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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  Have to drive to appreciate - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Ericka - March 7 - 10:00 am

  When I went in to the dealership, I wanted a bigger SUV like the 4-Runner. I was trading in an X-Terra. I couldnt afford the 4-Runner so I test drove a Highlander with a few extras and drove it home. I was very pleased with the difference between this suv and the x- terra. It was wonderful being in a quiet smooth ride.

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  mtnhygh - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Lauriedarlynn - March 7 - 10:00 am

  this is my 5th toyota, and I would buy 5 more, best cars on the road! Great car for the snow.

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  Solid Toyota - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By ReviewRR - March 5 - 2:43 am

  Safe, reliable vehicle. Transmission optimized for fuel economy. With foot off gas, engine cuts fuel to fuel injectors (engine braking) to save fuel and slow vehicle. Fuel cuts back in around 20 mph, which some complain as a "surge" upon deceleration. Excellent in snow! Handles potholed CO roads exceptionally well. Bland, comfortable ride. (Note Sport and Limited models have lower profile tires which are poor, at best, in snow.)

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  Highlander just gets better - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By RDL - March 4 - 11:13 pm

  After having my 08 Highlander Limited, I must say it is one of the best I have ever had! After having many Toyotas, I wanted to try an SUV, and Im so glad! The Highlander has all the luxury I was looking for, and a price at the top of my list. The ride is very smooth and quiet, and the V6 is so smooth and quiet, especially in warm climate. In the winter, it is a little loud until warm up, but that is normal as my Avalon was the same. The Highlander has plenty of room, nice dash, and the premium radio is a must! The bluetooth is great for the cell, and is safe while driving. The navigation is easy, and works well. The Blizzard Pearl is a great exterior color. Great SUV. Awesome !

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  Great vehicle - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Devon Harris - March 1 - 5:40 am

  I bought my Highlander a month ago from Toyota of Wilmington and it was a great experience and vehicles. I love the performance, features, and style of the highlander.

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  Great, versatile vehicle - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By kff1 - February 28 - 9:43 am

  Purchased in Dec 2009. 17000 miles later, still loving it. Lots of room for our 2 dogs and camping gear in the back with seats folded down. Very comfortable for 4 on a road trip with the seats up. Rock solid reliability. Bought the 4cyl with tow pkg. We occasionally tow our jetski to the beach and the 4 cyl is more than up to the task. Our only complaint, we were hoping for better gas milage. We have yet to see the EPA rated 27 on the highway, no matter how conservatively we drive. Weve averaged 22.1 MPG since new with about a 50/50 mix of highway and city. Our best milage on road trip with just the two of us and no cargo was 25.38. Overall though, very pleased.

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  Love this car - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By smark99 - February 18 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever driven. It is reliable, easy to drive and fun to own.

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  highlander is great - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By ellenw - February 18 - 10:00 am

  i love my suv it is the perfect size, pluse it will seat 7. it is really the perfect suv for a woman great style and it is easy to handle.

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  Comfy family vehicle for all events - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Jeffrey - February 18 - 12:53 am

  Bought for more than 7 months and like it more every day. Blind spots was a concern at first but big rear mirrors ease the worry. A great highway cruiser as my main purpose to buy. Drive is smooth but not sporty even good power V6. Leans quite a bit in sharp turn but secure with light steering, low road feel and average steering response. The keyless start and power hatch are great plus for every day use. Most materials used are good quality except some textured hard plastic. Better than FORD and GM comparable models. Truck space is tight when 3rd row seat is up, which is not split and has tight leg room. Center on the 2nd row is too small but outside seats are comfy.

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  Toyotas Lure - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By SFcacique - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding Vehicle. My "test drive" was when I needed more cargo space for a trip to Wash DC last year. I rented a Highlander for the 14 hour, one way trip. It was so comfortable and tracked so well on the highway! I bought one a couple of months later. I hadnt planned on this major purchase, but the long trip decided it for me. Great gas mileage, the cargo I needed, nice styling, and drives like a car. Absolutely no problems, and complete satisfaction except for "annoyances" of cup holder and OD select mentioned below. 3.0 six cylinder is engine of choice.