“A disgusting feature which may influence me adversely is the engine turn off & auto restart when stopping at ared light or other situation. A replacement starter cost & environment impact is extremely large when compared to gasoline savings.”
2017 Toyota Highlander: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2017 Toyota Highlander gets a major mid-cycle refresh, with standard driver-assist safety technology across the entire lineup as its most important change. The update also brings refreshed styling and substantial V6 powertrain revisions.
About the 2017 Toyota Highlander
3rd generation (2014-2019), mid-cycle refresh year
Toyota positions the 2017 Highlander as a family-first three-row SUV that balances everyday comfort, easy-to-use technology, strong safety value, and real space for seven or eight people. Its core appeal is broad usability: a quiet, practical cabin, standard driver-assist safety tech, strong V6 towing capability in gas models, and a fuel-saving hybrid alternative without giving up family space. Against rivals, Toyota leans on straightforward controls, a wide trim range, and the brand’s reputation for long-term dependability.
The 2017 Highlander ranges from the practical eight-seat LE to the comfort-focused XLE, which adds leather seating, a moonroof, and an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. The new SE adds darker trim, 19-inch black wheels, and firmer suspension tuning, while Limited Platinum models stand out with a panoramic moonroof and a 360-degree camera system.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Most gas V6 models receive a stronger direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 producing 295 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new eight-speed automatic and stop-start system. The hybrid system rises to 306 total hp, and hybrid versions of the LE and XLE join the lineup.
Styling
Toyota revises the front-end design and rear lighting across gas and hybrid models. The new gas-only SE trim adds dark exterior details, 19-inch black-finish wheels, unique cabin trim, and sport-tuned suspension.
Safety
Toyota Safety Sense P becomes standard on every trim, bringing features such as automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. The gas XLE also gains standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Tech
Five USB ports become standard across the lineup. The gas LE gets a larger 4.2-inch driver display, while Limited Platinum models gain a standard 360-degree camera system with a perimeter view.
2017 Toyota Highlander specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.7 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter / V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter / V6, Hybrid, 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 / Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, CVT | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, CVT | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, CVT | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Hybrid | Gas | Gas / Hybrid | Gas | Gas / Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid |
| MPG City | 20–29 mpg | 21 mpg | 21–29 mpg | 21 mpg | 21–29 mpg | 21–29 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24–27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 185–295 hp | 295 hp | 295 hp | 295 hp | 295 hp | 295 hp |
| Torque | 184–263 lb-ft | 263 lb-ft | 263 lb-ft | 263 lb-ft | 263 lb-ft | 263 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500–5000 lb | 5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb | 5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 83.7 cu-ft | 83.2 cu-ft | 83.2 cu-ft | 83.7 cu-ft | 83.2 cu-ft | 82.6–83.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 26.7–27.7 in | 27.7 in | 26.7–27.7 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 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| 360 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 | ||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2017 Toyota Highlander?
The biggest change is that Toyota's driver-assist safety suite becomes standard on every 2017 Highlander. The broader mid-cycle refresh also updates the exterior styling and revises the V6 powertrains.
Does the 2017 Toyota Highlander have a new engine and transmission?
Most gas V6 versions get a stronger 3.5-liter V6 with 295 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque, along with a new eight-speed automatic transmission and stop-start system. The base gas LE's four-cylinder setup is not part of that V6 update.
Is Toyota Safety Sense standard on every 2017 Highlander?
Yes. Toyota Safety Sense P is standard across the 2017 gas and hybrid lineup, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
Which trims are new for the 2017 Toyota Highlander?
The sporty-looking gas SE trim is new for 2017, and the hybrid lineup expands with new LE and XLE grades. The SE emphasizes darker styling and sharper suspension tuning rather than a major performance increase.
Is the 2017 Toyota Highlander meaningfully different from the 2016 model?
Yes. The 2017 model is a meaningful update over the 2016 because it adds standard driver-assist safety technology, refreshed styling, stronger V6 powertrains, more USB ports, and a broader trim lineup.
2017 Toyota Highlander Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Toyota Highlander.
4.3
2017 Toyota Highlander
(821 reviews)
“We gave owned 6 Toyota vehicles including two Highlanders. We have foundToyota vehicles to be extremely reliable and well built. Highlander's are extremely comfortable and provide the amenities that we desire. I have never had a major mechanical problem with any Toyota vehicle I have owned.”
“This is the 14th Toyota family has purchased. Quality and great dependability have been the experience with Toyotas owned.”