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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  Great All-Purpose SUV - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Frank - December 28 - 3:13 pm

  Ive had my Highlander only a week but can tell already Im going to love it. Interior appointments and ergonomics are superb. Transmission is smooth however the downshifting at around 40MPH is a little noticeable. Braking fine. This car is quiet, by far the quietest SUV I tested. Ride is outstanding. Note this is not a sports car however. Seats are very comfortable. This is going to be fabulous family trip car. Cant wait for our first big trip. I wanted this car be be everything and it is: the comfy ride of a sedan, cargo space of a van, and style. Toyota has done it again. On my first gas up I got 22.5 MPG in mixed driving. Not bad. Great car - what I have always wanted!

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  love it!! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By ssp - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my highlander and I am loving it. Drives so smooth, like a sedan, and the AWD is a lifesaver living in New England. Great in the snow, and the gas mileage isnt bad since I bought the 4 cylinder. For all of you wondering how the 4 cylinder does with AWD, its plenty for me! Its not a speed demon but has plenty of power, Im really happy with it.

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  Great SUV just has some flaws - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Scott K - December 26 - 8:04 am

  This SUV is almost perfect in every way but there are some flaws. The ride is quiet and smooth and you feel safe and most features are great. Weve put 28k on this in two years so its been put to the test. Tons of room and seating is plentiful. But there are some problems that you should know before you spend what is basically luxury SUV prices. The front seats are OK but firm. Hard to go much longer than a few hours before you need to stop. The entertainment system absolutely doesnt work correctly. You have to disconnect and reconnect all of the time. Our 2008 Camry worked better. And our fuel economy (although I would assume this is not the norm), comes in at 18.7mpg - not the 21 town, 26 hwy promised.

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  60 degree steep driveway Mountains of NC-ice-snow - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Rebecca Haas - December 25 - 11:15 am

  A great value, safe car. I live on the side of a Mountain. The grade going up my drive is probably 60 degree along with a few curves. The car has amazing down hill assist to negotiate down steep hills and of course my drive. AWD and 4 wheel drive additional feature: just tried in the snow on my steep drive and did not slip once. I would highly recommend this car. I had 2 VW Touaregs, but they were not as reliable on the roads I travel as the 2016 Toyota in snow, ice and mountain terrain. The things I do not like about the car: I am 54 and getting positioned in the car means I am constantly moving the seat back and forth. When it rains, the configuration of the door and windows does not shed water when door is initially opened, steering is so fine tuned you dont feel the roughness of the road consequently ---takes a little getting use to...finally... I would like a more realistic back up camera (not a fish eye camera )- positioned where the rain drops and snow do not sit on camera lens distorting the backup view. But as far as safety, I will deal with the insignificant to enjoy the significant safety features. I need Safety first. The 2016 Highlander is a great value for the money and the safety features sold me 100%. .. " NC Mountains"

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  Smart Choice - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By ahjok - December 24 - 5:28 am

  We have owned 2012 SE V6 for about a month, traded in a 2004 Lexus RX 330 which was the best car we have ever owned. We looked at a new RX 350 before deciding on the Toyota. Heres why: The Highlander is larger than the RX inside and out and has more legroom and cargo space. It is less stylish, but for about $8 grand less we decided we could live without the Lexus badge on the hood. The Toy has great power, decent if somewhat numb handling, and were averaging 21 MPG in town, 24 MPG highway. The ride is very, very smooth with just a bit of jiggliness on the interstate. Very pleased overall.

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  My Favorite New Car - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Mikiejon - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Great suv/car. lots of room between back and front seat. The Highlander looks good especially in the Limited model. Gets up to speed on the freeways very quickly. Love the automatic climate control..just set the temp and forget about it!Lots of storage space all over the Highlander. Its just a great family ride!

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  LUV IT! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Jeannethebean - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This is not my first Toyota vehicle so I expected reliability. It has met all my expectations. I tow two different boats with them loaded and I feel very safe. I have to drive many times through the night and I need to feel safe. It has proven itself through a tough winter. Handles very easily and Im complimented on the ride all the time.

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  great suv - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By family person - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Havent had this car to long but Ive been with Toyota for many many years. The highlander is just about everything you could need in a SUV. Lot of room good gas mileage at least the V4 is. Great car with out paying $40,000.00. Cant get much better then this one, for SUV. We put in a blue tooth it did not come with that.

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  Just purchaed 2011 - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By John - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I took three for test drives before we purchased. have had only for 2 days and love the vehicle. Had rides better than a Lexus 2009 that we traded. Better ride than a 4 runner and more comfortable than a 4 runner.

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  Refined & reliable - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By John Doskoch - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Splurged and bought the Limited HL, and were glad we did. Pleased to know its made in the USA too! The new redesigned front end for 2011 looks sharp. Love the Limiteds Smart Key keyless entry system, pushbutton start, reverse camera, heated seats. Also appreciate the MPG gauge. JBL stereo w/XM is wonderful. This SUV is solid and drives smooth and comfortably. Power/acceleration on demand. Toyota makes a great V6 engine. Lots of safety features + airbags galore, so safety is a given. The kids love our HL too, especially the roomy second row seats and their own temperature control. Our first 2 tanks of gas we averaged 20 mpg, which is OK for a 4000 lb vehicle.