Used 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid cost?

Prices have softened 2.82% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 789 listings available, which gives you a decent amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid a good car?

Yes — you’re looking at a 4.86/5 user-rated SUV with an expert rating of 6.67/10. The model scores 8/10 across Cost effectiveness, Technology, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the excellent fuel efficiency, comfort, and spacious interior, along with the advanced safety features. The review feedback also points to a smooth and quiet ride as a recurring strength.

The trade-offs are clear: the third row can feel cramped for taller passengers, and the engine can sound strained or noisy when accelerating. The overview frames it as a family-focused three-row crossover, so it makes the most sense if you value space, efficiency, and safety more than driving excitement.

With 36.1% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have some room to shop selectively.

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, dependable-feeling ownership experience, with praise for the SUV’s trouble-free comfort, efficiency, and everyday usability. The expert evaluation also emphasizes that it’s a practical family vehicle that can be counted on for long-haul use, especially if you want a hybrid that prioritizes efficiency and utility.

Toyota’s free scheduled maintenance plan for two years or 25,000 miles adds a helpful ownership perk. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that the hybrid’s value proposition depends on whether you can live with the noisy powertrain and tight third row over time.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a full history report, because accident-free listings are not the same thing as guaranteed problem-free vehicles. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on the hybrid system, brakes, tires, and any signs of uneven wear or prior body repair. Pay close attention to cabin condition and third-row usability, since those are the areas most likely to affect your day-to-day satisfaction.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The hybrid is offered in LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum form, and the base LE is the one most likely to leave you wanting more. Higher trims add more upscale cabin materials, a larger touchscreen, and more convenience equipment, while the Platinum brings the most premium presentation.
• Powertrain: You’re shopping a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid setup with 243 hp and front-wheel drive as standard, while all-wheel drive is optional. The payoff is strong efficiency, but the trade-off is a drivetrain that can sound strained under hard acceleration.
• Safety package: Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is standard, and it adds intersection support and emergency steering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert move up from the base trim to the LE, while parking sensors start with Limited and the surround-view camera is standard on Platinum.
• Infotainment: Every version gets Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa connectivity, plus an 8-inch standard touchscreen. The Limited can be upgraded to a 12.3-inch display, and Platinum gets that larger screen standard along with available connected services and a head-up display.
• Fuel efficiency: The hybrid is EPA-rated at 36 mpg combined, or 35 mpg with all-wheel drive. In testing, it returned 31.7 mpg, which still supports its role as the efficiency-first choice in the lineup.

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, and it makes the hybrid formula accessible without stripping away the core appeal. It’s the trim to consider if you want the lowest-cost path into the Highlander Hybrid, but you should know that blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are not standard here.
• XLE: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds more comfort and convenience without pushing you into luxury pricing. If you want a more balanced daily driver with a better equipment mix, this is the one to target.
• Limited: This is the trim to choose if you want the more upscale cabin feel and the available larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen. It suits you best if you care about a richer feature set and are willing to pay for it.
• Platinum: This is the top trim, and it’s the right pick if you want the most complete Highlander Hybrid experience, including the standard 12.3-inch display and the most advanced convenience features. It’s the most premium choice, but not the best value for everyone.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is standard across the lineup, while blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert start on the LE and above.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but should move quickly on strong listings.

• Deal availability: 36.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 789 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.82% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 78.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $32,517, 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 $33,638 sits slightly below last year's $34,612.

That softer pricing suggests the market has cooled a bit, which can help you buy more confidently now. For a future seller, it also means you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and how well the vehicle has been maintained. Because the price range has already moved down from a year ago, a clean, well-kept example is more likely to hold buyer interest than one with visible wear or a rough history.

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 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid earns a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for the driver and front passenger in frontal-impact crash tests.

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

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is standard, and it includes forward-collision warning with intersection support, emergency steering assistance, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-centering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are not standard on the base trim; you need to move up to the LE for those features. Parking sensors begin with Limited, and the surround-view camera is standard on Platinum.

The main caveat is that the frontal-impact crash-test result is not as strong as the overall five-star rating might suggest, so you should pay attention to the full safety picture rather than the headline score alone.

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:

• 36.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.82% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.86/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds the sporty XSE trim and upgraded safety tech.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $31,857, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $33,638 average.
• It launched the redesigned hybrid with a strong efficiency focus.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $35,576, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $33,638 average.
• It leans into efficiency and value with a practical, well-priced formula.

The bottom line: You should start with the 2021 if you want the best mix of updated safety equipment, strong owner satisfaction, and a softer used-market price than the 2022. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2020 can make sense because it costs less and still delivers the core hybrid strengths.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.