Used 2021 Toyota RAV4 for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 Toyota RAV4 cost?

Prices have softened 5.41% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 719 listings available, which suggests healthy inventory for shoppers comparing options.

Is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 a good car?

Generally — you’re looking at a 4.4/5 user rating and a 7.3/10 expert rating, which points 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, handling, and value for money. For you, that means the RAV4 fits especially well if you want a mainstream compact SUV with broad configuration choice and everyday practicality. The market also shows 32.3% of listings as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 reliable?

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

User feedback repeatedly highlights reliability, and the expert review also points to Toyota’s legendary reputation for reliability. The RAV4’s straightforward gasoline powertrain and conventional compact-SUV layout support that dependable character, while the review also notes solid performance in the categories that matter most to used buyers.

Toyota’s warranty coverage is standard for the segment, so long-term ownership risk is mostly about finding a well-maintained example rather than expecting unusual mechanical complexity.

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

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Trail grade adds an Ice Edge roof, orange interior accents, and rugged styling touches, while the TRD Off-Road package adds matte black 18-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, red interior accents, and a TRD front skid plate. Lower trims are more basic, and material quality does not rise dramatically with price.
• Powertrain: The gasoline model uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional.
• 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.
• Infotainment: Most trim levels get a 7-inch touchscreen, while Trail and Limited models get an 8-inch screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and up to five USB ports are available.
• 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 5 trim levels: LE, XLE, Limited, Trail, and XSE.

Here's the short version:

• LE: This is the value-focused starting point if you want the RAV4’s core strengths without paying for extras. It gives you the standard safety suite, smartphone connectivity, and the basic gasoline powertrain, making it the most straightforward choice for budget-minded shoppers.
• XLE: This is the best-value trim for many buyers because it adds more comfort and convenience without pushing you into the pricier upper end of the lineup. If you want a better-equipped daily driver, this is the trim to focus on.
• Limited: Choose this if you want the most upscale gas-model experience, including the larger 8-inch screen on Trail and Limited models and a more premium overall feel. It suits you best if comfort and convenience matter more than price.
• Trail: Pick this if you want the rugged styling and added capability cues, including the available TRD Off-Road package. It’s the right fit if you like the outdoorsy look and want the extra hardware that comes with it.
• XSE: This trim is aimed at shoppers who want a sportier appearance and a more distinctive look within the lineup. It’s the one to consider if style matters as much as everyday usefulness.

The safety package is strong across the lineup, but headlight performance varies by trim level, which is worth checking carefully before you buy.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on a strong listing.

• Deal availability: 32.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 719 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.41% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $29,613 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 $29,613 CAD sits slightly below last year's $31,308 CAD.

That softer pricing can help you buy more confidently now, but it also means future sellers may face a more competitive market if prices stay under pressure. If you’re planning to resell later, the current trend suggests you should focus on condition, mileage, and trim desirability to protect value. Strong demand for practical, well-equipped SUVs should still support the RAV4’s appeal 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 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.

One caveat is that the RAV4 missed the higher Top Safety Pick+ rating because some headlights earned weaker scores on certain trim levels.

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:

• 32.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.41% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.4/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 adds the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid to the lineup and keeps the broad trim and powertrain choice buyers value.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $27,773 CAD, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $29,613 CAD average.
• It offers broad versatility with gasoline and hybrid choices.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $31,535 CAD, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $29,613 CAD average.
• It brings a more mature feel with a roomy, flexible interior and efficient powertrains.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, inventory, and owner satisfaction, the 2021 is the sensible default. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2020 is worth a look; if you want to spend more for a newer-feeling alternative, 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 overall expert score, while the RAV4 counters with a stronger safety score and a more rugged, distinctive design. You’ll also find the RAV4 has more listings available, while the CR-V averages a lower used price.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.