Updated March 31, 2022
WHY IS THIS INFORMATION IMPORTANT?
This page will tell you everything that you need to know about this SUV. Buying a vehicle is a huge accomplishment and a large financial outlay. We want you to have as much information as possible, so that you can make the best decision for you.
The Toyota Highlander, also known as the Toyota Kluger (Japanese: トヨタ・クルーガー, Hepburn: Toyota Kurūgā), is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by Toyota. It is built on the same platform as the Camry.[1][clarification needed]
Announced in April 2000 at the New York International Auto Show and arriving in late 2000 in Japan and January 2001 in North America, the Highlander became one of the first car-based mid-size SUV or mid-size crossovers.[2] The Highlander is the crossover counterpart to the more rugged, truck-based mid-size 4Runner and became Toyota’s best-selling SUV before being surpassed by the smaller RAV4 in 2006. In Japan, the Kluger was exclusive to dealership network called Toyota NETZ as a larger alternative to the RAV4.
Unable to use the Highlander nameplate in Japan and Australia because of a trademarked trim line name owned by Hyundai, Toyota calls the vehicle the Toyota Kluger in these markets (pronounced Klu-ger). The name is derived from the German word klug, which means smart or clever (“Kluger”, written in German with an Ü instead of a U, means “someone who is smarter than another”).[3]
— Source Wikipedia
- Official Page – Toyota Highlander
- Price: Starts at $44,490 CAD
- Comparable to: Ford Expedition, Hyundai Palisade, GMC Yukon
- Maintenance costs: Approximately $5,771 over 10 years.
REVIEWS AND IMPRESSIONS
We have put together as many reviews and impressions as we could find. Each finds a way to touch upon something that the others missed. If you are serious about this vehicle then these videos are worth watching. If you have review or first impressions that helped you and that aren’t listed here, please contact us!
OUR SCORE
You can view the overall Mid-Size SUV Rankings here and the Luxury Mid-Size SUV Rankings here.Edit
Our Score is determined by taking every data point from every review that we can find, inputting it into our own algorithm and coming up with as unbiased a score as possible.
SCORES BY PUBLICATION:
We have put together as many reviews and impressions as we could find. Each finds a way to touch upon something that the others missed. If you are serious about this vehicle then these videos are worth the time.
- Autotrader Review: 8.2 / 10
- Kelley Blue Book Review — 4.5 / 5
- Car and Driver Review — 8 / 10
- Edmunds Review — 7.8 / 10
- USNews Review — 8 / 10
- JD Power Review — 83 / 100
- Motortrend Review — 8.4 / 10
What the critics have to say…
They’re everywhere—the Highlander is one of the longest-running three-row SUVs and a best-seller in Toyota’s lineup. Now in its fourth generation, the Highlander was redesigned for the 2020 model year. It’s equipped with a V-6 engine, although a four-cylinder hybrid variant is also offered. The Highlander’s second row is a three-across bench as standard, and captain’s chairs are available for seven-passenger capacity. As ever, the Highlander is positioned as a family-focused crossover backed by Toyota’s reputation for reliability and value.
Motortrend
HOW DOES IT DRIVE?
Unlike some SUVs that can be slow to respond when you first step on the accelerator, the Toyota Highlander delivers near immediate response. At the Edmunds test track we measured 0-60 mph at 7.5 seconds, which is slightly better than average and a dead heat with the top-rated Kia Telluride — though the Highlander feels a little quicker from the driver’s seat.
Edmunds
IS IT RELIABLE AND HIGH QUALITY?
Is the Toyota Highlander Reliable?
The 2021 Highlander has a predicted reliability score of 82 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
Toyota Highlander Warranty
Toyota covers the Highlander with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
HOW COMFORTABLE IS IT?
The Highlander’s ride quality is pleasantly plush. Large and small road imperfections are smoothed over thanks to the compliant suspension, yet it avoids feeling floaty or disconnected at higher speeds. The front seats are quite comfortable even on long drives, and the available second-row captain’s chairs deliver nearly the same amount of comfort. Alas, the third-row seats are one of the Highlander’s greatest liabilities. Thin padding, a very low seat cushion and narrow space make them ill-suited for adults.
Edmunds
WHAT IS THE INTERIOR LIKE?
Base L and midrange LE models can seat eight passengers using bench seats in the second and third rows, but a seven-seat arrangement with second-row captain’s chairs is available on higher trims. Passenger space is more generous here than in the CX-9, but not as spacious as in the Chevrolet Traverse, especially in the third row. Materials throughout the cabin are much improved over those in the last-generation Highlander. Upscale Limited and Platinum models provide the most creature comforts, but compared with the features proffered by the Palisade or Telluride, they fall short.
Car and Driver
WHAT IS THE TECHNOLOGY LIKE?
In recent years, Toyota has trailed other manufacturers when it comes to tech. This latest-generation Highlander makes big strides in the right direction, but it still has some drawbacks. The optional 12.3-inch touchscreen is huge (an 8-inch screen is standard) and it responds quickly to inputs, but the reflections on the surface make using it more difficult than it should be. Our Highlander Platinum test vehicle had five USB charge ports for the first and second rows but none for the third row.
Edmunds
WHAT IS THE CARGO SPACE LIKE?
The Toyota Highlander rates pretty well among midsize SUVs for cargo utility. You get 16 cubic feet of space behind the third row, a volume comparable to the trunk size of some midsize to large sedans. Folding down the third row opens up 48.4 cubic feet of space. The Highlander has a maximum cargo volume of 84.3 cubic feet behind the first-row seats.
Car and DRiver
IS THIS VEHICLE A GOOD VALUE?
In general, the Highlander is a little more expensive than its closest rivals, and you don’t quite get as many standard features. When it comes to quality, the interior materials are only about average when compared to what’s used in the top-rated SUVs in this class.
Edmunds
IS THE Toyota Highlander A GOOD SUV?
Outside of having one of the best safety scores in the class, the Highlander doesn’t excel in any one area. Still, it’s a good, well-rounded midsize SUV. It has three rows of seats, and while the first two are roomy and comfortable, the last row is cramped. Cargo space isn’t class-leading, but it’s still very serviceable. This Toyota’s cabin quality is good, and the tech features are straightforward.
USNews
SHOULD I BUY THE Toyota Highlander?
A long list of standard driver assistance features and a well-equipped infotainment system make the Highlander a good value, even though it has one of the higher base prices in the segment. Still, most of its attributes are met by class rivals. When it comes down to it, the Highlander is a safe, if unexciting, choice.
USNews
THE FINAL WORD
The Toyota Highlander has a lot of positives, including a great safety score, easy-going performance, a comfortable cabin, and a massive list of features. However, that’s not enough to elevate it beyond the middle of the competitive class, as several rivals are more fun to drive or have roomier third-row seats.