Toyota Highlander

The Highlander is a midsize crossover SUV with three rows and room for up to eight passengers. In Toyota’s SUV lineup, it sits between the compact RAV4 and the full-size Sequoia, and it shares some elements with the Lexus RX, which is built by the automaker’s luxury division. Its most recent (fourth) generation debuted in 2020, offering updated styling, increased interior space, and enhanced tech and safety features. Properly equipped, the Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The Highlander comes in a range of trims, including the L, LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. The L and LE trims offer mostly essential features, while the LE Plus adds some worthy upgrades, such as a larger infotainment touchscreen. The XLE includes even more comfort and convenience features, such as heated front seats and a sunroof. The SE and XSE trims boast sportier handling and styling elements. The upscale Limited introduces some high-end goodies such as perforated leather seats and premium audio. The top-tier Platinum comes fully loaded with features, such as a panoramic moonroof, a surround-view camera, and a heated steering wheel.

In recent years, a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine producing 185 horsepower was available on the base Highlander but was discontinued after the 2019 model year. More common is a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 295 hp and comes standard on most trims. It was updated in 2017 with direct injection technology for improved performance and efficiency. A hybrid powertrain combining a 3.3-liter V6 with electric motors was first introduced in 2006, producing a total output of 268 hp. In 2011, it transitioned to a 3.5-liter V6 with a combined 280 hp, and it was revised again in 2020 to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a total of 243 hp. All hybrid examples employ a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while non-hybrids utilize a traditional automatic that was upgraded from six to eight speeds in 2017. All-wheel drive is available on most trims; otherwise, the Highlander is front-wheel drive.

In its third generation (2014-2019), the Highlander came standard with a 6.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an 8-inch unit available on higher-level trims. With the introduction of the fourth-gen model in 2020, the L and LE trims were upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, while an even larger 12.3-inch display became available on higher trims (and standard on the Platinum). Toyota's Safety Sense P suite of driver aids became standard across all trims in 2017, adding adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision mitigation, and automatic high beams, among other items.

For used car buyers seeking a Toyota Highlander, consider focusing on 2017 or later models due to their inclusion of standard active safety features and improved powertrains. The XLE trim offers a good balance of comfort and value. However, if budget permits, opt for the Limited, which offers even more desirable amenities, such as ventilated front seats.