How much does the 2021 Toyota Avalon cost?

Prices are up 3.31% year-over-year — a sign of continued demand for this model year.

There are 196 listings available, which suggests a modest amount of inventory for shoppers to compare. If you find a listing below $26,560.14, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon a good car?

Generally — the 2021 Toyota Avalon earns a 4.33/5 user rating and a 6/10 expert rating. The model scores 7/10 across Look and feel, Technology, and Safety.

Drivers consistently praise its luxurious features, smooth ride, and safety attributes, and many also call out the spacious interior and comfortable seating. The Avalon’s positioning as a larger, more upscale alternative to the Camry fits that feedback well, especially if you want a roomy sedan with a premium feel without moving all the way into Lexus territory.

The trade-offs are clear: the base engine is underwhelming, the technology is outdated, and all-wheel drive is limited to the I-4 engine. That means you should view it as a comfort-first sedan with some personality, not a cutting-edge tech pick.

With 32.1% of listings marked as good or great deals, there is still some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon reliable?

Owners rate it 4.33/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction. The user feedback also points to a car that feels dependable and trouble-free enough to inspire confidence, with praise centered on comfort, safety, and the kind of ownership experience people can count on over time.

The expert drive notes reinforce that impression by describing the Avalon as stable, secure, and composed over rough pavement, with predictable handling and a quiet cabin. Toyota also includes free scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles of driving, which helps reduce early ownership costs.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about basic durability and more about whether you’re comfortable living with its dated tech and limited powertrain flexibility.

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

At 67.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage example or one priced near the low end of the market. Focus on condition, prior repairs, and whether the car’s equipment matches the trim you want, since feature content varies meaningfully across versions.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The XLE and Limited are the comfort-focused choices, while the XSE Nightshade, XSE Hybrid, Touring, and TRD lean more toward sport and performance. Base versions miss some of the more upscale interior touches, and lower trims also face headlight-related safety limitations.
• Powertrain: You get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with AWD, a standard 301-hp 3.5-liter V6, or a hybrid setup that can return up to 44 mpg in combined driving. The four-cylinder is adequate, but it is the least exciting option.
• Safety package: Toyota Safety Sense-P includes full-speed-range adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also standard, while the optional Advanced Safety Package adds a surround-view camera system, parking assist sonar, and rear automatic braking.
• Infotainment: Every Avalon has a 9-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and Toyota connected services. The upgraded system adds dynamic navigation, voice recognition, over-the-air updates during the trial period, and a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system.
• Fuel efficiency: The AWD four-cylinder is rated at 28 mpg combined, and the hybrid can achieve up to 44 mpg combined.

Which 2021 Toyota Avalon trim should I buy?

The 2021 Toyota Avalon is offered in 5 trim levels: XLE, Limited, XSE Nightshade, XSE Hybrid, and TRD.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The XLE is the sensible starting point, but it misses some of the more upscale presentation and the sportier character found higher up the range.
• Sweet-spot trim: The Limited is the best all-around pick if you want the Avalon’s more premium cabin, real wood trim, and available AWD without going to the most specialized versions.
• Premium/top trim: The TRD is the most distinctive choice if you want extra performance and style, but it is less about luxury and more about personality.
• Off-road trim: None of the trims are aimed at off-road use, so there is no daily-driver caution to weigh here.

Toyota Safety Sense-P is standard across the lineup, but lower trims are limited by poorer headlight performance, which keeps them from earning the top IIHS award.

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

The market looks moderate, so you can shop selectively without expecting a flood of bargain listings.

• Deal availability: 32.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 196 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices are up 3.31% year-over-year.
• Clean inventory: 67.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $26,560.14, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Toyota Avalon's resale value?

The current average of $29,573 sits slightly above last year's $28,625.

That upward move suggests the Avalon is holding value reasonably well for a shrinking sedan segment. If prices continue to rise, future sellers may benefit from the model’s relative scarcity and its appeal to shoppers who still want a large, comfortable car.

The market also appears to reward the Avalon’s premium positioning and strong comfort reputation, which can help support demand when you decide to sell. Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.33/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon safe?

It earns an overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and top scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

Toyota Safety Sense-P is standard, and it includes full-speed-range adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also standard, and the optional Advanced Safety Package adds a surround-view camera system, parking assist sonar, and rear automatic braking.

The main caveat is that lower trims are held back by poor headlight performance, which keeps the Avalon from qualifying for a Top Safety Pick award.

Should I buy a 2021 Toyota Avalon 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:

• 32.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 67.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices are up 3.31% year-over-year.
• Owners rate it 4.33/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• It bridges the Camry and Lexus ES with a roomy cabin and a more premium feel than a mainstream sedan.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $28,255, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $29,573 average.
• It was revitalized by the TNGA platform and still feels like a flagship full-size sedan.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest mix of comfort, safety, and market availability, the 2021 is the better target. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2020 is the smarter value play, especially if you can find one in good condition with the equipment you want.

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