Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is a dependable SUV with an excellent safety record and no recalls or complaints.
Calculated from 10,000+ NHTSA, EPA & owner-complaint data pointsHow we score
2026 modelSpecifications by model year
Compare the stats that matter
Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.
Fuel economy
EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year.
| Year | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | City L/100 km | Highway L/100 km | Combined L/100 km | Fuel-economy range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 21 | 28 | 24 | 11.2 | 8.4 | 9.8 | — |
| 2025 | 21 | 28 | 24 | 11.2 | 8.4 | 9.8 | — |
| 2024 | 21 | 28 | 24 | 11.2 | 8.4 | 9.8 | — |
| 2023 | 21 | 28 | 24 | 11.2 | 8.4 | 9.8 | — |
| 2022 | 20 | 28 | 23 | 11.76 | 8.4 | 10.23 | — |
| 2021 | 20 | 28 | 23 | 11.76 | 8.4 | 10.23 | — |
| 2020 | 20 | 28 | 23 | 11.76 | 8.4 | 10.23 | 20-29 mpg combined |
| 2019 | 20 | 24 | 22 | 11.76 | 9.8 | 10.69 | — |
| 2018 | 20 | 24 | 22 | 11.76 | 9.8 | 10.69 | — |
| 2017 | 20 | 24 | 22 | 11.76 | 9.8 | 10.69 | — |
| 2016 | 18 | 24 | 20 | 13.07 | 9.8 | 11.76 | — |
| 2015 | 18 | 24 | 20 | 13.07 | 9.8 | 11.76 | — |
| 2014 | 18 | 24 | 20 | 13.07 | 9.8 | 11.76 | — |
| 2013 | 17 | 22 | 19 | 13.84 | 10.69 | 12.38 | — |
| 2012 | 17 | 22 | 19 | 13.84 | 10.69 | 12.38 | — |
| 2011 | 17 | 22 | 19 | 13.84 | 10.69 | 12.38 | — |
Engine, transmission & drivetrain
Powertrain specifications can vary between model years.
| Year | Body style | Cylinders | Displacement | Fuel type | Engine code | Transmission | Drivetrain | Engine configuration | Horsepower | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | suv | 4 | 2.4 | Regular | — | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2025 | suv | 4 | 2.4 | Regular | — | Automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2024 | suv | 4 | 2.4 | Regular | — | Automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2023 | suv | 4 | 2.4 | Regular | — | Electronic Continuously Variable (e-CVT) | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2022 | suv | 6 | 3.5 | Regular | 2GR-FKS | Automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 2GR-FKS | — | — |
| 2021 | suv | 6 | 3.5 | Regular | — | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2020 | suv | 6 | 3.5 | Regular | — | Automatic | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive | V6 | 295 hp | 263 lb-ft |
| 2019 | — | 4 | 2.7 | Regular | — | Automatic (S6) | 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 | — | — | — |
| 2018 | — | 4 | 2.7 | Regular | — | Electronic Continuously Variable (e-CVT) | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2017 | — | 4 | 2.7 | Regular | — | Automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2016 | suv | 6 | 3.5 | Regular | — | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2015 | suv | 6 | 3.5 | Regular | — | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2014 | suv | 6 | 3.5 | Regular | — | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2013 | minivan | 6 | 3.5 | Regular | — | Automatic (S5) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2012 | minivan | 6 | 3.5 | Regular | — | Automatic (S5) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2011 | suv | 6 | 3.5 | Regular | — | Automatic (S5) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
Pricing & configuration
Original pricing and model configuration where available.
