Used 2021 Toyota RAV4 for Sale nearWaterloo, ON

How much does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 cost?

Prices have softened 4.38% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 737 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 a good car?

Generally — the 2021 Toyota RAV4 earns 4.4/5 from owners and 7.3/10 from our experts. The model scores 8/10 across Look and feel, Form and function, and Safety.

Drivers consistently praise its reliability, comfort, and fuel efficiency, and they also highlight the spacious interior and safety features. The review summary also points to good handling and value for money, which fits the RAV4’s role as a practical compact SUV with broad appeal. In a crowded segment, that makes it a strong fit if you want versatility and a wide range of configurations rather than a dramatic reinvention.

33.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which suggests there are still worthwhile opportunities in the market.

Is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.4/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback specifically calls out reliability, and the expert review reinforces Toyota’s reputation for reliability and solid performance in the categories that matter most. The RAV4 is also described as a vehicle you can count on for everyday use, with a practical, trouble-free character that suits long-term ownership.

For used buyers, the main risk is less about outright dependability and more about finding one that hasn’t been priced too aggressively for its equipment level.

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

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Trail and TRD Off-Road package add a more rugged look, while the Limited trim gets an 8-inch screen; lower trims use a 7-inch display. The base setup is more straightforward, so you should check whether the features you want are included before you pay extra for appearance or convenience upgrades.
• Powertrain: The gasoline model uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. If you want more power and refinement, the review points you toward the hybrid or plug-in hybrid versions instead.
• 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. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is also standard, though a 360-degree camera is only available with certain option packages.
• Infotainment: Most trims get a 7-inch touchscreen, while Trail and Limited models get an 8-inch screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the system is easy to use, but it is not especially flashy.
• Fuel efficiency: Front-wheel drive models average 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined, while all-wheel drive versions range from 7.9 L/100 km combined on the LE to 8.5 L/100 km combined on the Trail TRD Off-Road.

Which 2021 Toyota RAV4 trim should I buy?

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is offered in 7 trim levels: LE, XLE, Limited, Premium package for the XLE grade, Trail, TRD Off-Road package, and Prime SE/XSE.

Here's the short version:

• LE: This is the simplest path into the RAV4 lineup, and it makes the most sense if you want the core RAV4 experience without paying for extras. It gives you the standard safety and infotainment features, so it is the value-focused choice if you do not need a fancier screen or appearance upgrades.
• XLE: This is the best-value trim if you want a more balanced mix of equipment and flexibility. It is also the trim that can be paired with the Premium package, which gives you a way to add more comfort and convenience without jumping all the way to the top of the range.
• Limited: This is the trim to consider if you want the most polished gas-model experience, including the larger 8-inch touchscreen. It suits you best if you care more about convenience and a more upscale feel than about keeping the purchase price down.
• Trail: This is the right pick if you want the more rugged styling and the available TRD Off-Road package. It adds the outdoorsy look and the hardware that better suits rougher roads, so it is the trim for buyers who want the RAV4 to look and feel more adventurous.
• TRD Off-Road package: This is the most specialised gas-model setup, with model-specific suspension tuning, all-terrain tires, and extra off-road-oriented hardware. It is the one to choose if you want the most capability-focused version of the gasoline RAV4.
• Prime SE/XSE: These plug-in hybrid trims are the most powerful and most advanced versions mentioned in the review, but they are a separate path from the gasoline model. If you are shopping the standard gas RAV4, you should focus on the trims above instead.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is included as well.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you should shop carefully and compare listings before moving quickly.

• Deal availability: 33.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 737 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.38% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $29,934 CAD, 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 $29,953 CAD sits slightly below last year's $31,324 CAD.

That softer pricing suggests the RAV4 has become a little easier to buy used, which can help future resale by keeping it attractive to shoppers who want a well-known compact SUV. If prices stay near the current average, sellers may need to lean on condition, mileage, and equipment to justify a stronger asking price. The model’s broad appeal and strong owner satisfaction should still help support demand over time.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.4/5, 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 a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with four-star ratings in frontal and rollover crash tests, and five-star ratings in all other NHTSA tests.

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

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard, and it 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. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is also standard.

The main caveat is that the RAV4 missed the highest IIHS rating because some headlights earned weaker scores 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:

• 33.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.38% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.4/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• It adds the RAV4 Prime to the lineup, broadening the range of choices.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $27,913 CAD, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $29,953 CAD average.
• It offers broad versatility with a wide range of configurations.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $31,804 CAD, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $29,953 CAD average.
• It brings a more mature, polished all-round package.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the right pick if you want a well-rounded RAV4 with strong owner satisfaction and a softer used-market price than newer models. If you are more price-sensitive, the 2020 is the better value play; if you want to spend more for a newer-feeling option, the 2022 is the next step up.

How does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 compare to the 2021 Honda CR-V?

Our experts score the 2021 Toyota RAV4 7.3/10 and the 2021 Honda CR-V 7.8/10. The CR-V edges ahead on expert score and used price, while the RAV4 counters with a stronger safety score and more rugged styling. If you want the better value on the used market, the CR-V is the easier buy; if you want a more distinctive look and strong safety credentials, the RAV4 makes a compelling case.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.