How much does the 2021 Toyota Highlander cost?

Prices have softened 5.99% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 3,170 listings available, which suggests you should have a reasonable amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $29,157.79, 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 and a 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. That lines up with the Highlander’s role as a practical three-row family SUV that prioritizes everyday usability over flash.

The trade-offs are clear too: the styling is uninspired, the base engine is underwhelming, and the technology feels outdated. If you want a calm, comfortable family hauler with strong safety credentials, it fits the brief well; if you want sharper performance or more modern tech polish, you may want to keep shopping.

Good and great deals account for 33.5% of listings, so there are still some attractive opportunities in the market.

Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander reliable?

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

Drivers repeatedly describe it as reliable and praise its comfort, smooth ride, and high-quality interior. The expert review also points to a reputation for reliability and smooth, predictable operation, which reinforces the sense that this is a vehicle built for steady daily use.

Toyota’s safety suite adds another layer of confidence, with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, intersection support, road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams. For many used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about dependability and more about whether the Highlander’s fuel economy and tech feel match your expectations.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 77% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because accident-free status does not guarantee perfect condition. Prioritize a thorough inspection of the cabin, electronics, and safety systems, since the Highlander’s appeal depends heavily on comfort and feature content. It’s also smart to focus on how well the third row, infotainment, and driver-assistance features work in real use.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The XSE adds a more aggressive appearance package and suspension tuning, while the Limited trim sits just below Platinum and brings a more upscale look and feel. Base trims miss some of the richer interior presentation and higher-end equipment found farther up the lineup.
• 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 or all-wheel drive. It is smooth and predictable, but not especially quick.
• 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. The suite is standard across the lineup.
• Infotainment: Lower trims use an 8-inch touchscreen, while a 12.3-inch screen is available on Limited and standard on Platinum. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, but navigation can be frustrating when searching for points of interest.
• Fuel efficiency: The V6 returns 21 mpg city, 29 highway, and 24 combined with front-wheel drive, or 20/27/23 with all-wheel drive. In testing, the AWD model returned 20.5 mpg combined.

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:

• Base trim: The LE gives you the core Highlander experience, but it lacks the more upscale presentation and larger-screen tech found higher up the range.
• Sweet-spot trim: The XLE is the best value pick if you want a stronger mix of equipment and price without jumping into luxury territory.
• Premium/top trim: The Platinum is the most fully equipped choice, with the 12.3-inch touchscreen standard and the most upscale overall presentation.
• Off-road trim: The XSE is the one to watch if you want a sportier look and slightly firmer tuning, but it is not the best fit for most daily drivers.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is standard, so you get the full safety suite regardless of trim.

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

The market looks moderately favorable if you are a selective buyer.

• Deal availability: 33.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,170 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.99% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 77.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $29,157.79, 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 $30,050 sits slightly below last year's $31,963.

That price movement suggests the Highlander has softened enough to create a better entry point for buyers today, but it also means future sellers may need to be realistic about pricing. Because the model still has strong recognition, a comfortable cabin, and a reputation for safety, it should remain appealing to used shoppers who want a dependable three-row SUV.

If you buy well now, you may have a better chance of preserving value later because the market still responds to the Highlander’s core strengths. 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 a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS.

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 broad standard safety package is one of the Highlander’s biggest strengths, especially for family buyers.

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:

• 33.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 77% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.99% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.86/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Toyota adds additional safety-feature technology as standard equipment.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $27,814, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $30,050 average.
• It was redesigned for 2020 and emphasizes a calm, upscale ride.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $32,962, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $30,050 average.
• It offers a practical, family-focused setup with easy-to-use technology.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the right pick if you want the Highlander’s comfort, safety, and strong owner satisfaction at a softer price than newer models. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 can save you money while keeping the same basic formula; if you want to spend more for a newer-year alternative, the 2022 is the next step up.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.