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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  Roomy, reliable, ponderous gas-hog - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By AZDave - March 25 - 9:46 am

  After five years and 27,000 miles, I have mixed feelings about our 2002 Highlander. Like all Toyotas it has been super-reliable, and maintenance has cost less than $600 including one pair of tires. However, even with the V6 engine this vehicle is fairly sluggish and gets about 16-17 mpg around town and 20-22 mpg on the highway. Handling is secure but feels ponderous. There is a bewildering array of levers protruding from the steering column. The storage compartment between the two front seats is horrible: narrow and deep, with a two-part cover that jams easily. The seats are only semi-comfortable on long trips. OK if you need an SUV, I guess, but nothing to get excited about.

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  A Good Choice - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Anthony - March 25 - 5:50 am

  I spent 30 years driving domestic cars and recently found myself disappointed with Chrysler. I was in the market for a car-based SUV and chose the Highlander since I know many happy Toyota owners. Can honestly say I have never owned a new vehicle that has been this good from day one. No warranty items in first six months of ownership. The fit and finish is world class and the interior materials are of high quality. I am satisfied thus far with both the engine performance and fuel economy. I do not drive the V6 aggressively and average just over 20 mpg. The Highlander has met my expectations. Am glad I paid a bit more for the Toyota and did not buy a lesser quality product based on incentives

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  My Sport - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Jennifer Walthall - March 25 - 5:43 am

  Love it! Drives like a Camry and just as quiet, luxurious and comfortable too. Handles well in all situations. Just all-around great performance! Stereo, air conditioning and heating are incredible in sound and performance. Everything its cracked up to be.

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  So happy with the Highlander - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Paul D. - March 24 - 9:40 am

  This car is loaded with technology. Sometimes it seems it is smarter than we are.

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  M3M - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Michael Mellon - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Towing capabilities with a carlike ride. Stylish SUV. Not an overgrown gas hog like the large SUV. Just right.

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  The Best SUV in the segment - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By tradland - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV Quiet smooth engine and aceleration, Great Quality and solid build and Best Value in its segment. Just like a Lexus but without the Leater and High Cost.

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  Excellent Buy - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Big E - March 17 - 10:03 pm

  I have owned my highlander for one month now. I am well pleased with it. The tire monitoring system is excellent it warns me if the tires are low while driving @ high speed. I recommend the purchase of this car.

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  Good Enough for me - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By satirival - March 12 - 2:00 am

  This SUV surprised me with a smooth ride and luxury like features for the price. One this is that I now have 3000 miles and heard a knocking noise in my steering. Took it to the dealer and they replaced parts of the steering column. I just hope this isnt the start of a sour relationship because I love this thing.

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  Worth the $$$$$ - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By gene-n-vonda - March 11 - 1:06 pm

  I have owned many different vehicles, mostly american made, but this was my 1st non-american made vehicle, and should I add... BY FAR the BEST of ALL!! I am sold on my Toyota. Great mileage, freat ride & handling & gives me the SUV look & room that I love. What more could you ask for?

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  Highlander Limited AWD - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By KR - March 9 - 1:20 pm

  Just traded my 2004 base V6 Highlander for a new 2005 Limited V6 AWD. I am in Medical Sales (lots of miles last year) and the Highlander offers just the right size and capability for my needs. I am in the city a lot and parking can be difficult; I like that the Highlander can easily fit in standard parking spaces. While the exterior is sensibly sized, the interior room and comfort are excellent. I am 62" and am comfortable behind the wheel all day. The Highlander build quality, ride comfort/handling, and overall value are, in my opinion, the best in its segment.