“Style, comfort, new color, reliability and new technology. Price and gas mileage too! Love, Love, Love our new Toyota Highlander 2023 Platinum!!!!!”
Toyota Highlander: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize three-row SUV built for everyday family use. It is known for comfortable, car-like road manners, flexible seating and cargo space, and a choice of gas or hybrid power in recent years.
The Highlander has long filled the space between smaller crossovers and bulkier, truck-like SUVs. Across its generations, it has kept the same basic mission: make family hauling comfortable, practical, and easy to manage. Redesigns have brought roomier, more polished cabins and broader safety technology, while Toyota’s reputation for long-term dependability remains central to its appeal.
Strengths
- Its comfortable, car-like road manners make it less intimidating to drive than a larger, truck-like SUV.
- Three-row seating and flexible cargo space make it practical for family errands, carpools, and trips.
- The hybrid gives fuel-conscious shoppers a useful alternative and was rated at 35 mpg in the city for 2026.
- The gas model provides the stronger towing option and was rated to pull up to 5,000 pounds for 2026.
- Safety technology became standard across the lineup in 2017 and has remained a major part of the Highlander’s family-focused approach.
- Toyota’s reputation for long-term dependability is a central reason the Highlander appeals to used-SUV shoppers.
Who it's for
The Highlander fits families who need three rows for school runs, errands, road trips, and occasional extra passengers but do not want the size or feel of a larger SUV. Hybrid versions suit buyers focused on everyday fuel economy, while gas versions make more sense for those who place greater value on towing capability.
Toyota Highlander lineup
The XLE is the sensible starting point for shoppers who want the Highlander’s core family-friendly formula without moving into the more specialized or upscale trims. Pick the XSE if sportier styling and sharper handling matter; since its 2021 debut, it has been the more athletic gas model. Step up to Limited for a more upscale take on the Highlander, while Platinum sits at the top of the regular trim ladder for buyers seeking the fullest version of that premium approach. Special editions such as Bronze, Nightshade, and the 25th Edition have appeared in certain years, but their identities are tied more to styling or a specific model year than to the enduring lineup.
Toyota Highlander generations
From 2009 to 2026, the Highlander spans three generations. The current 4th Generation arrived for 2020, following the 3rd Generation — XU50 (2014–2019).
4th Generation (2020–2026)
This generation moved to Toyota’s TNGA-K platform with a longer body, more cargo room, a more polished cabin, and standard driver-assistance features. It launched with V6 or hybrid power, then replaced the gas V6 with a turbo four-cylinder for 2023.
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2026Trim changes
AWD becomes standard on every gas Highlander; hybrids already had standard AWD.
2025Trim changes
The Limited 25th Edition Hybrid joins the lineup, and every hybrid gains standard AWD.
2024Trim changes
Hybrid Nightshade editions join the LE and XLE lineup with black exterior details.
2023Mid-cycle update
Gas models replace the V6 with a turbo four-cylinder, while a newer touchscreen system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto become standard.
2022Trim changes
The hybrid-only Bronze Edition joins the lineup; the cabin also gains more USB-C ports.
2021Trim changes
The sport-styled XSE trim joins, and every Highlander gains an updated driver-assistance suite.
2020New generation
A full redesign brings a new platform, a larger body, more cargo space, an upgraded cabin, and a more fuel-efficient hybrid system.
3rd Generation — XU50 (2014–2019)
This redesign brought a larger body, a more polished interior, easier third-row access, and more standard cabin technology. A substantial 2017 refresh updated the styling, safety features, V6 powertrain, and hybrid system.
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2019
Minor exterior trim changes freshen each grade; engines, safety features, and the cabin carry over.
2018
Carryover year following the 2017 refresh.
2017Mid-cycle update
Revised styling, standard driver-assistance features, and major V6 and hybrid updates arrive; the SE trim also joins.
2016
V6 gas models gain standard towing hardware rated for up to 5,000 pounds.
2015
The redesigned 2014 model carries over without significant changes.
2014New generation
A full redesign brings a larger body, new styling, a more family-friendly cabin, easier third-row access, and a new six-speed automatic for V6 models.
2nd Generation — XU40 (2008–2013)
This generation uses the larger, three-row family-SUV design introduced for 2008, with gas four-cylinder, gas V6, and hybrid V6 versions during its run. The 2011 refresh revised the front styling, expanded standard three-row equipment, and substantially updated the hybrid.
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2013Trim changes
The Highlander Plus trim joins as a standalone model, and touchscreen audio becomes standard across the lineup.
2012
Carryover year following the 2011 refresh.
2011Mid-cycle update
New front-end styling arrives with standard three-row seating and rear climate control; the hybrid gains a stronger, more efficient system.
2010Trim changes
Mostly a carryover year, with only minor option additions for the Base trim.
2009
A 2.7-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automatic become available on front-wheel-drive Base models.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Toyota Highlander.
2026 Toyota Highlander2025 Toyota Highlander2024 Toyota Highlander2023 Toyota Highlander2022 Toyota Highlander2021 Toyota Highlander2020 Toyota Highlander2019 Toyota Highlander2018 Toyota Highlander2017 Toyota Highlander2016 Toyota Highlander2015 Toyota Highlander2014 Toyota Highlander2013 Toyota Highlander2012 Toyota Highlander2011 Toyota Highlander2010 Toyota Highlander2009 Toyota Highlander
Frequently asked questions
What kind of vehicle is the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV with three rows of seats. It is built around family comfort, flexible passenger and cargo space, and easier road manners than a larger, truck-like SUV.
Is the Toyota Highlander a good fit for a family?
Yes. The Highlander suits families that need seven or eight seats, everyday cargo flexibility, and a comfortable SUV that does not feel unusually bulky. The third row is most useful when extra seating matters more than maximum cargo room.
Does the Toyota Highlander come as a hybrid?
Yes. Hybrid Highlanders have been part of the used lineup for many years. Newer versions use a 2.5-liter hybrid system, while older ones used a V6 hybrid setup. Both gas and hybrid models keep the Highlander’s three-row layout.
Should I pick a gas or hybrid Highlander?
Pick the hybrid if fuel economy matters most; the latest version is rated up to 35 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. Pick the gas model for stronger towing, rated up to 5,000 pounds versus 3,500 pounds for the latest hybrid.
Do all Toyota Highlanders have AWD?
No, not across the full used market. Every 2026 gas Highlander has AWD, and every 2025-and-newer hybrid has electronic AWD. Earlier Highlanders may have front-wheel drive or AWD, depending on the year and version.
Is the Toyota Highlander more car-like or truck-like to drive?
The Highlander is more car-like. Its focus is a comfortable, easy-driving feel for errands, commuting, and family trips rather than the heavier feel and rugged mission of a truck-based SUV.
What are the main Toyota Highlander generations in the used market?
The second generation covers 2008–2013, the third runs from 2014–2019, and the fourth spans 2020–2026. The 2014 and 2020 redesigns brought major changes to the body, cabin, technology, and family-focused packaging.
Toyota Highlander Reviews
What owners are saying about the Toyota Highlander.
4.2
Toyota Highlander
(5,836 reviews)
“Very user friendly and roomy car. I love the cruise control sensing feature and Bluetooth system. Seats are not as comfortable as my old 4 runner.”
“Get the all wheel drive. And Apple CarPlay is awesome. This is a better buy than the Lexus RX all day long.”
“The Highlander is so versatile. Comfortable ride, roomy and stylish interior. Great acceleration. Good gas mileage. Loaded with safety features. You cant go wrong!!”
“The interior design and materials are disappointing. The third row seat is impossible to get into and out of unless you're a small child. It is fun to drive on dirt roads and my dogs and grandchildren love it.”
“If you are looking for a SUV hybrid with third row seats there is no competitor to the Toyota Highlander. I drove all competitors before buying mine, and it was, by far, the best. Also, I thought the 35-36 mpg claim on the window sticker would be inflated. I found that it was accurate. In the ten fill ups we've had since we bought ours, we've averaged close to 36 mpg. We highly recommend it and LOVE ours.”
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2026 Toyota Highlander Gets Standard All Wheel Drive Across The Lineup
- pressroom.toyota.com — Celebrate The Best Of Toyota Highlander With Limited 25Th Edition Hybrid
- pressroom.toyota.com — Vehicle / 2027 Toyota Highlander
- pressroom.toyota.com — Elevated Style Meets Modern Power In The Next Generation 2027 Toyota Highlander
- pressroom.toyota.com — Vehicle / 2026 Toyota Highlander
- pressroom.toyota.com — Vehicle / 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- pressroom.toyota.com — Elevate The Journey With Toyotas New Highlander Hybrid Nightshade
- toyota.com — 2025 / Section / Features
- toyota.com — 2025 / Section / Features
- pressroom.toyota.com — Vehicle / 2024 Toyota Highlander
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2023 Toyota Highlander Revs Up Driving With New Turbocharged Engine
- toyota.com — Pdf / 2023 / Highlander Ebrochure