Overview & Reviews

A pioneering vehicle in many ways, the Toyota Highlander was one of the first midsize crossover SUVs to be sold in America when it debuted in 2001. With its car-based unibody design, the original Highlander provided many benefits over Toyota's more traditional SUVs, including better handling, higher fuel mileage, a quieter cabin, improved crashworthiness and easier entry and exit for passengers.

Since then, the Toyota Highlander has gone on to become one of the most popular crossovers available, appealing to shoppers who want a vehicle with SUV styling, plenty of versatility for hauling cargo and a third-row seat. The third-generation Highlander has the most seating capacity, while the second generation has the most rear cargo space. That said, a Highlander of any vintage is one of the better values out there for those seeking a comfortable, easy-to-drive vehicle that can carry a fair amount of cargo and passengers and handle snow and ice during the winter months while still delivering decent fuel economy.

Current Toyota Highlander
Redesigned for 2014, the current Toyota Highlander is a few inches longer than the previous-generation model and sports notably more aggressive styling. The cabin has also been modernized: Many of the cabin's previously hard plastic surfaces are now covered with softer materials, and the electronics are more up to date.

The Highlander is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Base front-drive models come with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine making 185 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. All other Highlanders have an impressively efficient 3.5-liter V6 good for 270 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard with either engine. There is also a Toyota Highlander Hybrid that delivers considerably better fuel economy. It is covered in a separate review.

Toyota Highlander shoppers can choose among four trim levels: LE, LE Plus, XLE and Limited. Highlights of the base LE include 18-inch wheels, a touchscreen display, a rearview camera, Bluetooth and an iPod/USB interface. Moving up to the LE Plus gets you a flip-up rear window, a power liftgate, a power driver seat and tri-zone climate control. The XLE's perks include keyless ignition and entry, a sunroof, leather upholstery, a navigation system and Toyota's Entune suite of smartphone app-based services. The top-dog Limited sports 19-inch wheels, upgraded leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, second-row captain's chairs, ambient interior lighting and an upgraded audio system. Additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring, frontal collision warning/mitigation and lane-departure warning systems are also available on the Limited.

On the road, the Highlander's near-silent V6 engine is complemented by a liquid-smooth six-speed automatic transmission with the refinement you might expect in a Lexus. Acceleration is among the best in this class. Unless your budget will only allow the four-cylinder engine, the V6 is the way to go. Maximum passenger capacity is eight -- more than most other crossovers. The third-row seat is still really only suitable for children, but the second row slides and reclines, maximizing comfort. The interior looks and feels upscale and there are plenty of storage areas for your personal items. Overall, we highly recommend the Highlander if you're shopping for a large, three-row crossover SUV.

Used Toyota Highlander Models
The second-generation Toyota Highlander was produced from 2008-'13. It was significantly larger than the previous model in nearly every way, adding shoulder room, hiproom and legroom all around as well as additional cargo capacity.

This generation Highlander felt spry on the road and was easy to drive, with especially brisk acceleration coming from the V6 engine. We liked the quiet, roomy cabin that seated up to seven passengers. While the Highlander's third row was less spacious than those of some rivals, it was easy to reach thanks to a nifty 40/20/40-split second row with a removable center seat that facilitated walk-through access. Cargo space was also down compared to larger crossovers, but this Highlander should still be roomy enough for almost any family.

For 2008, the only available engine was a 270-hp 3.5-liter V6. In 2009 it was joined by a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that made 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive were standard, and all-wheel drive was available with the V6.

Available trim levels, depending on the year, were base, Sport, SE, Plus and Limited. Standard equipment on the base Highlander included air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and the 40/20/40-split second row bench seat. The Sport trim level (2008-'10) added a more firmly tuned suspension, a rearview camera, a flip-up rear window in the liftgate and a power-adjustable driver seat.

For 2011, Toyota discontinued the Sport trim level and made most of that trim level's equipment standard on the SE (2010-'13). The SE also had a sunroof, heated seats, leather upholstery and an upgraded audio system. The Plus (2013 only) had similar equipment to the Sport. For the Limited, Toyota added 19-inch wheels, tri-zone automatic climate control, upgraded upholstery and a front passenger seat. Major options for this Highlander included a navigation system and a rear-seat entertainment system.

If you're shopping for a second-generation model, take note that the 2008 through 2010 models had a less versatile third-row seat with a one-piece bench design rather than the 2010-'13 model's 50/50-split seat. For 2011, Toyota also mildly updated the Highlander's exterior styling.

The first-generation Toyota Highlander was produced from 2001-'07. It was powered by either a 155-hp four-cylinder engine or a 220-hp 3.0-liter V6. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard. In 2004 the V6 was bumped up to 3.3 liters and 230 hp, and models so equipped received a five-speed automatic transmission, while four-cylinder models soldiered on with the four-speed unit (and 5 extra hp). Available trim levels were base, Sport and Limited.

Base models came equipped with a respectable amount of equipment, including air-conditioning, power accessories, cruise control and a CD player. The Sport trim spiced things up with 17-inch alloys, a sport-tuned suspension, foglights, a power driver seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. The Limited added heated outside mirrors, power front seats, a fold-flat third-row seat (as of 2004) and an upgraded JBL sound system. Popular options included leather seating, an in-dash CD changer, a towing package and -- on the Limited model only -- a navigation system.

