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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  highlander tires - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By allen - October 28 - 9:36 am

  The highlander is an extremely reliable car. My first was a 2002 with no problems and the second is a 2006 model that Ive had for 10 months and so far so good.

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  Its on the name - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Jorge - October 22 - 9:23 pm

  Feel good when driving and it feels safe also I feel lot better when I know my wife and my little girl are safer when they are driving.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Layne2008 - October 22 - 8:36 pm

  This car has been great so far. The gas mileage is exactly what the sticker says. 16 city and 24 highway. I have averaged 20mpg since I purchased the car. Remember you are driving a car/suv that seats 6/7 people. This not a small vehicle do not expect 30 mpg? The Highlander is very roomy and the second row is great. The captains chairs are awesome. XM have the dealer do it or if you want to save $100 bucks buy the parts from the dealer, then take the parts to a stereo shop for installation. Just came out of a Sierra snow storm and the highlander performed well. AWD works well and the snow button softens your throttle inputs. Toyo A20s are wearing quickly. Had dealer make a note of this.

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  Roomy, quiet and solid. - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By ljs - October 22 - 10:00 am

  We have the 4 cylinder.Plenty of power. Good gas mileage. Bought when gas prices were threatening to go to $3.00 a gallon in Texas. (Had wanted a 3- seatTahoe.) The Highlander is great. Ive had a 4Runner and a Volvo 960 Wagon. The 4Runner was terribly uncomfortable on trips. The Volvo cost an arm and a leg in repairs once it was out of warranty. I have no complaints big about the Highlander. Kids love the "park bench" back seat. Just wish I could have a streched Highlander with a 3rd seat.

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  Toyota Highlander - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Trudy - October 22 - 10:00 am

  The ride overall is very comfortable due to the drivers electric controls. As a somewhat short woman the adjustments on the seat are extremely important to me. The car handles very well during emergency stops. I have had a few and was pleasently surprised at the amount of control I had.I love those ABS. And I can not forget to put in a good word for the roomy back seats. Better than many other suvs.

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  Trade Up - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By BillU - October 22 - 8:16 am

  We traded a 2005 Pathfinder with a 4.0L engine. This has more power, drives and handles better and is more comfortable. Even the third row is bigger than the Pathfinder. Overall fit and finish is excellent. We were concerned about going from a full frame truck to the uni-body but after driving it for a month, we made the right choice.

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  Cannot go wrong with Highlander! - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Savvy Buyer - October 22 - 6:56 am

  After having researched extensively and test-driven Honda Pilot, Mitsubishi Outlander, Ford Edge, and the new Equinox, I repeatedly returned to Highlander and bought one a few weeks ago. I cannot express how impressed I am with Highlander! The ride is extraordinarily comfortable, quite and smooth. The interior is extremely roomy, well-designed and functional. The second row is exceptional. If you need the third row it is there and not as a joke! If you do not use it just fold it and you have plenty of cargo room! I must also compliment the instant V6 power and above average fuel economy, which is almost the same as 2007 Passat I traded in! It is also very family friendly if you have children

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  Good truck - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By ccs - October 21 - 9:06 pm

  This is my first truck and it is solid. I dont need many techies, but would like something that is reliable and safe for day to day driving. Highlander is a perfect choice.

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  Wonderful SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Eric - October 20 - 8:13 am

  Outstanding after nearly 3 years, not even a blip. Smooth, fast and quiet. The hybrid is coming out next month (June 05) which will put Highlander in a league of its own.

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  Luxury and utility - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By hmurphy - October 19 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I love this car! Its smooth and comfortable and looks great inside and out. I like the open layout and nice materials used throughout the interior. It drives like a dream and is very easy to maneuver despite its size. Its great for carrying a lot of stuff, and is very luxurious and comfortable for hauling passengers too. I cant say enough good things about the car. Its practical and indulgent at the same time.