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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  Tire change made a big difference - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By winterhound - May 27 - 5:10 pm

  Too early to say much, just got the car. However, after reading very bad reviews on the OEM tires (Bridgestone Dueler 400 H/L, I ended trading them in on a new set of Brigestgone Dueler Allenzas 255/55/19s (one size larger). WOW! Cleaned up the mushiness; they feel way more tuned to the suspension (at 42 lbs); and the more stable stance at high speed (80 MPH) is a drastic improvement. The Tire Rack rating is way better, and I need this car to perform in snow. The increased diameter is minimal (maybe .4 inch) while the extra width is part of the much improved feel (perhaps 1.5 inches).

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  Paint chiping off - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Mike - May 19 - 5:56 pm

  The paint on the drivers side mirror is not only chipping away but you can actually see it bubbling. The car has less than 50K miles on it but the dealer will not repair or replace the mirror. I also have a 2000 Honda Accord 6 cyc. I looks and drives like its brand new. And is has 111K miles on it with no major work whatsoever. Bottom line, stay away from Toyota. You will never go wrong with a Honda.

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  Would love it if I lived w/o snow. - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By KC - May 18 - 1:16 am

  Absolutely love my Highlander. Except the 7-8 months out of the year when I drive in snow and ice. I consistently slide thru stop signs and sharp corners and speeds lower than 20 mph. Dont know if I will make it to next winter. Sorry I live in northern WI. Toyota needs to make some serious changes.

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  Nothing like the Highlander! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By CBeagle - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a beautiful black Ford Explorer Sport because theyre discontinuing the Sport model. I went looking one day at the Highlanders for the heck of it. About a week later I traded the Ford in for the Highlander. You know why? The Explorer for one thing had over 100,000 miles on it and it drove like a TRUCK I wanted a mid- size SUV that drove like a car and this does; believe me, its awesome. It has the Camry frame and when I tell you it drives nice, Im not kidding. Its absolutely wonderful and no comparison to the Ford Explorer Sport, youll love it.

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  Poorly designed roof rack - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By edmundsperson - May 15 - 6:26 pm

  The roof rack cross bars can only be installed 27 Inches apart!!!!! There is no other place to install the Toyota factory cross bar for greater spacing. There are no other aftermarket roof racks(Yakima, Thule, etc) that will fit on the roof because of the decorative chrome coated plastic roof rails. The Yakima roof rack(Q-Tower) can only be installed if there are no decorative chrome coated plastic roof rails. You could remove the decorative roof rails. LOL. Toyota claims to have asked the public for input on the design. There is also the claim who uses the rack anyway.

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  What a feeling-Toyota - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Carolyn - May 14 - 1:20 am

  Went from the 03 RAV4 to the 06 highlander needing a larger SUV-love the highlander almost as much as the RAV. Highlander very quiet, comfortable, responsive steering, powerful engine, gas mileage could be a little better but ok considering its AWD, no problems so far, had for 3 yrs. Looking to downsize so Im going back to the RAV4.

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  A Highlander Fan - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By edd - May 13 - 3:56 pm

  Economic: longer trips: 60 mph - 25 mpg, 65 mph - 24, 70 mph 23-24, around town - 19-22. Like monitoring driving habits with fuel monitoring gauge. Had a 2002 Highlander, may have bought the 2009 sooner but the exterior look was a bit dull due to the boring side door panels. We compromised with side moldings that seemed to break up the monotony. Very comfortable and pleasant to ride and drive in. The front seat ride seems better than the back seat ride. Both are spacious. Rear window washer blades dont lift up for easy cleaning (weird). Interior is very nice but mad that Toyota makes you pay extra on top of the Limited price just to add satellite radio. Overall a great car.

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  Not My Best Decision - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By George - May 10 - 6:20 pm

  I thought I was making a great informed decision buying this vehicle given the Toyota reputation for quality. This was my first non big 3 SUV. I think the interior is ok in terms of design. The heating/ac panel is complicated to use. The windows make visibility a little more difficult than I would like. The transmission has some interesting options to downshift and upshift, but it is unclear as to the benefits. The performance in snow is awful. I have no idea how this has a good snow rating, worse than most cars I have had. The owners manual is very uninformative as to some of the most important features of the case. Overall it is going to be a quick trade here.

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  Waited 11 years - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Rick Pellino - May 10 - 1:27 pm

  I traded in my 2005 Honda CRV which I drove for 11 years and bought a Highlander XLE. I love this car! The ride and comfort are wonderful. I have the two separate seats in the second row which are comfortable and roomy. The technology is easy to set up and use. Love how the audio bluetooth works with my music downloads on my I-phone. Toyota has won me back with this quality vehicle. Great value. Just a pleasure to drive. I havent had it long enough to comment on reliability but I have high expectations for Toyota quality. I am 65years old and looking forward to driving my new Highlander in my retirement years.

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  Best SUV On The Market - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Jeff - May 7 - 12:46 am

  Just purchased a 4 cylinder Highlander for "Invoice" and not only am I happy about that but the vehicle overall. Are you ready for this, Im getting over 30 MPG combined city/hwy. Of course Im not driving like a have a race car either. There is plenty of power when you need it. I own a Prius and have learned some techniques by utilizing the "Cruise Control" as often as I can. I compared the Highlander Hybrid model mileage to the 4 cylinder Highlander and for $20K less, I am getting better mileage. Invoice cost was $26,014.00 plus tax & license at 2.9% financing. People have got to be insane to pay upwards of $48K for a Highlander Hybrid (Limited).