carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $49,371–$60,284 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Toyota 4Runner SL at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.0/10, while Technology at 6.1/10 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. At 9.0/10, reliability is one of this suv's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The safety score of 7.2/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.2/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Technology scores 6.1/10 — 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 $49,371–$60,284, 16 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota 4Runner SL sits in the premium tier of the suv category. The value score of 6.4/10 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.
Our take: The 2021 Toyota 4Runner SL is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in value and technology hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
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 SL ranks #1384 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 44% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $49,371 starting price is about 37% above 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 SL scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.3 — and starts roughly $5,000 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 | $55,883 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $54,255 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.5/10 | $52,626 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.4/10 | $50,999 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.3/10 | $49,371 | |
| 2020 | 7.3/10 | $47,743 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.3/10 | $46,116 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.2/10 | $44,488 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.2/10 | $42,861 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $41,233 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.1/10 | $39,605 | Read review → |
We rate the 2021 Toyota 4Runner SL's reliability 9.0/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
It scores 7.3/10 overall, ranking #1384 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 44% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner SL starts at $49,371 and ranges up to $60,284 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.