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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  My new 4Runner - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By lahbsta - September 3 - 7:07 am

  I drove a 12 4Runner and didnt like it as much as my 05. This 12 Highlander Limited drives well, is comfortable and has many comforts and features. I have about 1300 miles following 262K on my 05 4Runner. So far so good. While not as tight as the 4, it is a better ride. I do many highway miles and I like the 10 way power seat better. This a very roomy vehicle too. The electric steering is too responsive and the wheel is small but now I am used to it. Powerful engine and smooth shifting tranny.

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  Well Pleased - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Msmacp - September 2 - 6:20 am

  I am enjoying many wonderful features of my new Highlander. However, I am learning that I was more spoiled than I realized with my Tahoe. Seat comfort on long trips is an issue. There is much more road noise than I have been used to. Would undercoating possibly diminish the noise factor? I attempted to get tires that might be quieter. Due to the size, the tire store owner could not locate options for me with three of the main manufacturers and he did not pursue it any further. Other than that I love not needing to fumble in my purse for the keys all the time. Thats great when your hands are full.

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  Traded X3 for Highlander - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By DJ - September 1 - 2:26 pm

  Traded a 2005 BMW X3 for 2008 Highlander sport. BMW just dont offer value for the money anymore on the new X3. Family really likes the Toyota. Softer drive but much more comfortable on Quebec bumpy road. Braking is good and strong with some front dive. Plenty of room for family of 4 with dog. Kids love the captain seat in 2nd row.

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  Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By jlb3 - August 29 - 10:00 am

  We traded in our Honda CRV for a Highlander in June 2003. This car has just been wonderful. The ride is smooth, unlike that of the other SUVs we tried. Its very quiet, so quiet its hard to know if the car is on at times. A great choice if you take long trips. Best of all our auto insurance was surprisingly low, because of all the safety features. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone considering it. Im a commuter and everyone that rides with me comments on what a nice car it is and always asks what type is it!

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  better than a lexus - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By bmullis - August 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought in 2003 and it is a much better value than my wifes Lexus RX 300. It has more interior room, rides as nice and cost 6k less. We now take it on vacations because it is a better family vehicle.

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  4-cylinder Review - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By In Tampa - August 28 - 8:36 am

  This car is pure joy. The 4-cylinder has more than enough power, and you save $1,500 + better gas mileage. The quality is great, same as other Toyotas. At first, I had a hard time spending $26k for this car compared to buying a Camry or Accord, but now Im glad I did. The utility and extra space this vehicle affords is well worth the difference.

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  "Smooth Riding SUV" - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Randy Utley, DDS - August 24 - 10:46 pm

  I went from a Toyota Solara to the Highlander and am still impressed! The ride for a SUV is awesome! It handles well and is very reliable. To top it all off, it looks great too! I almost bought a Lexus RX330 and am glad I did not waste my money! I got all on the Highlander and did not pay all the extra money! I highly recommend the Highlander! Thanks!

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  better than expected - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Easy - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Nice car/truck...it rides smooth,intuitive controls,no squeeks or rattles only wind noise at speeds above 50-mph.Overall the quality is so good I wish I could afford a new limited. I had leather installed after market on the seats ,doors and steering wheel,and added a chrome exhast tip and front tinted windows.The original black paint has held up nicely as well as the factory alloys.This is my 3rd Toyota,I traded in an 03 Corolla LE with 45k miles for the Highlander with no regrets .After years of GM product abuse (98 Intrigue-99 Aurora excluded)I will only buy Toyotas until I can afford the Lexus line of cars and trucks...(ps)The Highlander looks great next to my black 02 Camry SE V6

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  Highlander SPORT - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By luvtoyota10 - August 19 - 9:13 am

  This is my fathers car and it is great. The sport suspension does make a difference, it handles better than my 2013 Highlanader. Theres more steering feel. It does well in the snow, havent had any problems with it. Just doing maintenance on it. The JBL sound system is amazing! Some of my leather Jackets tend to stick to the leather on the seats and make a weird noise when I get out of the seat. It does everything you want it to. I like the huge backup camera as well.

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  Highlander Great Buy - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Douglas - August 16 - 7:00 am

  We purchased a Toyota Highlander the later end of 2004. We looked into several types of vehicles and decided to purchase a Toyota Highlander. The MPG is pretty good given that the vehicle is an SUV. It handles well and the interior is very easy to maintain. My family feels safe and comfortable in the vehicle.