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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  What a great SUV - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By rtisme - February 27 - 12:13 am

  Had to replace my Ford Explorer after a drunk driver took it out. Was going to downsize to a Rav-4 6 cylinder. Compared Highlander and was sold on it. For basically the same cost got much more. 2 row seating comes with many options, converts to bench type seating, can have a table in between the seats or converts to captains seats. Kids love their seating area.

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  2008 Highlander Engine Problems - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By abecker - February 25 - 6:55 pm

  2008 Highlander has problematic engine. Oil sludge buildup, despite routine oil changes, caused damage and needed engine replacement at 80+k miles. Would not every buy Toyota again.

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  2008 Highlander Limited - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Jim - February 25 - 3:46 pm

  Highlander 2008 is a great car. I am averaging 19.2 MPG around town. Have had no problems with the vehicle. I definitely would recommend this vehicle to anyone. Especially a full size SUV with 19.2 MPG around town.

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  I agree - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Roxy101 - February 25 - 2:20 am

  I agree the seats are very uncomfortable after driving for about 1 hour. I am 57 and I feel cramped. When I test droved I felt comfortable. This is not a good car for long trips. I plan to trade this car. Ive only had it for 1 month not satisfied. I read the reviews and did not believe about the loud noise with the rear windows down. The noise is terrible. So from now on out I will believe and add car reviews from consumers on this post. I have the 4cyc. gas mileage is better than the Ford explorer I traded but gas mileage is not what promised. I will keep checking and adding and dividing my gas mileage. Can not get good epa I have to run the air. Due to noise with windows down

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  Very happy - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By pointpetre - February 24 - 9:03 pm

  I have had this FWD Highlander for less than a month. I have about 2300 miles. Traveled a lot over Christmas and several trips from Fairfax, Virginia to Duck, NC and Virginia Beach. Surprised that the in town gas mileage is better than the EPA rating. Even on the first tank in town when the HL had less than 50 miles on it, the mileage under bad circumstances was over 19. Commuting to metro and in heavy traffic, Ive done about 22 average on a tank of gas in town On the highway, I have been for times as high as 27.6 MPG, but my best tank average was about 26 with 25 being more common so far. Still, that is better than the EPA rating, and Im traveling with I-95 and I-64 traffic at 75+

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  Intermittent buzzing sound - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Tophe - February 23 - 7:07 am

  Toyota refuses to acknowledge that there is a problem with intermittent buzzing sound. I complained to two dealerships but Toyota said it is as designed. COME ON!!!!

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  Love It - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Tom Crowley - February 22 - 11:16 am

  I traded in a 1994 Lincoln Town Car on the Highlander. A very good decision. My first impression was the short turn ratio. My second, was that the V6 is the size engine that handles this weight vehicle better than the 4- cylinder. Finally, it rides like a passenger vehicle...most of my passengers make that comment. Rides five comfortably. My understanding is that it rides on the Camry chassis.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By D from D - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Originally was going to get an 02 4-Runner but the Highlander had better interior space and ride. Changing my mind was the best purchase decision I ever made. I now have 114,000 miles with ZERO repairs, just maintenance when its due. The check engine light came on once and it was due to a vacuum hose coming loose. Correct that in about 10 minutes. Replaced that original battery after 8 years even though it was still working fine even at -10 degrees, figured I would really be pushing my luck by going longer than that. Still running with original suspension components and rear brakes. Front brakes have been replaced once and the rotors resurfaced. Wish I had gotten auto-dim mirror

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  2003 highlander Engine Failure 147,000 miles Coolant leak - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By anderswl - February 18 - 12:02 pm

  Just like others I have read on this site, my 2003 run hot and after having it towed for service and repair I was told the engine needs to be replaced. The cost for the re-built engine was $6,400 - $8,500 depending on who you called. Very disappointed in the built strong organization I put so much trust in.

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  Its a Great Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By alc6 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  We have only had this 4WD Limited 3 weeks, but love it already. It has good power, very comfortable ride, easy access, and nice interior styling. We would recommend it to anyone.