Toyota Highlander

Overview: Is the Toyota Highlander a Good Midsize SUV?

The Toyota Highlander successfully balances family-focused utility with comfort and refinement. This two-box midsize crossover SUV seats up to eight passengers with available V6 or hybrid powertrains feeding the front or all four wheels. Although the Highlander debuted in 2001, this overview covers newer Highlanders from the second (2008-2013), third (2014-2019), and fourth (2020-current) generations. The Highlander is a mainstay of Toyota Motor Corporation’s crossover SUV lineup, which was recently joined by the all-electric bZ4X.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Toyota Highlander cars for sale.

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Related: Toyota Highlander Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision

Key Features

The Toyota Highlander offers:

• Five-door midsize crossover SUV body style with three row SUV seating
• Four-cylinder (gas engine or hybrid) and V6 engines
• Automatic transmission or continuously variable transmission (CVT)
• Front wheel drive (FWD) or all wheel drive (AWD)

Trims

Older Highlanders came as either a Sport or Limited grade, followed by the SE. Later, Toyota centered the Highlander lineup around the LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Limited Platinum trims. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid has similar trim designations.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

Although the Highlander is a three row SUV, the first two rows offer the greatest legroom and comfort. The back-of-the-bus seats are best used for children who don’t need car seats. While older models are less tech-centered, newer Highlanders have all the bells and whistles. Depending on the trim, these features include a touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay, a power liftgate, and Toyota Safety Sense driver-assist equipment. Cargo capacity is ample, thanks to a tall cabin and folding second- and third-row seats.

Review: How Long Do Toyota Highlanders Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Longevity

How It Drives

Older Toyota Highlander Hybrids drive as if they’re V8-powered, but newer Hybrids are tuned for maximum fuel economy. Until the 2022 model year, the Highlander came with a V6 (as standard equipment or an option, depending on the year), but a turbocharged four-cylinder engine is the base powerplant starting with the 2023 model year. So, except for the older Hybrids, the Highlander offers competent but not exciting acceleration.

Safety

The second-generation Toyota Highlander received a four out of five-star overall safety ratingfrom the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Scores improved to five stars with the third and fourth generations.

Reviews

According to Kelley Blue Book, Toyota Highlander reviews average 4.6 out of 5 stars for the second generation. Owners appreciate this SUV’s reliability, quality, and value. Ratings declined for the second (4.3) and third (4.1) generations, but consumers still appreciate the Highlander’s dependability and comfort.

Learn More: Here Are The Toyota Highlander Years To Avoid

FAQs

Which is bigger, Highlander or 4Runner?

The Toyota Highlander interior is more spacious and accommodating than the truck-based 4Runner SUV’s cabin.

What issues does Highlander have?

Carcomplaints.com points to engine problems with some first-generation model years, but there are no widespread mechanical flaws or a pattern of problems with the generally reliable Highlander.

Is the Highlander bigger than the Pilot?

The competing Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander boast extremely comparable overall dimensions, although the Pilot is slightly larger on the outside. In addition, the Highlander and Pilot trade bragging rights for top interior measurements. The Toyota Highlander also competes with the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Ford Explorer, and Chevrolet Traverse.

Is Highlander good for snow?

Models equipped with available all-wheel drive transform the Highlander into a capable winter warrior. Ample ground clearance, hill start assist, and traction/stability control further aid cold weather travels through snow and ice.

Check out a used Toyota Highlander or Toyota Highlander Hybrid for sale.