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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  Toyota - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Lynn - February 3 - 1:16 am

  I purchased this used at 94000 miles, one owner, claiming to have no problems. Since 8/06 I have had to replace 4 tires, have it aligned, replace front brakes (would not pass inspection), need to replace rear brakes; check engine light on - had emission sensor replaced (expensive) and now check engine light on again. Cup holder has broken - very bad spot and poorly designed/made. I downgraded from 2004 Tahoe to this due to other circumstances than gas mileage; have had hard time finding replacement wiper blades for front/back; windshield leaks around rubber seal; lack of inside compartments; cig lighter jumps out of "pocket" if you try and use it; not real pleased with this.

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  great value - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By jus - January 29 - 10:00 am

  after weeks of research comparing mid size suvs, I chose the highlander, hands down, as the best value in its class. I purchased the 4X2 V6, The cars ride is fantastic and the V6 provides plenty of power. (the V4 is no slouch, but I found that there was a bit more engine noise when acclerating) At a base price of less than $23K, I got mine with options - for very close to invoice. Do your research and get quotes online - will save you alot of time. I also looked at honda pilot but the dealer was not willing to deal. The Pilot will cost you $3K more than a highlander with the same features. The highlander is a great car and the best bang for your buck!

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  My mechanic sold me - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By John - January 27 - 6:36 am

  Ease of parking, good on the interstate and comfortable seating for four adults are some of the reasons we purchased this high end Highlander. But the biggest reason was my trusted mechanic recommended the Highlander to my wife. We havent been disappointed. Smooth ride and able to negotiate in tight parking spots are two more benefits we were expecting from an SUV.

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  excellent - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By dalila - January 24 - 10:00 am

  it is very comfortable to drive

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  SMackey - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By SMackey - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The Highlander does not handle like a typical SUV it handles more like a larger car model. The cruise control, widshiled wipers and lights are all at your finger tips without taking your hands off the steering wheel.

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  Highlander drives great/holds a lot - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Jim - January 18 - 8:06 am

  Fun car to drive and very functional with a large payload when you fold the middle seats down.

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  New Highlander Owner - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By karmi - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I dont care for the interior design. Console in the middle of the front seats is a waste of good space. Leave it open and put the cup holders on the doors like they are in the back seats. Ive bumped the gear shifter into neutral at least 10 times already, I dont like it where it is in the middle. Better to have put it on the floor where the wasted space is, or back up on the steering column. I wish the gas tank was a little bigger, I have to get gas more frequently now just because its a smaller tank than I was used to. I do like the way it drives, I feel safer in it than I did in my old car and the exterior design is really nice.

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  04 Highlander Limited - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By spencer327 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Only have this vehicle a week. First impressions are great. Quality is top notch. Easy to drive, sits high but very easy to get into. Very quiet on the road. Feels tight and corners flat. Engine is too new to get on it, but you can feel the power is there.Braking is typical Toyota. No unusual surprises. Just a very good vehicle.

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  Super SUV - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Toyoguy - January 17 - 10:00 am

  This is one of a car. I tested before the Pilot and I found the interior to be rather unattractive. In Highlander you feel good, the engine has confidence, controls are well designed, the finishes are perfect and you have the feeling of being in a very refined wagon.

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  Solid vehicle - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Jim - January 15 - 10:00 am

  My Highlander has been driven mostly around town, with at least one long drive (1,000+ miles) each year. Other than oil changes and normal recommended maintenance, I have not spent a dime (new tires at 39K miles).