Used 2021 Toyota Avalon for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 Toyota Avalon cost?

Prices are up 4.73% year-over-year — a sign of continued demand for this model year.

There are 207 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

If you find a listing below $26,558.69, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon a good car?

Generally — the 2021 Toyota Avalon earns a 4.33/5 user rating, and the expert rating is 6/10. The model scores 7/10 across Look and feel, Technology, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its luxurious features, smooth ride, and safety attributes, and they also call out the spacious interior and comfortable seating. The TRD version gets extra appreciation for its stronger personality and performance.

The trade-offs are clear: the base engine is underwhelming, the technology is outdated, and all-wheel drive is limited to the I-4 engine. That makes the Avalon most appealing if you want a roomy, comfortable sedan with a more premium feel than a mainstream car, rather than a cutting-edge one.

With 27.5% of listings marked as good or great deals, you still have some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon reliable?

Owners rate it 4.33/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

Drivers describe the Avalon as reliable, dependable, and trouble-free, with a reputation that inspires confidence over time. The expert drive notes also point to predictable handling, comfortable ride quality, and strong powertrain isolation, which all support the sense that this is a car you can count on.

Toyota also includes free scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles of driving, which helps reduce early ownership costs. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about basic durability and more about whether the specific car was maintained well and equipped the way you want.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Toyota Avalon?

At 70.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a close inspection of body panels, paint match, and any signs of prior repair. Because the Avalon’s value depends heavily on condition and equipment, it’s worth checking that the car’s features work as expected and that wear matches the mileage.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The XLE and Limited are the comfort-focused choices, while the XSE Nightshade, XSE Hybrid, Touring, and TRD bring a sportier look and feel. The base trim is the one most likely to leave you wanting more if you care about premium touches.
• Powertrain: You can get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with AWD, a standard 301-hp 3.5-liter V6, or a hybrid that can return up to 44 mpg in combined driving. The four-cylinder is the least exciting option, while the TRD is the one to seek if you want the most character.
• Safety package: Toyota Safety Sense-P includes full-speed-range adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also standard, while the optional Advanced Safety Package adds a surround-view camera system, parking assist sonar, and rear automatic braking.
• Infotainment: Every Avalon gets a 9-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and Toyota connected services. The upgraded system adds dynamic navigation and voice recognition with over-the-air updates during the free subscription period, plus a 14-speaker JBL sound system.
• Fuel efficiency: The AWD four-cylinder is rated at 28 mpg in combined driving, and the hybrid can achieve up to 44 mpg in combined driving.

Which 2021 Toyota Avalon trim should I buy?

The 2021 Toyota Avalon is offered in 5 trim levels: XLE, XSE Nightshade, XSE Hybrid, Touring, and TRD.

Here's the short version:

• XLE: This is the comfort-first choice if you want the Avalon’s roomy cabin, standard 9-inch touchscreen, and standard Toyota Safety Sense-P without paying for sportier extras. It’s also one of the trims that can be paired with AWD, which makes it the practical pick if all-weather traction matters more than performance.
• XSE Nightshade: Choose this if you want the Avalon’s sportier styling and a darker appearance package without moving all the way to the TRD. It suits you best if looks matter more than added mechanical performance.
• XSE Hybrid: This is the efficiency-focused choice, and it makes the most sense if you want Avalon comfort with better fuel economy. It’s the trim to consider if you value lower running costs over extra power.
• Touring: Pick this if you want a more athletic feel than the comfort-oriented trims, but don’t need the TRD’s full performance emphasis. It sits in the middle for shoppers who want a little more personality.
• TRD: This is the enthusiast pick, with the strongest performance and style character in the lineup. If you want the Avalon with the most attitude, this is the one to buy.

Toyota Safety Sense-P is standard across the lineup, but the safety content notes that lower trim levels can miss out on the headlight performance needed for the top IIHS award.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Toyota Avalon?

Act selectively, because this is still a seller’s market and the best examples will move quickly.

• Deal availability: 27.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 207 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices are up 4.73% year-over-year.
• Clean inventory: 70.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $26,558.69, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Toyota Avalon's resale value?

The current average of $29,708 sits slightly above last year's $28,365.

That upward move suggests the Avalon has held demand better than a lot of shoppers might expect from a large sedan. If you buy well and keep the car in strong condition, that pricing trend can help support your exit value later.

The model’s rarity in today’s market also helps: fewer large sedans are available, so clean examples can stand out to used buyers. Strong owner satisfaction can further support resale because shoppers tend to trust cars that current owners rate highly.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.33/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon safe?

The Avalon earns an overall five-star rating from NHTSA and top scores from IIHS. It also earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

Toyota Safety Sense-P is standard, and it includes full-speed-range adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard too.

The main caveat is that lower trim levels are held back by poor headlight performance, which keeps the Avalon from earning IIHS’s top award. If safety is a priority, you should pay close attention to trim and equipment rather than assuming every Avalon is equally equipped.

Should I buy a 2021 Toyota Avalon or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 27.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 70.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices are up 4.73% year-over-year.
• Owners rate it 4.33/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 adds AWD and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, while keeping the Avalon’s roomy, upscale character.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $27,918, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $29,708 average.
• It offers a revitalized TNGA-platform Avalon with strong safety and flagship comfort.

The bottom line: If you want the newer model-year features and are comfortable paying a bit more, the 2021 is the better all-around pick. If your priority is saving money and you still want the Avalon’s size and comfort, the 2020 is the smarter value play.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.