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 3rd Toyota - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By EdmondOklahoma - August 16 - 6:06 am

  Ive owned a Tercel and a Camry and both were great cars, but the Highlander is my favorite Toyota. I bought a 2001 in 2003 and have had no problems. LOVED it when I bought it and still love it 3 years later.

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  2013 highlander limited used - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By Ken Kubu - August 15 - 9:39 am

  Just picked it up. Super ride and comfort. Tech.package voice activated ( were learning). I have a 2001 4runner we kept, and traded a 2009 Avalon xl with 62 k on the clock for the highlander. If this vehicle performs like my others we will be very pleased. This was a lease car turn in with 20 k miles, price was right. Bennett Toyota in Allentown Pa very nice people to do business with. As for Tom Doherty.

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  I LOVE IT! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By steve k. lee - August 14 - 10:00 am

  HANDLES VERY GOOD& NICE LOOKING WITH GOOD PRICE.I HAVE MANY PEOPLE IN CHURCH WHO,WANTS TO PURCHASE AFTER SOW MY HIGH- LANDER.

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  I searched two years for this car! - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By moonlightbiker - August 14 - 4:09 am

  After a two year search I finally HAD to get a car when my engine blew. I have to admit I didnt like anything out there. I even disliked the Highlander at first glance but discovered it was the basic I saw. I forced myself to go back and look again after hearing a friend rave about theirs. Sure enough the molding on the side panel for the Limited made all the difference in the world, and when I opened the door... WOW! I was in love. This car feels like a Land Rover when you sit in it. Its more solid than anything else I tested, which was everything else. The interior can only be compared to the luxury of Lexus. It is whisper quiet to drive & amazingly comfortable. I love it!

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  My First new car - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By spindry - August 12 - 2:36 pm

  Firstly, my last car was a 95 minivan. The HL handles better than the minivan, its mileage, however, is about the same: 14 mpg city (NYC) and 20 mpg HW. I do not accelerate quickly. It brakes and control is far superior!!

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  Great SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Great SUV - August 12 - 12:10 am

  Coming up on 120,000. I guess Ill get a tune-up. Every time I take it to the dealer they say its fine. Replaced the brakes once and had a ball bearing replaced. Other than that, it runs great. Husband bought me a new VW CC as an early Christmas gift - but I cant give up this SUV, so hell have to take the new car. I know this sounds crazy -- but why replace it if its running great!!! Plus it has more room and can haul more.

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  Great Legroom - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Bill - August 9 - 8:13 am

  I stand 6 ft 5 in tall, over 220 lbs and until I sat in the 2008 Highlander the only crossover vehicle I could physically get my legs behind the wheel was an Enclave or a GMC Acadia. The new Highlander layout is comfortable has plenty of knee room and even with the sunroof I have at least 2 in of headroom. As an SUV it has an excellent ride and handles well at highway speeds. Plenty of power and even at 70 mph there is still lots of pep left for passing. Beautiful exterior styling and finish. 19 in wheels improve the looks and the ride.

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  GREATEST SUV FOR YOU MONEY!!! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By ss5153 - August 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought this SUV March 2001, own it for almost 1.5 years now, ABSOLUTELY PERFECT VEHICLE, NO PROBLEMS WHAT SO EVER!!! RECENTLY ADDED THE SIDE RUNNING TUBES. LOOKS GREAT!!! BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE FROM MY TOYOTA DEALER!!! JUST NEED A REGULAR OIL CHANGE/ROTATE TIRES EVERY 5K MILES. I THINK ITS BETTER THAN PAYING DOUBLE FOR A BMW X5. SAVES YOU MONEY, NO LUXUARY TAX! AND BEST OF ALL ITS A TOYOTA!

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  Loving my Hybrid! - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Donna D - August 7 - 4:29 pm

  I love the quietness of the engine and the cost savings I am experiencing with my hybrid vehicle. The ride is so smooth and it handles well.

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  Early Review - Good Car, Good Value - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Jim - August 6 - 5:19 pm

  I took delivery of this car just a month ago, so this is a preliminary review. I cant comment on reliability, maintenance cost, etc. I havent owned the car long enough, but my experience with Toyota has always been outstanding. Currently, we only have 750 miles on the car, so most of the "review categories" with respect to reliability & value that I rated "OK or N/A" could not be rated because I havent driven the car enough. So, disregard those. This car for me was a downsizing. We traded in a 2011 Sequoia SR 5 4WD with 54,000 miles. It had never been back to the dealership after delivery and was trouble free. We purchased the car in November 11, after the 12s were on sale, and walked out the door with the $40,850 sticker price Sequoia for $35K exactly. Anyone who disputes Toyotas resale value, I received $22K for this trade 61 months later and 54K miles later. So the car cost me $213/month. I couldnt have leased it for that price. Additionally, Earl Stewart Toyota in Palm Beach, FL discounted my new Highlander by $2700 off the sticker. No hassle, no haggle. What a great dealership!!!! Now for the Highlander. The XLE for 2017 now comes with blind spot monitoring, radar cruise control & lane departure warning standard. These were not available on XLE trim in 2016. It also comes with start/stop technology & Toyotas new 8 speed transmission. It cost about the same as the 2016 model that didnt have these features. The Highlander is much smaller than the Sequoia, (193 inches vs. 205, and a little smaller in width) and is much easier to drive. There is plenty of space in the front & middle rows. It is the 3rd row and cargo area where most of the space is lost. Space it tight back there compared to the Sequoia for any adult no matter how much the front two rows are adjusted. The only 3 row, mid-sized SUV with a roomier 3rd row was the Honda Pilot, but its interior design paled in comparison to the Toyota & the advanced safety features I mentioned required taking a high trim level Pilot costing $1000s more than the Highlander. With the third row folder, cargo capacity is generous, though not as large as that of a Honda Pilot. As far as performance is concerned, even though we keep the Highlander in "economy mode", acceleration is plenty brisk, and there is no trouble merging onto a highway. Those who report this car is underpowered are misguided. Its not!!!! Its not a Mustang GT or Corvette fast, but next to the Pilot, CX-9, Pathfinder & MDX, it is class competitive. The interior is very well put together, somewhat elegant, with lots of storage and the leather seats that are very comfortable. The ride is generally supple, especially on smoother roads, but harsher impacts are a little more noticeable than in the Sequoia. The back up camera & navigation work extremely well. So far mileage appears to be better than expected. We drive conservatively, which helps. Doing mostly stop & start, city driving (75 to 80% of the time), with the air conditioner on, Tank 1 yielded 21.5 mpg and tank # 2 returned 22.5 mpg. EPA is 20/26. The start/stop technology works well, but it can be felt. So far, We are extremely pleased with the Highlander. Its perfect for a family of four or five, provided the 5 arent all adult size individuals. Ill post an updated review in a few months once we have accumulated a few thousand miles.