Differences between the 4Runner Trail Special Edition and TRD Off-Road
You know that Toyota has a solid reputation for creating capable and powerful SUVs. The 4Runner is one such SUV that has its roots in good old-fashioned body-on-frame rugged SUV style. Any trim of the 4Runner is a good choice for taking you onto the roads less traveled, but there are a couple of trims that stand out in that regard: The Trail Special Edition and the TRD Off-Road. If you have been considering climbing aboard the mighty Toyota 4Runner, you might be wondering about the differences between the 4Runner Trail Special Edition and TRD Off-Road. Let’s do a comparison of these two vehicles.Â
2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road
2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition | vs | 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road |
---|---|---|
$38,315 | Starting MSRP | $40,305 |
4.0-Liter DOHC 24-Valve V6 with Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i); 270 Horsepower; 278 lb.-ft. Torque | Engine | 4.0-Liter DOHC 24-Valve V6 with Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i); 270 Horsepower; 278 lb.-ft. Torque |
4x2 or 4x4 | Drivetrain | 4x4 |
5,000 Pounds | Maximum Towing Capacity | 5,000 Pounds |
89.7 Cubic Feet (88.8 Cubic Feet with Optional Sliding Cargo Deck) | Maximum Cargo Capacity | 89.7 Cubic Feet (88.8 Cubic Feet with Optional Sliding Cargo Deck) |
17-inch dark gray alloy wheels with P265/70R17 tires | Wheels | 17-inch 7-spoke alloy wheels with black accents and P265/70R17 tires |
Standard | Yakima® LoadWarrior cargo basket | Not Available |
Standard | Sliding rear cargo deck with under-floor storage compartment | Available |
Standard | 40-Quart Cooler | Not Available |
Standard | Android Auto™ & Apple CarPlay® | Standard |
Available | HD Radio® | Standard |


These two iterations of the 2021 Toyota 4Runner are similar but have slightly different approaches to off-road adventures. The Trail Special Edition is perhaps meant for a little more casual and leisurely trips off the beaten path, while the TRD Off-Road is built for some of the harder landscapes. The TRD Off-Road includes Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select to help you better control and sustain such intense driving.
There are also a few mainly cosmetic differences, such as the exterior badging as well as the dark gray wheels found on the Trail Special Edition.
Which of these two 4Runner models sounds like the one best suited for your excursions onto the unpaved roads?