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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  Great Car Really Comfortable - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Jo - March 8 - 6:07 pm

  After the first drive and really settling into the car, it is very smooth easy drive. The navigation system is not that great and I am considering switching it out, but overall I am extremely satisfied with our car. It doesnt seem to be as heavy as the Honda Pilot that I was test driving and it was the little touches that really won me over on purchasing this car.

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  Solid, reliable, safe and efficient - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By mdb - March 8 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I have been so pleased with her 1999 Landcruiser, we decided to buy a used Highlander for my commute and airport car. I bought my 2001 Highlander used in September 2003 and I have been very pleased. It is rock solid, runs great, no rattles, no squeaks and I average 22 MPG. I really like the high driving position and great gas milage, a rare combo in the SUV world. Mine has the 4 cylinder which has more umph then I expected. Finally, it is great on weekends for errands and hauling the kids to their events, meetings etc. Great vehicle!

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  An Excellent car. - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Donald L. Dady - March 8 - 2:00 am

  We have 7,000 miles on this vehicle, and our friends all rave for its beauty, we love the gas mileage, comfort and looks of this car. Think we made a very good choice.

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  The best car I have owned! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Chrissie - March 6 - 11:50 am

  Ive had this car for about 18 months and I can honestly say that it is the best car I have owned. It drives like no other SUV, midsize or larger size, that I test drove, and I test drove many. It handles beautifully on the highway and on local streets. The interior features are wonderful and not too big and bulky which I like. It is very easy for a small woman to drive and park! Overall I think it is a great SUV for someone who wants the luxury of a car but also wants to be able to get around any weather condition. BTW, it is made entirely in Japan! I love it, and will buy another in 16 years when the pain job gets bad or I have 250,000 miles!

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  Great car! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Tracey - March 4 - 5:53 am

  The power is great! The car is very roomy, with great features, with the back seat able to be turned in to bucket seats. Great visibility all around the car, feels very safe. The car is very stable, with the increased size of the car this year!

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  I had the bad one - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By hong wang - March 2 - 10:00 am

  At the begining, I was really happy with the SUV. And two weeks later, I noticed my garage floor had fluids.Went to the dealer and they found out the transmission fluid was leaking and replaced seal. A few months later, I drove the car with sun roof little open and it was raining. A few hours later, water started dripping from inside right above both driver and passanger windows. Dealer found out the drainage pipe was broken inside of the car. I also installed the hood protector. If I drive the car over 45mph, the wind noise is so high that it hurts your ear. Finally I have to use tape to seal the gap between the protector and the hood.

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  One Dependable Car - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By REITdude - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Though Ive only owned my Highlander for 5 weeks, it feels longer because I spent so much time researching it (and other SUVs) and have learned so much about it. So far it has completely lived up to the expectations that were set by other HL owners.

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  Greatest SUV - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Mr. SUV - February 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the best SUV made for the size. Car like ride with great acceleration off the line. I have owned a lot of cars and SUV and this one is the TOPS. I drive a lot of miles, over 33,000 a year, and this vehicle is very comfortable even for a person who is 63" and 250 lbs.

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  The real deal. - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By jbtang1023 - February 23 - 11:23 pm

  I was lucky to find a fairly new 2007 Highlander with only 7500 miles on it. Purchased it because I got a great deal and I am very pleased with my decision. First off, this is a very comfortable SUV to drive. It is not too big and it does almost feel like you are driving a car except you sit much higher. Now it does get a little flighty but what do you expect from an SUV. Pros: good family transportation. Got the third row seats so I can take a lot of people if I have to. Engine is smooth and is just about enough power for everyday driving. Very good cruiser! Build quality is excellent. Cons: if you have the third row seat up, no room left for luggage. Looks can be updated.

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  Looking to trade in - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By pa driver - February 22 - 12:50 am

  Toyo tires are horrible! stopping in snow/ice is nearly impossible. the steering is a little hard to get use to while trying to stay straight on highway. it has plenty of power and smooth shifting. too many rattles in the dashboard that is driving me crazy, gets worse in the winter