Best Toyota Highlander Model Years (Ranked) in 2027

The 2017 facelift brought a new 3.5-liter V6 with 295 horsepower and 263 lb.-ft., a new 8-speed automatic and standard Toyota Safety Sense P with pre-collision and pedestrian detection. AWD V6 models are rated 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway. Prices started at $30,630.

The third-generation Highlander was unveiled March 27, 2013 and seats up to eight with a sliding second row. Bluetooth and a 6.1-inch Entune touchscreen are standard, and the 2014 started at $29,215, with the Limited Platinum at $42,130.

The 2019 was the last third-generation year and carries the 2017 update with the 295-horsepower V6 and 8-speed automatic. It added an SE-based Nightshade Special Edition with black 19-inch wheels, limited to 5,000 units. Original MSRP ran $31,830 to $47,510.

From 2017 the Highlander Hybrid pairs the 3.5-liter V6 with electric motors for 306 total system horsepower, rated 30 city / 28 highway / 29 combined mpg, with AWD-i standard. The 2017 LE Hybrid started at $36,270.

For 2021 every Highlander got Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, and the first XSE in the Highlander's 20-year history arrived at $41,405 with a 295-horsepower V6, sport-tuned suspension and 20-inch wheels. The fourth generation added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

For 2016 Toyota made the towing package standard on every V6 model, rated up to 5,000 pounds. The V6 makes 270 horsepower with a six-speed automatic, cargo space reaches 83.7 cu. ft., and the LE started at $30,490.

The 2020 Hybrid switched to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid with 243 total system horsepower and up to a manufacturer-estimated 36 combined MPG, and was the first Highlander Hybrid offered with 2WD or AWD. It started at $38,200.

The 2011 facelift brought a new front fascia, hood and fenders, plus a standard 50/50 split third row and rear climate control on every model. Engines are a 187-horsepower four or a 270-horsepower V6, and the base model started at $27,390.

The second-generation Highlander grew larger and got a 3.5-liter V6 with 270 hp, 55 more than before, plus seven airbags and stability control. A towing package raises capacity to 5000 pounds. The 2008 Base started at $27,300.

The 2022 was the last Highlander with the V6 before a 2.4-liter turbo four took over for 2023. The XSE started at $42,000, and the new hybrid-only Bronze Edition at $43,880 added 18-inch bronze wheels and a hands-free power liftgate.