Which Used Toyota Highlander Should I Buy?

Used Highlander Buying Guide

If you are in the market for a used midsize SUV, the versatile and reliable Toyota Highlander may suit your fancy. The Highlander made its debut in 2001 as a 5-seat model, the 7-seater followed in 2004. It’s now in its third-generation and continues to achieve high scores and top rankings.

Critics grant the Highlander top ratings due to family-friendly features, a powerful V6 engine option, and an exceptional amount of space. It also consistently achieves high safety scores and boasts class-leading predicted reliability scores. The 2016 Highlander is ranked No. 1 in our midsize SUVs rankings. The Highlander and Highlander Hybrid have received top scores and rankings over the ten years they’ve been reviewed. The Highlander also ranks well in our used midsize SUV rankings.

Read on to find out which Toyota Highlander is the best fit for you.

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2007 Toyota Highlander

The 2007 Toyota Highlander earned critics’ attention for outstanding safety features and great reliability. The vehicle was offered with a variety of interior, exterior, and safety packages. Ownership costs and value went nearly unmatched in the segment.

The Highlander is lighter than most competing vehicles and provides a smooth ride with solid handling. It came equipped with a 155-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine matched to a four-speed automatic transmission. The Highlander offered a 215-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine upgrade with a five-speed automatic transmission. It was a much better choice, based on reviewers’ opinions. However, it was more expensive than engine upgrades in competitors’ models. A hybrid version was also available.

Notable standard features include air-conditioning, 3-in-1 AM/FM Cassette/CD audio system, and power windows and door locks.

Optional third-row seating is cramped but adequate for children. The Highlander provides only 10.5 feet of cargo volume with all three rows in use. Cargo space increases to 39.7 cubic feet with the third row folded down and 80.6 cubic feet with the second row folded down.

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2008 Toyota Highlander

In 2008 the Highlander saw its first full redesign since its 2001 debut. The four-cylinder engine option went away, and the new 3.5-liter V6 delivered 270 horsepower. The V6 was the only engine offered in 2008. Safety and predicted reliability rose to class-leading scores.

The Highlander moved to a new platform shared with the Camry and received an exterior facelift, with larger dimensions and an expanded interior space. Toyota added loads of safety equipment including seven air bags. Second rows seats became reconfigurable, which added even more interior space and versatility. However, third-row seats remained only suitable for children and cargo space is still limited when all seats are occupied.

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2009 Toyota Highlander

Aside from the added base four-cylinder engine, the 2009 Toyota Highlander is mostly a carryover from the 2008 model. It ranks near the top of the class for its smooth ride, high-quality materials, and outstanding fuel economy. It was our 2009 Best Midsize Crossover for the Money.

The new 187-horsepower 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with a new six-speed automatic transmission and gets impressive fuel economy, though it does lack power. The Highlander made the No. 5 spot out of 27 in our very competitive affordable midsize SUV rankings. With segment-topping safety, reliability, and cost to own scores, the 2009 Highlander is worth a closer look. Also notable for 2009, the Highlander Hybrid outscored the non-hybrid version in all of our rankings.

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2010 Toyota Highlander

The 2010 Highlander continued as a carryover of the 2009 model. It was ranked No. 3 in our affordable midsize SUV rankings. If you are looking for a used hybrid SUV, the 2010 Highlander Hybrid is the top-ranked vehicle in our used midsize SUVs $20K to $25K.

Critics mentioned outstanding fuel economy from the base four cylinder. Also noted was high-quality interior materials, and above-average cargo and passenger space, in five-seat models. A sunroof became available on all trims, and all V6 models had an available backup camera.

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2011 & 2012 Toyota Highlander

Our winner of Best 3-Row SUV for families, the 2011 Highlander displayed an updated front fascia. Third-row seating and rear-seat climate controls became standard on all models. However, predicted reliability scores dropped and critics complained that competitors offered more power and better handling.

The 2012 model was a complete carryover from 2011. It ranked No. 5 in affordable midsize SUVs and used midsize SUVs $20K to $25K.

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2013 Toyota Highlander

For 2013 Toyota updated the Highlander’s available packages and added the Highlander Plus trim level. All features previously included in the tech package, plus a new backup camera and 3.5-inch multi-touch display, were standard on the Plus.

Other Highlander trims featured a standard display audio unit with a 6.1-inch touch-screen. Aside from trim and package changes, the 2013 is the same as the previous two models. The 2013 Highlander ranked No. 5 in affordable midsize SUVs.

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2014 Toyota Highlander

The 2014 Highlander saw a substantial redesign inside and out. Critics were impressed with the strong V6 engine, comfortable ride, and numerous storage areas. The SUV is now longer, wider, and allows better access to third-row seats all while providing more cargo space.

The Highlander also received an updated 6-speed automatic transmission and higher-quality interior materials. Reviewers noted that the cabin was quieter and more inviting and the Highlander offered a reduced, simplified lineup. The 2014 Highlander ranked No. 7 in affordable midsize SUVs, but due to all of the updates it’s a great option for a used Highlander.

Bluetooth, a USB port, a 6.1-inch touch-screen infotainment display, and a rearview camera are standard in the 2014 Highlander. Available features include a rear-seat Blu-ray player, a 12-speaker JBL audio system, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

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2015 Toyota Highlander

While the 2015 Toyota Highlander was virtually unchanged from the 2014 model. The vehicle was the winner of our Best 3-Row SUV for Families award and a finalist for the Best 3-Row SUVs for the Money award.

For great value, ample interior storage, adequate room, and a smooth and quiet ride, the Highlander is tough to beat. There are other options that offer better overall driving characteristics, but they don’t stand up to the Highlander’s family-friendly features, safety and reliability ratings, or economical price. The Highlander also excels in fuel efficiency, in both the base four-cylinder and optional V6.

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2016 Toyota Highlander

The 2016 Toyota Highlander tops three SUV rankings lists; midsize SUVs, crossover SUVs, and SUVs with 3-rows. It offers ample interior space and class-topping features for families.

For 2016 the towing package became a standard feature on V6 models and rain sensing wipers are a new option. As usual the Highlander boasts top-tier safety and predicted reliability scores. Critics praised the model’s high quality materials and the base trim’s long list of standard features. Once again, the Highlander was a finalist for U.S. News & World Report’s Best 3-Row SUVs for Families award.

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