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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  So far so good! - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By heidigreenlaw - October 27 - 3:00 am

  Ive had this vehicle for one month - so far so good. This is my first Toyota.

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  Best Purchase Yet! - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By mcduv87 - October 25 - 2:59 am

  We previously had an 07 Tahoe and realized that our family didnt need all of the extra girth, nor did we want to keep paying $85 for a tank of gas. The Highlander so far has been a great vehicle! Were averaging close to 22 MPG which includes a good deal of stop-and-go in-town driving. The third row seat shouldnt be counted on unless youre in a pinch. The DVD entertainment system has kept the kids happy in the back seat on longer rides. We opted for the Limited edition to get all of the tech-options, but still managed to get a good deal -- close to 10% below MSRP.

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  Best SUV out there - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Cuzman - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Have the V6 4WD. An amazing machine!! Plenty of room for my 6 5" frame. The ride is so smooth, if you were blind- folded youd think you were in a luxury car. And, the safety is the best around (unless you have $50,000-$80,000 for the BMW X5). The gas mileage comes in just under my V6 Accord. Safety, great fuel economy, lots of space, great visibility all around. What more could you ask for? (And, a good price if you do your reseach and shop around a bit!!!!)

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  Not what it used to be - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By aman12 - October 24 - 2:55 am

  You may have heard of Toyotas incredible longevity and build quality. True with the 1997 Camry. Not so for this car. Build quality is horrendous. I have to take constant trips to the dealership to get rattles fixed all over the car. The armrests on the doors kept constantly braking until I finally had them replaced with plyglass (payed for by Toyota). 80k miles- a loud whine developed in reverse. Had to get the transmission replaced. Latest problem? The trunk doesnt go up all the way. Back to Toyota to get the Hydraulic mechanism replaced. Should have payed 20k not 40

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  Very satisfied - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By jarcros - October 22 - 7:43 am

  Ive bought this suv a month ago and love it. Traded in my 03 highlander b/c it didnt have 3rd row. The 05 has a lot smoother acceleration and the leather interior looks nice. Only complaint is the sunroof. First its annoying that you have to hold the button in order for it to move. I assume this is a safety feature, but its still annoying. Second, it is difficult to find the "closed" spot. If you keep holding the button trying to make sure it closes securely, it will tilt up. In the old highlander all I had to do was gently depress the button and it would open or close all the way

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  Great car! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Sig - October 22 - 5:26 am

  We were wanting to buy a Chevy Tahoe, since it was more plush and quieter. I could not justify the gas mileage on the larger Chevy. The Chevy lacked many refined details available in the toyota. Rear back up camera, well designed interior, and overall attention to detail compelled us to buy Toyota. I am not complaining about the gas mileage, overall its right at 21 MPG. The automatic rear hatch door is just fantastic. Althought the factory JBL speaker are ample sound for most people, I upgraded aftermarket by adding a more powerfull amp. I have also been critical of road noise. Not that its loud on the highway, but it certainly could use some improvement in insulation.

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  Like it a lot - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Dennis - October 21 - 10:59 pm

  I have owned a toyota before with the V6 engine and the 6 speed automatic. The 6 speed shifted smooth. The new 8 speed automatic is okay but is a bit of a dog compared to the 6 speed. This car would be perfect if Toyota had left it alone with the 6 speed auto. The 8 speed cant seem to decide which gear it should be in.

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  Good, but need better mileage &visabilit - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By twr923 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Love Love Love the Highlander, but I have noticed when changing lanes, visability on the side is impaired, hate hate the mileage, seem to be putting more and more gas in it than my 1999 camry, can anything be done, otherwise, great vehicle, good family car

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  Struts busted on 6k miles - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By teban - October 18 - 8:17 am

  I bought my highlander in october of 2013 as brand new. After driven 6kmiles, in May of 2014, R/R struts got busted, leaking and noise. I only have two kids, and never loaded it yet with more than 5 people yet until today. So why the hell the struts failed? On 6k miles? Really? Well, I dont know why. Its on the record, i got this car at oak lawn toyota of oak lawn illinois. Repairs were done in oak lawn toyota under warranty. Im giving it another chance coz I still do trust toyota, I guess I just got unlucky with that strut as a factory defect. It happens, but Im really bit worried. What if my warranty expires? Well i still do have two years? Crossing my fingers.......

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  A Great SUV - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By JG - October 18 - 4:16 am

  I purchased the Highlander the first year it was made and from my experience this is the best SUV ever built. The Highlander is designed to be a very comfortable ride as well as a great hauling vehicle. Very reliable car. I have had no problems. Excellent fit and finish. I was rear-ended by someone 2 months after purchase and hardly felt the impact - no injuries. If you are looking for a safe and fun SUV to drive for your family, the Highlander is it. I love this car.