1 / 1Illustrative AI renders — not manufacturer photographs.
Toyota Highlander
Three rows of dependable family hauling
Toyota Highlander review
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize three-row SUV built for families who want space, safety, and the brand's well-known reliability without stepping up to a full-size truck-based rig. The current fourth generation pairs a turbo-four gas engine or a frugal hybrid with standard driver aids. It won't thrill enthusiasts, but it nails the practical basics: easy parking, comfortable seats, strong resale, and genuinely impressive fuel economy in hybrid form.
On the road, the Highlander feels reassuringly ordinary in the best sense. The 2.4-liter turbocharged four replaced the old V6 and delivers adequate, if not exciting, acceleration with 265 horsepower. The hybrid, making a combined 243 horsepower, is the smarter pick for most buyers: it's quieter around town, returns roughly 36 MPG combined, and barely sacrifices real-world pace. Both use smooth automatics, and the ride is tuned for comfort over corner-carving, soaking up rough pavement without floating.
Inside, the cabin is sensibly laid out with high-quality materials in upper trims and a large available 12.3-inch touchscreen running Toyota's responsive software with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The first two rows are spacious and supportive, but the third row is the Highlander's weak point — it's tighter than rivals like the Honda Pilot or Kia Telluride, better suited to kids than adults. Cargo space behind that third row is modest until you fold it flat.
Standard Toyota Safety Sense includes adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, and automatic emergency braking, and crash-test scores are strong. Build quality and long-term dependability remain the Highlander's calling cards, backing up Toyota's reputation and helping resale values stay among the best in the class.
The trade-off is value at the top end. Loaded Platinum trims push past $53,000, where the cabin feels pleasant but not quite luxurious, and the third row still trails roomier competitors. Buyers prioritizing maximum space may look elsewhere, but those wanting a proven, efficient, no-drama family SUV will find little to complain about.
Pros & cons
What we like
- Excellent hybrid fuel economy
- Strong reliability and resale value
- Comfortable, quiet ride
- Generous standard safety tech
- Easy to drive and park
What could be better
- Cramped third-row seat
- Pricey in top trims
- Turbo-four sounds coarse when pushed
- Less cargo room than rivals
Toyota Highlander price & variants
| Variant | Fuel / Transmission | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| LE Best value | GasAutomatic | $40,000 |
| XLE | GasAutomatic | $43,500 |
| XLE Hybrid | HybridAutomatic | $45,500 |
| Limited | GasAutomatic | $48,500 |
| Limited Hybrid | HybridAutomatic | $50,500 |
| Platinum Hybrid | HybridAutomatic | $53,000 |
Key specifications
Model Overview
Engine & Transmission
Dimensions & Capacity
Fuel & Performance
Comfort & Convenience
Safety
Toyota Highlander colours
Wind Chill PearlExpert rating breakdown
Owner reviews
Hybrid mileage is the real deal
I'm averaging right around 35 MPG on my daily mix of city and highway, which is incredible for a vehicle this size. It's comfortable and quiet, and I've had zero issues so far. Wish the third row had a little more legroom for my teenagers.
Reliable but third row is tight
This has been a fantastic, trouble-free family car and the ride is smooth on long trips. My only gripe is the way-back seat — fine for the kids but no adult wants to sit there. Cargo space is also limited when all seats are up.
Exactly what I expected from Toyota
Bought it for the reliability and resale, and it delivers a calm, easy driving experience every day. The tech and CarPlay work flawlessly and the safety features inspire confidence. The turbo engine can get a bit loud, but that's a minor complaint.
Alternatives to the Toyota Highlander
Hyundai Palisade
4.4$37,000 – $54,000Starting MSRP
Rivian R2
4.3$45,000 – $68,000Starting MSRP
Audi Q5
4.2$45,000 – $58,000Starting MSRP
BMW X3
4.4$50,000 – $65,000Starting MSRP
Toyota Highlander — frequently asked questions
Is the Highlander available as a hybrid?
Yes. Toyota offers a hybrid powertrain across most trims that delivers around 36 MPG combined, making it the most fuel-efficient way to buy a Highlander. The hybrid is available with front- or all-wheel drive.
How many people can the Highlander seat?
It seats up to eight with the second-row bench, or seven when equipped with second-row captain's chairs. The third row is best suited to children or shorter adults on longer trips.
Is all-wheel drive available?
Yes. All-wheel drive is optional on most gas and hybrid trims and standard on some, making the Highlander a solid choice for buyers in snowy or wet climates.
How does it compare to the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot?
The Highlander trails both in third-row and cargo space but counters with better fuel economy (especially the hybrid) and Toyota's strong reliability and resale reputation.
What safety features are standard?
Every Highlander includes Toyota Safety Sense with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. A rearview camera and multiple airbags are standard.
Is the Highlander good on gas?
The hybrid is excellent at roughly 36 MPG combined. The turbocharged gas four-cylinder is more modest, returning around the mid-20s MPG combined depending on drivetrain.
Image is an AI-generated illustration. Specifications and prices are indicative and may vary by variant and city — please confirm with an authorized dealer. Last updated 2026-06-25.