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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aerodynamics problem - 2003 Toyota Highlander
By Edavis - January 21 - 10:00 amThe Highlander has a smooth quiet ride until the back windows are open, then all hell breaks loose! There is an unbearable rummbling sound that gets worse as one continues driving. This vechicle is perfect if one plans on never opening the back windows. If you plan on buying a Highlander I strongly suggest you test the back windows first!
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Best of all worlds - 2003 Toyota Highlander
By craigvv - January 21 - 2:00 amWe have had this Highlander since late 2001. We had to purchase the Limited to get Vehicle Skid Control. It is AWESOME. Both VSC and the car. It is the smoothest ride we ever had in any car including a rental Caddy. VSC has saved us once each winter! Best of the best, no question!
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We like it - 2010 Toyota Highlander
By frazbmw - January 20 - 1:09 amReally the only thing I can think to complain about is the steering. The steer by wire requires constant correction and has a different feel to it. AWD was adequete for my wife this winter without winter tires. Plenty of pickup when you want it! No outside temp reading on base model??? 29k come on lets add in a few basic options that all competitors have. I like the interior set up ecspecially the backseat space. Never get better than 18.5mpg mixed driving with 8k on odometer.
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So Far, So Good - 2008 Toyota Highlander
By mwfromva - January 17 - 12:26 pmI havent found anything not to like at this point. Weve only had the vehicle a couple days, but the wife, who is typically a small car driver (53") absolutely loves it and has not had a hard time adjusting to its size. Very comfortable, very spacious. Very happy! We were thinking Rav4, Pilot, Outlook, and Highlander and it was a no brainer after a test drive. Limited rode nice, but the Sport is much more controlled, less floaty. Make sure you test drive both before you buy!
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Great Build Quality But... - 2006 Toyota Highlander
By gettomedicss - January 8 - 1:13 pmIt feels solid, secure and safe. I`m 6ft tall, the seats are too short and gives me no thigh support. Im only getting 16-18 mpg with mostly highway miles and the cup holders are placed too far back.
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Great Car - 2006 Toyota Highlander
By powerpark - January 7 - 8:06 amWe bought the 4 instead of the six. Good Gas mileage , the ride is great and does not lean in the turns. It handles a lot like a car. I have the 2 wheel drive. I think without the extra drag on the drive train we are getting better mpg. As far as snow. The highlander has good ground clearance. And with the good tires and front wheel drive it should be ok. The sunroof is great. But needs a wind deflector. Very nice car. Thanks Toyota!
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Toyota Highland - 2003 Toyota Highlander
By toyota devotee - January 4 - 2:00 amLove this car...very reliable, comfortable and like sitting higher on the highway. Fuel economy okay....alot better than friends V6 Ford Explorer.....20.8 mpg vs. 17.8.
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A Good Choice - 2003 Toyota Highlander
By Jochebed - January 4 - 2:00 amI purchased my Toyota Higlander after test driving the Honda CRV, the Toyota RAV 4, the Mazda Tribute, and the Toyota Matrix. The Highlander had car like handling, ample cargo space, and excellent gas mileage. I opted for the 4 cylinder to take advantage of the excellent gas mileage it offered. While the car is not overly peppy, it is very adequate for my needs. Performance fans should opt for the 6 cylinder. I also opted for the running boards, which are lighted and leather seats, which I love. Ive had this car for 10 months now and the more I drive it, the better I like it!
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Im Impressed! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
By jcg4realcars - January 4 - 2:00 amWe are very happy with our Highlander. It has met all my expectations and more. We wanted a SUV, but not a "Big Brother" type as we are not "Bubbas". My wife has had back surgery, so it is not easy for her to get in or out of the standard SUV. This one does! Try It! The interior comfort is high on our list. Its quiet and roomy! Way to go Toyota!
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Toyota Wins Again - 2017 Toyota Highlander
By Jill Rossi - January 3 - 1:07 amMy second Toyota Highlander Limited. This years model is even more comfortable, quiet, and well appointed. Only thing I dont like is that they removed the power outlet from the rear cargo area.
