Used 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid cost?

Prices have softened 4.03% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

With 789 listings available, you have a modest amount of inventory to compare before you commit. If you find a listing below $32,544.40, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid a good car?

Yes — 4.86/5 owners’ rating points to strong satisfaction, and the expert score is 6.67/10. The model scores 8/10 across Cost effectiveness, Technology, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the excellent fuel efficiency, comfort, spacious interior, and advanced safety features. The smooth, quiet ride also comes up often, which fits a family-focused three-row SUV. The main trade-offs are the cramped third row for taller passengers and some engine noise under hard acceleration.

That lines up with the vehicle’s practical mission: it is aimed at buyers who want a midsize three-row crossover with strong efficiency, family-friendly space, and cargo utility. The market also looks reasonably supportive, with 33.1% of listings marked as good or great deals.

Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid reliable?

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

The owner feedback points to a reliable, trouble-free ownership experience, with praise for comfort, efficiency, and the kind of features that make daily use easier over the long term. The expert evaluation also emphasizes that the hybrid setup is cost-effective if you plan to keep the SUV for a while, and Toyota’s free scheduled maintenance plan for two years or 25,000 miles adds some ownership reassurance.

The hybrid powertrain’s efficiency focus should help reduce running costs, but you should still pay close attention to service history and how the drivetrain has aged in real-world use.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 79.5% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the vehicle history report carefully, because accident-free listings are not the same as problem-free listings. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on the hybrid system, brakes, tires, and any signs of uneven wear or prior bodywork. Since this model is family-oriented, also pay close attention to the third row, interior condition, and whether the cabin shows heavy use.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The hybrid is offered in LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum specifications. The LE is the entry point, while Limited and Platinum bring a more upscale cabin, and the Platinum trim adds available head-up display and standard surround-view camera coverage. Base-trim buyers should pay close attention to feature gaps such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which start on the LE.
• Powertrain: The hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, front-wheel drive as the default, and optional all-wheel drive. It is tuned for efficiency rather than excitement, and the drivetrain can sound strained when you ask for hard acceleration.
• Safety package: Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is the standard driver-assistance suite, and it adds intersection support and emergency steering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are not standard on the base Highlander L, and front and rear parking sensors begin with Limited trim.
• Infotainment: Standard equipment includes Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa connectivity, along with an 8-inch touchscreen. A 12.3-inch screen is available on Limited and standard on Platinum, and wireless smartphone integration is not mentioned.
• Fuel efficiency: The hybrid is EPA-rated at 36 mpg combined, or 35 mpg with AWD. In testing, it averaged 31.7 mpg.

Which 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid trim should I buy?

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is offered in 4 trim levels: LE, XLE, Limited, Platinum.

Here's the short version:

• LE: This is the entry point, so it makes sense if you want the hybrid’s efficiency and family-friendly space at the lowest starting point. Just remember that some desirable safety features, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, are not standard here.
• XLE: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds more comfort and convenience without pushing you into the highest price tiers. If you want a balanced mix of equipment and value, this is the trim to focus on first.
• Limited: This is the right choice if you want a more upscale feel and the stronger tech setup, including the available 12.3-inch infotainment screen. It also brings more safety hardware, including front and rear parking sensors.
• Platinum: Choose this if you want the most fully equipped version, including standard surround-view camera coverage and available head-up display. It is the trim to target if you want the most premium Highlander Hybrid experience.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is standard, but blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert start on the LE, while parking sensors begin with Limited and the surround-view camera is standard on Platinum.

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

This looks like a moderate market for selective buyers, with enough inventory and enough deal activity to shop carefully.

• Deal availability: 33.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 789 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.03% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 79.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $32,544.40, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's resale value?

The current average of $33,759 sits slightly below last year's $35,175.

That softer pricing suggests the model has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right number. Because the market is still showing meaningful deal activity, your resale outcome will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and trim. A well-kept example with strong equipment should be easier to move later than a rougher one with visible wear.

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 Hybrid safe?

The Highlander earned a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS for the 2020 calendar year, and NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, though it earned four-star ratings for the driver and front passenger in frontal-impact crash tests.

It earns a 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is the standard driver-assistance suite, and it includes intersection support, emergency steering assistance, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are not standard on the base Highlander L, and front and rear parking sensors begin with Limited trim. A surround-view camera system is optional on Limited and standard on Platinum.

The main caveat is that the 2021 model’s updated headlights were expected to improve the IIHS result, but the published review did not confirm a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The frontal-impact NHTSA result is also worth noting if crash protection is a top priority for you.

Should I buy a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 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:

• 33.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 79.5% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.03% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.86/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds improved headlights and upgraded Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $31,829, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $33,759 average.
• It launched the redesigned fourth-generation Highlander Hybrid.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $36,177, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $33,759 average.
• It emphasizes efficiency and value with accessible pricing.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, safety tech, and efficiency, the 2021 is the smart default. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2020 can save you money while still giving you the redesigned hybrid platform.

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