Used 2021 Toyota Corolla for Sale nearChicago, IL

Compare 2021 Toyota Corolla Trims in Chicago, IL

The 2021 Toyota Corolla offers a range of trims that balance affordability, efficiency, and features, making it a versatile choice for many drivers.

• Starting at $16,716
• Best MPG/MPGe: 31 city / 40 hwy
• Most Popular: LE FWD

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

Missing data displayed as "—".

Trim Deep Dives

LE FWD — "Who It's For"

The LE FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded compact car without paying for extra features. It's the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $16,716 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 30 city / 38 hwy
• Inventory: 325 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View LE FWD listings

SE FWD — "Who It's For"

The SE FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a sporty look and added features without stepping up to the higher trims.

• Avg. market price: $20,943 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 141 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View SE FWD listings

SE Nightshade Edition FWD — "Who It's For"

The SE Nightshade Edition FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a stylish appearance and excellent fuel efficiency without a hefty price tag.

• Avg. market price: $17,213 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 31 city / 40 hwy
• Inventory: 6 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View SE Nightshade Edition FWD listings

XLE FWD — "Who It's For"

The XLE FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a touch of luxury and advanced features without going fully loaded.

• Avg. market price: $17,213 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 37 hwy
• Inventory: 8 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View XLE FWD listings

SE Apex FWD — "Who It's For"

The SE Apex FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a sportier design and performance features without the highest price tag.

• Avg. market price: $17,213 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 28 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 6 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View SE Apex FWD listings

XSE FWD — "Who It's For"

The XSE FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a fully loaded compact car with all the latest tech and luxury features.

• Avg. market price: $17,213 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 31 city / 38 hwy
• Inventory: 31 listings
• View XSE FWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — LE FWD

With 325 active listings, the LE FWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse LE FWD listings

Best Budget Option — LE FWD

At $16,716 avg market price — below the lineup median of $17,213 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse LE FWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — SE Nightshade Edition FWD

With an impressive 31/40 MPG/MPGe, the SE Nightshade Edition FWD is the most fuel-efficient option in the lineup.

Browse SE Nightshade Edition FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Toyota Corolla cost?

Prices have softened 4.37% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,931 listings available, which suggests you have room to compare prices and condition across the market.

If you find a listing below $16,496.32, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Toyota Corolla a good car?

Generally — the 2021 Toyota Corolla earns 4.43/5 from owners and 7.83/10 from our experts. The model scores 9/10 across Technology and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its stylish design, excellent gas mileage, and reliability. The review data also points to a car that feels well equipped for city driving, with a lot of features packed in for the class.

The trade-offs are familiar: the expert review calls out noise and outdated technology. Even so, the Corolla’s use case is clear — you’re looking at a compact car that prioritizes affordability, efficiency, and everyday livability, with extra appeal if you want a sportier SE or XSE.

Only 25.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the strongest values may require some patience.

Is the 2021 Toyota Corolla reliable?

Owners rate it 4.43/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback highlights reliability directly, along with excellent gas mileage and a car that many drivers feel good about living with over time. The expert review also reinforces that dependable, thrifty character, describing the Corolla as cheap, dependable, and efficient.

Toyota’s free maintenance plan for two years or 25,000 miles adds a useful ownership perk, especially if you want lower early-service costs. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about mechanical drama and more about finding a well-kept example that hasn’t been worn down by heavy daily use.

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

At 63.5% 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 pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has been in a prior collision. Pay close attention to body alignment, tire wear, interior condition, and whether the car’s features work as expected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: SE and XSE add sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, a matching diffuser panel, a subtle body kit, a twin-outlet exhaust, and 18-inch aluminum wheels, while L, LE, and XLE are the more anonymous choices.
• Powertrain: The SE and XSE use a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Dynamic Shift CVT; SE also offers a six-speed manual.
• Safety package: Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, automatic high-beam headlights, and more.
• Infotainment: The Corolla adds Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM; the SE gets an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XSE adds Service Connect and Remote Connect.
• Fuel efficiency: The XSE is rated at 34 mpg combined, and the review notes that the Corolla’s efficiency remains a major strength.

Which 2021 Toyota Corolla trim should I buy?

The 2021 Toyota Corolla is offered in 5 trim levels: L, LE, XLE, SE, XSE.

Here's the short version:

• L: This is the simplest path into the Corolla lineup if you want the lowest-frills version and plan to prioritize value over extras.
• LE: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it keeps the Corolla’s core strengths while avoiding the higher cost of the sportier grades.
• XLE: Choose this if you want a more comfort-oriented Corolla with a more upscale feel than the lower trims.
• SE: This is the sweet spot if you want the sportier look, the more engaging driving character, and the manual transmission option.
• XSE: Pick this if you want the most fully featured gas Corolla, including the richer tech and convenience content that comes with the top trim.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard across the lineup, so you get the core safety package even if you stay with a lower trim.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully without feeling rushed.

• Deal availability: 25.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,931 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.37% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 63.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $16,496.32, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Toyota Corolla's resale value?

The current average of $17,154 sits slightly below last year's $17,937.

That price movement suggests the Corolla has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right price today. A softer market can also make it easier for you to find a clean example without paying peak pricing.

The Corolla’s broad appeal should continue to support demand, especially because shoppers still value its efficiency, reliability, and low-stress ownership profile. Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.43/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Toyota Corolla safe?

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

The Corolla comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, automatic high-beam headlights, and more. Toyota also adds standard rear side-impact airbags for 2021, and the available blind-spot warning system gains rear cross-traffic warning.

The expert review notes that adaptive cruise control can brake unevenly at times and lane-centering assistance may need occasional driver override. Those are usability caveats rather than major safety flaws, but they’re worth knowing if you expect the driver-assistance systems to feel seamless in daily use.

Should I buy a 2021 Toyota Corolla 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:

• 25.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 63.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.37% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.43/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 adds Android Auto standard and keeps the Corolla’s sporty SE/XSE appeal.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $16,562, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $17,154 average.
• It introduced a more engaging redesign with standard safety and a manual option.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $18,728, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $17,154 average.
• It mainly adds new colors while keeping the same broad Corolla formula.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, features, and broad market availability, the 2021 is the sensible pick. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2020 can save you money while keeping much of the same appeal.

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