The 4-liter V6 engine that powers all 2021 4Runner models can produce 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, but not all 4Runner models are four-wheel drive. The majority of 2021 trim levels let you choose between a four-wheel-drive variant and a rear-wheel-drive model. A 44 powertrain is available for all 2021 4Runner trim levels at the very least, if not as standard. Here, let’s take a closer look at the 2021 Toyota 4Runner’s off-road prowess.
In This Article...
Do 4Runners always have four wheels engaged?
For daily trips, front-wheel drive is standard on Toyota 4Runner models. A part-time 4WD system with Active Traction Control and a two-speed transfer case are standard on the majority of Toyota 4Runner trim levels, including the Trail Special Edition, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Venture Special Edition, Nightshade Special Edition, and TRD Pro. With this tough 44 system at its disposal, the Toyota 4Runner will transmit torque to any tire making contact with the road, and Active Grip Control will make sure you don’t lose traction in slick and bumpy circumstances.
AWD or 4WD refers to the Toyota 4Runner Limited.
Toyota donated a Trail Special Edition with a TRD skid plate, enhanced infotainment, a cargo cover, and part-time 4-wheel drive for this evaluation. The whole cost, including the destination fee, was $43,904.
Toyota transforms the Trail Special Edition by adding bigger roof rack baskets and dark gray TRD Off-Road wheels to the exterior. Inside, you’ll discover the previously mentioned sliding cargo deck, rubber floor mats, tan seat stitching, and a specially built cooler that can keep its contents cold for up to a week. For the 2021 model year, Toyota will produce 4,000 units of the Trail Special Edition.
How is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner interior?
The Toyota 4Runner’s design reflects its intended use. Toyota builds the interior with easy-to-clean hard plastic as the norm rather than the exception. The 4Runner’s cabin is refreshingly straightforward, with big, clearly labeled controls.
Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner comfortable?
The 4Runner is comfortable once you’ve made it inside over the high door sills. Excellent leg support is provided by the cloth seats of the Trail Special Edition, and the upholstery appears and feels sturdy.
Amazing space can be found in the back seat. Adults will have plenty of room to spread out, and the test vehicle has USB charging connections and back air conditioning vents. My 10-year-old, who is young for her age and is short, commented on how simple it was to look out.
Drivers have a power window control panel that operates all four windows automatically. The 4Runner offers an open-air sensation similar to a Jeep Wrangler when equipped with a power sunroof, the rear liftgate glass is down, and all of the windows are down, but without removing a top and windows (and storing them) to do so.
Does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner drive itself?
The Toyota 4Runner does not have a self-driving feature. Although adaptive cruise control is included as standard equipment, stop-and-go functionality is not included. The 4Runner lacks lane-centering aid equipment. Even if a car had all of these capabilities, it would not be considered fully autonomous or self-driving at this time.
The 4Runner’s standard Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) suite of cutting-edge driving assistance systems includes the adaptive cruise control (ADAS). It also has automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, a forward-collision warning system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beam headlights.
It should be noted that the 4Runner does not have a blind-spot detection system with rear cross-traffic alert. Remember that a motorist will eventually grow tired of the lane-departure warning system’s constant beeping, which leads to disuse.
Does the 2021 Toyota 4Runner have AWD?
It does, however, have 4-wheel drive (4WD), and this explainer might help you distinguish between the two.
Depending on the 4Runner model, a part-time 4WD system with a 2-speed transfer case and brake-induced A-Trac technology to reduce wheelspin and send power to the wheels with the best traction is either standard or optional. A Torsen locking center differential is featured in the full-time 4WD system of the Limited and Nightshade Special Edition models. All 4Runners come equipped with standard hill-start assistance and downhill assist control.
If you choose a 4Runner with a locking rear differential, you can choose from the TRD Off-Road, Venture Special Edition, or TRD Pro models. Crawl Control, an off-road, low-speed cruise control that propels the SUV across difficult terrain while the driver concentrates on picking the best course of action, is also a standard feature for these models. These 4Runner models also have Multi-Terrain Select, which provides numerous traction settings for various surface types.
These features turn the Toyota 4Runner into a capable off-road vehicle when combined with its 9.6 inches of ground clearance, 33-degree approach angle, and 26-degree departure angle.
Is the 2021 Toyota 4Runner fun to drive?
The 4Runner is unquestionably a delight to drive in mud and dirt (and likely in snow, in the sand, and on any unpaved surface). However, the 4Runner is not fun to drive on a daily basis unless you find the novelty of operating a car that handles like a classic, old-school SUV intriguing.
Although the 4.0-liter V6’s 270 horsepower allows for respectable acceleration, the 4Runner’s weight and lack of refinement make the SUV feel sluggish and lethargic. Driving one is unlikely to endanger your driving privileges, even though it feels that way when you’re moving at 75 mph. Surprisingly, and especially in light of the Trail Special Edition’s substantial roof rack basket, wind noise on the highway is not as loud as anticipated.
The 4Runner’s steering wheel appears to treat driver input more like a suggestion than a command, making parking or making U-turns more difficult than you might like. Also challenging to easily modulate is the 4Runner’s brake pedal, especially in congested areas. The 4Runner always feels ponderous on pavement, with holes and bumps echoing throughout its design.
