Model research hub
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a three-row mid-size crossover made since 2000 that Engine Patrol says has its worst recent years in 2019 and 2015. Federal data shows 9 recalls on the 2023 and 7 on the 2024, the most complaints on the 2021 (501) and 2019 (475), and the 2026 Highlander starts at $47,365 and is rated 24 to 35 mpg combined.
What the Toyota Highlander is and who buys it
Wikipedia (opens in a new tab) describes the Highlander as a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating produced by Toyota since 2000, announced at the April 2000 New York International Auto Show, now in its fourth generation with a hybrid offered since 2005. The 2026 Highlander is offered with a 2.4L turbo four-cylinder and a 2.5L hybrid, all-wheel drive, rated 24 to 35 mpg combined by the EPA, about $1,800 to $2,600 a year in fuel. Kelley Blue Book base prices are $47,365 for the XLE, $49,435 for the XSE, $51,820 for the Limited and $55,020 for the Platinum.
Best and worst Highlander model years
Federal counts for the third and fourth generations are steady, with a spike in the recent past. The 2015 has 2 recalls and 190 complaints, the 2018 has 5 recalls, the 2019 has 3 recalls and 475 complaints, and the 2020 has 4 recalls and 309 complaints. The 2021 has 4 recalls and 501 complaints, the most of any year, the 2022 has 5, the 2023 has 9 recalls, the most, covering steering, tires, structure and equipment, and the 2024 has 7 with only 42 complaints. The 2025 has 3 recalls and 9 complaints.
Engine Patrol (opens in a new tab) says the worst model years of the Highlander are 2019, 2015, 2010, 2008, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002, and singles out the 2008, the first year of the second generation, as the one to avoid. Toyoland (opens in a new tab) says no Highlander year earns an outright avoid, that buyers should buy on condition, verify the transmission and any applicable recalls, and lean toward the hybrid if they want the lowest drivetrain risk, and deliberately gives the 2026 no verdict because long-term data does not exist yet. See the 2019 Highlander and 2021 Highlander pages.
Choosing a year
The two lists disagree, which is itself the answer: the Highlander is a car where condition and VIN recall status matter more than the year. Car Smite (opens in a new tab) splits it into four generations, 2001 to 2007, 2008 to 2013, 2014 to 2019 and 2020 onward, so compare within a generation before comparing across them.
Questions buyers ask
Which Toyota Highlander years should I avoid?
Engine Patrol (opens in a new tab) lists 2019, 2015, 2010, 2008 and earlier years as worst, while Toyoland says no year earns an outright avoid.
Is the Toyota Highlander available as a hybrid?
Yes. Wikipedia says a hybrid has been offered since 2005, and the 2026 Highlander offers a 2.5L hybrid.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is built around 2.4L turbo gas or 2.5L hybrid, rated at 243 / 265 horsepower across its three-row SUV body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2025 U.S. lineup has 9 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe most the 2025 Toyota Highlander is published to tow is 3,500 / 5,000 lb.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 9 owner complaints for the 2025 Highlander.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2025 Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Highlander range separates gas and hybrid powertrains, with different output and towing ceilings. Seating also changes with second-row bench or captain’s-chair configuration.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
2 indexed Toyota Highlander model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Toyota Highlander | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Toyota Highlander | 2025 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Toyota Highlander.
The Toyota Highlander, also known as the Toyota Kluger in some markets, is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating produced by Toyota since 2000. The Highlander was announced in April 2000 at the New York International Auto Show, arriving in Japan in late 2000, and North America in January 2001. It was among the first of a new class of mid-size SUVs that were based on a car platform (later known as crossovers).
