2010 Toyota Highlander: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2010 Toyota Highlander is the addition of the SE trim, which combines V6 power with leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats and a moonroof. Otherwise, the Highlander is largely unchanged from 2009.
About the 2010 Toyota Highlander
2nd generation (2008-2013), third model year and the last pre-refresh year before the 2011 styling update.
Toyota positions the Highlander as a family SUV with the ride and ease of a car rather than the heavy feel of a truck-based utility vehicle. Its main selling points are a roomy cabin, flexible seating, a strong safety story, and a choice of gas or hybrid powertrains. Against rivals, the 2010 Highlander leans toward quiet everyday comfort, simple controls, and Toyota’s reputation for durability instead of flashy styling or maximum cargo-room bragging rights.
The 2010 Highlander lineup ranges from the value-focused Base to the more upscale Limited, which has a V6, smart-key access and a backup camera. The new SE emphasizes everyday comfort, while the Hybrid pairs a V6-based hybrid system with electronic all-wheel drive; the Limited Hybrid adds leather, heated seats and a power rear door.
What changed, by category
2010 Toyota Highlander specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.7 Liter / V6, 3.5 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, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | 2WD / AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 17–20 mpg | 18 mpg | 27 mpg | 18–27 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 23–27 mpg | 24 mpg | 25 mpg | 24–25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 270 hp | 187–270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp |
| Torque | 248 lb-ft | 186–248 lb-ft | 248 lb-ft | 212 lb-ft | 212–248 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 3500 lb | 3500–5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 95.4 cu-ft | 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 | 29.9 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 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 | |||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2010 Toyota Highlander?
The biggest change is the new SE trim. It slots between Sport and Limited and combines a 3.5-liter V6 with leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and a power moonroof.
Is the 2010 Toyota Highlander a major update over the 2009 model?
No. The 2010 Highlander is mostly a carryover from 2009, with the new SE trim as the main change and no broad powertrain, safety, technology or structural update.
Did the 2010 Toyota Highlander get a new engine?
No. Gas models retain the existing four-cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 engines, while the Hybrid keeps its 3.3-liter V6-based hybrid system.
Was the 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid changed?
No. The 2010 Highlander Hybrid carries over unchanged, retaining its V6-based hybrid system, continuously variable automatic transmission and electronic all-wheel drive.
Is the 2010 Highlander SE more comfort-focused than the Sport?
Yes. The SE emphasizes comfort with leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and a moonroof, while the Sport emphasizes sharper looks and a firmer suspension.