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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  Comfort - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By CherryJose - May 29 - 10:00 am

  At first I thought the inside would be small but theres more headroom than if you sat inside a Grand Jeep Cherokee. Theres also plenty of footroom and lots of storage space. Its a great value and it even decreased my insurance payments after owning a Nissan Maxima...overall great SUV that doesnt feel like an SUV at times.

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  Rock Solid - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By J-Texas - May 27 - 8:00 pm

  Drives like a car more than an SUV, but its attractive and rock solid. Having it to do all over again, I would have upgraded to leather.

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  a dream drive - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By toyopetlover - May 27 - 3:07 pm

  Traded in my prius after I got into an accident and decided to go bigger, and after much research: tada : highlander. It was the perfect car that was not too big, and not too small. And with the addition of the plus package, perfect for the budget. Out here in CA, you can pretty much get this for about 30k or so before TTL. I think its a pretty good bargain comparing the other choices out there. Mind you, the RX 350 has no 3rd row. People say it is for kids, but for short trips, its definitely ok. For long trips, still possible, but youd probably need to do some rotation. Plenty of cargo room. Very quiet ride. V6 is thirsty for gas, but very powerful for moving around on highway.

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  2001 Toyota Highlander - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By larry - May 26 - 12:23 am

  After 41/2 years, we love the Highlander. Mileage shows about 21 in town and 24 on the road. Stability control helps in ice and snow. Quality of materials and construction are outstanding. Overall, a real winner.

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  Slow & Unresponsive! - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Ray - May 25 - 7:31 pm

  I have Leased/Owned a 2012, 2015, and now a 2017 Toyota Highlander V6 AWD Limited Platinum. Even though the 2015 and 2017 models look somewhat similar (...minor changes in the lights) their power-train is completely different. The new engine is good (more power, and yet more efficient) but the new 8 speed transmission is just TERRIBLE! It changes gears too quickly and it seems like the car is always under-powered. When merging onto the freeway, changing lanes, going up-hills, or ... there is a significant lag between pressing the accelerator and the vehicle responding!!! Very disappointing... Much different than my 2015, or even the 2012 model. Also, I get about 19-20 MPG for combined driving (... i do live in a "hilly" area though). I hope this helps!

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  Everything I Hoped It Would Be - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By myersjl42 - May 25 - 1:23 am

  We had been researching SUVs for over 6 months and finally narrowed down our choice to the 08 Highlander. Toyota won me over with my 96 4Runner that had 180,000 miles on it and was still going strong! But with 2 kids in carseats the 4Runner was too small in the back. The difference in room is awesome!! I am 5-10 and my husband is 6-2 and we do not feel cramped at all. My husband was skeptical because it looks smaller on the outside than it really is. It is an all around great ride with too many favorite features to list. So far it has been worth the extra dough that it takes to get into a new Toyota.

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  Long Live the Highlander! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By doubleo - May 23 - 12:10 pm

  Compared the 08 Highlander Limited with every SUV on the market, and overall it was the hands down winner. Awesome looks, excellent power, cavernous interior (a real third row seat for two 64" adults), best overall MPG for comparable SUVs, and an awesome vehicle to drive. This is my first SUV and I may never drive a car again! I just keep looking for reasons to get in it and drive.

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  Reliable - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Brooke - May 22 - 7:03 pm

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. In its 106K miles and counting, Ive never had to do a single mechanical repair on it. Just brakes and tires! Its fully loaded and has all the bells and whistles I need. Drives smoothly, corners well and has plenty of cargo room. Its comfortable too. I miss my arm rest when I drive my husbands car or a rental.

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  awesome - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By armus - May 20 - 10:00 am

  you feel safe driving this kind of car. the best suv ive ever driven. the moment i started driving it i know its the kind of car i was looking. highly recommended!!!

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  Comfy family hauler absent of any sporting ambitions - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By jan57 - May 18 - 1:23 am

  My wife insisted on buying this car as a family vehicle. The car is very comfortable, quiet and has good acceleration. Its spacious, loads lots of stuff and has been reliable. Fuel economy is good for the class, but nothing to bragg about (it is after all a hulking SUV). We average about 22 miles/gallon. On the negative side, the car has prominet torque steer if you make use of only half the power, the steering is as numb as could be and the car floats more than it drives. Excitement factor is zero. Its totally incapable in snow despite its appearance. Rear visibility is very poor and the backup camera a must. Blue tooth is very basic and doesnt switch between different phones.