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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  Very happy with our highlander. - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By great white north - February 27 - 3:46 am

  Purchased our highlander in May09. Needed space for new baby & 2 retrievers. Looking for a vehicle to mostly highway but clearance for winter and some bush roads.Live in northern British Columbia with winter from Nov to April.Performed well in winter with Winter Michelins. (Standard Bridgestone tires are for summer use only, almost found out the hard way with a late season snowfall.) Stability control kicks in frequently in town but not on highway. Is a very comfortable car for long trips . Fuel economy could be better but it is a awd heavy vehicle.

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  Great Vehicle to Own - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Charlie - February 25 - 2:33 pm

  I love the way the Vehicle rides. Since it has the same body style and car frame as a Lexus RX 330. I felt the price sold it.

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  Great First SUV - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Great First SUV - February 22 - 4:30 am

  If your looking for your first SUV, this is your car. The V6 AWD has a very smooth ride. When you first get in the car and look around you will find that their are no blind spots! Which is a plus for a SUV. The standard features are ample, and you really feel like you are getting the most for what you paid for. The third row seat is a nice feature. The only problem I see with that is the very limited leg room and the inability to easily get in and out. All in all, this is a great vehical. Have no regrets and Im sure you wont either.

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  Grear Car - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By DG - February 21 - 7:46 pm

  Bought my Highlander as certified used with 17k in 2003. Great reliability. Highly recommend if looking for dependable transportation with limited servicing. Would buy another.

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  In love after all these years. - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By shasta4 - February 21 - 2:48 pm

  135K miles. Bought 8/04. Most options, 3rd row. V6, 3.3, AWD. Ive had big 3, BMW (3), Volvo (2), Jag V12 sedan, Audi and this is the best of them all in terms of overall satisfaction. I can find small design grips like the vague sunroof switch, tight 3 row seat, but very little problems and outstanding reliability. Orig. Bridgestones 50K. Rear brakes 60K. Front brakes 130K ! All lamps except highs original. High beams 120K. Tow a 2,000 lb travel trailer cross 3,000 miles averaging 20.5mpg. Mileage town 18, highway 23. No leaks, amazing tranny, great power, tows trailer beautifully (after easy lift). One problem. At 50K rear bushing worn. Probably do to trailer towing.

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  2008 Toyota Highlander Base FWD - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Toyota Joe - February 20 - 9:33 am

  I went looking for a sensible SUV and found it. I didnt need 4WD in the area I live in nor do I have kids, let alone 5, so I opted out of the 3rd row seat. The V6 has all the power I need though torque steer is somewhat noticeable. Im 6 foot, yet theres plenty of room. The center dash/console is so well laid out, I felt as if it was made for me. Steering position is good, feel is a little soft though. Braking is OK, a bit soft as well. Transmission is super smooth, but an extra gear would be nice for a bump up in fuel economy. You may have noticed my 8 rating for economy, Ill explain below.

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  Limited Version - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By cjwiii08 - February 18 - 10:00 pm

  A very comfortable riding vehicle. To me, the limited package is worth the extra coin. Smooth power on demand. The extra gear in the tranny is a drivers delight. My MPG is close to 20. Not great but adequate. No gripes here!

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  Some Reservations After 300 Miles - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By paktype - February 11 - 12:10 am

  I took delivery of my silver 08 Highlander Sport with 4wd in August. After three weeks and 300 miles, I have the following, admittedly small, reservations. 1) The steering is too light and doesnt offer enough "feel" of the road. 2) The interior uses some cheap-looking and cheap-feeling plastic (probably to keep the Highlander from usurping Lexus buyers). 3) Handling is surprisingly squirrely on the highway (a lot of little course corrections needed) despite the 4wd. This could be a problem inherent with the 19 inch wheels and tires. 4) Drivers side power window switches are blocked slightly by inside door pull handle. Not bad, but enough to be annoying.

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  A poormans Lexus - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By RedSox Fan - February 9 - 12:52 pm

  Replaced the Lexus two days ago with this Highlander since we didnt like the styling of the latest RX350 ( even after owning an NX200t for two years). You can definitely see more hard plastic around the Toyota, but you also receive more goodies for the lower price and most impotantly, space. Lexus seems to be designed more for style than utility. Even though weve only put <100 miles on it, we can tell it will be a great highway cruiser. The panoramic sunroof is fantastic as is the stereo. Too bad we already have reliability concerns though. There is a rattling in the back that started yesterday that has become annoying to the point we dont want to use the car. And of course the dealership service is not available to look at it til Tuesday when I am back in the office. Not a good start at all especially considering the high priced paid. After owning 10 Toyotas and Lexus models, how this all plays out could decide if this is our final one for life.

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  Car to keep into retirement - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Barry - February 9 - 12:03 pm

  After Lexus and Infiniti sedans, I choose a Highlander to keep when I retire in 5 years. Roomy, comfortable, great for trips to Home Depot. Also carries bikes and scuba gear. Carries a lot yet handles much better than our Jeep. Love the GPS. Good audio, seats, and climate. Good layout and controls. Wish it got better gas mileage.