife. In other words, they’re good at a lot of things but exceptional at none. But that's not the 4Runner. This SUV is terrific off-road, has a lot of cargo space, and can tow a 5000-lbs trailer (the pretty reliable 2021 Ford Edge has a maximum towing capacity of 3500 lbs). However, in almost every other area, it trails a typical crossover.