Source: Toyota Highlander (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Toyota Highlander at a glance
- Production
- 2000–present
- Model years
- 2001–present
- Class
- Mid-size crossover SUV
- Body style
- 5-door SUV
- Chassis
- Unibody
- Also called
- Toyota Kluger (Japan, 2000–2007; Australia, 2000–present), Toyota Crown Kluger (China, 2021–present), Subaru Getaway (North America, 2026–present)
Toyota Highlander generations
The Toyota Highlander has been redesigned in 2007, 2013, 2019, 2026, gaps of 7, 6, 6, 7 years, an average of 6.5 years between generations. The current generation (fifth generation) began in 2026.
| Generation | Code | Began | 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. |
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.
Recent recalls (7 campaigns across the latest model years)
- March 2026, Seats:Mid/Rear Assembly:Recliner. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment. Consequence: A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- December 2025, Seat Belts:Rear/Other:Anchorage. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The third row center seat belt roof anchor may have been installed at an incorrect angle, preventing the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant. Consequence: A seat belt that does not properly restrain an occupant increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- October 2025, Back Over Prevention:Display Function. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview… Consequence: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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).
Year by year
The Toyota Highlander across 12 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Toyota Highlander | 24–35 | $1,850–$2,700 | 3 | 5 stars | ||
| 2025 Toyota Highlander | 24–35 | $1,800–$2,600 | 5 | 3 | 9 | 5 stars |
| 2024 Toyota Highlander | 24–36 | $1,750–$2,600 | 6 | 7 | 42 | 5 stars |
| 2023 Toyota Highlander | 24–36 | $1,750–$2,600 | 6 | 9 | 176 | 5 stars |
| 2022 Toyota Highlander | 23–36 | $1,750–$2,700 | 6 | 5 | 236 | 5 stars |
| 2021 Toyota Highlander | 23–36 | $1,750–$2,700 | 6 | 4 | 501 | 5 stars |
| 2020 Toyota Highlander | 23–36 | $1,750–$2,700 | 6 | 4 | 309 | 5 stars |
| 2019 Toyota Highlander | 22–29 | $2,150–$2,850 | 8 | 3 | 475 | 5 stars |
| 2018 Toyota Highlander | 22–29 | $2,150–$2,850 | 8 | 5 | 264 | 5 stars |
| 2017 Toyota Highlander | 22–29 | $2,150–$2,850 | 8 | 4 | 264 | 5 stars |
| 2016 Toyota Highlander | 20–28 | $2,250–$3,100 | 5 | 3 | 109 | 5 stars |
| 2015 Toyota Highlander | 20–28 | $2,250–$3,100 | 5 | 2 | 190 | 5 stars |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Toyota Highlander, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 to 2026 | 5 to 3 | Labels: Highlander; Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start; Drives: Front-Wheel Drive; Size classes: Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | ||
| 2024 to 2025 | 6 to 5 | 30.0 to 29.5 | Labels: Highlander Hybrid | |
| 2023 to 2024 | Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start | Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; with Stop-start | ||
| 2022 to 2023 | 29.5 to 30.0 | Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI, 2.4L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; with Stop-start | Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI, 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start | |
| 2019 to 2020 | 8 to 6 | 25.5 to 29.5 | Labels: Highlander Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid AWD LTD/PLAT; Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; Hybrid; Size classes: Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Labels: Highlander AWD LE, Highlander Hybrid AWD LE Plus, Highlander LE/XLE/SE/LTD; Engines: 2.7L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; Hybrid; Transmissions: Automatic (S6) |
| 2018 to 2019 | Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start | Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; Stop-start | ||
| 2017 to 2018 | Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; Stop-start | Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start | ||
