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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  The best bang for your buck for a 4 banger mid size suv - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By ewayjeng - June 10 - 7:29 pm

  This car is great, bought used with less than 60K, but in near mint condition at purchase, engine is strong, easy to move seats down for storage and has a lot of nice creature comfort features. Its got decent power for a 4 cylinder and since Im not towing, and this is primarily a people mover, the gas savings are perfect. Drives like a car, would recommend to anyone looking for a mid size suv that is reliable, fun to drive and very functional.

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  water pump issues and tires - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By kenbowls - June 10 - 4:50 am

  had 30,000 miles and had to replace the tires. at 52,000, had to replace the water pump. otherwise, good value and ride. gas mileage could be a little better, 19 city, 24 highway. lots of room and very consumer friendly.

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  Toyota Got it Right - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By newcarguy5 - June 8 - 5:41 pm

  Ive owned the AWD Limited Platinum for over 6 months and couldnt be much happier with it. I test drove and researched many competitors, but it came down to this and the Acura MDX (AWD base). They were both around the same price, but of course you get all the bells and whistles with the Toyota, and I am so glad I did. Also, I actually preferred the ride and steering over the Acura. The steering feel is excellent...nice and tight. At the same time the ride is extremely smooth so you really get the best of both worlds. So even with the base V6 you will still enjoy the great ride. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  JBL sound system is terrible. Very disappointing! - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Scott Steele - June 5 - 4:52 pm

  The 2016 Platinum model comes standard with the JBL sound system (with subwoofer). Its not that it doesnt sound good when its working....but in less than a year of ownership, the subwoofer has blown 3x and now Toyota wont stand behind the product or the warranty. The dealership nor Toyota customer service have not satisfied me as a customer. I cant imagine buying another Toyota product...and I would be leary if I were you.

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  Finally a reliable, functional vehicle - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By fcatcher - June 5 - 2:00 am

  It is a wonderful vehicle with great visabilty and drivability. Easy to maintain and function in and about. They were thinking about the consumer when they built this suv

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  LOVE IT!!! - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Angel430 - June 4 - 7:40 pm

  This is by far the BEST car/SUV I have ever had. And, my husband gets new cars almost every year. This one is going to STAY. I have severe back problems, the back support in both driver and passenger are superb. I have little pain while either driving or riding. Every option: 6 disc changer, DVD w/headphones, sunroof, 3rd row seats, GPS, all are wonderful. I have NO complaints. This is a keeper. Thank you Toyota!!

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  2002 Toyota Highlander - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By R. Gibson - June 4 - 10:00 am

  We have only had the Highlander for one week and have driven about 450 miles. This SUV is very smooth and quiet; very little wind noise and low levels of road noise even on concrete pavement. It handles very well with its tight turning radius and is easy to maneuver in a parking lot. Front seat comfort is excellent with the optional 8-way power seat. We traded in a 99 RAV 4 for the Highlander; there is no comparison between these two SUVs. So far, we could not be more pleased with this purchase

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  Great SUV - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By jjm_jr - June 3 - 7:18 pm

  I bought my Highlander about 1 month ago, and its a dream to drive. I am running about 19 mpg, taking it easy on the throttle. On trips she is a dream. I previously drove a 08 FJ Cruiser and loved it, but had enough with the noise in the cabin. The Higjlander is a Fantastic SUV, as it feels more like a luxury car no more road noise either.

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  Holding my breath - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Holding my breathe - June 3 - 9:56 am

  Ive had an immediate problem with strong vibration on cold start. It happened a week after we bought the car. Took it in a month later to service dept. and they were really nice but say nothing is wrong. Ive been thru this kind of song and dance with another manufacturer before so I know that the consumer has to stay on top of it. Another concern is lag on acceleration - shifting from 1 to 2 gear. Its like the car has to think about what it wants to do so it pauses. Steering radius (turning into parking spaces) is not great, while driving on highway steering squishy.

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  Oh What a Feeling - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By ronandlane - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Great Vehicle. I own 2 Highlanders one in Kentucky and One in NYC. Too bad our Roads in NYC stink to high heaven. Its like I bought a d-flawless diamond and then hit it with a hammer. I would have preferred the TOYO tires. I got stuck with the Bridestone that has POOR ratings. Insist that the dealer sell you a Highlander with the TOYOs. Toyota made a bad call with the Bridestone, Duerler H/Ts.