Generation history
The Toyota Highlander has been through 5 generations, starting in 2000, 2007, 2013, 2019 and 2026. The gaps were 7, 6, 6, 7 years, an average of 6.5. The pace has been steady. The current generation began in 2026. On that cadence the next full redesign points to 2032 through 2034, centered on 2033. This is a projection. It comes from the model's own past redesign years, not from the manufacturer. A mid-cycle refresh usually lands in between. Public records describe the current generation this way: The fifth-generation Highlander was unveiled on 10 February 2026. Specifications, trims and the NHTSA safety record are on the Toyota Highlander model page.
Every generation
| Generation | Code | Years | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | XU20 | 2000–2007 | The Highlander (or Kluger in Japan and Australia) shared a platform with its XU30 series Lexus RX/Toyota Harrier cousin. |
| Second generation | XU40 | 2007–2013 | Toyota revealed the second generation Highlander and Highlander Hybrid at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, with American sales beginning in July and hybrids in late September. |
| Third generation | XU50 | 2013–2019 | On 27 March 2013, Toyota unveiled the third generation XU50 series Highlander at the New York International Auto Show, with the vehicle reached dealerships in early 2014. |
| Fourth generation | XU70 | 2019–2026 | The fourth-generation Highlander was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show on 17 April 2019. |
| Fifth generation | n/a | 2026–present | The fifth-generation Highlander was unveiled on 10 February 2026. |
The Toyota Highlander spent 6.5 years per generation on average. The current one is 0 years old. Treat 2032 to 2034 as a range, not a date.
Source: Toyota Highlander (Wikipedia). The estimate is our arithmetic on those start years.
Open the Toyota Highlander model page for specifications, trims, safety record and answers.
In more detail
The Highlander (or Kluger in Japan and Australia) shared a platform with its XU30 series Lexus RX/Toyota Harrier cousin. It came in five and seven-seat configurations and became a sales success for Toyota in a number of markets across the world. The Highlander came standard with front-wheel drive and offered full time four-wheel drive. A rear limited-slip differential was optionally available on models without traction control.
Toyota revealed the second generation Highlander and Highlander Hybrid at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, with American sales beginning in July and hybrids in late September. The second generation Highlander and Highlander Hybrid were not sold in Japan. The five-seat Highlander for the United States and Canada was dropped as the Venza replaced it. Initially the sole powertrain for the 2008 Highlander was a 201 kW (270 hp; 274 PS) 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 mated to a five-speed automatic.
On 27 March 2013, Toyota unveiled the third generation XU50 series Highlander at the New York International Auto Show, with the vehicle reached dealerships in early 2014. Production began on 5 December. The XU50 version is longer and wider than the outgoing generation and its design has changed from its boxy look to one that is similar to other mid-size crossover SUVs.
The fourth-generation Highlander was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show on 17 April 2019. It is built on GA-K platform. In the United States, the fourth-generation Highlander gasoline model went on sale on 18 December 2019 for the 2020 model year. Compared to the previous generation, there is increased cargo room behind the third row and support was added for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The fifth-generation Highlander was unveiled on 10 February 2026. Unlike previous generations that offered gasoline and gasoline hybrid options, it is exclusively a battery electric vehicle. The design is similar to the bZ Large SUV concept unveiled in December 2021. Sales are set to start in late 2026 with more models in early 2027.
Generation notes adapted from Toyota Highlander (Wikipedia).
Today's Toyota Highlander
NHTSA rated the 2025 Toyota Highlander overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 4 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Owners filed 10 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Toyota Highlander, most often about vehicle speed control (3), service brakes (2), forward collision avoidance (2).