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:

• 

  why anything else? - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Preacherman - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I dont understand why anyone would consider a Jeep Cherokee or, worse, a Trailblazer. I work with another minister who got a Trailblazer the same time I got my Highlander. Weve traded a few times - Highlanders ride is superior, although not markedly so - but the real separation is in this. Hes been back to the dealership twice in a year; once for a malfunctioning headlamp which required leaving the car all day. My neighbors Grand Cherokee has the same story. Once the warranty ends, God help you. I also have a Camry and Corolla for my kids. We dont even know what a repair bill is!

• 

  poor seating - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By rick - June 3 - 12:18 pm

  I traded in a buick enclave,huge mistake!!! the ride quality,interior noise is terrible. Toyota should be ashamed of the poor seat quality on the front seats,i have put 300$ in the drivers seat at a custom shop to get it where it is even acceptable. the noise level inside at highway speeds is bad at best.for a car in this price range Toyota needs to get their game on. im back to buick!

• 

  It finally died at 230K miles - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Keisha M. - May 31 - 11:22 am

  I bought my blue Highlander from the dealership, I was the 2nd owner. I got it at 59,000 miles and it just died on my about a month ago at 230,000+ miles. I absolutely loved this car. I previously owned a Toyota 4Runner (V6) and loved that car too, had it at college and it was a great, safe vehicle that I used to pile my college friends into when we went out. I was constantly on the highway with a lead foot and never had a problem with that. I didnt expect that much from the Highlander but I found out, it was just as reliable at the 4Runner but with a smoother ride. I never had an issue with the engine, but I maintain my cars very well. Also, this Highlander got me through 4 blizzards in the DC/MD/VA area without an issue, and I never hesitated to take it out on the snowy roads, it was actually pretty fun. Car had an awesome amount of get up and go and loved to "race" faster cars who would sleep on me at the light. Lol. My car engine died and I am still not willing to give it up. It just got a brand new battery and four new tires before it died. I plan on finding a new engine eventually and keeping it for my son to drive when hes ready.

• 

  love my highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By daydreamerdee - May 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my first NEW car, and I am so proud I made such a good choice. I have had it for 1 month and love it. I dont like the tippy feeling when turning, but that is my only gripe. oh and also the price I paid...should have sent the guy back to the boss man 1 more time to get it down to where I told them when I first went in there. Other than that ...... I LOVE my new Highlander. SMOOTH.... Does the back window go down??

• 

  Happy - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Sue - May 25 - 4:13 pm

  This is a great SUV, I have had 3 SUVs and 2 were Highlanders. This is the best SUV I have owned. The comfort and handling of this vehicle is very nice. I am very happy with the Highlander Limited.

• 

  Excellent Buy - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By GBS - May 25 - 3:03 pm

  Some well conceived refinements make this iteration of the Highlander darn close to perfect. A slight increase in size and improved exterior styling eliminate much of the stodginess of its ancestors. The standard 6-cyl engine is more than adequate for a vehicle this size. Like other Toyotas with this 269hp motor, mileage will vary GREATLY depending on how the individual drives the vehicle. The third-row seat has been made more usable with the capability to change the 2nd rows configuration. The base model is generally well appointed, with easy to use stereo and climate controls and cupholders everywhere. Seats are comfortable, but I covered the standard gray cloth with tailored seat covers.

• 

  Fun Purchase - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By joyce Watterson - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Choosing a 4 cylinder gives me extrordinary pleasure: my purchase price was lower and now that gas prices are higher, I continue to save because I use less. I find very little loss of power when passing. The design was of prime importance and the reliability needed to equal its reputation. As a widow these were my top priorities and all have been met.

• 

  Love my highlander! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By sierra - May 18 - 2:00 am

  The comfort riding in both the front & rear seats is great! I love the feature of the back seats reclining & having lots of leg room. Also, good mileage and handling for a midsize suv---drives like a car, not a truck!

• 

  mold, wet carpet - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By Vanna - May 17 - 12:31 pm

  After 2yrs purchased the car, I have a problem now that the water leaked inside the car. When it rains, all the carpet is wet, especially the driver seats carpet is soaked with water. I removed all the carpet out to clean, now the car has the mold smell, every morning my 2 sons sneezed (allergy from the strong smell of the mold in the car). It happened last week when it rains, I started to pay more attention about it and double check why it leaks in the car. I cant find any solutions and it rains again in the last 3 days, my car is getting worst so I took it to the local Toyota dealer service for them to check. I found out that my car is not the first one that has a problem, and after the diagnosed theyll fixed it by replaced the whole car carpet. After a week that they fixed my car, the car is now still have that mold smell and my sons still have allergy every time theyre in the car. Ill sell it as soon as I pay off the car. I suggest anyone to review it carefully, so you wont run into this problem at Toyota. I live in Hayward, California. This review on March 7, 2016.

• 

  Consider - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Jacob - May 17 - 4:13 am

  Considered Acura MDX and Lexus RX, Toyota highlander was a wise choice. Bit boring inside and out but still is a modern design. Love the ride quality but hate a single headlight config. that functions as day-time-running light, low-beam, and high-beam. Toyota should really consider replacing it with HID system. After all, it cost over 30k and almost 40k for fully load AWD sport model. Nav screen is not clear/vivid, perhaps due to touch screen? Did I mention the ride is awesome? I suggest ordering black leather/cloth interior since other color look cheap. Go test drive MDX and RX. If you need a roomier car, highlander should be your pick. If you care more for styling, then others.