| Year | msrp | pricing | Trim | Base price | Note | currency | Base MSRP | MSRP range | Confidence | notes | Source | estimatedAt | Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | — | Trim: Limited | Limited | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | — | Trim: Platinum | Platinum | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | — | Trim: LE | LE | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | — | Trim: XLE | XLE | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2021 | — | Base price: $48,690, Trim: XSE, Note: Satellite Radio | XSE | $48,690 | Satellite Radio | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2020 | currency: USD, Base MSRP: $34,600, MSRP range: $34,600 - $48,800, Confidence: 0.9, notes: MSRP for L FWD to Platinum AWD trims., Source: llm_estimate, estimatedAt: 5/3/2026 | Base price: $36,200, Series: AXUH78L, Trim: Platinum | Platinum | $36,200 | — | USD | $34,600 | $34,600 - $48,800 | 0.9 | MSRP for L FWD to Platinum AWD trims. | llm_estimate | 5/3/2026 | AXUH78L |
| 2019 | — | Series: ASU50L/GSU50L/GSU55L/GVU58L, Trim: XLE Hybrid, Note: Highlander LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited | XLE Hybrid | — | Highlander LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ASU50L/GSU50L/GSU55L/GVU58L |
| 2018 | — | Base price: $39,120, Trim: LE/LE Plus | LE/LE Plus | $39,120 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2017 | — | Base price: $30,630, Series: ASU50L/GSU50L/GSU55L/GVU58L, Trim: LE Hybrid, Note: Entertainment System: Entune Multimedia Bundle (6.1-in. high-resolution touch-screen display, AM/FM CD player, MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, auxiliary audio jack, USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control, advanced voice recognition, hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology), Siri Eyes Free, Intelligent Touch controls and integrated backup camera display with projected path | LE Hybrid | $30,630 | Entertainment System: Entune Multimedia Bundle (6.1-in. high-resolution touch-screen display, AM/FM CD player, MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, auxiliary audio jack, USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control, advanced voice recognition, hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology), Siri Eyes Free, Intelligent Touch controls and integrated backup camera display with projected path | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ASU50L/GSU50L/GSU55L/GVU58L |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Space, dimensions & utility
Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year.
| Year | Seats | Doors | Cargo (L) | Cargo (cu ft) | bodyAndInterior | mechanical | Keyless ignition | Seat rows | Steering location | Axles | Wheels | Wheelbase | Front wheel | Rear wheel | Entertainment system | Valvetrain | Brakes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | 8 | 4 | 453 | 16 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 3 | — | Standard | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | 7 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 3 | — | Standard | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | 7 | 4 | 453 | 16 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 3 | — | Standard | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | 8 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 3 | — | Standard | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2021 | 7 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 3 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 112.2, Front wheel: 18, Rear wheel: 18 | Standard | 3 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 112.2 | 18 | 18 | — | — | — |
| 2020 | 7 | 4 | 453 | 16 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 3 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 112.2, Front wheel: 18, Rear wheel: 18 | Standard | 3 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 112.2 | 18 | 18 | — | — | — |
| 2019 | 7 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Entertainment system: CD + Stereo, Seat rows: 3 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 109.8 | Standard | 3 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 109.8 | — | — | CD + Stereo | — | — |
| 2018 | 8 | 5 | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 3 | Valvetrain: Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC), Brakes: Calipers / Front Vented Discs, Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 109.8, Front wheel: 18, Rear wheel: 18 | Standard | 3 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 109.8 | 18 | 18 | — | Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) | Calipers / Front Vented Discs |
| 2017 | 7 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Entertainment system: CD + Stereo, Seat rows: 3 | Valvetrain: Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC), Brakes: Calipers / Front Vented Discs | Rear Solid Discs, Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 109.8, Front wheel: 18, Rear wheel: 18 | Standard | 3 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 109.8 | 18 | 18 | CD + Stereo | Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) | Calipers / Front Vented Discs | Rear Solid Discs |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Safety ratings & driver assistance
NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability.
| Year | Overall rating | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rated vehicle | abs | esc | tractionControl | tpms | adaptiveCruiseControl | autoBrake | forwardCollisionWarning | pedestrianAeb | blindSpotMonitoring | laneDepartureWarning | rearCamera | rearCrossTrafficAlert | parkAssist | adaptiveDrivingBeam | autoReverseSystem | rearAeb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2026 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER SUV N/A AWD | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2025 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — |
| 2024 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2024 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard |
| 2023 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2023 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — |
| 2022 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2022 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard |
| 2021 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | — |
| 2020 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2020 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | — | — | standard | standard | — |
| 2019 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2019 Toyota Highlander SUV FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | — | standard | standard | — |
| 2018 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2018 Toyota Highlander SUV FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | — | standard | standard | — |
| 2017 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2017 Toyota Highlander SUV AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | optional | standard | standard | — |
| 2016 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2016 Toyota Highlander SUV FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2015 Toyota Highlander SUV AWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2014 Toyota Highlander SUV AWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2013 Toyota Highlander SUV AWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2012 Toyota Highlander SUV AWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2011 Toyota Highlander SUV AWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Technology & electrification
Listed infotainment, equipment, battery, and charging data.
