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:

• 

  Love my Toyota Highlander!!! - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Wiola Aniello - September 22 - 3:10 am

• 

  Toyota Nailed It! - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By newcarguy5 - September 20 - 9:18 pm

  Ive had the car for 5 months so feel like I can give it a proper review. I checked out all of the competitors and narrowed it down to the Acura MDX (basic model with AWD) and the Highlander Limited Platinum AWD. They were close in price, but of course you get more bells and whistles with the Highlander Platinum trim vs MDX base. I actually preferred the ride of the Highlander due to its steering feel in conjunction with a very smooth ride. This car has plenty of power when you need it (unlike Pilot). You will enjoy the ride regardless of the trim, but if you can swing it, you will not be sorry with the Limited Platinum.

• 

  2016 Highlander is too high - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Don - September 19 - 6:51 pm

  Sitting in the car is like sitting on a high chair. The front view above car hood is fine, but the side view is poor. It is very difficult to see the road before the hood since the car is too tall. You cant see if there is a dog or a two years old toddler in front of your car like a Camry. The back camera is great help and it should have a front camera. Parallel parking is be difficult as I had experienced in DC. Braking seems slow to react. Gas consumption is 20 mpg, kind of high. No compass on the car like my Camry, so I cant tell direction easily.

• 

  I would recommend the Highlander - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By James Thomas - September 15 - 2:00 am

  The Highlander is a great vehicle for its purpose. It is not designed to be used for offroad, but the ride is that of luxury car. As an alternative to a station wagon, this vehicle excels. If you are looking for a great family vehicle, this is it!

• 

  Drives like a car. - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By PRIME703 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased my SUV this week. I test drove must of the other suvs in this catagory. Once I drove this one I had to purchase it. Rides like a car but with the power of a suv. I got the tow system and all the bells and whistlers. Gold package, security system, keyless entry, power locks and seats, moon roof, heated side windows and side air bags. I also got it about $4,000 below MSRP. What a deal!

• 

  Love My New Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By T. P. - September 15 - 2:00 am

  After driving Plymouth Voyagers for the last 12 years I was looking for something a little smaller. After the test drive I was hooked! It has a car- like ride, and is so much easier to handle than the vans. At 5 tall, I love being able to adjust the drivers seat height. Now I can really see! It comes with lots of extras usually found as expensive options on other makes. It handles well, and is easy to back up due to good visibility from the back window. I am impressed at the peppiness it has for lane changing or merging onto the highway. Ive had it for a month now, and couldnt be more pleased. Would do it again!

• 

  Colorado Highlander - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Gorsuch - September 9 - 10:00 am

  A great little 4 cylinder SUV. Nice ride, good visibility, good overall quality. I like the way the Highlander drives, handles in the snow, and looks when I clean it. Ive had some problems with fan noise and dashboard rattles. I plan on getting 150k out of this vehicle - just like my old Ford Explorer. For the money Toyota builds a great vehicle. I wanted a Camry station wagon & I think I got one.

• 

  Excellent SUV - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By AGB - September 7 - 5:46 am

  Ive had the truck for about a month & am very satisfied. I traded in a Lexus ES 350 because I needed something bigger with 4 wheel drive. The Highlander has many of the same features (engine, great stereo, bluetooth, etc) & possesses the same quality Toyota fit & finish. Gas mileage is decent as well, much better than some of the full size beasts out on the road today.

• 

  I used to be a Honda girl - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Julie - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I never thought I would buy a Toyota, but so far, I only have 2000 mile, I love this car. Its luxury for me, the comfort, beefy look and power are fantastic. I hope it keeps me happy for many years. More than I wanted to spend, mpg could be better.

• 

  Perfect for the Understated Person - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Citygirl - September 1 - 11:30 pm

  I really like my new Highlander. So far it has not given me any problems. It has the quality and comfort I have come to expect from Toyota (Ive owned two Camrys). The best thing about the car is that I feel like it looks like my lifestyle and personality with lots of class and not too trendy. It doesnt scream "I have money" or "I need a status symbol to feel good" which suits me and my bank account just fine. Great value.