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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Best SUV for small family - 2006 Toyota Highlander
By TXTWOLF - April 1 - 12:00 amWe have 3 dogs and one baby. I have had a few suvs (Ford Explorer, Chevy Trailblazer, Jeep Cheerokee, and Toyota Highlander) and this one is the best all around. We got the 4 cyl. for better gas milage and it is great. We live in the burbs and have no need for a 4x4 but want the flexibility of an suv. This is by far the best suv out there, we test drove the pilot and loved it, but kept coming back to the highlander and have never looked back. Great, great fun little suv!
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Disappointed - 2007 Toyota Highlander
By Martha Sanford - March 31 - 8:26 amI was disappointed in the ride. It sure didnt compare to my former Mercury Mountaineer. However the handling is very agile. Wish I had noticed how bland the cars exterior was in comparison to other suvs.
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Wow! Bigger, beautiful, fast, handles well - 2014 Toyota Highlander
By happyrc - March 31 - 12:25 amAccelerates fast (3.5 L engine) and smoothly because it has 6 speeds. I would guess 0-60 time of 7.1 like 2013 model. - Voice commands for dialing a phone, playing a song - Double wishbone rear suspension for better handling and wider 3rd row. We hardly felt speed bumps. - Shelf for cellphone, Bluetooth, hands-free - BIG 8inch GPS TOUCHSCREEN and backup camera and apps like Accuweather, traffic. and computer is snappy - side mirrors have turn light blinkers - more space behind the 3rd row - Sexy styling (looks a little like Jeep Cherokee and BMW X5) with chrome accents on the roofline. Integrated rear spoiler. The doors body tapers in toward the glass window
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Just Took Delivery - 2011 Toyota Highlander
By dexter01 - March 30 - 3:13 amWhat a difference from our 05 4-Runner. After reading the scathing reviews for the 11 4-Runner, we chose the Highlander Limited. We cannot believe hoe much more room there is in the Highlander. Our 66" son can easily fit behind the wheel and in the second seat. Plenty of head and leg room all around. The V6 is smooth, powerful and really quiet. The navigation system will take a little while to master, but so far I have not become discouraged. I really like the re-design and the interior fit and finish are really Lexus-like. I am very pleased with our decision and expect to enjoy this vehicle for many years to come.
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Ooh lala awesum! - 2017 Toyota Highlander
By Kerry - March 28 - 5:57 amLove love this car , I have been driving it for a month and love it!
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Love My Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
By Carol Mc - March 19 - 10:00 amI really like Toyotas - having previously owned 2 Avalons. But I like the ease of in/out of a vehicle and visability of a van. But NOT a van person. It rides great, gas mileage is very good and has ROOM.
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2003 2wd Highlander LTD - 2003 Toyota Highlander
By dsb - March 19 - 10:00 amThis is my 15th toyota, and definitely my favorite..It is so comfortable, handles well, and has plenty of comfort features..Also drove Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder..No comparison!!
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I like my new Highlander 2008 - 2008 Toyota Highlander
By Joseph J - March 18 - 9:30 pmI got this on 20th Aug 2007 and I like it. I enjoyed the power, interior, steering controls and audio system with subwoofer. I have one problem, my GPS system doesnt work if I fix it right in the center of the front windshield, but works well if I fix it on the right or left ends of windshield. Dont know why!!
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5ft 3 in - 2015 Toyota Highlander
By beancie - March 16 - 8:49 pmI am 5ft 3 in tall, this car is way to big for me. I feel like a mini kid, the seats are very large, controls are too far away, the seat will not go high enough for me. the *biggest* problem is I need the seat forward and then to look out the front side windows, the side mirrors are very large and take up some viewing space..... making it very difficult to see if someone is about to cross in front of the car. I have the 2105 Limited. test drive this car in a lot of different areas/roads, check all forward blind spots.... no problem with rear or back side blind spots because it has the blind spot indicator good luck
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I LOVE MY HIGHLANDER - 2005 Toyota Highlander
By L.B. Rawls - March 15 - 10:06 pmI bought the Toyota Highlander for its functionality and cargo space, but find that it is one of the most comfortable cars Ive ever owned, and while not sporty or flashy, it is comfortable beyond expectations, and at my age, that is very important! I wish the gas mileage was better, but you cant have everything!
