2011 Toyota Highlander: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2011 Toyota Highlander's biggest change is a major mid-cycle refresh, led by a redesigned front end. It also gains more standard family equipment, while the hybrid receives the year's most substantial mechanical update.

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About the 2011 Toyota Highlander

2nd generation Highlander (2008-2013), major 2011 refresh year.

Toyota positions the 2011 Highlander as a family-focused three-row crossover that blends SUV roominess with easier everyday driving than a truck-based SUV. The core pitch is flexibility: seats for up to seven, a useful cargo area, a quiet ride, and a choice of four-cylinder, V6, or hybrid power. Compared with larger three-row rivals, Highlander’s advantage is that it feels easier to park and live with while still handling school runs, road trips, and light towing.

The 2011 Highlander is a seven-seat family crossover even in base form, with a split-folding third row and rear climate control across the lineup. The SE emphasizes everyday comfort with heated leather seats, a moonroof, and a power liftgate, while the Limited adds features such as three-zone climate control, push-button start, and more front-seat adjustment. The Hybrid pairs electronic all-wheel drive with better fuel economy, while the Limited Hybrid adds the upscale cabin features of the Limited.

What changed, by category

Styling

Toyota redesigned the front end with a new hood, fenders, grille, and revised light detailing. Hybrid models receive their own refreshed front-end look.

Interior and convenience

A 50/50-split third-row seat and rear climate control become standard throughout the gas and hybrid lineup. The Hybrid also gains a standard backup camera and upgraded audio with USB and Bluetooth, while the Limited gains standard Bluetooth, a moonroof, and satellite radio.

Safety

Smart Stop Technology becomes standard across the lineup.

Powertrain

The Hybrid moves to a stronger 3.5-liter V6 hybrid system. Output rises from 270 to 280 horsepower, while its ratings improve from 27 city/25 highway mpg to 28 mpg in both tests. The SE also adds a four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive version.

Lineup

The SE replaces the former Sport trim. It combines family-oriented features including heated leather seats, a moonroof, a power liftgate, a backup camera, USB, and Bluetooth.

2011 Toyota Highlander specs and features by trim

Feature	2011 Toyota HighlanderSE0 in stock	2011 Toyota HighlanderBase0 in stock	2011 Toyota HighlanderHybrid0 in stock	2011 Toyota HighlanderLimited6 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, 2.7 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.7 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter	V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter	V6, 3.5 Liter / V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter
Transmission	Auto, 6-Spd w/OD & Seq Md / Auto, 5-Spd w/OD & Seq Md	Auto, 6-Spd w/OD & Seq Md / Auto, 5-Spd w/OD & Seq Md	Automatic, CVT	Auto, 5-Spd w/OD & Seq Md / Automatic, CVT
Drivetrain	2WD / AWD	2WD / AWD	AWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Hybrid	Gas / Hybrid
MPG City	17–20 mpg	17–20 mpg	28 mpg	18–28 mpg
MPG Highway	22–25 mpg	22–25 mpg	28 mpg	24–28 mpg
Horsepower	187–270 hp	187–270 hp	280 hp	270–280 hp
Torque	186–248 lb-ft	186–248 lb-ft	215 lb-ft	215–248 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
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Hill Descent Control
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Heated Mirrors
Heated Windshield
Power Moonroof
Power Liftgate/Trunk Release
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Front DVD Entertainment System
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
115V Power Outlet
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual Power Front Seats
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
Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning
Wood Interior Trim

How the 2012 Toyota Highlander compares

The 2012 Toyota Highlander is a true carryover with no major changes. It keeps the styling, engines, features, and three-row layout introduced or continued with the 2011 update.

See the full 2012 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2011 Toyota Highlander?

The biggest change is a major mid-cycle refresh led by a redesigned front end. The 2011 Highlander also makes three-row seating and rear climate control standard throughout the lineup.

How is the 2011 Toyota Highlander different from the 2010 model?

The 2011 Highlander has updated front styling, more standard family equipment, standard Smart Stop Technology, and a substantially revised hybrid system. It is a more meaningful update than a typical carryover year.

Did the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid change?

Yes. The 2011 Highlander Hybrid gets a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid system with 280 horsepower, up from 270 horsepower. Its ratings also rise to 28 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, compared with 27 city and 25 highway for 2010.

Does every 2011 Toyota Highlander have a third-row seat?

Yes. A 50/50-split, fold-flat third-row seat is standard on every 2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid. Rear climate control is also standard across the lineup.

What replaced the Sport trim on the 2011 Toyota Highlander?

The SE replaced the former Sport trim for 2011. The SE focuses more on comfort and convenience, with heated leather seats, a moonroof, a power liftgate, a backup camera, USB, and Bluetooth.