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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  2003 Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By JEF - April 30 - 2:00 am

  After researching this vehicle online for many months, it was time to test drive one. We test drove an AWD, V6 with Sunroof and roof Rack System. The engine was very quiet for a V6 and had plenty of power as I took it on the highway. On the return trip, it was my wifes turn to drive. She liked that fact that she didnt need a ladder to enter the vehicle. The steering was responsive and the suspension was good on the frost heave encrusted roads. We had two of our children with us (15, 11 ) and they were comfortable in the back seats. The youngest trying every knob and button he could find! All in all, a pleasure to drive and is very quiet.

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  Very happy with this purchase! - 2015 Toyota Highlander
  By DIVEN E HILL II - April 27 - 7:47 am

  So glad I jumped into a Highlander instead of the Explorer or waiting for the 2016 Pilot. Versus the Explorer, it simply came down to reliability. I mean, how many Toyotas do you see broken down on the side of the road versus the Fords? And after just seeing the 2016 Pilot pictures, it solidified my feelings. I get many compliments on how much it looks like a Lexus and it is truly a joy to drive. Not too bulky in city driving/parking either. Having 2 kids (ages 9 and 6) theres plenty of room to spread out for them with the 3rd row. If i had to pick an issue, it bothers me that Toyota charges extra for Blizzard White. All considered, you cant go wrong with a 2015 Highlander.

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  Loving My Toyota - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By P Slagle - April 24 - 5:56 am

  This is the 3rd Toyota Highlander we have owned. We have two, 2001 Highlanders that are still on the road and have never had any major issues. Even with the recent recall publicity, I would buy another Toyota Highlander in a heartbeat. The seating is very comfortable and roomy;, the ride is smooth. The only negatives, on city driving I barely get 18 miles to the gallon. Now, if only I can figure out how to use the navigation system, bluetooth and other wonderful electronic, new-age technology! A very satisfied Toyota Highlander customer.

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  Nice Wheels - Typical Toyota - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Love Findlay - April 24 - 5:36 am

  We may be biased but this is our 6th Toyota. Previous vehicle was 2003 Highlander, which had fantastic reliability and only traded because of high miles. New model has more room, quieter, more comfortable and a more solid ride. We are happy with fuel expense, averaging 19 mpg city and 22 highway, which is better than the 2003. New model is a looker too with the sharper edges, solid stance and Lexus level quality.

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  Expensive to maintain - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By doug128 - April 24 - 1:26 am

  I enjoy driving the Highlander but I have found it very expensive to maintain. I have had to replace 7 wheel bearings and the drive shaft to the rear wheels because of the bearings. It has 93,000 miles on it now. Brakes have also been expensive as it seems the ABS sensor are quite sensitive to failure and have had to replace some with the brakes which makes it very costly. I bought the Toyota as it was rated as a reliable car. It has turned out to be very expensive!

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  Growing Appreciation and Satisfaction - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Jim - April 20 - 5:23 am

  Bought this car as a downsize. Traded in my 17 mpg Sequioia. This car is MUCH smaller, much easier to drive, and much more "car like". This is my second review. The car is roughly 5 months old & has 3600 miles. No mechanical problems thus far. The ride is comfortable. The front & middle seats are very spacious and comfortable. The dashboard display is clear & intuitive. Ride comfort is very good, but to be fair, roads where I live are very smooth. Those who have criticized this cars acceleration are misguided. We drive with the car in "eco" mode. Acceleration is MORE THAN ADEQUATE!!!! Step on the gas, and the car moves. Overall mileage has been spot on EPA estimates: roughly 22 mpg, with a bias of 65% to 75% city driving. As for highway mileage, we took our first "semi-long" highway drive the other day, 300 miles round trip, 95% highway driving, set the cruise control at 68 mpg, and realized 28.4 mph upon fill up. So, a 290 hp 3 row SUV, with full time all wheel drive, with air conditioning running the whole time, returned 28.4 mpg over a 300 mile trip. Need I say anymore about fuel efficiency? Pretty impressive, in my opinion. If this car holds up like previous Toyotas, its a no brainer, and should be on anyones short list of 3 row. mid-sized SUVs. 11 months and 9,000 into ownership, we have only grown to appreciate this car more.

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  On the fence - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By IJF - April 11 - 2:38 pm

  Ive had a 2016 FWD XLE for two weeks, and took it out for its first long road trip this past weekend, mainly interstate driving. Im somewhat disappointed in the amount of wind noise Im hearing while driving at higher speeds (over 55 mph). Im comparing it to my 2010 Highlander, which I was hesitant to trade in for the 2016 because it was the best vehicle we had ever owned--the only time it was in the repair shop was for oil changes and tire rotations. We decided it was time to upgrade since our 2010 didnt have a navigation system, power liftgate or any of the "luxury" options that are now offered. I did not hear any wind noise in my 2010, so Im not sure if the re-styled body and side mirrors have anything to do with it, because the redesign does give the vehicle a more aerodynamic, streamlined look which I would have thought would help with issues like wind noise. However, road noise is minimum, and the steering and handling is significantly better than the previous model.

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  Recommend the Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By craig123 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable, drives like a car. All instruments/controls easy to read and find. Third row seat is easy to open and close. Alot of cargo room without third row seat up. Plenty of power (have not towed with it yet) and smooth shifting 5 speed automatic. Build quality on this one is great.

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  vehicle owner - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By ceo - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is a Joy to drive. Confort, quality, reliability and best of all a toyota badge on a Lexus. Eat yout heart out Ford, Crysler. A happy owner.

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  From Explorer to Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Toyota First Time Bu - April 6 - 2:00 am

  My first Toyota. Had been driving Ford Explorers for the past few years and I was pleasently surprised by the refining charcteristics of the Highlander. Throttle Responsiveness is much nicer than Explorer (2002 model comparison) as is handling, and interior design. Brake pedal feels a bit mushy in the Highlander. Overall, I would say the Highlander is very refined mid size SUV that competes or exceeds others in its class.