2021 Toyota 4Runner

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2021 Toyota 4Runner

7.9

/10

Original MSRP

$37,480–$51,960

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Features We Love

Two LATCH anchors in the second row outboard: easy to access and straightforward installs on both sides
Top tether anchors across all three second-row seats: you can run a forward-facing seat in any position, including the middle
Wide middle seat for flexibility: there’s enough space to make three-across work depending on your seats
Rear-facing and forward-facing combo works: I could fit an infant seat and a convertible at the same time, but the middle gets tight fast
Higher ride height changes install feel: getting an infant seat in and out is a little bit of a reach, especially if you’re shorter
Simple interior that wipes clean easily: everything is durable and not precious, which matters with kids and spills
Large trunk with stroller space: I could fit a full-size stroller multiple ways and still have room for groceries

NOTE: The 4Runner is available with an optional third row, but it’s not standard on every model. Toyota offers a small third-row setup on select trims, with seating for up to seven and a 50:50 split-folding design. It’s designed to give you extra flexibility when you need it, but it’s definitely more of an occasional-use space than a full-time seating solution.

Car Mom Review

The Exterior

Still One of the Coolest, Most Recognizable SUVs on the Road

Overall, I really like the way the 4Runner looks. It’s sporty, a little aggressive, and just feels like a “cool mom car.” It’s not trying to be luxury, and I actually think that works in its favor—it feels durable and timeless.

Boxy Shape That Still Looks Good Years Later

The design hasn’t changed much, and honestly, that’s a good thing. A 4Runner from 10 years ago still looks really similar to this one, which is part of why it holds its value so well. It’s very upright and a little truck-like, but that’s the whole vibe.

Sporty without trying too hard: it has that off-road look even if you never take it off pavement
Clean exterior with minimal chrome: nothing feels overly trendy or busy
Strong body lines: gives it that athletic, durable look

Higher Ride Height You Notice Right Away

You sit up high in this car, and you feel it immediately. That’s a big selling point for a lot of people, but it does change how you get in and out—especially with kids.

Tall step-in height: can feel like a bit of a climb, especially with an infant seat
Running boards help a lot: makes it easier for kids to get in on their own

A Few Features That Actually Make Daily Life Easier

There are a couple exterior details that I genuinely appreciate because they’re practical, not just for looks.

Roof rails come standard: great for extra storage or just making it easier to spot your car
Rear window rolls all the way down: super unique and actually useful
Large rear glass: gives you great visibility out the back

Not the Easiest Setup for Car Seat Life

Because of the height and door design, it’s not the most seamless when you’re loading kids in and out all day.

Doors don’t open super wide: can feel tight when maneuvering a car seat
Reach into the cabin is higher: especially noticeable if you’re shorter

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It has that boxy, athletic shape people love.

First Row

The first row is very straightforward. It is not trying to impress you with luxury finishes, but I actually don’t mind that. It feels durable and easy to live with as a mom. Everything wipes clean easily, and nothing feels too precious, which is a win with kids.

Big Buttons That Are Easy to Use While Driving

One thing you notice right away is how oversized everything is. The knobs and buttons are huge, which honestly makes them really easy to use without taking your eyes off the road.

Oversized climate and volume knobs: easy to grab and adjust quickly
Physical controls throughout: nothing is buried in menus
Touchscreen with shortcut buttons: a little outdated, but very simple to use

High Driving Position With Some Visibility Tradeoffs

You sit up high in this car, and you feel it immediately. That gives you a really confident view of the road, but there are a couple small tradeoffs.

High seating position: great visibility and that in-control feeling
Shorter windshield: slightly limits how much you can see forward
Large windows overall: helps keep visibility solid from the sides and back

Storage That Works, But Has a Few Quirks

There is enough storage for daily life, but it is not the most thoughtful setup compared to newer SUVs.

Large center console: fits a lot and works well for everyday items
12V outlets and USB included: easy to keep devices charged
Door storage is limited: larger water bottles do not fit well
Cupholders are awkwardly placed: one sits up front and can block controls

Comfort Leans More Durable Than Plush

This is where it feels more like a rugged SUV than something comfort-focused. It is totally usable, just not overly comfortable.

Seats are firm and narrow: not the most comfortable for long drives
Materials are basic: durable and easy to clean
Overall feel is a little truck-like: matches how the car drives

Second Row

This second row works well for car seats, but you need to be realistic about spacing if you’re trying to fit multiple.

Two LATCH positions in the outboard seats: lower anchors are easy to find and installs feel straightforward on both sides
Top tether anchors in all three positions: you can run a forward-facing seat on either side or in the middle

Three-Across Is Possible, But It Gets Tight Fast

There is enough width in the bench to attempt three-across, but once you start installing seats, space disappears quickly.

