Used 2021 Toyota Avalon for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 Toyota Avalon cost?

Prices have held steady compared to this time last year, signaling a stable and predictable market for this model year.

There are 184 listings available, which suggests a relatively limited pool of used Avalons to shop from.

Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon a good car?

Generally — the 2021 Toyota Avalon earns a 4.3/5 user rating and a 6.00/10 expert rating. The model scores 7/10 across Look and feel, Technology, and Safety.

Drivers consistently praise its luxurious features, smooth ride, spacious interior, comfortable seating, and strong performance, especially from the TRD version. In context, that fits a large sedan that aims to feel roomier and more upscale than a mainstream midsize car while bridging the gap between the Camry and the Lexus ES. The main trade-offs are its underwhelming base engine, the lack of all-wheel drive outside the I-4 setup, and outdated technology. Even so, 33.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon reliable?

Owners rate it 4.3/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

Drivers describe it as dependable, comfortable, and safe, with a reputation for a smooth, trouble-free ownership experience. The expert test-drive notes also point to predictable handling, a comfortable ride, and strong powertrain isolation, all of which support confidence over time. 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 making sure the car was maintained well, especially given the age and complexity of higher-content trims.

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

At 71.2% 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 the car has any accident history or optional equipment. Focus on body condition, signs of prior repair, and whether the features you want are actually present on the trim you’re considering. Because the Avalon can vary meaningfully by trim and package, it’s worth confirming equipment before you commit.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The XLE and Limited are the comfort-focused choices, while the XSE Nightshade, XSE Hybrid, Touring, and TRD bring sportier styling; the base trims can miss some of the more upscale visual and performance touches.
• Powertrain: You can 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.
• Safety package: Toyota Safety Sense-P is standard and 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 audio system.
• Fuel efficiency: The AWD four-cylinder returns 28 mpg in combined driving in testing, and the hybrid is noted for up to 44 mpg in combined driving.

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:

• XLE: This is the most straightforward choice if you want the Avalon’s comfort, space, and standard safety tech without paying for extra styling or performance content.
• Limited: This is the best-value trim if you want the Avalon’s more upscale cabin touches, including the richer interior presentation and available premium equipment.
• XSE Nightshade: Choose this if you want the sportier blacked-out look and a more aggressive appearance without moving all the way to the TRD.
• XSE Hybrid: This is the efficiency-focused option if you want the Avalon formula with hybrid fuel economy.
• TRD: Pick this if you want the most performance-oriented Avalon, since it adds extra performance and style.

Toyota Safety Sense-P is standard across the lineup, but the lower-trim headlight performance keeps the Avalon from earning a Top Safety Pick 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 deep buyer’s market.

• Deal availability: 33.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 184 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 71.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $26,547, 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 $27,800 sits slightly above last year's $27,531.

That small increase suggests the Avalon has held its value fairly steadily rather than swinging sharply in either direction. For a future seller, that kind of stability is helpful because it points to a market that is still willing to pay consistent money for the car. The limited supply of 184 listings also supports pricing discipline, especially for cleaner examples with desirable equipment.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.3/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon safe?

The 2021 Toyota Avalon 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 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. One caveat is that lower-trim headlight performance 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:

• 33.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 71.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.3/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 adds AWD availability and Android Auto, while keeping the Avalon’s roomy, upscale character.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $27,369, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $27,800 average.
• It’s a revitalized flagship sedan with strong safety and a spacious cabin.

The bottom line: If you want the newer model-year features and a stable price trend, the 2021 is the better default choice. If your priority is saving money and you’re comfortable giving up some of the 2021 updates, the 2020 is the value-minded alternative.

How does the 2021 Toyota Avalon compare to the 2021 Honda Accord?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Toyota Avalon:

• Pros: Comfortable, Spacious, TRD trim adds extra performance and style.
• Cons: All-wheel drive only available with the I-4 engine, Underwhelming base engine, Outdated technology.

2021 Honda Accord:

• Pros: Stylish design, Great handling, Spacious.
• Cons: All-wheel drive not available, Outdated technology.

Our experts score the 2021 Toyota Avalon 6/10 and the 2021 Honda Accord 9.2/10. The Avalon is the more upscale-feeling large sedan, with a comfort-first mission and a TRD trim that adds extra personality. The Accord counters with a lower average used price, stronger handling, and broader market availability. If you want a bigger, more traditional sedan, the Avalon makes sense; if you want the better all-around value and driving balance, the Accord is the stronger pick.

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