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 Ive Had - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Nick - June 19 - 8:40 pm

  We bought this SUV after a lot of research. It seemed to have what we were looking for in a family car. We have had it for almost three years and love it. We use either 89 or 93 octane fuel and consistently get 23-24 mpg in city and highway. The seats are not as comfy as my old Ford Ranger when it comes to long trips (3+ hrs) but they are fine for normal travel. It handles like a nice car. We really love everything about this car and have no major complaints. We would recommend considering one to anyone who asks. We did wish it was a little cheaper at the time of purchase, but we figured we will get what we pay for. Our Highlander is a keeper.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Nick - June 16 - 4:00 pm

  Excellent family SUV. Plenty of leg room and storage. Great for the occasional towing of a couple of waverunners. We have enjoyed the ride and comfort this vehicle offers. Highly recommend.

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  02 shines in mountains - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By DJ DeLano - June 14 - 2:40 am

  Heated seats, leather, pwr sunroof,newer Cooper tires.

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  Traded in 2004 - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By MHess23 - June 10 - 3:46 pm

  Toyotas hold their value and I traded in my 2004 Limited Highlander for this 2008. I liked my 2004 but love the 2008. Many new options and great ride. I purchased fully loaded Limited with GPS/nav and DVD player. Best plus is the captains chair in the 2nd row. Plenty of room for my 8 year old in the 3rd row. My kids absolutely love this car. Sirius satellite and Bluetooth technology are awesome as well. Have fun with this SUV!!

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  Honeymoon Not Over For Ex-Minivan Mom! - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Patty and Phil - June 10 - 2:56 am

  "Minivan mom" for 10 years. Wanted change but keep power, space & luxury. Own the V6 Ltd in Bluestone Metallic with the 6-disc CD & moonroof. Too bad no factory gray leather, but the cloth is very pretty and very comfortable. LOVE THE FENDER FLARES! Negotiated my heart out - eventually able to get a 2001 when the 2002s came out for about $600 over invoice.Go for it!

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  THE BEST HIGHLANDER TO BOOT! - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Ben Richards - June 8 - 8:45 pm

  The 2017 redesigned Highlander is the best SUV on the market. It still retains the luxury SUV feel and comfort, all while bringing in new and improved upgrades! The new upgrades to the transmission makes stressful driving a thing of the past, with its comfortable shifting, cruising when you need it and power when you really need to step on it and put the pedal to the floor! And let me tell you, this baby has 5 USB ports! Who needs 5 USB ports you ask? Any family where the kiddos need to be constantly attached to their devices, thats who! That is genius on Toyotas part, now I dont have to listen to my kids complain and moan while we are all in the car. All I have to do is plug them in and they shut up for hours! I wouldnt consider anything other than the brand new 2017 Highlander, it has comfort, luxury, and power! I dont know what that other guy was talking about, if he really drove a Highlander he would know that everything pales in comparision to this beast of a machine! Plus, its got black tires, and who doesnt love that?

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  Love my Highlander! - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By jodi - June 3 - 10:11 pm

  I traded in my Toyota Sienna for the Highlander XLE AWD. I was concerned about losing too much space, but I didnt. I do miss the sliding doors. It was nice not to have doors in the way when youre loading and unloading kids. If youve had a mini man, you will understand that. Drives so smooth. Far less road noise. With my radio going, I feel like Im in my own little world. The broadcast radio doesnt sound super, but when you play from bluetooth or XM, it sounds great! I opted for the black leather interior. its stitched with brown thread and theres also some brown leather accents on the doors and dash. Super stylish, manly enough for my husband, but still very chic for me. Love the screen! Wish I was able to add my own apps to the entune suite (like Spotify) since I already subscribe. You cannot access any of the entune apps without subscription. Bummer. Back up camera is nice has a wide angle. Something very important to me since Ive have had two cervical fusions and my neck does not crank around easily to back up. This is a nice helper and makes me more at ease. Think we got a decent deal and I love it. If I were to change things, theyd be very minor. Happy with my purchase!!

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  High Lander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Leader - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Both it with 12,500 miles. Could not be more happy. Quality, interior room, drives like a car, very smooth. It is really a solid vehicle. It inspires reliability bumper to bumper. My is dark blue (navy blue) and brings sun roof & Privacy Glass giving the appearance of semi luxury and cool fresh look to fit everywhere I go.

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  Love this SUV!!! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By malibulady - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I am so impressed with the way the Highlander handles and rides like a car. The AWD is definitely the way to go. I feel very secure in the Highlander.

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  dont consider another mid-size suv - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Pantz - May 28 - 10:00 am

  We recently bought a 2002 highlander to replace a 4-door car. We wanted reliability and comfort (2 tall people) for long drives between florida and north carolina. After several SUV test drives, there is no competition. i dont ever want another car! we love it.