2021 Toyota 4Runner: A Trim Comparison
If you’re stuck between an SUV or a truck, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner is the vehicle you need. While it acts like an SUV, it has the same towing power as a truck with a 5,000-pound tow rating. While most SUVs on the market today feature unibody designs, the 4Runner has retained its body-on-frame chassis. This makes it more structurally related to a truck.
It seems like this SUV can do it all except explain which trim has what features. We’re here to help you with that. Our trim comparison can help you figure out which 4Runner is right for your home.
SR5
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner SR5 starts at $36,590 for the standard two-wheel-drive. The engine is a 4.0-liter V6 that’s capable of 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. Since the engine is larger than those in sedans, it’s impossible to achieve high gas mileage. The 4Runner SR5, though, still manages an estimated 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.
The 4Runner’s base trim is more expensive than many of Toyota’s other vehicle base trims. Additionally, drivers will need to purchase upgrades for perks like keyless entry and Entune Audio Plus with Connected Navigation. On the plus side, the base SR5 trim has a standard power rear liftgate, Toyota Safety Sense P, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.
Trail Special Edition
The 2021 Toyota Trail Special Edition has a starting MSRP of $38,565. This trim has a more off-road appearance, starting with the Yakima LoadWarrior cargo basket that comes standard on the roof of the vehicle. It also comes with a 40-quart custom-made cooler that has tie-down straps for the cargo area. There’s also a sliding rear cargo deck with under-floor storage. Other cosmetic changes include black fabric seating with unique tan accent stitching. The Trail Special Edition is a particularly one-of-a-kind 4Runner.
SR5 Premium
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium starts at $39,650 and is definitely worth the upgrade. Not only does it come with better features, but it’s also equipped with SofTex-trimmed seats to give it a more luxurious feel. To go with this upgraded feeling, the multi-media system includes dynamic navigation. This allows you to access navigation, traffic updates, and weather forecast through your vehicle itself. As if that weren’t enough, this trim also has heated front seating, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.
TRD Off-Road
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road starts at $40,555 and excels at exactly what you’d expect—off-roading. Unlike any of the other trims, the 4Runner TRD Off-Road comes standard with a part-time 4WD drivetrain. Furthering the off-road specs, the trim features Crawl Control, locking rear differential, and a Multi-Terrain Select system. Finally, the trim comes with 17-in spoke alloy wheels and TRD Off-Road-branded floor mats.
TRD Off-Road Premium
If you find yourself wanting the upgrades from the 4Runner SR5 Premium with the 4×4 abilities of the 4Runner TRD Off-Road, you can purchase the 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium for $43,150. This trim comes with all the rugged power of the previous trim while adding all the luxurious upgrades from the 4Runner SR5 Premium, including Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation, the App Suite, and SofTex-trimmed seating. It also adds a TRD-branded shift knob.
Venture Special Edition
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Venture Special Edition is an off-roading trim with specific cosmetic features. It has a starting MSRP of $44,720. Along with Crawl Control, part-time 4WD, and locking rear differential, this trim also features 17-in. matte-black TRD wheels. On the roof is a standard Yakima MegaWarrior cargo basket, and the door handles and rear spoiler are blacked out.
Limited
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Limited brings back the standard 4×2 drivetrain, although it’s possible to upgrade to all-wheel-drive if it’s a must-have for you. The 4Runner Limited has a starting MSRP of $45,495 and has features that will have you searching for a reason to drive. One of the best is the upgraded sound system. It now includes Premium 15 JBL speakers along with a subwoofer and amplifier. The 4Runner Limited comes equipped with perforated leather seats throughout the cabin. Finally, a particularly unique feature is the X-REAS sport enhancement suspension. It also comes equipped with front and rear parking assist sonar.
Nightshade Special Edition
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Nightshade Special Edition is one of our favorites. Starting at $46,910, it has blacked-out everything, making it one of the most stylish of all the 4Runner options from Toyota. It features 20-in. black alloy wheels. The door handles are blacked-out, as are the perforated leather-trimmed seats. There are even black “Limited” badges and emblems on the exterior. In keeping with the “night” theme, a power tilt/slide moonroof also comes standard.
TRD Pro
Do you want everything in one model? The 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro starts at $50,570 and features a stand-out design. It has unique TRD Pro external hard badges and a Toyota front grille that show it off as the 4Runner’s top-of-the-line offering. The biggest difference between this trim and the 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium is the fact that it comes with TRD Fox high-performance shocks and TRD-tuned front springs. These upgrades allow you to go through rugged terrain without nearly as much disturbance in the cabin. This makes it perfect for drivers who plan to use their Toyota 4Runner for major off-roading.
(Featured image via Facebook)