Toyota Refreshes Tundra, 4Runner, and Land Cruiser for 2021

Today Toyota announced pricing and model year updates for the 2021 Tundra, 4Runner, and Land Cruiser. Interestingly, these three vehicles are also the company's oldest with none of them having received major updates in the past decade. Still, the vehicles sell well and perform admirably, and kudos to Toyota for keeping things fresh with new special editions and thoughtful safety and comfort upgrades. Read on to learn more.

Well, folks, it looks like 2021 isn't going to be the year Toyota finally updates the Tundra. While we wait patiently for a top-to-bottom refresh, Toyota has offered up a new TRD Pro color and two new special editions for 2021.

Tundra carries on the tradition of a unique and exclusive color for TRD Pro models, and for 2021 that new color is Lunar Rock (2019 saw VooDoo Blue, and 2020 featured Army Green). Other TRD Pro colors include Super White, Magnetic Gray Metallic, and Midnight Black Metallic.

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Two new special editions join the lineup for 2021, with the first being the new Trail Edition. Based on the SR5 grade (with the SR5 Upgrade Package), the Trail Edition will be offered as a Crew Max in either two- or four-wheel drive. All-weather floor mats are standard, as are custom wheels, the chrome grille from the Tundra 1794 Edition, and lockable bed storage that's insulated for use as a beverage cooler.

The second of the two special editions is the Tundra Nightshade Edition. While most Toyota Nightshade models are based on SE grade versions, the Tundra Nightshade builds on the luxurious Limited grade. Nightshade features a dark chrome grille surround, black mirror caps, black door handles, black wheels, and a black exhaust tip. Nightshade is offered in Midnight Black Metallic and Magnetic Gray Metallic for a sinister look. Or, for those wanting a more custom appearance, Nightshade also comes in Windchill Pearl and Super White.

The 2021 Tundra starts at just $35,365 for a base SR5 Double Cab and runs up to $51,945 for a four-wheel drive Crew Max Platinum or 1794 Edition. Trail Edition starts at $41,970 for two-wheel drive and $45,020 for four-wheel drive. Nightshade starts at $44,255 and bumps up to $48,305 for four-wheel drive.

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4Runner is one of Toyota's longest running nameplates and one of its oldest current vehicle platforms. And that's what we love about this adventure-ready body-on-frame SUV. We'll shed a tear when the 4Runner finally gets a long overdue redesign, but until then we'll keep enjoying the classic driving experience we've grown to love.

For 2021 all grades of 4Runner will receive LED headlamps and foglamps, a first for the vehicle. Limited, Nightshade, and TRD Pro models will also benefit from LED high-beams. TRD Pro retains its Rigid Industries foglamps, naturally.

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Speaking of TRD Pro, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro carries on the tradition of a unique color, and like Tundra, for 2021 that color is Lunar Rock. 2021 also brings new black TRD flow-formed wheels. These wheels are both lighter and stronger than the outgoing ones. Wrapping the new wheels are Nitto Terra Grappler all-terrain tires. Thanks in part to the reduction in unsprung mass at each corner, Fox was able to completely retune the 4Runner TRD Pro's 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks for enhanced on- and off-road drivability.

Also new is the 2021 4Runner Trail special edition. This new 4Runner celebrates owners' love of the outdoors with a focus on storage and convenience with a unique styling. The 4Runner Trail will be based on the SR5 grade, available in either two- or four-wheel drive, and with the color options of Army Green, Cement, Midnight Black, and Super White. All-weather floor mats are standard, as is a Yakima LoadWarrior roof basket and black TRD Off-Road wheels. Inside is a custom 40-quart cooler on a sliding cargo tray. The cooler is custom-made in the U.S. for Toyota and comes in either Army Green or Cement colors to match the vehicle (sorry, Midnight Black and Super White owners, you get Cement).

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner starts at just $36,340 and runs up to $50,470 for a TRD Pro model. The new Trail Edition will start at $38,315 for two-wheel drive and $40,190 for four-wheel drive.

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It's true, the legendary Land Cruiser will continue on for 2021 despite rumors to the contrary. Updates for 2021 include two new colors and a new seating option for the Heritage Edition Land Cruiser. Classic Silver Metallic and Magnetic Gray Metallic join the already classy Midnight Black Metallic and Blizzard Pearl. These new colors will be complimented by a black accented grille and bronze-colored 18-inch BBS forged aluminum wheels. When Toyota launched the Heritage Edition Land Cruiser for 2020, it was outfitted with two rows of seats. For 2021 the Heritage Edition gets the options of a third row of seating, like all base Land Cruisers.

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Keeping true to the mantra of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," everything else about the 2021 Land Cruiser is a carryover from 2020, including the burly 5.7L V-8 engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, and fantastic KDSS hydraulic suspension system. The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser will start at $85,515, while the 2021 Land Cruiser Heritage Edition clocks in with a starting price of $87,845. Pricing for the three-row Heritage Edition is as of yet TBD.

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