The Toyota Highlander has carved out a reliable reputation in the midsize crossover SUV market. It’s a vehicle that promises reliability, comfort, and a comprehensive set of features. But like any long-running model, it’s had its ups and downs over the years.
This guide is your roadmap to navigating the finest and worst years of the Toyota Highlander. We’ve done the difficult lifting, sifting through mountains of data to give you a clear picture of which model years excel and which ones you might want to steer away from.
Ready to plunge in?
Let’s get to it and reveal the highs and lows of Toyota’s famous SUV.
Table of ContentsShow
Toyota Highlander Generations
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander (XU20, 1st generation) | 2001-2007 |
| Toyota Highlander (XU40, 2nd generation) | 2008-2013 |
| Toyota Highlander (XU50, 3rd generation) | 2014-2019 |
| Toyota Highlander (XU70, 4th generation) | 2020-Present |
The table above lays out the evolution of the Toyota Highlander across its generations. Each new iteration brings changes in design, functionality, and technology that could sway or influence your buying decision.
You’ll notice we’ve included “Neutral Years” in our breakdown. These are the model years that don’t really rock the boat – they’re not outstanding, but they’re not catastrophes either. Think of them as the reliable Eddies of the Highlander world.
Toyota Highlander Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (2001-2007) | 2003 2004 2005 2006 | 2002 | 2001 2007 |
| 2nd (2008-2013) | 2009 2011 2012 | 2013 | 2008 2010 |
| 3rd (2014-2019) | 2014 2016 2017 2018 | 2015 | 2019 |
| 4th (2020-Present) | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 2023 |
We didn’t just pull these rankings out of thin air. We’ve pored over a huge pile of data – everything from owner-reported reliability scores and yearly maintenance costs to safety ratings and consumer satisfaction surveys.
We’ve looked at reports from Consumer Reports, NHTSA recalls and complaints, and owner ratings from dependable sources like Edmunds, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book.
Keep in mind, factors like a significant number of recalls can drag down a model year’s score. More recalls often point to reduced reliability, which is why you’ll see some years taking a hit in our rankings.
Now that you’ve got the lay of the land, let’s zoom in on each generation to see which years came out on top and which ones fell beneath average.
Best & Worst Years For Toyota Highlander 1st Generation (2001-2007)
Toyota kicked off the Highlander’s journey in 2001, positioning it as a comfortable and reliable midsize SUV option.
Best Years: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
These years were the peak spot of the first generation. They nailed it with reliability, delivered a smooth ride, and offered ample cargo space to boot.
The 2004 model year saw the introduction of a larger 3.3-liter V6 engine. This powerplant gave the Highlander some considerable muscle, boosting its towing capacity without guzzling more fuel.
Safety also got a boost during these years. Toyota rolled out more advanced airbag systems and even threw in optional stability control. Not too shabby for the early 2000s.
Neutral Year: 2002
The 2002 Highlander was… well, sufficient. It didn’t set the world on fire, but it didn’t disappoint either. It had some small engine hiccups – think coolant leaks and erratic oxygen sensors – that kept it from joining the “best” club.
On the plus side, it still offered plenty of space inside and a comfortable ride. But those ongoing issues? They balanced out the good, landing the 2002 squarely in neutral territory.
Worst Years: 2001, 2007
The initial 2001 model stumbled out of the gate with transmission troubles and AC system malfunctions. These issues led to a surge in owner complaints, harming the Highlander’s early reputation.
As for the 2007 model, it closed out the generation with a whimper rather than a bang. Critics panned its lackluster handling and inferior interior quality. Not exactly the high note Toyota was hoping to end on.
Best & Worst Years For Toyota Highlander 2nd Generation (2008-2013)
The second-gen Highlander expanded and became more family-oriented when it launched in 2008. But did larger mean superior?
Let’s explore.
Best Years: 2009, 2011, 2012
These model years hit the sweet spot of reliability and practicality. With roomy three-row seating, they became the go-to choice for bigger families.
Under the hood, a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine struck a fine balance between power and fuel efficiency. Safety features got an upgrade too, with traction control becoming standard and crash test ratings improving.
Neutral Year: 2013
The 2013 Highlander was… fine. It didn’t break any new ground, but it didn’t drop the ball either. It offered dependable reliability and spacious interior space, but it just didn’t stand out from the crowd.
Some minor complaints with the electric power steering and occasional transmission hiccups kept it from climbing higher in the rankings.
Worst Years: 2008, 2010
The 2008 model year, which launched this generation, had some initial problems. Engine issues, particularly excessive oil consumption, were a common complaint.
Owners also reported defective electronics, from faulty navigation systems to temperamental climate controls. The 2010 model shared these issues and threw in some early brake wear for good measure.
Best & Worst Years For Toyota Highlander 3rd Generation (2014-2019)
The third-gen Highlander, introduced in 2014, aimed for a more premium feel with enhanced power and advanced safety tech.
Best Years: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018
These model years nailed the trifecta of dependability, performance, and interior quality. Fuel economy got a boost thanks to a more effective transmission, and the tech features became more intuitive.
Safety was a strong suit here. Toyota’s Safety Sense package added goodies like pre-collision warning and lane departure alerts, keeping the Highlander competitive in an increasingly safety-conscious marketplace.
Neutral Year: 2015
The 2015 Highlander was the pinnacle of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” It kept pace with the elevated bar set by the 2014 model but didn’t really push the envelope.
Some owners griped about defective infotainment systems and a ride that was a tad on the rigid side. Not deal-breakers, but enough to keep it out of the “best” category.
Worst Year: 2019
The 2019 model caught some flak for its less-than-thrilling driving experience. Some drivers reported transmission quirks, like sudden shifts and sluggish responses.
Despite its opulent interior and a boatload of standard safety features, these drawbacks dragged down its ranking. Sometimes, you can have too much of a great thing.
Best & Worst Years For Toyota Highlander 4th Generation (2020-Present)
The fourth-gen Highlander, hitting showrooms in 2020, aimed to refine the formula with more streamlined design and sophisticated tech.
Best Year: 2020
The 2020 model came out swinging. It packed a comprehensive suite of driver assists, a lavish and spacious interior, and a robust V6 engine.
The redesign brought a more refined exterior and a whisper-quiet cabin. But the real game-changer? The introduction of the Highlander Hybrid, offering outstanding fuel economy without sacrificing performance.
Neutral Year: 2021
The 2021 Highlander was sturdy, but it didn’t really move the needle from the previous year. It still scored high on safety and comfort, but some grumbles about a moody infotainment system and a high base price kept it from climbing higher.
Worst Years: 2022, 2023
Despite being the fresh kids on the block, these model years have hit some bumps in the road. Owners have reported issues with the infotainment system doing its best impression of a frozen computer screen.
There have also been some small technical glitches with the brakes and transmission. While not deal-breakers, these issues are enough to land these years in the “worst” category… for now.
Toyota Highlander Average Resale Values
We’ve examined the numbers on approximate resale values for each Toyota Highlander model year. This table gives you a rough estimate of what you might expect to pay for a pre-owned Highlander, depending on its condition.
Conclusion
The Toyota Highlander’s journey through the years has been a bit of a turbulent ride. Some years have soared, others have stumbled, but overall, it’s proven itself a reliable contender in the medium-sized SUV market.
Armed with this guide, you’re now prepared to make an informed decision on which Highlander model year might be the best fit for your needs and budget. Remember, knowing the best and worst years can save you difficulty (and money) down the road.
So, which Toyota Highlander model has captured your interest?
Drop a comment below and let us know your initial thoughts.
We’re always keen to hear your fresh take!
