I picked up my 2021 TRDP in Lunar Rock a couple weeks ago. I've wanted a 4Runner ever since I was 19, when a guy I knew got a 2nd gen. Thirty years later the stars finally lined up right, and it was time. First Toyota I've owned, and I love it. Here are some initial general impressions:

APPEARANCE

I really like Lunar Rock. I wasn't sure when I saw the first pictures last summer. But in person I think it looks great -- very different in different lighting, all great. Cement to me is one of best Pro colors, and I like this even better. Looks particularly good on the 4R, IMO. Overall appearance is an A+ for me. With the wheels/tires and the slight lift it looks exactly like I wanted right off the lot.



Another photo in different light:





DAILY DRIVING EXPERIENCE

I can't speak to the other trim models, but mine rides as smooth as can be -- no lean in the corners, no nosedive. I've driven about 50 miles of steep highway switchbacks over the past two weeks and never felt any sway. The suspension feels smooth -- not too stiff, not too soft. It handles quite nicely, actually. Much less of a rough truck feel than I'd expected (not that I'd have minded that anyway). Based on comments I've read here and elsewhere, I expected the throttle response to be worse than it is. I'd been thinking that one of the first things I'd do would be to add a Pedal Commander. But after driving it around town and on the interstates around Denver, I think it's fine as is.

ENGINE PERFORMANCE

There is so much complaining online about this engine's supposed lack of power, speed, etc. I don't understand that, unless people are comparing it to a totally different class of vehicle. I've been driving it for two weeks on crowded Denver highways and have had zero problems merging into highway traffic, passing quickly when needed, etc. Acceleration is fine for a V6 SUV. The drivetrain might be outdated, but in terms of daily driving experience, I have no complaints. I drove it up I-70 and over Berthoud Pass the last two weekends. No problem at all passing uphill at 70-75 mph on I-70 or getting around slowpokes quickly on Berthoud.

TRD EXHAUST

It's definitely noticeably louder. I can see why some folks wouldn't like it. But to me it's not an unpleasant sound, just louder than usual. I've stopped noticing it for the most part.

ROOF RACK

I don't mind its looks, but it's still a strange design, and the one flaw in the package. To me the big problem is that they tried to shoehorn this old FJ design into a footprint that's too small. It's fine for now -- I found a Yakima box I can fit up there for my skis, and that was my immediate primary need. I'll keep playing around with it, but if I end up modding anything, it likely will be this rack.

MISCELLANEOUS

The interior is plain and obviously not luxury, but I like it just fine. It just feels sort of basic and old school, which is my style anyway. The touchscreen maybe could be of higher quality, but I don't have any real issue with it, and CarPlay works great.

The stock tires felt fine on the road and look good. I probably won't get them off-road until the spring, so no opinions there yet. I put Blizzaks on pretty quickly for the winter, and they feel great on it.

Overall, I couldn't be happier with the purchase. Honestly, so far it's really the first vehicle I've owned that I've truly loved.


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I agree with you on performance. To me its "fine", I really don't expect it to accelerate (or handle for that matter) like a sports car. Yes, it feels slower after being in my S5 but I don't feel like I'm going to die trying to merge on the freeway.

Underpowered was my brother's 1991 Tercel 5-speed with a whopping 82 hp and driving in the hills of SLC back when I was 16.

I've now got 2K miles on my 2021 Venture model, and I love mine. I will say though, coming to this from a 2012 Xterra Pro-4x, I am finding myself missing that extra power and acceleration the Xterra had over the 4Runner. I noticed it the first time I headed west on I-70, or the long steady climb up Rabbit Ears pass. I dont mind it that much, but it is definitely noticeable. For me though, the interior is a huge upgrade over the Xterra! I feel like I am driving a Mercedes compared to that Nissan!

Yep, I was hoping for fine (i.e no complaints), and that’s what I got.

Haha, yeah, I drove a 1985 Honda Accord all over Colorado in the 90s. At the time I was just happy to have a car!


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I think the one thing that still irritates me the most is the speed boat sound my 2020 4Runner has. I can put on music and drown it out though. I would imagine the 2021 has the speed boat sound too?

Driving through the Smoky Mountains though I felt pretty safe in my 4Runner. I had some concerns, as I previously posted, but it impressed me.

I understand they improved the shocks. If you ever get to drive a 2020 by chance I would very very interested in knowing if there’s a significant different in ride and quality.


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I don’t think mine sounds unusual beyond the louder volume of the exhaust sound.

Do you have a Pro? If so, the sound you’re describing is likely due to the cat back exhaust system on the Pro. Definitely sounds different than a standard exhaust.

I’d also be curious to hear how the Fox Shocks were re-tuned. I don’t recall reading a 2020 vs 2021 description yet. I’m really pleased with the suspension on mine. I read a lot about KDSS and wondered whether I’d made the right decision going without it. Now I’ve got no regrets.


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Congrats and welcome
in regards to the 21 Pro shocks i think its the springs that are change i don't know maybe a retunning of the Fox shocks but i am sure about the springs. anyone know any info

Did they do anything different to the engine for 2021?

There seems to be more stuff under the hood.

I have a deposit on a 21 TRDP in white. Trading a 2016 trail premium and another car. Looking forward to it! End of February.

Not that I’m aware of. What extra stuff did you see?


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The 21 shocks are re-tuned, the lower spring perch is changed, and the springs now "step down" on the lower perch instead of being flat. The combination of these eliminated the hollow "clunk" at low speeds. I had the TSB done on my '19 - ride quality may be slightly stiffer. I do know the suspension no longer sounds like a wooden ship.

Yeah I remember those days when I had a 1992 Honda Civic DX hatchback with the SOHC and AT. Don’t remember the exact HP, but probably in the 90 range. That thing would struggle keeping up with interstate traffic at 70mph.

Although I do miss that car, and wouldn’t mind having it again as a beater.

Good to know regarding the springs. I’d read about that issue and wasn’t sure how/whether it had been resolved. I’ve had mine out a couple times with temperatures in the teens over a few miles of rough road, and experienced no clunking.


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Doesn't have to rough roads, actually quite the opposite. Mine did it over seams in concrete. The key is low speed, like less than 5mph low.

thanks I saw the difference in the springs and the bottom perch hope that we find more info on shocks