DecodedCars2021 Toyota 4Runner
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 4WD Limited V6, 4dr SUV 4WD Sr5 V6, 4dr SUV 4WD Trail Edition V6
- Engines
- 4.0L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 270 hp
- Transmission
- 5-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 17 combined · 16 city / 19 hwy
- Length
- 189.8 in
- Curb weight
- 4,654–4,806 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints36 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 188 for similar models.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 17 MPG combined, 13% below the 2021 standard SUV average of 19.6 MPG.
- Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 24.6% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner is a standard SUV offered with a 4.0L 6-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive, part-time 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 190 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,806 lb (4dr SUV 4WD Limited V6).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 17 MPG combined (16 city / 19 highway), 13% worse than the 2021 standard SUV average of 19.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,950 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 36 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 4Runner — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 4Runner →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Tahara, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 4Runner configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 4WD Limited V6 | 189.8 in | 76 in | 71.7 in | 109.8 in | 63.4 / 63.4 in | 4,806 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr SUV 4WD Sr5 V6 | 189.8 in | 76 in | 70.1 in | 109.8 in | 63 / 63 in | 4,654 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr SUV 4WD Trail Edition V6 | 189.8 in | 76 in | 74 in | 109.8 in | 63 / 63 in | 4,751 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4Runner 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 19 / 17 | -13% | $3,950 | 503 |
| 4Runner 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 19 / 17 | -10% | $3,950 | 515 |
| 4Runner 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 19 / 17 | -10% | $3,950 | 515 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 3★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 24.6% |
| 2021 Toyota 4RUNNER SUV 2WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 3★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 24.6% |
Similar 2021 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Toyota 4Runner (this car) | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Honda CR-V | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 Ford Explorer | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 27 |
| 2021 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Toyota Highlander | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
Recalls (1)
Equipment › Other › Labels · Jul 6, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V480000 · 280 vehicles
- Problem
- Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2020-2022 4Runner vehicles equipped with 20-inch Black Gunner Wheels. The load carrying capacity modification labels are incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- SET will mail replacement labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 4, 2022. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET22A.
Not every 2021 Toyota 4Runner is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Toyota 4Runner buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 13 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Suspension — 10 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Service Brakes — 6 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 637 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota 4Runner. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 4Runner years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 4Runner | 23 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 7 |
| 2025 4Runner | 23 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 62 |
| 2024 4Runner | 17 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 10 |
| 2023 4Runner | 17 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 33 |
| 2022 4Runner | 17 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 39 |
| 2020 4Runner | 17 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 33 |
| 2019 4Runner | 18 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 65 |
| 2018 4Runner | 18 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 59 |
| 2017 4Runner | 18 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 5 | 36 |
| 2016 4Runner | 19 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 8 | 80 |
| 2015 4Runner | 19 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 9 | 87 |
| 2014 4Runner | 19 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 7 | 73 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →