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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  poor transmission - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By karen18 - May 29 - 1:20 am

  V6 AWD automatic drives like a manual transmission driven by someone who doesnt know how to shift. Toyota says all is within specifications and transmission will "learn" how I drive. Hasnt yet. Hesitation, overreving, underreving, hard shifting. Console area leaves a lot to be desired. Not enough spaces to put things. Speedometer should only go to 110mph; half of it is never used. Lumbar support is nice. Vehicle has a good amount of room. Wouldnt buy again.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By Martha Sanford - March 31 - 8:26 am

  I was disappointed in the ride. It sure didnt compare to my former Mercury Mountaineer. However the handling is very agile. Wish I had noticed how bland the cars exterior was in comparison to other suvs.

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  Some Bugs - But Good - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Highlander Owner - March 10 - 3:56 am

  The check engine light kept coming on (Which does not mean much in current automobiles). After three trips to the dealer they finally changed out the entire computer mother board and fixed the problem. Other than that it is an excellent car with great looks and lots of power. After test driving the Highlander all the other SUVs seemed to drive like U-Haul trucks. Definitely get the color coded fender wells, chrome tube step rails, and spoiler, or the truck will look like a minivan.

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  Lurch Mobile 2 - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Parkerf - February 22 - 9:23 am

  I really liked this car until I had to drive it for longer than one month. There is something really wrong with the AWD transmission on these cars. It hesitates about 5 seconds when you need it to accelerate, stopped on a hill, gave a loud "clump" then went up hill. Transmission cannot keep up with computer is my thinking. Toyota will not admit any problems, been to shop twice. Car lurches while trying (slowly) to change gears, can be dangerous while trying to enter a freeway, hope no one gets killed due to this problem. Also, knobs, rubber is falling off, radio bad. Do not Buy!!!

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  you get what you pay for - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By Jane - April 28 - 2:20 pm

  I had agreed to trade my 04 Lexus GX 470 in because of dismal fuel economy, and because my son is in college and we still needed an SUV I was suckered in to this. Well, needless to say you get what you pay for, the design both inside and out is pathetic and the ride quality is just as bad ( with floaty feel and horribly weighted steering.) Problems: 1. Excessive engine vibration transmitted through steering column. 2. Excessive front braking, front brakes grab, seem out of proportion with back. Braking consistency varies. 3. Engine idle, loud resonance or “boominess”, growl in first gear. 5. Transmission erratic with inappropria erratic with inappropriate shifting.

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  Constant Mechanical Problems - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Fredg - March 3 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle in the shop around 6 times for engine check light for mis-fires and losing coolant. It also has a pecking noise in the engine which mechanics cannot seem to hear.

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  Toyota Highlander is a Gas Guzzler - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Chandara - January 22 - 6:46 pm

  I bought this car because I believed the stats as fact. I read that this SUV give you about 18 miles/gallon in the city. But my 2010 toyota highlander got me only 13 to 14 miles per gallon. I only got 750 miles on my SUV right now, but I had to fill up 4 times already. Each time cost me about $45.00. I am spending about $850.00 (car payment, insurance and gas)per month just to drive this car! Totally not worth it!

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  BEWARE - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By BEWARE - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought an 03 HighlanderV6.Replacing my loaded Mountaineer lease,I knew Id sacrifice some bells & whistles,but wanted a smaller SUV. Toyota makes a great safe car,I thought it was a no-brainer. Well,BUYER BEWARE!Dont drive over 38mph with the back window down or youll feel like your ears will explode.Worse than a plane.If this wouldnt bother you, then Id say its a nice choice.However,if you care about your kids or backseat passangers ears,I BEG YOU TO SEARCH FOR SOMETHING ELSE,or at the least make sure it comes w/a sunroof to slightly alleviate it. With the great ratings&reviews I thought Id be thrilled, but you live & learn. DONT BELIEVE THE HYPE!

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  BEWARE - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By beware - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought an 03 HighlanderV6.Replacing my loaded Mountaineer lease,I knew Id sacrifice some bells & whistles,but wanted a smaller SUV. Toyota makes a great safe car,I thought it was a no-brainer. Well,BUYER BEWARE!Dont drive over 38mph with the back window down or youll feel like your ears will explode.Worse than a plane.If this wouldnt bother you, then Id say its a nice choice.However,if you care about your kids or backseat passangers ears,I BEG YOU TO SEARCH FOR SOMETHING ELSE,or at the least make sure it comes w/a sunroof to slightly alleviate it. With the great ratings&reviews I thought Id be thrilled, but you live & learn. DONT BELIEVE THE HYPE!

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  mold, wet carpet - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By Vanna - May 17 - 12:31 pm

  After 2yrs purchased the car, I have a problem now that the water leaked inside the car. When it rains, all the carpet is wet, especially the driver seats carpet is soaked with water. I removed all the carpet out to clean, now the car has the mold smell, every morning my 2 sons sneezed (allergy from the strong smell of the mold in the car). It happened last week when it rains, I started to pay more attention about it and double check why it leaks in the car. I cant find any solutions and it rains again in the last 3 days, my car is getting worst so I took it to the local Toyota dealer service for them to check. I found out that my car is not the first one that has a problem, and after the diagnosed theyll fixed it by replaced the whole car carpet. After a week that they fixed my car, the car is now still have that mold smell and my sons still have allergy every time theyre in the car. Ill sell it as soon as I pay off the car. I suggest anyone to review it carefully, so you wont run into this problem at Toyota. I live in Hayward, California. This review on March 7, 2016.