Used 2021 Toyota Highlander for Sale nearSt Catharines, ON

How much does the 2021 Toyota Highlander cost?

Prices have softened 9.63% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 266 listings available, which suggests you have a reasonable amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander a good car?

Yes — you’re looking at a 4.9/5 owner-rated SUV with an expert score of 7.5/10. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise its comfort, reliability, smooth ride, and high-quality interior. It also fits well if you want a mainstream three-row family SUV with broad appeal and a strong reputation for peace of mind.

With 27.8% of listings marked as good or great deals, there’s a decent amount of value in the market if you shop carefully.

Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander reliable?

Owners rate it 4.9/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to reliability, comfort, and a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience as recurring strengths. 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 and the model’s established reputation support confidence for long-term ownership, though you should still watch for signs of heavy family use and higher running costs on used examples.

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, a little suspension tuning, and an appearance package, while the Limited trim brings a more upscale cabin with chrome accents and a stronger luxury feel. The base setup is more about practicality than premium touches.
• Powertrain: Every Highlander uses a 3.5-litre V6 with 295 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive depending on trim. It’s smooth and predictable rather than quick, and the XSE’s suspension tuning is aimed at a slightly more engaging feel.
• 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: Lower trims use an 8-inch touchscreen, while Platinum models get a 12.3-inch unit. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth are standard across the lineup, and navigation is only available from the Limited grade.
• Fuel efficiency: The V6 is rated at 10.3 L/100 km combined, with 11.9 L/100 km city and 8.3 L/100 km highway for front-wheel drive, or 11.8 L/100 km city and 8.6 L/100 km 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 Highlander’s core safety and family-friendly packaging at the lowest starting price, but it’s the most basic way into the lineup.
• LE: This is the best-value choice for many shoppers because it adds all-wheel drive and keeps the Highlander’s practical strengths without pushing too far up the price ladder.
• XLE: Choose this if you want a more polished family SUV with more equipment and a better balance of comfort and features.
• XSE: Pick this if you want the sportier-looking Highlander with the unique front fascia, larger wheels, and firmer suspension tuning.
• Limited: This is the trim to target if you want the upscale cabin, navigation, and JBL audio, and it’s the sweet spot for buyers who value a more premium feel.
• Platinum: Go here if you want the biggest infotainment screen and the most fully loaded 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 pays to compare listings carefully and move quickly on well-priced examples.

• Deal availability: 27.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 266 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.63% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $38,453 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 $38,476 CAD sits slightly below last year's $42,573 CAD.

That softer pricing can be good news if you’re buying now, but it also means future sellers may face a more competitive market if prices continue to ease. A used Highlander that’s well maintained and sensibly equipped should still attract interest, especially because shoppers value its safety and family-friendly reputation.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.9/5, 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+ from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA.

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, and LED headlights come standard as well.

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:

• 27.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.63% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.9/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Toyota adds standard safety-feature technology this year, including Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $34,983 CAD, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $38,476 CAD average.
• It was redesigned for 2020 and focuses on calm, refined comfort.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $41,379 CAD, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $38,476 CAD average.
• It adds more versatility and family-focused technology.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the right pick if you want the Highlander’s safety-first formula with strong owner satisfaction and a softer used-market price than last year. If you’re more price-sensitive, the 2020 is the value play; if you want a newer-feeling setup and can spend more, the 2022 is worth a look.

How does the 2021 Toyota Highlander compare to the 2021 Honda Pilot?

Our experts score the 2021 Toyota Highlander 7.5/10 and the 2021 Honda Pilot 7.2/10. The Highlander has the edge on expert scoring and safety, while the Pilot starts at a lower price and offers slightly more horsepower. If you want the stronger safety story and better owner satisfaction, the Highlander is the more compelling pick. If upfront cost matters most, the Pilot is the easier one to justify.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

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