Used 2021 Toyota Highlander for Sale near California

How much does the 2021 Toyota Highlander cost?

Prices have softened 5.75% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 3,239 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for you to compare prices and equipment.

Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Toyota Highlander earns a 4.86/5 user rating and a 7.5/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise its comfort, reliability, and features, and they also highlight the smooth ride, high-quality interior, spaciousness, and safety features. The main trade-offs are fuel economy and limited configurability of some settings, especially for the third row and lane assist functions.

That fits the Highlander’s role as a family-focused three-row SUV: you’re getting a comfortable, practical people mover rather than a sporty one. With 33.7% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have a decent chance of finding a competitive offer.

Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander reliable?

Owners rate it 4.86/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Drivers describe it as reliable, and the owner feedback also points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience with strong long-term appeal. On the road, the expert review reinforces that impression by calling the 3.5-liter V6 a known commodity and noting that buyers who want smooth, predictable operation and a reputation for reliability should keep reading.

Toyota also positions the Highlander as a value play for shoppers who prioritize safety and comfort, which can matter when you’re planning to keep a used SUV for years. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about core dependability and more about living with the Highlander’s dated tech and fuel-economy compromises.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because accident-free listings are common but not guaranteed. Prioritize a thorough inspection of the cabin, electronics, and third-row usability, since comfort and feature execution are central to this SUV’s appeal. It’s also smart to confirm that the safety and driver-assistance systems work as expected, especially if you’re comparing trims.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base setup uses an 8-inch touchscreen, while Limited can be optioned with a 12.3-inch screen and Platinum gets it standard. If you want the more upscale feel, the Limited trim stands out with chrome roof rails and accents, and the Platinum sits above it.
• Powertrain: Every Highlander uses a 3.5-liter V6 with 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The XSE adds tighter suspension tuning, retuned shock absorbers and power steering, and a rear stabilizer bar.
• Safety package: Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support, plus road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams. These features are standard across the lineup.
• Infotainment: Lower trims get an 8-inch touchscreen. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, and the 12.3-inch screen is available on Limited and standard on Platinum.
• Fuel efficiency: The V6 is rated at 21 mpg city, 29 highway, 24 combined with front-wheel drive, or 20/27/23 with all-wheel drive.

Which 2021 Toyota Highlander trim should I buy?

The 2021 Toyota Highlander is offered in 6 trim levels: LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, Platinum, and Limited trim.

Here's the short version:

• LE: This is the entry point, so it makes sense if you want the Highlander’s core comfort, safety, and V6 power without paying for extras.
• XLE: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds more equipment while staying below the sportier and more expensive upper trims.
• XSE: Choose this if you want the more aggressive look and the firmer suspension tuning, retuned steering, and rear stabilizer bar.
• Limited: This is the sweet spot if you want the upscale interior feel, and it’s the trim where the larger 12.3-inch touchscreen becomes available.
• Platinum: Pick this if you want the most premium Highlander setup, with the big screen standard and the highest-positioned trim experience.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is standard across the lineup, so you don’t need to move up a trim just to get the core safety suite.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 33.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,239 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.75% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 76.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $29,154, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Toyota Highlander's resale value?

The current average of $29,909 sits slightly below last year's $31,734.

That price movement suggests the Highlander has softened enough to give you a better entry point than a year ago. If you buy now and keep the vehicle in strong condition, you may benefit from a more stable ownership cost than someone who paid closer to last year’s average. The model’s broad appeal and family-friendly reputation should help support demand when it’s time to sell.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.86/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander safe?

The 2021 Toyota Highlander earns Top Safety Pick+ recognition from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA.

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

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is the standard driver-assistance suite, and it includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support, road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams. That means you get a broad set of active-safety features without needing to move up to a higher trim.

Should I buy a 2021 Toyota Highlander 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:

• 33.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.75% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.86/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 adds Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ and standard intersection support.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $27,701, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $29,909 average.
• It emphasizes comfort, soft ride quality, and a cosseting interior.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $32,519, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $29,909 average.
• It adds versatility, a stout V6, and standard safety features.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, safety, and family-friendly usability, the 2021 is the strongest all-around pick. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2020 is worth a look for its lower average price, while the 2022 makes sense if you want to spend more for the next model year’s broader feature set.

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