How much does the 2021 Toyota Highlander cost?

Prices have softened 6.59% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 3,306 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing trims and prices.

If you find a listing below $29,163.29, 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 4.86/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the expert rating is 7.5/10.

The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise the Highlander for its comfort, reliability, spaciousness, and features. The ride quality and high-quality interior also come up often, which fits a family-focused SUV that prioritizes everyday ease.

The main trade-offs are the underwhelming base engine and outdated technology, along with some frustration around fuel economy and limited configurability of certain settings. That makes the Highlander especially appealing if you value comfort and practicality more than sporty driving or cutting-edge tech.

The Highlander’s three-row layout and family-hauling mission make those strengths especially relevant if you want a calm, comfortable SUV for daily use and road trips. Good and great deals account for 33.4% of listings, so there’s still room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander reliable?

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

Drivers describe the Highlander as reliable, and the expert review reinforces that with language about smooth, predictable operation and a reputation for reliability. That combination matters if you want a used SUV you can count on for regular family duty.

The powertrain is presented as a known commodity, which supports the case for dependable ownership over time. Toyota also positions the Highlander as a comfort-first vehicle, which usually aligns well with buyers looking for steady, low-drama use.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright durability and more about whether the specific vehicle has been maintained well and still feels fresh inside.

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 not the same as guaranteed problem-free vehicles. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on the condition of the interior, the operation of the third row, and whether the tech and driver-assist features work as expected. Since some owners mention limited configurability and fuel-economy concerns, it also helps to confirm that the vehicle’s equipment matches your needs.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base setup uses an 8-inch touchscreen, while the Limited can be optioned with a 12.3-inch screen and the Platinum gets it standard. The XSE adds a more aggressive appearance package and suspension tuning, while the Limited trim leans more upscale with chrome accents and a more premium cabin feel.
• 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 front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It is tuned for smooth, predictable operation rather than quick acceleration.
• Safety package: Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ 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. These features are listed across the lineup.
• Infotainment: Lower trims use an 8-inch touchscreen, while the 12.3-inch unit is available on Limited and standard on Platinum. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, but navigation can struggle with some points of interest.
• Fuel efficiency: The V6 is rated at 21 mpg city, 29 highway, 24 combined with front-wheel drive, and 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 essentials, but you give up the larger screen and the more upscale cabin touches found higher up the range.
• Sweet-spot trim: The XLE is the best value if you want a stronger feature mix without jumping to the pricier luxury-oriented trims.
• Premium/top trim: The Platinum is the most fully equipped choice, with the 12.3-inch touchscreen standard and the most upscale presentation.
• Off-road trim: The XSE is more about style and a firmer feel than rugged capability, so it is not the best pick if you want the most relaxed daily-driver setup.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is standard across the lineup, so you do not need to move up for the core safety package.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop carefully without expecting a deep bargain on every listing.

• Deal availability: 33.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,306 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.59% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 76.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $29,163.29, 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 $30,033 sits slightly below last year's $32,154.

That price movement suggests the market has become a bit more favorable for buyers, which can also mean future sellers may need to price more competitively. If you buy well now, you may have a better chance of limiting depreciation pressure later. The Highlander’s strong reputation for comfort and safety should help support demand, even if the broader price trend has softened.

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 standard and 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 gives you a broad standard safety package across the lineup.

The main safety takeaway is that you do not need to move up the trim ladder to get the core driver-assistance suite. For used shoppers, that makes even lower trims appealing if safety is a top priority.

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 76.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.59% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.86/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ as standard equipment.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $27,964, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $30,033 average.
• It emphasizes a quiet cabin and soft ride.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $33,146, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $30,033 average.
• It adds more versatility and a broader family-focused package.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the right pick if you want the strongest balance of safety, comfort, and current-market pricing. If your priority is spending less, the 2020 is the better value play; if you want to pay more for a newer-feeling package, the 2022 is the alternative to compare.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 7, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.