2009 Toyota Highlander: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2009 Toyota Highlander is mostly a carryover from the 2008 redesign. Its main change is a new 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic for the front-wheel-drive base model.
About the 2009 Toyota Highlander
2nd generation (2008-2010), second year before the 2011 refresh
Toyota positioned the Highlander as a family crossover that delivered SUV space without truck-like manners. Its core draw was a quiet, easy-driving cabin with flexible seating, strong safety credentials, and available three-row practicality. Compared with more rugged SUVs, the Highlander leaned into everyday comfort, simple controls, and car-like road manners. The Hybrid added much better city fuel economy for families who wanted the same usefulness with lower fuel use.
The 2009 Highlander lineup ranges from a practical base family crossover to the more athletic Sport and comfort-focused Limited. The Sport has firmer suspension tuning and 19-inch wheels, while the Limited adds conveniences such as keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a power front passenger seat. Hybrid versions pair a 3.3-liter V6 hybrid system with all-wheel drive, and the Limited Hybrid adds leather seating, heated front seats, and seating for seven.
What changed, by category
2009 Toyota Highlander specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.7 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, Hybrid, 3.3 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter / V6, Hybrid, 3.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD / 2WD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid |
| MPG City | 17–20 mpg | 18 mpg | 27 mpg | 18–27 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23–27 mpg | 24 mpg | 25 mpg | 24–25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 187–270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp |
| Torque | 186–248 lb-ft | 248 lb-ft | 212 lb-ft | 212–248 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 3500 lb | 3500–5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 95.4 cu-ft | 95.4 cu-ft | 94.1 cu-ft | 94.1–95.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 29.9 in | 29.9 in | 29.9 in | 29.9 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Heated Windshield | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual Power Lumbar Support Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2009 Toyota Highlander?
The biggest change is a new 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine for the front-wheel-drive base Highlander. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Is the 2009 Toyota Highlander significantly different from the 2008 model?
No. The 2009 Highlander follows the major 2008 redesign with few changes beyond the new four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive base version. The body, cabin, V6 models, and hybrid models remain largely the same.
Did the 2009 Highlander receive styling, safety, or technology updates?
No meaningful lineup-wide styling, safety, or infotainment changes were made for 2009. Those areas largely carry over from 2008.
Did the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid change?
No major changes were made to the 2009 Highlander Hybrid. It retains its 3.3-liter V6 hybrid system, continuously variable automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive using a rear electric motor.