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Perhaps the toughest and most rugged Toyota of all time is getting some important updates heading into the 2021 model year.
Toyota 4Runner has been growing an almost cult-like following since 1984. Built smooth for the road. Strong and ready for off the road. This is getting close to four decades of driving pleasure for owners and their families.
Let’s look at some changes coming as buyers look to see what has changed for 2021 Toyota 4Runner.
2021 4Runner LED Time
One of the most common questions I get from 4Runner fans watching my “Toyotajeff” YouTube channel or reading my Torque News column is about LED lights. This is also one of the biggest critiques for 4Runners of the past.
“Why does 4Runner not come with LED lights?” They would ask. Or perhaps I would hear “4Runner looks old with yellow lights.” Maybe I would get something like “How can I add LED lights to my 2020 SR5?”
You see the picture here.
Look for LED headlamps as standard equipment on all 2021 4Runner trim levels. LED high beams are upgrades that can be found standard on Limited, Nightshade and TRD Pro trims.
Fog lights are big as well. Special Rigid Industries LED fog lamps continue on TRD Pro models. LED fog lights will be standard offerings on all other trim levels.
2021 4Runner Trail Edition
For those people who love being outdoors, and who need additional utility and convenience from their 4Runner, a new grade has been created for 2021.
Meet the 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition.
I previously wrote a Torque News story detailing 4Runner Trail (you can read it with this link). Here are the highlights.
It is based on the current SR5 trim level and is available in Super White, Army Green, Midnight Black and Cement colors. Army Green was last year’s exclusive TRD Pro color. Cement is making its return to the 4Runner lineup for 2021.
A Yakima LoadWarrior cargo basket sits up top to help you carry extra luggage and gear. Cargo area comes with a sliding rear cargo deck and a 40-quart cooler available in either Cement or Army Green colors.
You will also find on 4Runner Trail Edition black seats with tan stitching, all-weather floor liners, dark gray TRD wheels and black badging.
TRD Pro updates
Lunar Rock is big news. Previously seen only on 2019-2020 RAV4 models, this is the 2021 TRD Pro exclusive color. You will find this color on TRD Pro Tundra, Tacoma and Sequoia as well. It joins previous TRD Pro colors Inferno, Cement, Quicksand, Cavalry Blue, Voodoo Blue and Army Green.
You May Enjoy: Compare Lunar Rock vs Cement colors in my video review.
Other notes on 2021 TRD Pro 4Runner. Re-tuned 2.5-inch Fox internal bypass shocks will improve trail driving isolation and high-speed performance. Working as a team with TRD-tuned coil springs, this upgraded suspension system yields an extra inch of front lift that will provide more off-road trail success.
New redesigned black TRD alloy flow form wheels with Nitto Terra Grappler tires help your 4Runner meet the road. These new wheels are stronger, more rigid and angle in deeper than last year’s wheels.
Cool and useful upgrades here. The real question is – what trail will you hit first?
2021 Toyota 4Runner Price
Prices nearly never go down between model years. Such is true in the automotive industry. Same is true for 4Runner.
Fortunately, only modest increases are seen across the board from 2020 4Runner pricing. 2021 4Runner price increases mainly range from $100 - $400 on all trims. TRD Pro will see a $605 increase.
Time for your thoughts on Toyota 4Runner
Toyota 4Runner is keeping its 4.0-liter V6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission going into 2021. This gives drivers 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. torque.
Thanks for reading everyone. I will be giving continual updates on changes and updates coming to 4Runner and other popular Toyota models, so please bookmark my Torque News / Toyota News page.
What do you think of the upgrades coming to 2021 4Runner? Are they of interest to you and what do you like most?
See you next story when I talk about updates for 2021 Toyota Tundra.
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Comments
Pretty minimal changes to the
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Pretty minimal changes to the 4Runner. Toyota can do better than this. The outdated powertrain would be a deciding factor against it if I was buying this. Maybe the Bronco will create some much needed competition in this segment.
I completely agree with you.
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In reply to Pretty minimal changes to the by Digitaldoc (not verified)
I completely agree with you. I will be trading my Tacoma off-road in 2022 and Bronco looks like a inner. I am tired of waiting for 4Runner to be redesigned. I was about to buy it in 2018 but got put off because 1) no front lockers, 2) looks ancient inside.
I think the 4Runner is a
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I think the 4Runner is a great machine! Those of us that like trucks, really like the 4Runner because of it’s body on frame design and it’s ruggedness. The drive train is older, but it works great in that platform! The small, tech updates from year to year are welcomed, but the overall the 4Runner is loved for its capabilities. It’s not a perfect truck/SUV at any one thing, but it’s good at everything. And for the record, I cancelled my Bronco reservation, and I placed a pre-order/order, for a 2021 4Runner TRD Pro in midnight black!