These characteristics are typical of all vehicles primarily built for off-road use, even though they do reflect the 4Runner’s outdated, truck-based foundations. For instance, a Jeep Wrangler is similarly uncomfortable when used for something other than what it was designed for.
This attributes will be somewhat charming to people who purchase cars like these and expect rough and unpolished driving characteristics on cemented roads. People won’t drive a 4Runner like an old truck if they don’t expect it to.
The 4WD or 2WD Toyota 4Runner?
Rear-wheel drive is a standard feature on both of the two entry-level trim versions, the SR5 and the SR5 Premium. The 4Runner continues to carry the torch by providing rear-wheel drive as an option rather than front-wheel drive, which used to be the norm for SUVs.
If you plan to perform a lot of towing or even take the SUV off-road, rear-wheel drive is really preferable to front-wheel drive for an SUV. The weight of your car goes to the back whenever you try to speed, thus having rear-wheel drive will normally provide you superior traction.
What is part-time 4WD in the Toyota 4Runner?
Both the SR5 and SR5 Premium have part-time 4WD options. Part-time 4WD is a standard feature on the TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, and TRD Pro. But what does the Toyota 4Runner’s part-time 4WD do?
What you are probably used to from four-wheel-drive systems is basically the part-time 4WD drive system. It has three modes, including a 2-high mode that provides rear-wheel drive and standard gearing. There is also a 4-high mode, which is standard four-wheel drive. There is a third option dubbed 4-low, which uses low gearing and four-wheel drive for the most torque and traction possible.
Can 4Runners handle snow well?
Toyota 4Runners perform well in the snow because to their 4WD and traction control systems, which can manage unexpected slips in hazardous winter driving conditions. The 4Runner’s nine-inch ground clearance and 6,300-pound weight are sufficient to provide the best traction in a variety of weather conditions.
In this post, we’ll talk about a variety of 4Runner features that make it possible for it to easily navigate snowy roads. We’ll also discuss whether your 4Runner needs snow boots, why snow tires are a necessity, and how to make it more weather-resistant.
Are all 2019 4Runners 4WD-equipped?
The quick response to the previously presented question is “Yes! Depending on the trim level you choose, the 2019 Toyota 4Runner features two high-strength four-wheel drive systems.
A Toyota 4Runner has rear-wheel drive, right?
A 4.0-liter V6 engine with 270 horsepower and a five-speed automated transmission are standard on all variants. Although four-wheel drive is an option in those trims and is standard in a few TRD models, rear-wheel drive is the default in the majority of them.
Describe 4×2 4Runner.
4×4 refers to four wheels with four powered wheels, usually with simultaneous power to all four wheels. 4×2 refers to 4 wheels and 2 powered wheels, usually the rear wheels.
All SR5 vehicles 4×4?
Andrew decided what to do. I’ve had the 2021 SR5 for about two months, and I love it. I received the color silver.
Input from Molly. “Wherever the road (or off-road) takes us, we go camping. Need multi-terrain select and a locking rear differential. TRD Off-Road is the only option. I enjoy your reviews.
“It all depends on what you plan to do, I suppose! TRD Off Road features a lot more cool, tech-related items, but no sunglasses holder. Therefore, if you don’t like off-roading, that’s just kind of sitting there. An SR5 4×4 can be modified to perform well both on and off trail. So, it truly comes down to wallet size and personal preference. Personally, I’d purchase the TRD Pro.
When you do not urgently want the off-roading capabilities that come standard on TRD Off-Road, a Toyota Tacoma SR5 can be the best option. You can still maintain traction in the rain or on snowy days with an SR5 Tacoma because it is available in both 4×2 and 4×4. Some might wonder why you should pay for crawl control if you don’t need it, for instance.
Going with an SR5 Tacoma could also be more affordable. The MSRP out of the factory for a 2021 Tacoma SR5 4×4 V6 double cab is $35,305. In contrast, the base price of a 2021 Tacoma TRD Off-Road with comparable specifications is $37,280. If sticking to your budget is crucial to you, starting with the roughly $2,000 you may save by selecting the proper trim level is recommended.
The 3.5-liter V6 engine found in the majority of Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks has 278 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque. There are a few 4-cylinder Tacoma grades available, including the SR and SR5 pickups (159 horsepower, 180 torque). This is one method to purchase a Toyota Tacoma vehicle for about or just under $30,000. This brings me to my third argument in favor of SR5.
Have you had to look into Tacoma trim levels? If so, what did you decide on? What other elements were or are significant to you?
Thank to all for reading. Next time, I’ll talk about a prospective new Toyota Grand Highlander.
What does SR5 on a Toyota mean?
Sport Rally 5 speed is referred to as SR5. Sport, RE (EFI) engine family, and 5 refers to the five-speed transmission in the acronym SR5. The aforementioned response is not entirely accurate, but it is mostly accurate. The term “SR5” typically refers to a specific Toyota trim level with a more aggressive appearance, stronger suspension, and a large range of available options.