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2016 Toyota Highlander: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Toyota Highlander is mostly a carryover, with one key upgrade: V6 gas models get the factory towing package as standard equipment, supporting up to 5,000 pounds.
About the 2016 Toyota Highlander
3rd generation (2014-2019), third model year of this generation and the last pre-refresh year before the larger 2017 styling, powertrain and safety update.
Toyota positions the Highlander as a family-first three-row crossover that blends room for up to eight, easy day-to-day drivability, quiet-road comfort, and flexible cargo space. The model’s core appeal is that it covers a lot of needs at once: available V6 power, a hybrid option, simple third-row access, lots of cabin storage, and a comfort-focused ride. Compared with many rivals, Toyota leans more on versatility, usability and a calm cabin than on sporty character.
The LE is the practical starting point, with seating for eight, a 6.1-inch touchscreen and flexible split-folding rear seats. The XLE adds leather, heated front seats and navigation, while Limited models bring a seven-seat layout, ventilated front seats and blind-spot monitoring. At the top, Platinum versions have a panoramic roof and added driver-assistance features, while the Limited Hybrid pairs upscale equipment with a 280-horsepower V6 hybrid system and all-wheel drive.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The factory towing package became standard on V6 gas models. Gas-powered LE and LE Plus versions increased their maximum towing rating from 2,000 to 5,000 pounds.
Tech
Limited Platinum and Limited Platinum Hybrid versions added rain-sensing windshield wipers.
2016 Toyota Highlander specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.7 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter / V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter / V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Sqntl Shft | Auto, 6-Spd Sqntl Shft | Auto, 6-Spd Sqntl Shft | Auto, 6-Spd Sqntl Shft / Automatic, CVT | Auto, 6-Spd Sqntl Shft / Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas / Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid |
| MPG City | 18–20 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19–27 mpg | 19–27 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24–25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25–28 mpg | 25–28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 185–270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270–280 hp | 270–280 hp |
| Torque | 184–248 lb-ft | 248 lb-ft | 248 lb-ft | 215–248 lb-ft | 215–248 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 83.7 cu-ft | 83.2 cu-ft | 83.7 cu-ft | 83.2 cu-ft | 83.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 27.7 in | 27.7 in | 27.7 in | 26.7–27.7 in | 26.7–27.7 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2016 Toyota Highlander compared with the 2015 model?
The main change is a standard factory towing package on V6 gas Highlanders. It gives those versions the hardware needed to tow up to 5,000 pounds. Platinum gas and hybrid versions also add rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Is the 2016 Toyota Highlander a redesigned model?
No, the 2016 Highlander is not a redesign. It remains part of the third generation introduced for 2014 and is the final model year before the more substantial 2017 styling, powertrain and safety update.
Which 2016 Toyota Highlander models can tow up to 5,000 pounds?
V6 gas-powered 2016 Highlanders with the factory towing package are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds. Toyota made that package standard on V6 gas models for 2016; it does not apply to the four-cylinder LE.
Did the 2016 Toyota Highlander offer a hybrid version?
Yes, the 2016 Highlander offered Limited Hybrid and Limited Platinum Hybrid versions. Both use a 280-horsepower V6 hybrid system with electronic all-wheel drive and a seven-passenger cabin.
What did the 2016 Highlander Platinum add for this model year?
The 2016 Highlander Limited Platinum and Limited Platinum Hybrid added rain-sensing windshield wipers. Their other notable equipment includes a panoramic moonroof, heated steering wheel and driver-assistance features.
2016 Toyota Highlander Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Toyota Highlander.
4.3
2016 Toyota Highlander
(460 reviews)
“Love the shelf under the dash and phone hookup. Large center console. Steering wheel controls. Smooth ride. Good turning radius. Awesome room for rear seats. Auto and remote rear hatch. Back up camera. Safety signal in mirrors when cars/people approach. Visibility. Style in and out. Forgot to put door guards, they were great on last Highlander.”
“Love my Highlander. My only complaint is the gas mileage. My last car was smaller so I was used to better mileage. Otherwise I love it!!”