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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $37,978–$46,373 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.4/10, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner Base earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.0/10, while Technology at 5.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the Toyota 4Runner Base's reliability at 9.0/10 — among the strongest in our suv database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. On safety it earns 7.2/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.2/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 5.8/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $37,978–$46,373, 16 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota 4Runner Base sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.8/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2021 Toyota 4Runner Base, but it needs the right buyer. Its value and technology scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Base ranks #1166 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 53% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $37,978 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $50k →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Toyota 4Runner Base scores 7.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.4 — and starts roughly $4,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.6/10 | $42,987 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $41,735 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.5/10 | $40,482 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $39,230 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.4/10 | $37,978 | |
| 2020 | 7.3/10 | $36,726 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.3/10 | $35,474 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $34,222 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.2/10 | $32,970 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $31,718 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.1/10 | $30,466 | Read review → |
We rate the 2021 Toyota 4Runner Base's reliability 9.0/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
It scores 7.4/10 overall, ranking #1166 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 53% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Base starts at $37,978 and ranges up to $46,373 across trims (MSRP when new). At 16 MPG, expect roughly $3,281/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.