Used 2021 Toyota Avalon for Sale nearMadison, WI

How much does the 2021 Toyota Avalon cost?

Prices are up 2.34% year-over-year — a sign of continued demand for this model year.

There are 208 listings available, which suggests a modest but workable amount of inventory for shoppers.

Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon a good car?

Generally — the 2021 Toyota Avalon earns 4.33/5 from owners and 6/10 from our experts. The model scores 7/10 across Look and feel, Technology, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its luxurious features, smooth ride, spacious interior, comfortable seating, and strong performance, especially from the TRD version. In use-case terms, it fits you best if you want a roomy, more upscale sedan that still feels comfortable and refined rather than flashy.

The trade-offs are clear: the base engine is underwhelming, all-wheel drive is limited, and the technology feels outdated. Even so, 39.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon reliable?

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

The owner feedback points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with drivers highlighting the car’s comfortable, long-term appeal and the sense that it’s a vehicle you can count on. The expert drive notes also reinforce that impression by describing the Avalon as smooth, refined, and stable over rough pavement.

Toyota’s free scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles adds a useful ownership perk. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright durability and more about whether the car’s age, feature set, and trim-specific equipment still match your expectations.

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

At 71.6% 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 pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has had bodywork or any safety-system repairs. Focus on condition, equipment completeness, and whether the car’s features still work as intended, since this model’s value depends heavily on comfort and technology.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The XLE and Limited are the comfort-focused choices, while the XSE Nightshade, XSE Hybrid, Touring, and TRD are the sport- and performance-tuned variants. The base trim misses some of the more upscale feel you get higher up the range.
• Powertrain: Toyota offers a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with AWD, a standard 301-hp 3.5-liter V6, and a 215-hp hybrid. The four-cylinder is efficient enough for AWD duty, but it is the least exciting option.
• 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 has a 9-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and Toyota connected services. The upgraded system adds dynamic navigation, voice recognition, over-the-air updates during the trial period, and a 14-speaker JBL sound system.
• Fuel efficiency: The AWD four-cylinder is rated at 28 mpg combined, and the hybrid can return 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 trim to start with if you want the Avalon’s comfort-first mission without chasing the sportier appearance packages. It also gives you access to the AWD setup, which is limited to non-hybrid XLE and Limited versions.
• XSE Nightshade: Choose this if you want the blacked-out styling treatment and a more aggressive look without moving into the performance-focused TRD lane.
• XSE Hybrid: This is the efficiency-minded choice in the lineup, pairing the Avalon’s upscale cabin with the hybrid powertrain.
• Touring: This trim leans into the sportier side of the Avalon range and suits you if you want a more distinctive, performance-flavored setup.
• TRD: This is the best fit if you want the Avalon’s extra performance and style; it is the standout choice for buyers who care most about driving character.

Toyota Safety Sense-P is standard across the lineup, but the lower-trim headlight performance keeps the car from earning a Top Safety Pick award.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 39.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 208 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices are up 2.34% year-over-year.
• Clean inventory: 71.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $26,547, 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 $28,938 sits slightly above last year's $28,277.

That upward move suggests the Avalon is holding value reasonably well for a shrinking sedan segment. If you buy one now and keep it in good condition, you may benefit from the model’s relative scarcity and steady shopper interest.

The car’s mix of comfort, space, and owner satisfaction should help support demand when it’s time to sell. 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 2021 Toyota Avalon earns an overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and top scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

Toyota Safety Sense-P is standard and 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, and the optional Advanced Safety Package adds a surround-view camera system, parking assist sonar, and rear automatic braking.

The main caveat is that lower trim levels have poor headlight performance, which keeps the Avalon from qualifying for a Top Safety Pick award.

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:

• 39.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 71.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices are up 2.34% year-over-year.
• Owners rate it 4.33/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 adds AWD availability and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $28,168, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $28,938 average.
• It offers a revitalized TNGA-based full-size sedan with a more premium mission.

The bottom line: If you want the newer model-year advantages 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 roomy, upscale character, the 2020 is the smarter value play.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.