Used 2021 Toyota Highlander for Sale nearAjax, ON

How much does the 2021 Toyota Highlander cost?

Prices have softened 9.67% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 283 listings available, which suggests a modest but workable amount of inventory for shoppers.

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 well with its role as a popular three-row family vehicle, especially if you want a mainstream SUV with broad appeal and a strong reputation for peace of mind. The market also shows 29.0% of listings as good or great deals, which adds to its appeal for value-minded shoppers.

Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander reliable?

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

User feedback repeatedly points to reliability, comfort, and a smooth, trouble-free ownership experience. The expert assessment also frames the Highlander as a sensible choice if you want smooth, predictable operation and a reputation for reliability. Toyota’s added safety-feature technology for this model year reinforces the sense that it is built for long-term family use.

For used buyers, the main ownership risk is less about outright dependability and more about whether the fuel economy and feature configurability meet your expectations over time.

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

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The XSE adds a more aggressive look, 20-inch alloy wheels with black accents, a unique front fascia, a lower spoiler, and a bit of suspension tuning, while the Limited trim brings a more upscale feel with chrome roof rails and accents, plus a notably refined interior.
• Powertrain: Every Highlander uses a 3.5-litre V6 with 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It is tuned for smooth, predictable operation rather than excitement.
• Safety package: Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring is also standard, while LED fog lights are available from the XLE grade up.
• Infotainment: Trim levels below Platinum use an 8-inch touchscreen, while Platinum gets a 12.3-inch display. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard across the lineup, and navigation is limited to the Limited grade and above.
• Fuel efficiency: The V6 Highlander is rated at 10.3 L/100 km combined, with 11.9 L/100 km city and 8.3 highway for front-wheel drive, or 11.8 city and 8.6 highway for all-wheel drive.

Which 2021 Toyota Highlander trim should I buy?

The 2021 Toyota Highlander is offered in 6 trim levels: L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, Platinum.

Here's the short version:

• L: This is the entry point if you want the lowest starting price, but it is the most basic way into the lineup and misses some of the richer equipment found higher up.
• LE: This is the best-value choice for many shoppers because it adds all-wheel drive and keeps the Highlander’s core family-friendly strengths intact.
• XLE: Choose this if you want a more upscale step up in comfort and equipment without jumping all the way to the premium trims.
• XSE: Pick this if you want the sportier appearance package and the firmer suspension tuning, but it is more about style and feel than true performance.
• Limited: This is the sweet spot for shoppers who want the Highlander to feel genuinely upscale, with a more refined cabin and added tech.
• Platinum: Go here if you want the most premium Highlander experience, including the largest infotainment screen.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is standard across the lineup, and blind spot monitoring is standard as well.

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

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

• Deal availability: 29.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 283 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.67% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $38,456 CAD, 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 $38,619 CAD sits slightly below last year's $42,753 CAD.

That price movement suggests the market has become more favourable for buyers, which can put some pressure on future resale expectations if you plan to sell soon. At the same time, the Highlander’s strong name recognition and family-friendly reputation should help it remain broadly desirable. If you buy well and keep the vehicle in strong condition, you should still have a solid audience when it comes time to resell.

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 Top Safety Pick+ rating from the 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 it includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring is also standard, which strengthens the Highlander’s everyday safety package.

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:

• 29.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.67% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.86/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Toyota adds Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ standard this year, including intersection support.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $34,882 CAD, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $38,619 CAD average.
• It prioritises comfort, calm road manners, and a cosseting cabin.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $41,843 CAD, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $38,619 CAD average.
• It adds more family-focused versatility, technology, and a broader trim range.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the right pick if you want the Highlander’s strong safety story, broad appeal, and a price that has already softened. If you are more price-sensitive, the 2020 can be a smart value play, while the 2022 is worth considering if you want a slightly newer take with more flexibility.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.