Shoppers interested in a used Toyota Highlander might want to confine their search to 2004 models and newer, not just because of the power increase, but also because a third-row seat and rear DVD entertainment system were newly available, enabling the Highlander to remain competitive with the strengthening crop of midsize crossover SUVs. Other significant changes for '04 included the addition of stability control and a tire-pressure warning system as standard equipment, as well as newly optional side curtain airbags for the first and second rows (which became standard on '07 models).

User Reviews:

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  Love this car! - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By bfantastic - May 16 - 10:50 pm

  My 2006 Highlander is still going strong, without any problems. Its been a fun, reliable, and totally worthwhile ride. Were getting ready to retire a 1989 Corolla, and the plan is to get another Highlander.

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  Beware of short-comings - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Drivers Ed - May 16 - 12:23 pm

  After having the Highlander for a few months it is fun to drive and I do like the car. But the biggest trouble is that the Sport and Limited levels (including hybrids) have 19 inch wheels with odd size tires. There is basically 2 tires to choose from, plus a few snow tires. Thats the only choice you have, and these tires are scary on snow. I have my tires rotated at the dealer, and from their write up, itll probably last 20,000 miles in which case will cost almost $1,000 to replace (not easy to find either). Wish the space behind third row was longer as well as split third row to make it more usable. I think the Honda Pilot would be a better choice.

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  Great Car - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By jkelly - May 16 - 4:13 am

  Rides very well.. handles like a car. Have no problem carrying very large stuff in the back without having to put it up on the roof. No complaints.

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  test drove and it was awesome - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By bill newlun - May 15 - 10:00 am

  i could not get over the ride of this vehicle it was very smooth to ride in, quit, comfortable, roomy ,drove very well,seem impressive on hills and road driving,i would say if i could afford this highlander i would buy it , but the price is a little steap, and the payments would keep youbusy and there would be no play time or vacation fun just work until its paid off ,

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  Very Good -- not Great - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Bill - May 13 - 9:20 am

  I have driven it over 5K miles. Overall, I think it is a good car. Its very peppy at slow speeds and is great on mountain roads. At high speeds, on the interstate, the transmission continually shifts on minor hills until its annoying. Rush hour on the interstate is not fun! Downshifting is slow and uncertain! Its almost dangerous when trying to change lanes quickly. It holds the road great, steering is very responsive, allwheel drive is very good and it rides smoothly. Gas mileage is poor - about 22; only 10% better than my full size Chevy pickup and my Lexus LS 400.

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  Awful Suspension - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Loaded4th - May 10 - 11:10 pm

  The Highlander used to be one of the best rides around, however, the latest version is a real kidney shaker. This may be fine for those who wish to tear around corners, but its brutal on a long distance drive. Although the Limited version has better suspension, it still falls short of the earlier models.

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  Good SUV, Bad Tires - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By TopDawg - May 9 - 11:40 am

  Love the car itself. Have 22K miles on it so far. Toyo A20 245/55R19 tires are nearing the end. Dealers in town know these tires are fast wearing but only want to sell the same or the equally bad Bridgestone Dueler HL. Toyota still putting A20 on 2010 models. Local dealer said I can change size but it may throw off performance. I see posts of near accidents related to tires on this site. Otherwise car handles quite nicely with VSC option and has lots of room and zoom (V6).

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  We did our homework! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By JohnJ - May 7 - 2:00 am

  We researched for nearly 3 months. Toyota by far has the best products. We purchased our Highlander from Toyota of Easley in South Carolina. This is an excellent dealership (ask for Jim Goss), anyone in the tri-state area (NC, SC, GA) looking for a Toyota, should contact them. They have all of their selling prices listed on their web site so it makes things easier to deal with. We purchased a Highlander 2WD, bluestone, leather interior, roof rack, alloy wheels, power seat, privacy glass, floor mats, cargo net, keyless entry, tonneau cover and tow prep. $25,600. If your in the market for an SUV or family car, give the Highlander a look.

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  Almost there - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Pedro - April 30 - 4:56 am

  I bought a 2006 Toyota Highlander in July. It was a good purchase but a little more than I could afford - dealers have a way of making you spend more than you should. I love the color and the smell of the car although I bought it used with only 8700 miles. The ride is good but a little noisy - it may be wind noise when the windows are down. Gas mileage seems pretty good but not as good as I was promised. I drive mostly in the city and get about 19 to 20 miles to the gallon. I have a large family and needed the extra seating. The rear seat is a little cramped for my older ones but it is OK for my younger kids. I hope this is a reliable car.

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  Thumbs Up!! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Tony - April 26 - 8:40 pm

  I just purchased the 03 Highlander about a month ago and it is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned (owning brand new 00 Grand Am and 03 Silverado prior). It had about 44,000 miles on the odometer and it still drives like new. We test drove an 02 Rendezvous with only 20,000 miles and still drove off with this vehicle. It is very quiet even on the windiest days. The gas mileage is consistently reading around 18 to 20 mpg, which for a midsize is pretty impressive. We bought this because we needed a familly vehicle with my wife delivering our first born a week later, and am totaly secure driving my family around in the Highlander.