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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  The nicest Toyota yet. - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By bajarainny - December 5 - 2:16 am

  Having traded in our 04 Camry, this Highlander is our 5th Toyota. The styling for 2011 is much improved over the 08-10 version and can actually be called a "looker". After 2 weeks of owning it, Ive had two strangers stop me and ask about it. Having a great time with the navigation system and bluetooth phone set up and the entertainment system seems to work well (kids and grandchild). At first, I was a little daunted by all the electronics and technology, but Im one of those guys who does read the manuals (no fewer than 6 came with the car) and learning how to use everything is fun. The best part is, its a Toyota and everything works as it was designed to.

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  Wonderful Except in Snow - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Bosco - December 4 - 12:13 pm

  Bought this for my wife to replace a van looking to improve snow performance. THE VAN WAS FAR BETTER. Thats right, AWD and horrible in the snow and ice. If this isnt enough you cant buy all season tires that are good in the snow due to the size of the tire!!! Your only option is to purchase one of two snow tires on the market at about $1K and deal with having to change twice annually. Only buy this vehicle where snow and ice is not an issue.

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  I love my Highlander ! ! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Julie - December 1 - 8:10 pm

  I love this SUV. I would buy it again in a second. It has been very reliable. I have about 110,000 miles on it and have never had a moments trouble out of it. Just the regular oil changes and tire rotations.

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  Best SUV in market today - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Solid performance - November 29 - 8:23 pm

  This is one of the best SUVs out there in the market today. No problem with snow and slippery roads with very comfortable ride on bumpy roads. Great exterior and interior design with reasonable price. Build quality and reliability is excellent so far. Ride is on the soft side but secure. Lots of room in front and back seats, I do not use 3rd row so lots of cargo room.

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  07 highlander - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By gmh1013 - November 27 - 11:50 pm

  Bought it to move across country, the only complaint is tires are showing wear very fast. Just rotated at 6k, but should last till 15k or so and replace with BF Goodrich tires. With 4 cyl I get about 24-25 mpg average. Cruised across west Texas at over 80 mph loaded with stuff and still got 24mpg on hwy.

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  Not a Seven Passenger Vehicle - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By ztimulating - November 26 - 12:26 pm

  Well these must be selling lot hot cakes because the dealer tried to add $500 to the price when we picked it up. We ordered the Limited in order to get the safety package toyota calls the "tech package". the tech package costs $1500 but of course only available on the highest trim - worked on us. I took the car to work on volunteered to drive everyone to lunch. OMG how embarrassing, each guy only got one "cheek" on the back seat. dont try to stuff three grown ups in the back seat, it doesnt work.

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  Very good vehicle - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By gunma - November 26 - 6:43 am

  Has everything I need in a car in these times: good power, fuel economy for its size, and reliability (fingers crossed). Its no Infiniti in looks but neither is it a hulking Pilot. Never thought I would get a Highlander, but one look in person changed my mind.

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  Speechless - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By jfahlmann - November 25 - 7:45 pm

  I recently purchased a 2001 Limited Edition Highlander with 45 thousand miles from a good friend. After a month I heard a noise and checked the oil which was empty. Now I fill it once per week. I was told it was either a cheap part or the rings in the motor. I am getting a second opinion but am heartbroken. I cannot afford the loan plus getting a brand new motor. I really do love the vehicle but not with this price.

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  Very pleased - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Dave - November 25 - 5:56 am

  Ive been very happy with this vehicle. It has many nice options and is quite comfortable. The ride is very smooth and I like the overall design. Im not quite as happy with the gas mileage as I had expected in my stop and go trip to work, Im lucky to get 17 or at best 18 mpg. Im very pleased with the interior upgrades that come with the limited, the materials are as nice as my Navigator and nicer than my former 4Runner. Im not thrilled with the steering, a bit soft. And heavy accelerations isnt well accepted by this transmission...over-revs and down shifts too hard. In regard to the steering and acceleration, Id take the 4Runner any day, but overall other features make it even.

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  Highander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Jimaam - November 24 - 10:00 am

  A great car that handles and drives wonderfully and it is very easy to manuever in parking lots. It has traction control and AWD and it works great on slippery roads.