Flash Drive

2021 Toyota 4Runner

October 18, 2021 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2021 Toyota 4Runner 4×4 Trail Premium

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner 4×4 Trail is a great traditional style SUV that will haul the whole family and all your gear.

Engine:  4.0-liter V-6, 270 horsepower, 278 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 5-speed automatic, part-time four-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 16-mpg city, 19-mpg highway, 17-mpg combined

Base Price: $40,190

As Tested: $43,871

Performance:

Very proficient off-road

Lots of drive mode options: 2H, 4H, 4L, and Hill descent

Locking differential

Cabin room and comfort is excellent in both rows.

Pretty good highway fuel economy—our best was 21.7 mpg

Can be a little thirsty around town

Reasonably pleasant highway ride

Standard lane departure warning and lane keeping assist

Comfort:

Stretch-out driver and front passenger legroom

Very good headroom

Comfortable, supportive driver seat

Driver power lumbar support

The Trail Edition comes with this slide-out cargo tray and a large cooler bin on the left.

Manual passenger seat adjustments

Medium thick, slightly contoured leather wheel

Spacious adult friendly backseat

Tall adults can fit in middle position

Almost flat backseat floor

Excellent rear headroom

Very soft rear armrest with cupholders

Utility:

Big, high opening rear hatch

Flat cargo deck

The Trail Edition roof rack will hold even more gear.

Handy sliding cargo deck

Receiver hitch

OK touch screen controls

Medium size front door bins

Large, deep console bin

Medium soft armrest over bin

Medium-plus locking glovebox

Small rear door bins

Four grab handles

Two large seatback storage pouches

Split rear seats fold almost flat (minimal slope)

Exploring rugged dirt roads is a Toyota 4Runner strong point.

Cargo loops

WOW Factors:

Handsome, rugged, traditional SUV styling

Large roof rack

Sliding cargo deck

Roomy, adult size backseat

Whines:

Sliding cargo deck robs some height capacity

Dated switch gear, still has key start

All Toyota 4Runners have a well-deserved reputation for ruggedness and dependability.

Bottom Line:

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner 4×4 Trail Edition is a somewhat old school traditional SUV, which for many buyers is a good thing. The Toyota 4Runner excels on rugged back roads and trails. It’s a good choice for active families that aren’t afraid to explore roads less traveled. In town, the 4Runner is roomy if not a little dated interior wise. The 2021 Toyota 4Runner is more of a traditional SUV than a modern poser.