Used 2021 Toyota RAV4 for Sale near Illinois

Compare 2021 Toyota RAV4 Trims

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to sportier models, catering to various needs and preferences.

• Starting at $22,190
• Best MPG/MPGe: 28 city / 35 hwy
• Most Popular: XLE AWD

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

Missing data displayed as "—".

Trim Deep Dives

LE FWD — "Who It's For"

The LE FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features.

• Avg. market price: $22,190 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 28 city / 35 hwy
• Inventory: 1,938 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View LE FWD listings

XLE FWD — "Who It's For"

The XLE FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded SUV with added features without a significant price jump.

• Avg. market price: $23,486 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 28 city / 35 hwy
• Inventory: 3,535 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View XLE FWD listings

LE AWD — "Who It's For"

The LE AWD is the pick for shoppers who want all-wheel drive without breaking the bank, offering good value and features.

• Avg. market price: $24,861 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 3,027 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View LE AWD listings

XLE AWD — "Who It's For"

The XLE AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a sporty SUV with all-wheel drive and a range of tech features.

• Avg. market price: $27,316 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 5,001 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View XLE AWD listings

XLE Premium FWD — "Who It's For"

The XLE Premium FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a more luxurious experience without the AWD price tag.

• Avg. market price: $26,077 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 28 city / 35 hwy
• Inventory: 1,484 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View XLE Premium FWD listings

XLE Premium AWD — "Who It's For"

The XLE Premium AWD is the pick for shoppers who want premium features combined with all-wheel drive for added capability.

• Avg. market price: $28,257 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 1,432 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View XLE Premium AWD listings

Adventure AWD — "Who It's For"

The Adventure AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a rugged SUV with good features at an affordable price.

• Avg. market price: $25,453 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 669 listings
• View Adventure AWD listings

Limited AWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited AWD is the pick for shoppers who want top-tier features and luxury in a capable SUV.

• Avg. market price: $31,982 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 1,188 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Limited AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — XLE AWD

With 5,001 active listings, the XLE AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse XLE AWD listings

Best Budget Option — LE FWD

At $22,190 avg market price — below the lineup median of $25,765 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse LE FWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — LE FWD

The LE FWD offers the best fuel economy in the lineup with 28/35 MPG/MPGe.

Browse LE FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 12, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 cost?

Prices have softened 1.68% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 3,937 listings available, which suggests you should have a workable range of choices.

Is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 a good car?

Generally — 4.43/5 from owners and 7.33/10 from expert testing point to a well-liked used SUV. The model scores 8/10 across Look and feel, Form and function, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its reliability, comfort, fuel efficiency, spacious interior, safety features, good handling, and value for money. The main trade-offs are the small display controls and the high asking price for used models.

That lines up with the RAV4’s role as a practical compact crossover with broad appeal, especially if you want everyday usability over excitement. Good and great deals account for 34.4% of listings, so there is still some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.43/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback highlights reliability, comfort, fuel efficiency, and value for money, while also pointing to a spacious interior and safety features. The expert review also describes Toyota’s legendary reputation for reliability and calls the RAV4 a solid performer in the categories that matter most.

ToyotaCare adds two years or 25,000 miles of free factory-scheduled maintenance and two years of roadside assistance, which helps early ownership costs. For a used buyer, the main long-term risk is less about durability and more about finding one that has been maintained well and not worn down by heavy use.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Toyota RAV4?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.4% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper vehicle-by-vehicle review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you are considering a higher-mileage example or one with visible wear. Focus on condition, maintenance records, and whether the features you want are actually present on the trim you are shopping.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Lower trims get a 7-inch touchscreen, while Limited models get an 8-inch screen; the gasoline model does not get the head-up display available on the Prime.
• Powertrain: The gasoline model uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic and available FWD or AWD.
• Safety package: Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist; higher trims add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and park assist.
• Infotainment: Most trims get a 7-inch touchscreen, with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM; an 8-inch screen is limited to Limited models, and wireless capability is not stated.
• Fuel efficiency: Most gasoline models are rated at 30 mpg combined with FWD and 29 mpg combined with AWD, while the TRD Off-Road is rated at 28 mpg combined.

Which 2021 Toyota RAV4 trim should I buy?

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is offered in 6 trim levels: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Limited, Adventure, and TRD Off-Road.

Here's the short version:

• LE: This is the value play if you want the lowest entry price and the core RAV4 formula, including standard safety tech and the basic infotainment setup.
• XLE: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds a more rounded feature set without pushing you into the pricier upper end of the lineup.
• XLE Premium: Choose this if you want a more upscale feel than the XLE and are willing to pay for extra comfort and appearance upgrades.
• Limited: This is the trim to target if you want the most polished mainstream RAV4 experience, including the larger 8-inch screen and more available safety equipment.
• Adventure: Pick this if you want the more rugged styling touches and the added capability-oriented hardware described in the review.
• TRD Off-Road: This is the most specialized choice, with model-specific suspension tuning, all-terrain tires, and the strongest off-pavement focus in the gasoline lineup.

Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and park assist, while a 360-degree camera is available on certain option packages.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Toyota RAV4?

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

• Deal availability: 34.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,937 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.68% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 75.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $23,435, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Toyota RAV4's resale value?

The current average of $25,119 sits slightly below last year's $25,548.

That modest decline suggests the market has cooled a bit, which can help you as a buyer today but may temper short-term gains if you plan to resell soon. The current pricing also sits within a fairly tight year-round band, which points to steady demand rather than dramatic swings. If you buy well and keep the vehicle in good condition, the RAV4’s broad appeal should help support future resale interest.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.43/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 safe?

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 earns a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and five-star overall ratings from NHTSA, with four-star ratings in frontal crash and rollover, and five-star ratings in side crash tests.

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

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard and includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and park assist.

The main caveat is that the RAV4 missed the higher Top Safety Pick+ award because some headlights received weaker ratings on certain trims.

Should I buy a 2021 Toyota RAV4 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:

• 34.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.4% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.68% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.43/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 adds the RAV4 Prime to the lineup and keeps the current-generation formula familiar.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $23,735, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $25,119 average.
• It offers broad configuration choice with practical, safe transportation.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $27,879, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $25,119 average.
• It brings a more mature feel with a roomy, flexible interior.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, safety, and broad market availability, the 2021 is the smart default. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 is the better value play. If you want to spend more for a newer-feeling alternative, the 2022 is worth a look, but you should expect to pay up for it.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.