| Year | infotainment | ev | Electrification | Battery type | Apple CarPlay | Android Auto |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | — | Electrification: hev, Battery type: Nickel-Metal-Hydride/NiMH | hev | Nickel-Metal-Hydride/NiMH | — | — |
| 2024 | — | Electrification: hev | hev | — | — | — |
| 2023 | — | Electrification: hev, Battery type: Nickel-Metal-Hydride/NiMH | hev | Nickel-Metal-Hydride/NiMH | — | — |
| 2022 | — | Electrification: hev | hev | — | — | — |
| 2021 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2020 | Apple CarPlay: Standard, Android Auto: Standard | — | — | — | Standard | Standard |
| 2019 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2018 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2017 | — | Battery type: Nickel-Metal-Hydride/NiMH | — | Nickel-Metal-Hydride/NiMH | — | — |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Model year reports
2026
NewestThe 2026 Toyota Highlander is a dependable SUV with an excellent safety record and no recalls or complaints.
2025
The 2025 Toyota Highlander offers average reliability, but a concerning 'dead pedal' or loss of acceleration complaint warrants careful inspection.
2024
Approach the 2024 Toyota Highlander with caution; its reliability is rated below average, primarily due to significant concerns with the **service brakes** system, which has shown inconsistent engagement and potential for failure.
2023
Approach the 2023 Toyota Highlander with caution; its reliability is rated below average, primarily due to significant safety-related recalls and widespread complaints concerning critical systems like the engine and brakes.
2022
The 2022 Toyota Highlander presents a mixed ownership proposition.
2021
Approach with caution: the 2021 Toyota Highlander exhibits a concerning number of critical safety recalls and a high volume of complaints, particularly in the power train and service brakes, making it a potentially high-risk used purchase.
2020
Approach with caution: **transmission failures** are a well-known chronic problem that makes this a high-risk used purchase.
2019
The 2019 Toyota Highlander presents a below-average reliability record, primarily due to significant concerns with its fuel pump and transmission systems.
2018
The 2018 Toyota Highlander presents a mixed ownership proposition, with a below-average reliability verdict driven by significant concerns regarding its service brakes and powertrain.
2017
The 2017 Toyota Highlander is a capable family SUV, but its reliability record for this model year warrants caution, with significant concerns in its powertrain and electrical systems.
2016
Approach with caution: the **brake system** is a well-known chronic problem that makes this a high-risk used purchase.
2015
The 2015 Toyota Highlander presents a mixed bag for used car buyers, with a 'Below Average' reliability verdict primarily due to persistent electrical system issues and a critical steering recall.
2014
The 2014 Toyota Highlander is considered below average for reliability, with significant electrical system and structural complaints being the primary ownership concern.
2013
The 2013 Toyota Highlander is rated 'Below Average' for reliability, primarily due to significant concerns with its steering system and unintended acceleration/hesitation.
2012
The 2012 Toyota Highlander is a practical SUV with a "Below Average" reliability verdict, primarily due to significant safety-critical complaints concerning its steering and potential unintended acceleration/brake issues.
2011
The 2011 Toyota Highlander is a practical SUV with average reliability, but potential buyers should be aware of frequent steering issues.
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the best years for the Toyota Highlander?
Carfocal currently has 16 published Highlander reports, covering 2011 through 2026. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: The 2026 Toyota Highlander is a dependable SUV with an excellent safety record and no recalls or complaints.
Published year coverage: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
Is the Toyota Highlander reliable?
There is no single reliability answer for every Toyota Highlander. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include the 2026 toyota highlander is a dependable suv with an excellent safety record and no recalls or complaints. and the 2026 toyota highlander is a sound used-car value, particularly given its strong safety scores and lack of major reported issues. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.
16 published year-specific reports are available for comparison.
What are common problems with the Toyota Highlander?
Across Carfocal's published Highlander guides, recurring problem areas include Brake Pads and Rotors, Spark Plugs, and Battery. The exact risk depends on the model year, so open the report for the vehicle you are evaluating to see which issues, recalls, and repair concerns apply.
Common problem areas found in published repair predictions: Brake Pads and Rotors, Spark Plugs, and Battery.
Supporting data
- Published guides
- 16
- Years tracked
- 16
- Data sources
- NHTSA, EPA, owner complaints