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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  High on Highlander - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By Michael Cunningham - November 10 - 8:31 am

  Comfort, good value and reliability are but a few attributes Highlands are known for. Ive had three over the years and they just keep getting better. Decided Ill soon be shopping for my fourth. Great cars!

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  Oh What a Feeling - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By djccarter - November 9 - 10:00 am

  We bought near blind via the internet. I test drove one in 2001 when they came out and thought it was nice. My wife had never seen one, as we were living in Europe. The Toyota name was all that we truely had to bank on. We thought that was enough since we already own a Camry. WE WERE NOT DISAPPOINTED!

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  Lovin it - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By mejohnson3 - November 5 - 11:26 pm

  The ride and noise comfort is outstanding for an SUV, close to our 08 Camry. It is extremely spacious for 4 adults and the third row seat is very functional. My gas mileage is averaging 21 MPG with little expressway driving. The AWD technology is superior, completely automatic, and provides a reassuring driving experience for all conditions. I have a boat that I tow and the V6 provides plenty of power and the brakes are fantastic. Im very particular about my vehicles and Im completely satisfied and would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  You get what you need! - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By Neil Marwan - November 5 - 5:32 pm

  I bought this certified 2013 based on our need for an affordable yet very reliable vehicle. The mpg is a little under what I was looking for but filling it up at $2.80 a gallon certainly doesnt break the bank .

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  Needed comfort and cargo space - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Jeff R. - November 2 - 5:51 pm

  I needed enough cargo space for a wheelchair on occasion, and golf bags. The cargo space works perfectly. The air cooled seats are just right for Florida as is the zoned air. I cant say enough good things about this car. Great!

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  Love my highlander - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By MeMe - October 30 - 12:10 am

  Its great on gas. Heavy solid car. Toyota makes dependable cars. Was absolutely Perfect for my needs but now need additional/large cargo space. Im so sad that I will be trading it in. Its an outstanding car !

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  You Cant Go Wrong with 08 Highlander - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By amx831 - October 29 - 10:50 pm

  I test drove an HL in 06 and liked it but decided to wait. When I saw the pics for the 08 I knew it was time. What an improvement! I have had my HL for 3mo now. I wanted luxury with utility and the Limited fits the bill perfectly. The EPA ratings seem to be accurate. Im getting 22 mixed and 27 hwy @<65mph and 25 hwy @>70mph. The seats are very comfortable at first, but start to feel hard after a couple of hours on long trips. People have complained about the head rest, I find their position to be perfect and comfortable.

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  Love this SUV! No Regrets! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Mwilson - October 29 - 9:20 pm

  Overall I love this SUV! I really did my research when deciding on what to buy. Pricing and reliabilty were big factors in my decision making. I was torn between the Honda Pilot or the Highlander, Im glad I chose the Highlander. Ive owned it for almost two years, and the only thing I would change is the rear window noise, EXTREMELY disturbing. I live in Chicago, and trust me winter driving can be a challenge, but this vehicle handled are winter storms w/no problems. You wont regret it.

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  This SUV rocks! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Nala - October 29 - 10:46 am

  When I first saw this SUV, I knew it was the one for me.This SUV is hands down the most attractive SUV in its class, with its streamlined appearance that resembles luxury SUVs such as the Cayenne or the VW Toureg, but with the low maintenance costs, reliability and resale value of Toyota. The amount of passenger and cargo space in this SUV is amazing! I love to go on road trips and take friends along, and I know they will not be uncomfortable in the back seats.

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  going to buy another one - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By L G - October 28 - 2:00 am

  originally bought it for the wife. now i have to drive it all accross Texas. Excellent when you have 4-5 hours of driving, no sore back. Quiet,not one minute of down time in almost 40,000 in less than 1 1/2 years. going to buy another one. this is my 7th Toyota, they are the best on the road.