Wide middle seat gives you options: you can make three seats work depending on the combination
Tight fit with multiple installs: I was squeezed between a rear-facing infant seat and a forward-facing convertible, so it is not comfortable for an adult

Rear-Facing and Forward-Facing Combo Fits, With Limited Extra Room

You can get a good mix of seats in here, which is important for families with kids in different stages.

Infant seat and convertible fit side by side: works well for two kids in different stages
Middle seat becomes limited quickly: not a lot of extra space once two larger seats are installed

Legroom Is Good, But Seat Design Has Tradeoffs

From a comfort standpoint, it is solid, but not perfect.

Plenty of legroom behind a tall driver: I had space even with the front seats set for me
Firm seats carry into the second row: not the most comfortable for longer rides
Raised center area affects headroom: if you are not sitting in the right position, you may bump your head

Getting Kids and Seats In and Out Takes a Little More Effort

Because of the height and door opening, this is not the easiest setup for daily loading.

Higher step-in height: you have to lift car seats up more than in lower SUVs
Door opening is a bit tight: makes maneuvering infant seats slightly harder

Third Row

Third Row Exists, But I Would Skip It

The 4Runner does offer a third-row option, but I would not build this car around it. It’s there if you need it, but it’s not something I’d plan to use regularly with kids.

Tight Space That Works Best Occasionally

This is not a third row you’re going to want to use every day. It’s better for quick trips or younger kids, not long drives.

Very limited legroom: not comfortable for bigger kids or adults
Low seating position: knees sit up high, which gets uncomfortable quickly

Car Seats Back There Are Possible, Not Practical

You can make a car seat work in the third row, but it’s not the easiest or most flexible place to put one.

Top tether anchors available: allows for forward-facing installs
No dedicated lower anchors: limits how you can install certain seats
Tight install space: harder to get a good fit compared to the second row

Access Gets Complicated With Car Seats Installed

Getting into the third row depends on moving the second row forward, which is where things get tricky.

Second row slides and tilts forward: standard way to access the third row
Blocked access with car seats installed: especially if you have multiple seats in place

You’ll Likely Use It as Storage Instead

For most families, this space is going to stay folded down most of the time.

Flat-folding third row: gives you a much more usable trunk
Better for gear than passengers: especially if you have a stroller or sports equipment

Overall, it’s nice that the option exists, but it’s not a reason to choose this car if you need a true three-row SUV.

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Trunk

Trunk Space Is One of the Biggest Strengths

This is one of the most usable trunks in this class, and you feel that immediately. It’s boxy, wide, and easy to load, which makes a big difference when you’re dealing with strollers and everything else that comes with kids. I didn’t have to think too hard about how things fit, which is always a good sign.

47.2 cubic feet behind the second row: right in line with other midsize SUVs
Fits a full-size stroller easily: I could load it multiple ways and still have space left
Room for groceries after the stroller: you’re not choosing between the two
Up to ~89.7 cubic feet with seats down: great for trips or bigger hauls
Third row significantly reduces space: very limited room if all seats are up
Boxy shape makes it more usable: easier to load than sloped SUVs
Sliding cargo tray available: helps pull heavier items toward you

Safety

Safety Ratings Are Solid, But Not Top of Class

The 4Runner does well in a lot of crash categories, but it’s not leading the pack compared to newer SUVs. It earned several “Good” ratings in key IIHS crash tests, but it does fall short in more updated tests and didn’t earn a Top Safety Pick.

Good ratings in multiple crash tests: including moderate overlap and side impact
Lower scores in newer tests: small overlap front test is a weaker spot

Standard Safety Tech Covers the Basics Well

You are getting a strong set of standard features, which I always like to see, especially since nothing is locked behind higher trims.

Toyota Safety Sense P standard: pre-collision warning, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise, and automatic high beams
8 airbags included: front, side, knee, and curtain airbags for all rows (from press kit)

Seatbelt Pretensioners Protect Front and Rear Outboard Seats

Front seats have pretensioners: driver and passenger

Car Seat Setup

Overall, this is a pretty easy car to work with for car seats. It’s simple, the anchors are easy to find, and installs feel straightforward. Where it gets tricky is once you start adding multiple seats or trying to use every position.

Two LATCH anchors in the second row outboard: one on each side, easy to access and simple to install
No lower anchors in the middle seat: you’ll need to use a seatbelt for installs there
Three top tether anchors across the second row: allows forward-facing seats in any position, including the middle
Three-across is possible, but tight: the middle seat is wider, but I was very squeezed between two installed seats
Rear-facing and forward-facing combo works: infant seat and convertible fit side by side, but space disappears quickly
Higher step-in makes daily use harder: you’re lifting kids and seats up more than in lower SUVs
Doors don’t open very wide: can feel tight getting an infant seat in and out
Third row not ideal for car seats: no lower anchors and harder to access with seats installed

Overall, it’s a great setup for one or two car seats and doable for three if you plan it out, but not the easiest if you need quick access to every seat every day.

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