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2021 Toyota 4Runner: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Toyota 4Runner is standard LED low-beam headlights and LED fog lights on every trim. This is a light, late-cycle update rather than a redesign.
About the 2021 Toyota 4Runner
5th gen (2010-2024), late-cycle update year, one year after the bigger 2020 infotainment and safety update.
Toyota positions the 4Runner as a tough, adventure-ready midsize SUV that still does family duty. Its big differentiator is that it keeps a truck-style body-on-frame design and real off-road hardware in a market full of softer crossovers. Toyota’s messaging leans on camping, towing, rough-road travel, and long-term durability, so the 4Runner appeals to buyers who want something sturdy, proven, and genuinely trail-capable instead of just crossover-like styling.
The 2021 lineup ranges from the straightforward SR5 to the comfort-focused Limited, which has leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats and JBL audio. TRD Off-Road models add trail tools such as low-range four-wheel drive, terrain settings, low-speed crawl control, and a locking rear differential. TRD Pro is the most trail-focused version, with FOX shocks, a front skid plate, and a distinctive TOYOTA-letter grille.
What changed, by category
Styling
LED low-beam headlights and LED fog lights became standard across the lineup. The new Trail Special Edition added dark gray 17-inch wheels, black exterior trim, tan cabin accents, and a sliding rear cargo deck.
Tech
Smart Key with push-button start became standard on the SR5 and TRD Off-Road.
Structural
The TRD Pro received lighter flow-form alloy wheels, retuned FOX shocks, and TRD-tuned front springs.
2021 Toyota 4Runner specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Shift |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| Horsepower | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp |
| Torque | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 89.7 cu-ft | 89.7 cu-ft | 89.7 cu-ft | 89.7 cu-ft | 89.7 cu-ft | 89.7 cu-ft | 89.7 cu-ft | 89.7 cu-ft | 89.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 32.9 in | 32.9 in | 32.9 in | 32.9 in | 32.9 in | 32.9 in | 32.9 in | 32.9 in | 32.9 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||||
| Power Side Steps | |||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change from the 2020 to the 2021 Toyota 4Runner?
The biggest change is standard LED low-beam headlights and LED fog lights on every 2021 4Runner. Limited, Nightshade Special Edition, and TRD Pro models also received LED high beams.
Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner a redesign?
No, the 2021 4Runner is not a redesign. It remains part of the fifth generation and keeps its truck-style body-on-frame construction, 4.0-liter V6, and five-speed automatic transmission.
What is new about the 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition?
The Trail Special Edition is a new 2021 trim based on the SR5. It adds a sliding rear cargo deck, dark gray 17-inch wheels, black exterior details, and black cloth seats with tan contrast stitching.
What changed on the 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro?
The 2021 TRD Pro received lighter flow-form alloy wheels, retuned FOX shocks, and TRD-tuned front springs. It also gained the lineup’s LED front lighting, including LED high beams on this trim.
Did the 2021 Toyota 4Runner get a new engine, safety suite, or touchscreen system?
No, the 2021 4Runner received no major powertrain, safety-suite, or infotainment overhaul. The 4.0-liter V6 and five-speed automatic carried over, as did the driver-assist suite and the touchscreen system introduced for 2020.
2021 Toyota 4Runner Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Toyota 4Runner.
4.3
2021 Toyota 4Runner
(243 reviews)
“The gas mileage is horrible. Also, the radio wants to not stay what I select. Every time the car turns off we have to change it again.”
“Comfortable, easy to handle, safe in inclement weather. The only negative is the engine is loud while idling, while accelerating, and makes a weird noise when you turn it off.”
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — Happier Trails 2021 Toyota 4Runner Adds New Trail Special Edition
- pressroom.toyota.com — 4Runner Rolls Out Pricing Special Edition And New Look For 2021 Models
- engage.toyota.com — Static / Ebrochures / 2021 4runner eBrochure
- pressroom.toyota.com — The Adventurer Toyota 4Runner Gains New Safety And Multimedia Tech For 2020
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2022 Toyota 4Runner Adds New Trd Sport Model New Standard Safety Features
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2019 Toyota 4Runner Strengthens Legacy 35 Year
- pressroom.toyota.com — Dare To Explore Toyota 4Runner Venture Edition New For 2020