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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  I love my Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By miki12 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  The Highlander has great pick up for a 4 cyl. especially when entering the highway or in a passing situation. It has handled very vell in snow/ice conditions. The front wheel drive seemed to have a smoother ride than the AWD during my test drive. More car like thank truck like. The interior is roomy. My only regret is that I did not get the optional 3rd row seat. The dashboard is easy to read and controls are "user friendly"

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  I like this SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Pat Gron - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Comes loaded with lots of standard equipment, does not need many options. 2002 model has full console standard between front buckets which was not on 2001 model. Came equipped with optional Privacy Glass, roof rack, running lights, aluminum wheels, cargo and floor mats and keylees entry. Has wonderful ride and handling. Options are on pricey side. Paid $27,200 complete with NJ sales tax and fees.

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  Excellent Car - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Shark - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Very Very good Car!

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  Pleased so far - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Owner in Austin - July 7 - 5:50 pm

  We purchased our 04 Highlander new in Nov 04 after extensive research and dealing. 5000 miles later were pleased with our decision. In addition to day to day commuting we have used it for several long trips, including one with the vehicle packed completely full of furniture. It is comfortable and stable to drive, and has performed competently under a wide range of driving and load conditions. Very versatile and capable.

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  All great except the roof rack - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By edmundsperson - July 6 - 8:21 am

  The roof rack is fixed 27 inches apart only. The racks cannot be moved beyond 27 inches for a larger separation. I have not been able to find an after market roof rack that will fit on the roof for a greater separation. Toyota claims to have researched this problem by asking people. Toyota also said no one uses the rack anyway. LOL. If you need to carry bikes, surfboards, kayaks, canoes, etc. you will have to carry them with racks that are only 27 inches apart. Would that 27" separation be safe? Toyota must think so in their design. Good luck!

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  Summer fun starts with highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Greenviller - June 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car two weeks ago. Highly recommend it to everyone. It drives smoothly, just like a great car.

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  Luv It - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Rosie Gamgee - June 30 - 10:00 am

  This was my first new car in 10 years. Didnt know I could love a car this much! Looked around for a long time to find the right car. This was it. Absolutely no problems and drives like a dream. Seems like the vehicle was designed just for me. Everything is exactly where it should be (at my fingertips). Ride is so smooth. Wonderful in the snow and slush of Upstate NY. Plan on keeping this vehicle a very long time! Thanks Toyota for designing and building a car for all of the Moms who have outgrown the mini van.

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  Very Happy and the right size - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Bryan - June 29 - 8:06 pm

  Owned the Limited AWD for about 3 months. Gas mileage low 18.1 high 27.2. Average since purchase is 21.5. Excellent mileage on long trips. Like the size, not too big or too small and the step-in height is also very comfortable. Reminds me of the size of my old 1998 Explorer but nicer in every way. Engine louder during warmup, very quiet thereafter. Smooth ride, quiet interior, and good gas mileage for its size (mid-sized) were my top 3 requirements and it has lived up to my expectations thus far.

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  Mechanically reliable, no frills vehicle. - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By j_ash - June 29 - 6:06 am

  I bought my 03 about two years ago with about 70k miles. I had to replace the HVAC blower motor (approx $250) because of an annoying rattle. Aside from that issue Ive had no other machanical problems at 115k. I will say that the front seat is uncomfortable and is ill suited to long drives. The cabin materials in general are cheaper than other cars Ive owned in the past. The carpet is super thin and the leather is of substandard quality in my opinion. A good car if you dont care about the ugly, cheap interior.nion. Not a bad car if you dont care about the interior.

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  Great Car! - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Jay Kim - June 25 - 2:31 pm

  I love this model. However I had to replace rear right shock assembly because oil leaking. I noticed that some unuaual banging sound when I cross over some step or safety block. I replaced it and I am happy now. Hopefully no other issues with my brand new car.