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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  2008 Highlander Sport vs. 5 competitors - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Otto Mann - May 16 - 8:26 pm

  Excellent choice. I compared to Acura MDX, Lexus RX 350, BMW X5 6 cyl., Hyundai VeraCruz, Subaru Tribeca with test drives. Sport model has firmer suspension than all other Highlander models which is why I picked it. Have pushed this car hard in turns and while it leans, it wont give up grip. Quiet and smooth on the highway. After 3,300 miles, I average 21 mpg overall. Seats are comfortable with plenty of room (3rd row only for small kids). V6 has great pickup and smooth shifts. Stereo is fine. Navigation system is a flop -- not intuitive -- buy a Garmin instead. Have owned Toyota/Lexus for 20 yrs. Great overall reliability.

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  Exceeds Expectations - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By financeman - May 15 - 8:33 pm

  Took advantage of the low lease rates offered by Toyota in December, leasing a Base AWD with just a few options including rear air. Did not need anything fancy, but wanted something for my wife that would seat seven without the size of a minivan. The ride is smooth, quiet, and comfortable. The engine/transmission is powerful and well matched. Initial quality appears high, though I have owned the vehicle for only two weeks - time will tell. Although amenities on the base model are fairly minimal, it has the basics including cruise, tilt, decent radio, and some great features. The layout of the dashboard and instrumentation is very attractive.

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  My Highlander - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Nelson - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I found the Highlander to be an excellant mid size SUV. I replaced a 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Highlander is far superior than the Jeep in style, comfort & reliability. There is enough room in the back for 2 child car seats & the leather seating in the limited is very comfortable. In the 7500 miles that I have owned the car (7 months) I am very pleased with all aspects of the car.

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  Highlander - perfect reliability 5 years - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Dave - Kansas city - May 13 - 4:26 pm

  I bought this Highlander brand new, and it has performed absolutely perfectly for 5+ years. I replaced a headlight last year, otherwise perfect. Very comfortable to drive, quiet on the highway, zero build defects, the V6 is adequate if not a neck-snapper, but with very good fuel economy (27 on the highway, 21 around town). The styling is a bit bland, but as an engineer I appreciate how well it is built. I have owned several Hondas and Toyotas, and both have been exteremly good. But when I replace this Highlander, I certainly drive a new Highlander first.

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  Terrible - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Steve Mack - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This car has been a huge dissapointment.I highly suggest the 4 runner.

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  The Best - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By harper - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Have had many autos over 40 years now including prior Toyotas, Mercedes and Cadillacs. This is the best auto by far I have ever had. Freinds really take to the Highlander.

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  Well Designed - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Jacob Foret - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Well designed with plenty of room for passengers and cargo in the back. The ride is higher than a car, but not towering over all other traffic. You dont feel like an elephant maneuvering in a parking lot.

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  I will buy it, if Toyota is smart enough to build. - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Reginald Pryor - May 9 - 9:02 am

  Match the full cost of ownership to your projected total budget, and buy the Highlander you need and want. Smart successful dealers will research to find the Highlander you want to buy. Match the Highlander to your region. Dont think you are buying a Porche SUV, a BMW X5, or a Landrover. Buy the extended Toyota warranty, too. Every car manufacturer understands the lifespan of major systems, components, and many parts. Always specify genuine Toyota parts for Toyota service for both warranty items and normal wear items, for there can be differences in quality and how Toyota warrants the item(s). Read your service invoice authorizing service before signing it.

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  2014 is awesome ! - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By ronn - May 8 - 11:45 am

  I have owned my new Highlander Limited with platinum package for a week and a half now, and I must say this SUV is totally different from my 2008 Highlander. From the upgraded luxury of materials inside, to the super quiet and smooth ride with the new 6 speed transmission, it is fun to drive. The steering is a favorite improvement..you can feel the road with precise handling and no sloppy feeling to the wheel. The seats are very comfortable, with plenty of room front and back. All of the tech features are great, and a big help. The multi info system is awesome, and it is right between the gauges .The JBL stereo is great, and I enjoy the big screen for Entune and navigation. So many apps!

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  Toyota doesnt disappoint. - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Brklyndriver - May 8 - 11:13 am

  This is my first SUV. Before it, I owned a 2000 nissan quest. Im trully in love with this vehicle. The suspension is so soft when going over the pothole filled roads of New York streets. It has a decent amount of power and more trunk space then I can ask for. After I let some friends drive it they fell in love with it as well and bought their own. Now theres 3 of us :)