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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  Almost 10 in TN - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By tjpirtle - May 18 - 10:43 am

  I purchased the 2.4L 4 cyl. and Im very pleased with its performance. The gas mileage is great city/hwy 24mpg. Handling is solid & steady. Light roll when cornering. Road noise at 80 mph was good. The interior is very good. Im 62" and the room in front and rear is very good. Theres very little to complain with this vehicle.

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  Great Value, Great Vehicle - 2015 Toyota Highlander
  By buffalo16 - May 17 - 12:02 pm

  Great for a family of 4. The vehicle has plenty of technology and safety features. It is quite to drive and gets the 18/20/24 EPAs MPG estimates as advertised, at least from my experience. The vehicle drives well and is extremely comfortable. My only complaint is the voice recognition software on the Entune system - it is horrible. Toyota really needs to focus on this issue for their 2016 model, and hopefully provide some software updates for the 14/15 year models. At this price point, the system performance is unacceptable.

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  Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By RRFisher - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had the Highlander for just over one year (2002 model) and it has been a dream to own. I had one seal (slight squeek when barely rolling) that had to be replaced at 3 months. Other than that it has been oil change and lube. I have not had one complaint. On the highway it is as nice to drive and ride as our Lexus.

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  Ex-Jeep owner - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Love my Toyota - May 12 - 9:26 pm

  Love my Toyota. Used to own 4 Jeep Grand Cherokees over the years, but quality and customer service deteriorated over the years. Purchased a Lexus GX 470 for the wife and loved it. Purchased a Highlander for myself. Nice how that works huh? After 47,000, no issues, just changed the engine oil every 5,000 miles, transmission fluid and tires. I will stick with the Toyota family of cars/trucks for good.

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  Whatamistake - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Whatamistake - May 12 - 2:13 pm

  I owned a 07 Mitsubishi Endeavor and traded with this vehicle for more seating capacity. I thought Toyota is dependable but I was wrong. Something is draining the battery AND brakes travels longer at first stop. I freaked out when it feels my vehicle will not stop. Dreaded when I come back to my vehicle and wondering if it will start. NHTSA has many reports in regards to my brake issue. Toyota have not recall this vehicle and hope it will soon.

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  Comfy, but lacks refinement - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By rkramer455 - May 9 - 3:06 am

  Overall its a comfortable vehicle with lots of leg room in the rear. However, using it for travel to cycling events has shown major problems. With a hitch rack on the back and gear inside, the rear end squats and the front raises up. This causes the front to wander dangerously, especially in the rain. The tire wear problem is well known and at 35k miles, expect to replace them. There have been numerous rattles in the doors and currently the rear seat vibrates loudly even at low speeds. The FWD just has poor traction and easily spins its wheels at the stop light.

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  Best SUV value - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Barbara F - May 8 - 10:43 pm

  I bought this SUV late June after considering multiple sedans and other model SUVs. I test drove the Highlander and instantly fell in love with the drive and comfort. So far, gas mileage is OK (havent really officially clocked city and highway) and the air conditioning system is great! (Cools the car within seconds.) Overall, this car is a great value for the money. The 4 cylinder engine has enough pep for both highway and city driving so I didnt see a need to purchase the V6 model.

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  Happy with 2nd Highlander & recommend - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By RWNJ - May 8 - 7:43 am

  I traded my 2005 Highlander for a Classic Silver Metallic 2008. Love the new looks! Very happy with the improved braking, steering and overall power. Love the convenience of opening the rear hatch window. The ride and suspension are not quite as smoothe as my 2005 Limited was, but this is a sport suspension and the car now has 19 inch tires and larger base. The new Limited felt about the same to me, so I went with the sporty look and happy with it. I love the layout of the new controls, large and easy to find everything. I miss the armrest. Even the door side is too low to rest an arm on - I am 55". Rear backup screen & the sensors I added are nice to have. Overall, thumbs up!

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  Review Toyota 2001 Highlander - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By rod wadman - May 5 - 4:16 am

  Has a nice style to it. Rides smoothly for an SUV. We are amazed at the performance of this four cylinder engine. When driving in the Colorado rockies, if you take it out of overdrive, it climbs as well as any larger engine.

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  My other two cars are Lexus - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Jim S - May 4 - 8:36 pm

  My daughter has a 2014 Highlander and after driving it several times, I knew I eventually had to have one. The many included safety features was a big plus for me and there are times the eight seats helps with grandkids. My mealage on highway is 28 and I take many long trips. The ride with the big tires is comparable to Lexus and I think it is better looking than the RX.. Toyota reliability is legendary, so I plan on keeping it a long time.