Used 2021 Toyota Highlander for Sale nearCharlotte, NC

How much does the 2021 Toyota Highlander cost?

Prices have softened 6.55% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

With 3,170 listings available, you have a solid amount of inventory to compare across trims and conditions.

If you find a listing below $29,155.74, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Toyota Highlander earns a 4.86/5 user rating, which lines up with its 7.5/10 expert rating.

The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise its comfort, reliability, smooth ride, high-quality interior, spaciousness, and safety features.

The main trade-offs are its underwhelming base engine and outdated technology, and the styling is not especially exciting.

For you, that means the Highlander makes the most sense if you want a practical three-row family SUV that prioritizes everyday comfort and reassurance over flash.

With 33.4% of listings marked as good or great deals, there is still meaningful value to be found if you shop carefully.

Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander reliable?

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

User feedback repeatedly points to reliability, dependable ownership, and a trouble-free feel, with many drivers saying they feel confident counting on it for family duty.

The expert review also frames the Highlander as a smooth, predictable SUV with a reputation for reliability, which reinforces the ownership case.

Toyota’s safety and convenience focus adds to the sense that this is built for steady long-term use, and the available maintenance-friendly ownership experience helps reduce day-to-day hassle.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about headline mechanical drama and more about finding one that has been maintained well and not worn hard by family use.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean title alone does not tell you how the vehicle was maintained or repaired.

Prioritize a thorough inspection of the cabin, electronics, and seating surfaces, since this is a family SUV that may have seen heavy daily use.

Focus on condition details that matter in real life: how the interior has held up, whether the tech works smoothly, and whether the vehicle feels as comfortable as it should.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The XSE adds a more aggressive front end, a suspension tune, and an appearance package, while Limited brings a more upscale look and interior feel; the base setup is less richly equipped.
• Powertrain: Every Highlander uses a 3.5-liter V6 with 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic and available front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
• 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.
• Infotainment: Lower trims use an 8-inch touchscreen, Limited offers a 12.3-inch screen as an option, and Platinum makes that larger display standard; Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard across the lineup.
• Fuel efficiency: The V6 is rated at 21 mpg city, 29 highway, and 24 combined, or 20/27/23 with AWD.

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 at the lowest price.
• XLE: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds more equipment without pushing you into the pricier upper end of the lineup.
• XSE: Choose this if you want the sportier appearance and the firmer suspension tuning, but it is more about style and feel than true performance.
• Limited: This is the sweet spot if you want the upscale interior treatment and the available 12.3-inch touchscreen.
• Platinum: Pick this if you want the most fully equipped Highlander, including the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen.
• Limited trim: The test vehicle’s Limited trim sits just below Platinum and stands out for its upscale look, near-flawless fit and finish, and premium-feeling cabin.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is standard across the lineup, so you do not 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?

The market looks moderate and selective, so you can buy now if the right example appears, but you should still compare carefully.

• Deal availability: 33.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,170 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.55% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 76.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $29,155.74, 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 $29,837 sits slightly below last year's $31,929.

That softer pricing suggests the Highlander has become a bit more buyer-friendly in the near term, which can help you if you are shopping now.

For a future seller, the current trend means you should expect a more competitive resale environment than last year’s. If you buy well and keep the vehicle in strong condition, you can still protect value better than with a less desirable family SUV. The Highlander’s broad appeal and strong reputation should help support demand when it is 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 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2021 Toyota Highlander five-star ratings, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top Safety Pick+.

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

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is standard, 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 standard safety coverage is a major part of the Highlander’s appeal, especially if you want a family SUV that puts reassurance first.

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:

• 33.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.55% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.86/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Toyota adds more standard safety-feature technology this year.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $27,677, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $29,837 average.
• It was redesigned for 2020 and emphasizes calm comfort and upscale feel.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $32,659, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $29,837 average.
• It adds versatility and keeps the easy-to-use, family-focused formula.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the best all-around pick if you want the strongest mix of safety, comfort, and market availability. If your priority is saving money, the 2020 is the better value play, while the 2022 makes sense if you want to spend more for a newer model-year alternative.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.