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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  Still worth it despite the media hype! - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Mitral - November 2 - 12:43 pm

  I own a 2005 Toyota Sienna which is the best vehicle I have owned in recent memory. When it came time to purchase a mid size SUV, the Highlander was at the top of my list. Even after all the media hype, it is still better than the competition. My average fuel economy has been 19-20 mpg. 70% highway 30% city. My only complaints of the vehicle are the poor OEM tire choice and the angle of the dash display.

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  Fits the Bill! - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By DRAC - November 2 - 7:46 am

  Purchased the vehicle as a secondary hauler for my wife. We have no kids at home but just in case grand kids arrive, this vehicle is just the ticket. We shopped the Chevy Transverse, Mazda CX-9, Ford Edge and decided on the Highlander for fuel economy and reliability. Dont let all the noise about the recalls fool you, test drive one and you will be pleased. We average 19 MPG mixed with 24 to 26 MPG highway driving at 75 mph. This is with the V6 Base package. My wife likes the idea of a large vehicle thats easy to maneuver. As with any vehicle, all is not perfect. Sometimes the steering feels too light and there is torque steer under hard acceleration.

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  Awesome SUV - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By BobNJ - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought the 2003 Limited fully loaded. The options raised the priced to $32,500. I tried the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder w/comparable trim. The Pilot was roomy but the interior felt cheap. There was a 3 months wait which gives little room to haggle. The Pathfinder has a very nice but narrow interior. Highlander handles the curves with some body lean (less than other SUVs). The pickup is very smooth with no sudden jolts. Its made for the surburbanite who never go offroad and only takes occassional take trips to Vermont for skiing. The interior is ergonomically designed. The leather seats and simulated wood panels gives it a simple classy look.

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  Love this car!!! - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By E Wakely - October 31 - 12:39 am

  Have been a loyal Honda consumer since 1992 and this is my first Toyota. Perfect transition from a 2007 Honda Odyssey to the Highlander. Pros: Comfort, ride, minimal road noise, interior room, back up camera, blind spot monitoring, audio options, iPhone interface. Cons: With 3rd row up, limited cargo space; gas mileage generally 19-20 mpg. I was so reluctant to give up my van after 16 years of Honda Odysseys, but time to move on from the minivans. Other vehicles we considered were: Honda Pilot, Acura MDX, Ford Explorer and Infiniti QX60. Glad we did not spend the extra money for the Acura and Infiniti.

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  SATISFIED....... - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Dennis McGarry - October 29 - 3:13 am

  Very satisfied with my 2017 Limited Highlander. Like it better than all other SUVS.Good ooks nice ride.

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  120K and going strong - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Anne - October 24 - 8:26 am

  Bought used 12/03 w/27K miles; now just over 120,000, & though overdue a major check-up & first tune-up, Ive had few problems. Mileage still avgs. 20-21 mpg & might improve a bit once tuned. Except for routine maint., have only had to replace some sort of emissions sensor. Ck engine light came on a few times at first, but once I realized it was always right after oil change, & they werent reconnecting an air hose properly after ckg the air filter, I always warn them about it, & it hasnt happened since. Htg&A/C intermittently switches over to opposite of what its set on. Turning temp. knob over & back resets it so havent fixed since entire panel must be pulled - big $$$, Im told

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  Big Mistake - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By morris - October 24 - 3:03 am

  The research described the Highlander as a very good vehicle. I am dissappointed and trying to cut my losses. I moved to WV a couple of years ago and got tired of bottoming out my 2001 Volvo V70 T5 (100,000 mi). The Hylander has difficulty excellerating on the hills, the brakes grab, the cruise control is jerky and shifts into overdrive frequently (dealer says its fine), the plastic components are light weight and fall off, poor ventilation to the back seat area, seat heaters are inadequate, road noise is excessive, a recent stone star to the windshield revealed a single piece of glass. I do not feel safe and I cant believe I spent the money. My Chevy 2500HD diesel is better.

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  "My first Toyota..Oh what a delight" - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Jacksonville Bill - October 21 - 4:40 pm

  Im totally pleased with my 2005 Toyota Highlander, 2.4 four cylinder, Sonora Gold Pearl aka "Goldilocks or Goldie". Shes just right! This vehicle does everything my 1994 Ford Aerostar van did and more. I can haul people, cargo and my dog "Blue" in relative comfort and it has four doors! The ride is so smooth and comfortable. I feel like Im floating on a cloud. I have a daily commute of 40 miles round trip and the mileage Im getting is remarkable and because of all the safety features my insurance rate only increased $5.00 a month. "Oh what a savings". I love my Toyota Highlander.."Oh what a delight".

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  Hunter - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Smokey - October 20 - 6:20 pm

  Steering is very stiff at highway speeds causing the feeling that it has locked up, and trying to make a minor adjustment always results in an oversteer or over correction situation. The result is a weaving left to right as you travel the straight-aways. There is no room for any extra stuff in the front for the driver or passenger. Difficult to get the EPA rating of 24 Hghy.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Dan - October 19 - 6:16 pm

  I have owned an Explorer, Tribute and Durango. The Highlander is by far the best of them all.The 4 cylinder gives a smooth ride and gas mileage.