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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  Smooth & Powerful Drivetrain. Gas Mileage disappoints - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By spottedone - November 5 - 7:59 am

  I purchased this Highlander Limited early August and have about 2500 miles on it. I just completed a trip from Phoenix to San Diego. I bought the car for the smooth, quiet ride and performance and it has not disappointed. I had test drove an Infiniti SUV and the Acura MDX. Overall, I am happy with the car. The gas mileage has ranged from 19.4 to 22mpg. My Low fuel warning light is coming on too early with about 4.5 gal remaining in tank. This is around 322 miles which is very irritating. I think the Navigation system is too complicated as evidenced by the large instruction manual. Cargo cover installation is a pain. We really need ventilated seats in AZ.

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  Loud 2016 Hybrid - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Bill - November 4 - 1:18 pm

  Its a good car but.. It is loud due to excessive noise from the windows. Took it to the dealership at 5300 miles they compared it to another similar vehicle and said it was the way it was made and that they wouldnt do anything about it. Not only is the problem annoying, the service dept with all its fufu cookies and cream wont do anything for an actual problem. I bought a foriegn car for too much money to support renewable energy technology and do my part to persuade the US auto industry to become more involved as well. Unfortunately, this foreign company is learning the bad behaviors of US companies and denying the existence of a problem probably because its cheaper for them. I hope others will read this and be encouraged to speak out as well, if we do nothing they will too

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  Family Guy - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By The New Father - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Pass a highlander on the road and it caught my attention! Showed one to the wife and she said she hated the look. We started to look at jeeps (Grand Cherokee). After talking with the Jeep Dealer, I convinced the wife to test drive the highlander anyway. To make a long story short, we purchase the highlander. The one we purchased we reserved before it it was delivered to the dealer. This was after the Jeep dealer had done a dealer trade for the exact jeep that we requested.

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  Well Made SUV - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By johnoparsons - November 1 - 3:33 pm

  I have owned this SUV for 9 months and already have over 16,000 miles on it, mostly highway. Mileage is good for this size vehicle and about as advertised (19/23). Build fit and finish is very good, and no major quality issues (so far). The vehicle does very well with long-distance highway cruising (minimal vibrations, very quiet, comfortable seats), and handles well around the city. No issues with hauling a boat -- plenty of power at the ramp and stable towing. Good cargo capacity with rear seats down.

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  A great car - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By toyloyalist - November 1 - 2:31 pm

  After owning 2 other Toyotas in the past, and the last one an Avalon for 10 years, I purchased a new Highlander Limited. I dont get excited about cars, but I love this vehicle! Wonderful quiet ride, very smooth.. very user friendly when operating all the gadgets. Since my last Toyota was 10 years old, I was not used to all the latest features. (ex..nav, bluetooth, etc) I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants the comfort of a car, the room for 7 passengers, and the reliability of a Toyota.

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  A Great SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Ryan S - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned our Hilander for almost 3 years now and had to take to the dealer once because the sunglass holder broke. Other than that this vehicle has been by far the best SUV weve ever owned. We plan on keeping it for several more years, and most likely will by another one, this time with the third row seating.

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  Toyota Kluger CVX (Toyota Highlander) - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By dmcdonald - October 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased as you Americans Call a Highlander and we call it a Kluger in Australia. We have a model which you dont have in the US where its identical to the limited with out the sunroof and Satellite Navigation called CVX. That is what I got. Its a very smooth ride and fabouls offroad. I have been using the vehicle at Australias snow season at the Victorian Snow Fields. Handled snow very well!!! After that, I have travelled to Queenslands beaches. Handled well I opted for the V6 3.3l AWD modeI would only ever recommend this model. Overall a fantastic car to take the kids either to the snow or sand.

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  The SUV that drives like a car - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Dunedude - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I was looking to buy an SUV, but didnt want to give up the comfort and smooth ride of a normal car. The Toyota Highlander was a perfect match for me and I do not regret my choice. If you decide to buy the Highlander, I would vividly recommend the Limited AWD version (you reallt get the most bang for the buck).

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  Just unloaded jeep grand cherokee - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By thensum - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car after getting rid of my much defective grand cherokee. As far as style and power, the jeep was more of a "kick ass" look and feel. I am getting used to driving this one now. It feels okay but dosent have the power that the jeep had. If there werent so many mechanical problems with the jeep, i would of bought another one. I like the look, style, feel and power much better. Too bad

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  I miss my Jeep - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Andy - October 16 - 8:06 am

  Poor handling on snow/ice. Back end wants to come around front. Brakes tend to grab when you slow down from 60 to 50. Brakes also seem like you are not going to stop. After cold start up occasionally the brake pedal goes to the floor. Dealer says nothing wrong. Overly sensitive handling at higher speeds. No tinting-Sun gets really hot. Brake pedal to steering wheel distance is weird. To adjust seat for comfort to brake pedal, you have to extend arms to reach steering wheel, causing fatigue. I have short legs. NOT for someone with longer legs. 3rd seat is for people 30 lbs or less. Rear door window will not open separately. Light cloth interior gets dirty easily. Very sensitive driver window.