“35 mpg in a vehicle with this size and capabilities is very impressive. Well equipped with technology. First rate workmanship throughout: paint job, upholstery, design, safety features, electronics. Great performance for a large hybrid vehicle. RECOMMEND!”
2021 Toyota Highlander: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Toyota Highlander is the new XSE trim, which adds sportier styling and sharper suspension tuning. Every trim also gets an upgraded safety suite, while several L, LE, and XLE models receive revised LED headlights.
About the 2021 Toyota Highlander
4th generation, second model year after the 2020 redesign.
Toyota positions the Highlander as a family-first three-row SUV for young families and empty nesters who want easy daily driving, strong safety, and flexible cabin space. Its core appeal is a comfortable, quiet ride, standard driver-assist technology, and a broad lineup that ranges from simple cloth-trimmed versions to near-luxury trims. Buyers could also choose either strong V6 performance or a much more fuel-efficient hybrid without giving up the same basic family-SUV mission.
The 2021 Highlander lineup ranges from the straightforward eight-seat L to the comfort-focused XLE and the more upscale Limited and Platinum. The new seven-seat XSE pairs heated synthetic leather seats with sport-tuned suspension and unique exterior details, while Platinum stands out with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, panoramic moonroof, head-up display, and surround-view camera.
What changed, by category
Styling
The new XSE trim adds a mesh grille, unique front bumper, lower spoiler, black-accent headlights, and twin-tip exhaust. Gas L, LE, and XLE models and hybrid LE and XLE models also receive upgraded projector-style LED headlight treatment.
Safety
Toyota’s upgraded Safety Sense 2.5+ suite becomes standard across the entire Highlander lineup. It includes forward collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and road-sign assistance.
Structural
The new XSE receives unique suspension tuning for sharper handling than the other gas Highlander trims.
2021 Toyota Highlander specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode / Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode / Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode / Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode / Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Hybrid / Gas | Hybrid / Gas | Gas | Hybrid / Gas | Hybrid / Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 21–36 mpg | 21–36 mpg | 21 mpg | 21–36 mpg | 21–36 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 29–35 mpg | 29–35 mpg | 29 mpg | 29–35 mpg | 29–35 mpg |
| Horsepower | 295 hp | 243–295 hp | 243–295 hp | 295 hp | 243–295 hp | 243–295 hp |
| Torque | 263 lb-ft | 175–263 lb-ft | 175–263 lb-ft | 263 lb-ft | 175–263 lb-ft | 175–263 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb | 5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 84.3 cu-ft | 84.3 cu-ft | 84.3 cu-ft | 84.3 cu-ft | ||
| Rear Legroom | 27.7 in | 27.7 in | 27.7 in | 27.7 in | 27.7 in | 27.7 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7–8 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Side Steps | ||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| 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 | ||||||
| Memory Front Seats | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2021 Toyota Highlander compared with the 2020 model?
The 2021 Highlander adds the sport-styled XSE trim, makes Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ standard across the lineup, and gives upgraded LED headlight treatment to selected L, LE, and XLE models. It is otherwise a light update to the design introduced for 2020.
Is 2021 the first year for the Toyota Highlander XSE?
Yes. The XSE joined the Highlander lineup for 2021 with sport-tuned suspension, unique exterior styling, and a seven-seat cabin with second-row captain’s chairs.
Did every 2021 Toyota Highlander get the upgraded safety suite?
Yes. Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is standard on every 2021 Highlander trim, adding updated driver-assistance technology across both gas and hybrid models.
Did the 2021 Toyota Highlander get a new engine?
No. The 2021 Highlander did not receive a major powertrain overhaul; the key updates were the new gas-powered XSE trim, the upgraded safety suite, and revised headlights on selected models.
Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander a redesign?
No. The Highlander was fully redesigned for 2020, so the 2021 model is the second year of that generation and brings targeted trim, safety, and lighting updates rather than a new design.
2021 Toyota Highlander Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Toyota Highlander.
4.3
2021 Toyota Highlander
(747 reviews)
“Great all around vehicle. Go for short and longer trips. I feel safe in my vehicle.”
“The Toyota Highlander is a wise investment. Quality product, fun and comfortable to drive. Try driving one, you'll be pleased.”
Sources
- engage.toyota.com — Static / Ebrochures / 2021 highlander eBrochure
- pressroom.toyota.com — Toyota Highlander Adds Xse Grade Toyota Safety Sense 2 5 For 2021
- pressroom.toyota.com — Vehicle / 2021 Toyota Highlander
- pressroom.toyota.com — Vehicle / 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- pressroom.toyota.com — Toyotas Fourth Generation 2020 Highlander Redesigned From The Ground Up
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2022 Toyota Highlander Updates Include New Hybrid Only Bronze Edition