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Toyota Highlander

EPA MPG: NA
Average Retail Price
$5,200 - $5,450

RECALL ALERT:
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

The Highlander was the first car-based, mid-sized SUV in its price range. The refined and effortless powertrain is combined with a supple ride and easy access. These serve to enhance the spacious, quiet, and comfortable interior to make Highlander a pleasant vehicle for everyday driving. Emergency handling could be more capable, but it's secure enough overall. In sum, the Highlander is a very good choice.

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2002 SUVs Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2002 Midsized SUVs 3-row Ratings

$5,200 - $5,450
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EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,350 - $3,750
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,100 - $4,600
economy-icon
EPA MPG 17 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,100 - $3,475
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,050 - $4,150
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    4-door SUV
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
AWD, Front
Engines Available
  • 2.4-liter 4 (160 hp)
  • 3-liter V6 (220 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 4-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2020-
Current Generation

The redesigned for 2020, the fourth-generation Highlander retains its qualities of comfortable ride and a smooth powertrain. Handling is sound and secure. Interior fit and finish is upgraded, particularly in higher trim versions. The smooth and punchy 295-hp V6 packs a lot of reserve power and gets a competitive 22 mpg overall. The hybrid version is less powerful but gets an excellent 35 mpg overall. Both seven- and eight-passenger seating configurations are available. Either way, the second row is very roomy but the third row is tiny. Controls are easy to use and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility is standard. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite includes standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning are optional. Beginning with the 2021 model year, LED headlights (low and high beam) are now standard on all models. A sporty XSE trim is also new. Updates for 2022 include minor trim and color changes, plus the power passenger's seat gets more adjustments. For 2023, the Highlander got a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in place of the long-serving V6, plus a new infotainment system. For 2024, the L trim was discontinued and blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning became standard across the line.

2014-2019
2014 Redesign Year

The Toyota Highlander is a functional and family-friendly SUV. It delivers frugal gas mileage, consistently good reliability, and good road manners. Edgier styling marked the 2014 redesign. Handling became more responsive and sure-footed, although the Highlander falls short of being engaging to drive. Compared to the 2008-2013 Highlander, this version is slightly less plush inside, has a bit more interior noise, and lacks the same cushy low-speed ride isolation. Most Highlanders have a 3.5-liter V6 and a six-speed automatic transmission; we measured 20 mpg overall, two better than before. An expensive hybrid version returns 25 mpg overall. Inside, minivan-like second-row accommodations make good use of this generation's added length, although the third row seat remains suitable only for kids. Controls are simple and a backup camera is standard. 2014-2016 versions force you to get a top-trim Limited to get desirable features like blind spot monitoring and advanced safety equipment. That changed in 2017, when forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking became standard. That year also brought a new eight-speed automatic transmission. 

2008-2013
2008 Redesign Year
Redesigned for 2008, the second-generation Highlander grew in size, looking more like the midsized car-based SUV it is rather than an overgrown station wagon. Refinement dominates throughout, with a comfortable ride that isolates occupants from bumps and a very quiet interior. Driving the Highlander doesn't feel bulky in turns, but the artificial steering feel inhibits agility. Power from the 3.5-liter V6 is spirited; expect 18 mpg with all-wheel-drive. A four-cylinder was available, but only with front-wheel-drive. The hybrid delivers 24 mpg; a new engine, introduced for 2011, bumps fuel economy to an amazing 27 mpg. Controls are very simple, with giant knobs and buttons. Second-row seat accommodations are roomy and comfortable; the third-row seat remains cramped. Earlier versions have a third row seat that doesn't fold in sections, reducing cargo flexibility. Higher trim versions come with a standard backup camera and all have standard stability control.
2001-2007
2001 Redesign Year

Well-rounded and pleasant, the Toyota Highlander has long been an excellent choice. This mid-sized SUV is a tad roomier and less costly than its Lexus RX sibling. It's available with front- or all-wheel drive, and either a V6 or four-cylinder engine. The 2004 models added an optional third-row seat, standard stability control, and a more powerful V6. Expect 19 mpg overall. Quiet, roomy, and relaxing to drive, the Highlander has a very comfortable ride and easy-to-use controls. Access is easy and outward visibility is excellent. A hybrid version debuted for the 2006 model year, delivering quicker acceleration and 22 mpg overall.