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 love it 3 yrs later! - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By toyotalover - August 6 - 4:23 pm

  Always wanted a Toyota and I love driving it now as much as I did at first. Always dependable, no problems whatsoever. I like the tight steering, low turning radius... drives like a car. Easy to handle, even when loaded with weight. 4 cyl. is plenty of power for me. Big enough for my 62 stocky husband. I get about 20-22 MPG mixed city/hwy driving... wish it was more, but hey, I cant complain. I love this vehicle.

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  So Far a winner! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Bruce - August 6 - 11:53 am

  A month and 1800 miles + and we love our new Highlander. The wide luxury ride took a little getting used to after a 95 GMC Jimmy and an 89 Pathfinder but it is a pleasure to drive especially on longer trips. I do not find any discomfort in the seats. Controls are well placed, interior design is good. Features seem to be well thought out and well placed. This is the first "luxury" vehicle I have ever owned and I think I have spoiled myself. Not an off road vehicle but I expect it to be good in bad weather. Love the nav, rear dvd for the kids, and aux input on the stereo for the ipod. The visibility seems excellent and I am expecting same Toyota quality I had in my Fav 84 Celica. Very happy!

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  Excellent with a few quirks - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By drewdog - August 4 - 10:00 am

  I love this thing! Lots of power, lots of space, great sound system, handles well for its size/weight, mileage is good too. Only minor issues: slippery leather, poor stock tires, break shims had to be replaced on one wheel (bought it used at 30k miles though).

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  Decent, solid, reliable Toyota - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By James - August 1 - 4:26 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for 4.5 years and have had no issues. Transmission shifting from 3rd to 4th is a bit "herky jerky" at times but the overall ride is extremely smooth. Plan on buying another one in 2-3 years. A solid buy.

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  A Fine Set of Wheels - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Paxman - July 29 - 4:26 am

  I loved my 2002 Highlander and Im liking this one even more. This is a very comfortable car to drive. Quiet and smooth ride with a good amount of power when required. Roomy interior. Nice temperature controls. Good amount of cargo space. The Limited comes with a little extra chrome trim which is a great accent to the black paint color. This is a useful, sweet looking vehicle and a fine ride!

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  still lovin it after 4 years - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By colette - July 28 - 12:03 pm

  the comfort, reliability and reasonable gas mileage (avg. 18 mpg around town) makes this vehicle perfect for a single person or small family. i would not hesitate to by a newer model in say, 8- 10 years!

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  Wonderful! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Mary - July 25 - 11:46 am

  I love this vehicle. I replaced my 03 Highlander Limited with the 08 Limited and what a difference. This car is like a luxury vehicle. Smooth comfortable and quiet ride. The only thing I miss from my 03 Highlander is the storage underneath the console. I would always hide my purse there.

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  Love It - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By Linda & Nick - July 16 - 7:06 pm

  We made up our minds to get another Toyota, this time the Highlander. Love it. Not too big, not too small, its just right. It handles smoothly and I have the feeling of security in it. Would suggest this auto to anyone who is looking for safety, height of 4 wheeler, and ride of Lexus. Very comfortable, love it, love it, love it. Cant go wrong buying this one. Well worth it. No negatives on this car.

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  MY CAR - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By MRPAT - July 16 - 10:00 am

  VERY NICE, HOPE TO GET A NEW ONE

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  Love this SUV much more than I expected. - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By RedbeardCE - July 14 - 10:26 pm

  This family of 5 is loving our 2005 Toyota Highlander. Definitely like the 3rd row seat, our 10 year old enjoys having his own place in the car, as do the 16 and 14 year olds like the middle seat with center arm rest. No more do I hear "will you stop touching me!" from the rear of the vehicle, everyone has plenty of room now. Having this as our family weekend vehicle, the wife and I look for excuses to park my Civic and her Altima and pack the kids in and go out to eat or visit GrandMa or just plain go for a Sunday drive. Looking forward to vacationing this summer and the local drive-in movie too. Does not get the mileage that either of the other two cars get, but the 20/25 split is not bad.