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:

• 

  Great SUV - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By caremil - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Interior is well thought out, with lots of storage, amenities and the heating/cooling system well distributed through out the car. Solid feeling ride with limited road/wind noise. Able to tow 5000 lbs. Full spare which comes in Handy when traveling. Still own 2004 Highlander limited wish has great reliability record.

• 

  Not perfect, but pretty nice - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Rexlion - November 18 - 9:23 pm

  This basic AWD model is almost identical in size to our 2000 Merc Mountaineer, but a little wider and way better ride. Interior fan so much quieter. Headlights much better illumination. Not as good looking or as much fun to drive as the Rav4 in my opinion, but we want to tow a 4000 lb travel trailer and the Rav wont quite do it. This Highlander has plenty of goodies as standard equipment. And 8" ground clearance, yet its easier to get in and out of than the old Mountaineer. My 52" wife is happy about that.

• 

  My Toyota Highlander - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Janet Fisher - November 16 - 1:47 pm

  I really love the SUV, it handles like a nice sedan rather than a truck. I only wish Toyota would put "Leather seats" in more of their models. I have had those seats in all my vehicles for over 20 yrs and I miss that.

• 

  Excellent Crossover - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Roozter - November 16 - 2:00 am

  This has been a joy to drive. handles very well, much better than I expect from SUVs

• 

  Quiet and comfortable - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By albanyew - November 11 - 1:33 pm

  I purchased the 2014 Highlander after owning a 2006 model for eight years and 130K miles, with minimal problems. The 2006 was a hybrid, and I miss the better MPG, but without a tax credit I couldnt justify the additional $12K (2014 hybrids only come in the highest trim levels). Im 63", and the new model is just enough bigger inside to sleep in comfortably with the second and third rows down. Im a conservative driver, and so far (1900 miles) Im getting 20.6 mpg overall; when its time for a tire change, Michelins with lower rolling resistance may add a mile or two. The steering is more responsive than the previous model.

• 

  Highlander Limited - 2004 - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Chuck in Illinois - November 11 - 10:00 am

  We worked with a dealer located 90 miles from our house. After 8 days of emailing back and forth, we agreed upon a price that was $500 below Edmunds TMV. This dealer understood the importance of customer service and honesty. Side curtain airbags, 6CD changer, Leather, Heated seats 3.3L V6...wow. We were looking at the Pilot and the Highlander in the home stretch. The reach distance for the driver to the radio/climate controls was more comfortable in the Highlander. The front seats are more comfortable than the Pilots.

• 

  LOVE IT! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By petrn - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love the car! The ride is smooth and sure. I feel safe and comfortable when driving. The dealership was great although when I went to get the inspection sticker I was told an hour and a half wait was required. In fairness though, when I objected, the car was immediately inspected. I test drove many SUVs before deciding on the Highlander and I made the best choice by far.

• 

  2005 v64wd highlander - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By anna - November 9 - 12:36 am

  I bought my highlander after considering size, saftey, gas milage,and reliability as compared to other suvs. The size is perfect for me-not too big, not too small. There is plenty of room for hauling-took 2 kids to college in it. Its very nice to drive, but the transmission is sluggish when starting out. Also, I previously had an explorer, and the seats in it were much more comfortable. Its a pleasure to drive- its very quiet and smooth-sort of like gliding through the air! It handles very well around bends etc, and is easy even for me to park!

• 

  The best car I have ever owned - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By jane - November 7 - 4:00 am

  If this car died today it would owe me absolutely nothing. I have never had it back to the dealer for anything but routine maintenance. In fact at 111,000 miles I just took it in for a brake job and was told that they could save the rotors. These are the original brakes!!! Bet you wouldnt get that on an American car. Love this vehicle. Hope it lasts like the ones on the TV ads for at least 300,000 miles. I started driving in 1966 and have had many cars but this one is by far the best I have ever owned.

• 

  2001 Highlander Excellent Value - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Johnz - November 4 - 5:06 am

  Most reliable car I have owned. Comfortable. Lots of power for highway driving. Nicely finished.