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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  Learning experience - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Gabriel Castrillon - December 10 - 6:44 am

  Toyota is the most expensive brand out there based on their internal "agreements" they have with dealerships. You get a lot more car for your money looking at other brands. Too much money for the quality of their cars. Materials are borderline cheap and finishes are poor. Interior design is small and not. As comfortable as other brands.

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  Wanted it all! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Nicole Vargas - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I promise you I feel like I got it. I had an appointment at a BMW dealership but thought that I would give myself the peace of mind of looking at EVERYTHING! I said to myself that I would only get a SUV with a third row seat or a BMW. I was feeling that the only thing out there with a fold flat was the explorer and I really did not want a Ford. I am so glad that I did not settle. I am also glad that I gave the Highlander a chance. The minute I sat in the Highlander I knew that I was going to drive away in it. I was comfortable and VERY nicely appointed. The best deal out there. Appointed better the the BMW and cheaper. What more can I ask for!!

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  3 Row Seat - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Johnson - December 5 - 5:56 am

  Shifting from low speed to high speed. Trans needs to be changed. Slow from down to up shifting if you need the power fast forget it. Third row seating ok for kids not adults. To small on the seating. Dealer installed tires need to be better. Good ride, but you will replace them fast

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  Awesome Highlander - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Kay - December 4 - 9:33 pm

  Handles well, tight on corners, power from the standstill, it plows through snow w/o skidding or bogging down.

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  HAPPY - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By mrs go ahead - December 4 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 Highlander is one year old this month. I cant think of any complaints other than the minor problem of the lousy cup holder placement for driver, drivers seat doesnt go back far enough, and the console area is wasted when the cup holder is in use, therefore my purse has to go in the back seat if the passenger seat is occupied. Oh, gas mileage could be a bit better in city. I really love the ride, look, and the fact that I have not had to return to the dealer for any problems, other than oil change. Highly reconmend the vehicle.

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  Wrong Vehicle - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Coxie - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I went from a Northstar engine to a 4- cylinder. What a mistake. Nice vehicle, but not what I had hoped it would be. Also too small.

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  Great SUV - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By gmh1013 - December 4 - 1:13 am

  No problems at all. Moved across country in it, could use a few more HP maybe 175 on the 4 cyl but thats it. Avg 24 mpg between city and hwy in 8k miles. Use havoline 0w20 motor oil in it.

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  Thank God for the Net - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By DoorKicker - November 30 - 10:00 am

  do your research and buy at or below dealer invoice, could not be happier with this SUV

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  Toyota Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By chucktown - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the V6 AWD with CQ,DR,FE,PE,PG,TO,UZ options as well as the distributors installed options:Carpet Mats and Toyoguard Plus Protection for $27,300 including taxes,title and fees.The Highlander gave us the benefit of having more room without having to get a minivan,the safety of the Camry (which this is based),the reliability of Toyota,and the price tag which doesnt break the bank.The ride is smooth even over bumps and RR tracks.The car is solid and sound when slamming doors.It is roomier between the driver and passenger seats than my Dads 4-Runner,and I would say has just as much room.A really nice ride and a really nice automobile.

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  Build Quality, Reliability & Buttery Ride - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By halls1030 - November 26 - 7:05 am

  I purchased a 2011 Highlander Limited 4WD at the beginning of December 2010, in one month I have managed to put just over 3000 miles on the car (yes, I drive a ton). Its hard to find anything this SUV doesnt do well. Granted, its not BMW-quick and doesnt sip gas like a Prius, but overall the SUV is easy on the eyes, drives like a dream and bottom line I am 99.9% satisfied...I really wish I could get Prius-like gas mileage out of my Highlander (wouldnt we all!) but otherwise the SUV is fantastic! I traded my 2008 Toyota Tundra Crewmax Limited (black & loaded just like in the commercials) for my Highlander and while I miss my truck. Again, the Highlander just keeps growing on me!