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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  The good and the bad (in my opinion) - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Michelle - December 18 - 8:03 am

  A few reasons I decided on the Highlander: Consumer Reports ratings, need for lots of leg room for my 69" son, and I needed a larger vehicle than my Honda Civic to accomodate my 250 lb. dog. I really like the Highlander, except that the seats arent deep enough. Im 511" and have long legs. The edge of the seat hits me in the middle of my thighs. I didnt notice it during the test drive because I wasnt in the car long enough to notice it. I have an hour+ commute to and from work, and my legs become very uncomfortable. The third seat is useless. My 5-year- old niece might fit back there, but no full-size adult could ever fit there comfortably.

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  Great Product - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By jimmy - December 14 - 4:53 pm

  I love this car. It is like a fine swiss watch. I am averaging 26 MPG with the 4 cylinder. My car has the trailer towing package. This made it a much stronger vehicle. I had to order the vehicle to get the towing package, but it was worth the wait.

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  2003 Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By kmcculloh - December 8 - 10:00 am

  After driving the Honda Pilot, Mitsubshi Endevor, Nissan Murano, Chevrolet Trailblazer and Ford Explorer, the Highlander was the winner. Exceptional ride quality, handling and engine performance. The car dealer was wonderful and easy to deal with. Driving this vehicle is a pleasure, it has responsive steering and excellent brakes. It also gets reasonable gas mileage for a SUV. I had every intention of buying the 4 cylinder but after driving both the 4 and V6, I choose the V6.

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  No Value - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By jeff_marl2000 - December 5 - 1:10 pm

  The car starts and drives dependably. The ride is smooth and quiet. The power is plenty with the V6 engine. Not much value for the price. A $28,000 car should have chromatic rearview mirror, MUCH better sound system, a computer that tells if your oil, transmission, fluids are ok and gas mileage etc. It should have an outside temperature indicator, and punch buttons on the door if you lock your keys inside. Driving experience is dull (as with all Toyotas). The gas mileage hovers around 16 miles to the gallon. My Explorer gets 19 in town. Its supposed to have trailer prewiring, but it does not. It is an EXTRA cost. I see no value in this car. It is worth about $20,000.

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  2003 Highlander (2.4L 4A) - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Rich - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Our Highlander has been a very reliable vehicle. Its very well built and has lots of room. Im always amazed how much I can stuff into it! The handling and traction has improved considerably after replacing the cheap OEM Goodyear Integritys with Michelin LTXs. The 4 cyl isnt exactly a tire-burner but it consistently gets upper 20s to lower 30s mileage on the highway. We tow a two PWC trailer at just over 2000 lbs. and pulls it nicely at speeds up to 60 mph. Over that and the engine has to work quite hard. Needless to say the mileage drops to the low teens. Overall, Im hard pressed to find something as roomy and versatile as our Highlander on the market today!

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  Family SUV - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Bay - November 26 - 2:00 am

  A family SUV with a comfort ride and seating capacity of 7 from a brand which hold its value. Powerfull enough 3.3 engine with most safety features included in Standard model. A well thought vehicle you will enjoy for long time.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Phil Rodriguez - November 25 - 2:01 pm

  First SUV that I have ever owned, reliable and great. It has 106,000 miles and it is used as a family vehicle. I keep the maintenance on it when it is needed, for an SUV that has 16 years it is running great. Toyota knows how to make cars, trucks, and SUV that last a lifetime. I am sure that I will surpass 300,000 miles. Great SUV!!!

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  My new 2008 Highlander - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Terry Hardgrave - November 23 - 2:50 am

  I bought a new Highlander after previously owning 3 other Toyota full-size SUVs..a 1983 Landcruiser, 1993 Landcruiser, 2002 Sequoia. I wanted a smaller, more manueverable, more fuel efficient, but still comfortable car. I also needed the ability to carry seven passengers for short periods once in a while. I am delighted with the car so far. I have had it about a month, and have put about 1500 miles on it. I bought a fully equiped Limited model, including nav system, blue tooth phone, both front and rear auto A/C. It has been a little bit of a challenge to get used to the nav system and also the bluetooth phone. Sometimes it works very well, other times it is frustrating.

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  Great Vehicle, not sure about dealer... - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By speedway66 - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. Chose a FWD V6 model in granite blue, well-equipped but not "loaded". Only problem was a salesman who was clueless beyond belief. The price went up after we ordered, and we could never get a straight story on where the vehicle was or when we were getting it ("on a ship, on a train, on a truck, on a train..."). When we finally got it, we loved it. Only quality problem is an air leak around side rear window that 2 visits to the dealership still havent fixed. Also,when rear windows are open (even slightly), it sounds like were riding in a helicopter. Dealer said "theyre all like that...close the windows and turn up the AC!"

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  First Japanese built vehicle - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Phil K - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle has been very reliable. Gas mileage (4cyl) has been as rated without A/C, one mile less with. Paint/clearcoat seems a little softer than previous vehicle(non-Toyota).