
The Toyota Highlander debuted in 2001 as the fifth model in Toyota’s SUV lineup. The Highlander was an early example of a crossover vehicle: an SUV based on a car rather than a truck platform. The design delivers carlike handling and ride comfort, but lacks true off-road capability. Early Highlanders had two rows to seat five people, but by 2004 an available third row increased seating capacity to seven. When the third-generation Highlander arrived for 2014, maximum seating increased to eight thanks to a wider third row. The current fourth-generation Highlander debuted as a 2020 model.
- 2020–23
- 2014–19
- 2008–13
- 2001–07
2020–23 Highlander
The redesigned 2020 Highlander is a bit bigger than its predecessor and still seats up to eight people across three rows. The SUV’s exterior design became more sculpted, but the overall look isn’t a radical departure from before. The old base four-cylinder engine …
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2014–19 Highlander
More adventurous styling, improved cargo space and available seating for eight were highlights of the Highlander’s 2014 redesign. The front-drive four-cylinder model and a pricey all-wheel-drive gas-electric hybrid were still available, and the most popular V-6 versions could be had with front- …
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- MSRP range$31,830–$47,510
- Consumer rating
- Combined mpg 22–23
- Body style SUV
- Seats up to eight in three rows
- Four-cylinder or V-6 engine
- Front- or all-wheel drive
- Eight-speed automatic available
- Automatic emergency braking standard
- Hybrid version available
2008–13 Highlander
The Highlander was redesigned for 2008, based on the longer Toyota Avalon chassis; it still offered seating for up to seven. Early in the generation, only V-6 engines were available; the traditional gas model came with front- or all-wheel drive, and the gas-electric hybrid was AWD
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- MSRP range$29,020–$39,400
- Consumer rating
- Combined mpg 19–22
- Body style SUV
- New Highlander Plus trim
- Four-cylinder or V-6
- Front- or all-wheel drive
- Split-folding third row
- Available hybrid version
2001–07 Highlander
The 2001 Toyota Highlander started as a four-door, five-passenger SUV. For 2004, some versions offered three-row seating for seven. While most similarly sized SUVs of the time were built on truck frames, the Highlander was based on the Toyota Camry sedan chassis. Front- and
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- MSRP range$24,880–$32,210
- Consumer rating
- Combined mpg –
- Body style SUV
- Car-based construction
- Four-cylinder or V-6
- Available AWD
- Up to seven-passenger capacity
- Hybrid model