They're chock-full of character, can go just about anywhere, are surprisingly practical and offer a diverse number of models to match your tastes. Yet, there is another reason the 4Runner has stuck around so long with few changes: people love them.

These are all significant reasons to skip the 2021 4Runner in favor of any number of crossovers or perhaps one of the more civilized Jeep Wrangler variants (we'd suggest the new Ford Bronco, but it's been delayed and there's a waiting list anyway). The interior is also closer to the antique end of scale, though substantial tech updates last year at least ushered it into this century. The carry-over engine produces less horsepower than a V6 Camry, the transmission has five (!) fewer gears than a Ford Explorer or Chevy Tahoe's, the fuel economy is a truly dismal 17 mpg combined, and calling the handling 'imprecise' would be an understatement. On the other hand, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner cannot escape the ravages of time. Its abundant interior space has also allowed it to be a realistic alternative to more family-friendly crossovers.

On the one hand, that's great: it has the same rugged truck-based chassis, capable suspension, ample clearances and bulletproof reliability that makes it a darling among off-roaders everywhere (and keeps its residual values sky-high). Mechanically, this latest 2021 edition is pretty much the same truck that debuted 12 years ago – an eternity in car terms. Like the canyons and mountains through which it traverses, the Toyota 4Runner is timeless.

Lunar rock 4runner 2021