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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  Died Before 2000 miles - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By maddyg - July 30 - 10:28 am

  I purchased the 2014 Highlander after months of researching the 3-row SUV market and test driving about 10 different vehicles. I loved the new vehicle when I first got it, comfortable, smooth, quiet, and fun to drive. It started having problems turning over to start a few days ago, now it wont start at all. Ive had it for 6 weeks, less than 2000 miles. I turned off all the automatic dome lights, keep everything off when I turn it off and until I start it, music, A/C, EVERYTHING! Ive never had so many problems with a vehicle starting, worst vehicle I have owned, if you want to pay over $30,000 for something to sit dead in the parking lot then buy this car!

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  The first 1500 miles. - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Brandon - July 27 - 6:43 pm

  We purchased a Toyota Highlander the last week of June, 2006. We got the base model with the 2.4L 4-cyl. engine, which has very good performance. We have no problems with highway driving or acceleration. I havent owned it long enough to give hard mileage estimates, but it looks like the 22/27 or so on the sticker is accurate with 87 octane. The backseat is VERY roomy. The ride is terrific when compared to other SUVs in this segment, being based on the Camry. Theres no rollover feeling at all when changing lanes at highway speeds. The turning radius is incredibly small for its size. Being based on a Camry, I expect to own this car for at least 150,000 miles.

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  Hi Ho Highlander - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Barb Betz - July 26 - 7:18 pm

  The 2017 models are sportier looking and a little lower to the ground than the older models. Handles like a dream and the safety features are awesome. Fuel economy for me is better than posted which is wonderful. Overall, a great vehicle!

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  hi highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Wilson S. - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I gave up a Windstar mini van..after 2 years, the highlander rides like a car and more comfortable

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  Mini Me - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By MinniMe - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have drivin a Suburban for 10 years, the Highlander is like a sports car to me. It handles great and has a lot of pep. No problems at all going over the mountain pass. I have had four kids in the car, with one that is 56" in the third seat and they were comfortable. A 63" man in the back seat with plenty of leg room. Love this car!

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  great until hidden costs get you... - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By 4inthecar - July 20 - 12:46 am

  many have noted the tire issue - i had to order mine online and have them delivered to my home - $952. then i had to take them to a tire shop and pay to have them mounted. NEW shocker - at 63k miles and 3 years of age, my water pump died. the dealer says 3 days labor - 24 hours @ $90 hr + the part, $2400 more or less. supposedly they have to drop the engine and the transmission to get to the water pump on the side of the engine. NOT acceptable TOYOTA! what a worthless design. had i seen this coming i would not have bought the car and would have stuck with honda. my honda element has 240k - and only rountine service. the locks are wearing out - but not the engine...

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  Electronic problems - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Oliver - July 19 - 2:00 pm

  Bought a Toyota for its reliability. My wife has been owning Toyotas for 20 years and they all seem reliable. I didnt really fell in love with Toyota but loved the 2008 Highlander when I first saw it on the parking lot, test drove it and bought it. That was the summer of 2007 and all has been fine till the car turned 8 months old. Now the radio doesnt change volume or doesnt turn on at all in 60% of the cases. When driving away from a stall or at the lights the traction control indicator light blinks and the car doesnt move for 5 to 10 seconds, embarrassing when the light turns green. And the dash on the passengers side tweaks very very loud.

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  Atlanta Trekker - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By smith and jones - July 19 - 2:00 am

  The more I drive it, the more I like it. Handling is good, It is much smoother than my daughters Explorer.

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  Love It! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By J Kelley - July 18 - 9:00 pm

  I drove a Lexus RX300 previously (company car) but was unwilling to pay the Lexus price when it came time to buy. This car is built on the same platform. It rides and handles like a car, not a truck. The only thing missing when compared to the Lexus is the "luxury" look of the interior. I have only two minor complaints with the vehicle: 1. the lifters (fuel injectors) make noise which is not noticeable when driving/idling unless it is completely quiet in the car (no talking, music, etc.) It is not noticeable to most people but was not present til after break-in period; 2. the paint on bumper & hood chips easily from normal road dirt.

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  JAPANESE BUILT - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By car shopper - July 18 - 6:13 pm

  This is probably one of the best light truck/SUV buys. You cannot beat this. Bought mine used 2 months ago and have not been dissapointed. Almost identical layout as the lexus rx300 and gx470. Its got the reliability of an ES300. If you want to spend more money on the car and not worry about the repairs - this is your car/truck.