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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  We had our Highlander for a month. - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By correctthought - June 22 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have had this SUV for a little over a month and are very happy with it. The 4 cylinder engine does not feel underpowered and should be fine for almost all circumstances. It does not strain to pass cars on the highway. So far it handles well in the rain, has more than enough room for lugging things around and the vsc/abs are very good. The view from the cabin is great with no blind spots. I would highly recomend this SUV to anyone. Dont open the rear windows only, it produces a helicopter noise effect that can be shocking and LOUD! Bottom line, I cant wait to drive it again.

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  Too many issues - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By mm - June 16 - 7:50 pm

  Good: ride, airbags, tether, handling. Bad: quality (started rattling at 20000 miles), warranty repair, failing steering column at 31000 miles in non-demanding driving conditions (mostly flat or slightly hilly terrain). Very dissapointing experience with my 3rd Toyota.

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  Traded our Odyssey for Highlander - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By ToyGuy - June 15 - 11:03 pm

  Decided it was time to finish the minivan phase of our lives. We bought a Highlander and like it very much. Not as much cargo capacity as the minivan, but that is to be expected. Interior on Limited has all the options we need and is very comfortable. I would have rated build quality higher, but we recently discovered a grinding/rattling noise in front end when going over bumpy sections of road. Need to get it to dealer for a checkout.

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  Very good job!!!!! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Rilke - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I have owned for 8 months. I have been fun with this black bear.

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  CoachPs Highlander - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By CoachP - June 13 - 7:13 pm

  As a man who has had 5 hip replacements and two knees, and was very happy with his two Odysseys, I was interested to look at the 08 Highlander. What scared me off the CX-9 was no Mazda store in town, and questionable reliability. I cannot be happier with the Toyota, nor with the way I was treated at the store (which I had never previously been in). The styling is outstanding, everyone knows Toyotas quality, and the mileage has been good.

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  Still Enjoying My HL After 2 Years! - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Mercy58 - June 9 - 7:00 am

  Bought my Highlander after test driving a Sienna; found the HL much easier to handle (I have a bad arm, so thats important to me). First Toyota, very pleased; just had 30,000 mile service done with no problems. It drives very well in the snow. Rides great after replacing original tires with good quality Michelins. I find it very easy to maneuver and visibility is good. Paint does scratch easily under door handles. Tranny hesitates a bit shifting down when turning into my steep uphill drive. 3rd row seat okay for children; too small for most adults. Overall Im very happy with my HL!

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  toyota highlander - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By laury krieger - June 4 - 10:00 pm

  I love this car. Before purchasing the Highlander,we owned a Ford Explorer. The Highlander is so much better in every way. The Explorers ride and steering were stiff and truck like. There was no comfort in that car and the gas mileage was awful. I also never felt safe in that car. With the Highlander, it is like riding in a luxury car. The interior is plush and the handling and comfort are top of the line. We have taken this car on long trips and there is so much leg room. The arm rests are great. I have told people that the only problem with the Highlander is that the seats are TOO comfortable. It is like sitting on my couch at home.

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  Highlander review - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By lin - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I like the quite drive. It handles like butter. It carries my Siberian Husky and I can still see the road safley.

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  Highlander Smooth Rider - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By mktennis - June 4 - 10:00 am

  The Highlander is as complete a package in the mid-sized SUV around. The cockpit is well thought out and convienent. The AWD version sits up nice and high and handles rough unpaved roads with no problems. Interior is large enough for 5 and luggage.

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  Blown Head Gasket Engine 4cyl Bad News - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By toml1958 - June 1 - 5:26 am

  Beware of the dreaded code stating leakage in exhaust system, for this is an idication of the head gasket going and leaking coolant. Upon further review it is found thatrear head bolts are stripped due to excessive heat most like caused by foam insulator pad between plastic intake manifold and engine. Some say engine is toast, but the fix rec. is a time sert insert kit (approx $500 helicoil) with drill guide. Mine is to be currently repaired at about a total cost of $2,900.00 as long as the helicoil kit holds the head bolt torque, we will see? It is a design flaw in my opinion as it seems to be a regular issue with the four cylinder Highlanders approx.2001-2005? Failure was at 160,000 mi.