When it comes to fun and adventuresome SUVs, few can match the 4Runner. Not only is it as safe and reliable as any other Toyota, but it’s also capable. Here’s a look at why the 2021 Toyota 4Runner is an excellent choice for your next beach adventure.

What makes a car great for the beach?

When it comes to summer vacations, many people are probably looking to the beach. Not only are beaches a great way to cool off from the summer heat, but they’re also a good place to socialize, relax, and enjoy nature. And one way to maximize that enjoyment is by driving a vehicle that’s well-suited to various terrains. 

To that end, Carfax compiled a list of the nine best cars for the beach. To find them, Carfax evaluated vehicles’ prices, utility, and off-roading ability. Of those nine models, a few aren’t surprising, such as the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. Another unsurprising pick was the 2021 Toyota 4Runner.

Why the 2021 Toyota 4Runner is among the best beach vehicles

At a starting price of about $36,300, the 4Runner is one of the more expensive options on Carfax’s list, but it’s arguably worth the money. After all, like other Toyota vehicles, the 4Runner lives up to the automaker’s reputation for making safe and reliable cars. As such, 4Runner drivers probably won’t have to worry about breaking down or getting into a serious accident while on their beach trip.

On top of that, the 4Runner is a capable off-roader, so it can easily handle the beach and surrounding areas. Not only that, but this SUV is also spacious and powerful enough to haul quite a bit of gear. For example, its standard 4.0-liter V6 engine makes about 270 hp, allowing it to tow up to 5,000 pounds, Carfax reports.

Furthermore, the 4Runner’s 88.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity is more than enough to bring all of your beach gear. That said, though Toyota built this SUV to go off-road, it’s still a decent vehicle for everyday driving.

An overview of the 2021 Toyota 4Runner

The 4Runner is a rugged SUV that’s also safe in the event of an accident. But to prevent crashes, this SUV comes with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite of driver assists, Carfax reports. It includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision avoidance, lane departure warning, and more.

Plus, despite being the elder statesman of SUVs, the 4Runner boasts an interior that’s spacious and relatively advanced. The cabin is large enough to seat passengers comfortably, and it also has a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. 

However, the 4Runner isn’t without issues. For example, because Toyota designed this SUV for offroading, it’s not the most comfortable vehicle to sit around in when not off-roading. Furthermore, the 4Runner’s engine, though powerful and reliable, isn’t fuel-efficient, getting only 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.

But overall, if you’re looking for a solid SUV for hauling people and gear, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner is an excellent choice. It’ll take you to the beach and beyond.