The Toyota Highlander has carved out a solid reputation in the midsize crossover SUV market. It’s a vehicle that promises reliability, comfort, and a well-rounded 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 heavy lifting, sifting through mountains of data to give you a clear picture of which model years shine and which ones you might want to steer clear of.
Ready to dive in?
Let’s get to it and reveal the highs and lows of Toyota’s popular 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 tech that could make or break 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 showstoppers, but they’re not disasters either. Think of them as the steady 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 ton of data – everything from owner-reported reliability scores and annual 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 trusted sources like Edmunds, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book.
Keep in mind, factors like a substantial number of recalls can drag down a model year’s score. More recalls often point to lower 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 short.
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 dependable midsize SUV option.
Best Years: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
These years were the sweet spot of the first generation. They nailed it with reliability, delivered a smooth ride, and offered plenty of cargo space to boot.
The 2004 model year saw the introduction of a beefier 3.3-liter V6 engine. This powerplant gave the Highlander some serious muscle, boosting its towing capacity without guzzling more fuel.
Safety also got a leg up during these years. Toyota rolled out more sophisticated airbag systems and even threw in optional stability control. Not too shabby for the early 2000s.
Neutral Year: 2002
The 2002 Highlander was… well, fine. It didn’t set the world on fire, but it didn’t disappoint either. It had some minor engine hiccups – think coolant leaks and finicky oxygen sensors – that kept it from joining the “best” club.
On the plus side, it still offered plenty of space inside and a comfy ride. But those niggling issues? They balanced out the good, landing the 2002 squarely in neutral territory.
Worst Years: 2001, 2007
The debut 2001 model stumbled out of the gate with transmission troubles and AC system failures. These issues led to a spike in owner complaints, tarnishing the Highlander’s initial reputation.
As for the 2007 model, it closed out the generation with a whimper rather than a bang. Critics panned its lackluster handling and subpar 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-friendly when it launched in 2008. But did larger mean better?
Let’s discover.
Best Years: 2009, 2011, 2012
These model years hit the sweet spot of dependability and practicality. With spacious three-row seating, they became the go-to choice for larger families.
Under the hood, a more potent 3.5-liter V6 engine struck a nice 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 decent reliability and plenty of 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 kicked off this generation, had some initial problems. Engine issues, particularly excessive oil consumption, were a frequent complaint.
Owners also reported faulty electronics, from wonky navigation systems to temperamental climate controls. The 2010 model shared these issues and threw in some premature 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 upscale feel with increased power and sophisticated 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 efficient transmission, and the tech features became more user-friendly.
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 market.
Neutral Year: 2015
The 2015 Highlander was the definition of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” It kept pace with the high bar set by the 2014 model but didn’t really push the envelope.
Some owners griped about glitchy infotainment systems and a ride that was a tad on the stiff 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 abrupt shifts and slow responses.
Despite its fancy interior and a boatload of standard safety features, these drawbacks dragged down its ranking. Sometimes, you can have too much of a good 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 sleeker design and cutting-edge tech.
Best Year: 2020
The 2020 model came out swinging. It packed a comprehensive suite of driver assists, a posh and roomy interior, and a gutsy 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 finicky infotainment system and a steep base price kept it from climbing higher.
Worst Years: 2022, 2023
Despite being the new 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 minor mechanical hiccups 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 crunched the numbers on average resale values for each Toyota Highlander model year. This table gives you a ballpark figure of what you might expect to pay for a used Highlander, depending on its vintage.
Conclusion
The Toyota Highlander’s journey through the years has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride. Some years have soared, others have stumbled, but overall, it’s proven itself a solid contender in the midsize SUV market.
Armed with this guide, you’re now equipped 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 headaches (and cash) down the road.
So, which Toyota Highlander model has caught your attention?
Drop a comment below and let us know your thoughts.
We’re always keen to hear your take!
