Used 2021 Toyota Highlander for Sale near Nova Scotia

How much does the 2021 Toyota Highlander cost?

Prices have softened 10.01% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 285 listings available, which suggests you should have a reasonable amount of inventory to compare.

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.

There are trade-offs, though: some owners want better fuel economy and more configurability for the third-row seating and lane assist functions. Even so, the combination of family-friendly practicality and strong owner satisfaction makes it an appealing used buy. Good and great deals account for 28.8% of listings, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander reliable?

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

Drivers repeatedly describe the Highlander as reliable, and the expert evaluation also points to smooth, predictable operation and a reputation for reliability. That dependable character is a major part of its appeal if you want a family SUV you can count on day to day.

Toyota’s safety suite also adds to the sense of confidence, with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, intersection support, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, automatic high beams, and standard blind spot monitoring. The overall ownership picture is reassuring, though you should still check for normal wear items and confirm that all driver-assistance features work as intended on a used example.

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

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The XSE adds a more aggressive appearance package and some suspension tuning, while the Limited trim brings a more upscale cabin with chrome accents, tan leather seats, and a more premium feel. Base trims are more straightforward, so you should compare equipment carefully if you want the richer interior presentation.
• 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, plus adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring is standard, and LED headlights are standard as well.
• 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 Bluetooth is included as well.
• 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. In testing, it returned 11.5 L/100 km combined.

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, and it makes sense if you want the Highlander’s core safety and family-hauling strengths at the lowest starting price. It is the trim to consider if you care more about value than extra comfort or convenience features.
• LE: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds all-wheel drive and keeps the Highlander’s practical mission intact without pushing the price too far up the ladder.
• XLE: Choose this if you want a more upscale daily driver, since it moves you further into comfort and convenience territory without jumping all the way to the top trims.
• XSE: This is the pick if you want the sportier-looking Highlander, with its unique front fascia, lower spoiler, 20-inch alloy wheels with black accents, and firmer suspension tuning.
• Limited: This is the sweet spot for shoppers who want the most premium-feeling cabin, with chrome roof rails and accents, a more upscale interior, navigation, and a JBL audio system.
• Platinum: Buy this if you want the biggest 12.3-inch infotainment screen and the most fully equipped Highlander experience.

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

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so it rewards comparison shopping more than impulse buying.

• Deal availability: 28.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 285 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.01% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $38,462 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 $38,547 CAD sits slightly below last year's $42,834 CAD.

That price movement suggests the market has become more favourable for buyers, which can also mean future sellers may need to be more realistic on asking price. If you buy well now, you may have less downside risk than someone who paid closer to last year’s higher average.

The Highlander’s strong reputation for comfort, reliability, and safety should help support demand over time. 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 five-star ratings 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+ 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 safety case across the lineup.

That said, the safety story is especially strong because Toyota made additional safety-feature technology standard for this model year. For used buyers, that means you should still verify that all driver-assistance systems are functioning properly, but the underlying safety package is a major strength.

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:

• 28.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.01% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.86/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Toyota adds additional safety-feature technology as standard equipment this year.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $34,631 CAD, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $38,547 CAD average.
• It was redesigned for 2020 and focuses on calm, refined comfort.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $41,543 CAD, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $38,547 CAD average.
• It adds versatility, technology, and safety features for family buyers.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the right choice if you want the Highlander’s strong safety focus, broad appeal, and solid owner satisfaction at a softer price than last year. If you are more price-sensitive, the 2020 can still make sense, but the 2021’s added safety emphasis gives it a stronger case for many used buyers.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.