| 2016 to 2017 | 5 to 8 | 24.0 to 25.5 | Labels: Highlander, Highlander AWD LE, Highlander LE/XLE/SE/LTD; Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI, 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start; Transmissions: Automatic (S8) | Labels: Highlander 2WD; Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl |
Buying used
What the Toyota Highlander recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | electrical system (instrument cluster/panel); back over prevention (display function); seat belts (rear/other); 1 more | None |
| 2024 | 7 | tires; equipment (other); electrical system (instrument cluster/panel); 3 more | None |
| 2023 | 9 | steering (column); structure (body); tires; 4 more | None |
| 2022 | 5 | equipment (other); structure (body); tires; 1 more | None |
| 2021 | 4 | structure (body); air bags (sensor); tires; 1 more | None |
| 2020 | 4 | fuel system, gasoline (delivery); air bags; structure (body); 1 more | None |
| 2019 | 3 | equipment (other); fuel system, gasoline (delivery) | None |
| 2018 | 5 | equipment (other); service brakes, hydraulic (power assist); electrical system; 1 more | None |
| 2017 | 4 | tires (temporary/emergency spare tire); equipment; electrical system; 1 more | None |
| 2016 | 3 | equipment (other); electrical system (wiring); electrical system | None |
| 2015 | 2 | steering (electric power assist system); electrical system | None |
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| power train | 749 | 29% | 2021 (219) |
| unknown or other | 432 | 17% | 2019 (79) |
| service brakes | 311 | 12% | 2021 (66) |
| electrical system | 260 | 10% | 2019 (56) |
| engine | 260 | 10% | 2019 (69) |
| fuel/propulsion system | 209 | 8% | 2019 (86) |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 Toyota Highlander trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XLE | AWD | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 265 | 310 | 4,376 | 5,000 | 24 | $47,365 |
| XSE | AWD | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 265 | 310 | 4,420 | 5,000 | 24 | $49,435 |
| Limited | AWD | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 265 | 310 | 4,453 | 5,000 | 24 | $51,820 |
| Platinum | AWD | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 265 | 310 | 4,453 | 5,000 | 24 | $55,020 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Toyota Highlander model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 265 | 4,376–4,453 | 5,000 | 17.9 |
| 2025 | 5 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 265 | 4,332–4,453 | 5,000 | 17.9 |
| 2024 | 5 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 265 | 4,332–4,453 | 5,000 | 17.9 |
| 2023 | 6 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 265 | 4,332–4,453 | 5,000 | 17.9 |
| 2022 | 6 | 3.5-liter V6 | 295 | 4,330–4,450 | 5,000 | 17.9 |
| 2021 | 6 | 3.5-liter V6 | 295 | 4,330–4,450 | 5,000 | 17.9 |
| 2020 | 5 | 3.5-liter V6 | 295 | 4,330–4,450 | 5,000 | 19.2 |
| 2019 | 6 | 3.5-liter V6 | 295 | 4,398–4,508 | 5,000 | 19.2 |
| 2018 | 6 | 3.5-liter V6 | 295 | 4,535–4,655 | 5,000 | 19.2 |
| 2017 | 6 | 3.5-liter V6 | 295 | 4,535–4,655 | 5,000 | 19.2 |
| 2016 | 7 | 3.5-liter V6 / 3.5-liter V6 (Hybrid) | 270–280 | 4,398–4,861 | 3,500–5,000 | 17.2–19.2 |
| 2015 | 7 | 3.5-liter V6 / 3.5-liter V6 (Hybrid) | 270–280 | 4,398–4,861 | 2,000–5,000 | 17.2–19.2 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Toyota Highlander.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0W-16 (4.5 qt) | – | – | – | – |
| 2025 | 0W-20 | – | – | – | – |
| 2024 | 0W-20 | – | – | – | – |
| 2022 | 0W-20 | – | – | – | – |
| 2021 | 0W-20 | – | – | – | – |
| 2018 | – | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2017 | – | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2016 | – | – | – | – | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Toyota Highlander: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
More recalls than this model’s own average
- 2023 Toyota Highlander : 9 recalls on file, most commonly affecting steering and tires.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | not available | ||
| 2025 | 3 | 9 | electrical system, backup camera, seat belts |
| 2024 | 7 | 42 | tires, equipment, electrical system, backup camera |
| 2023 | 9 | 176 | steering, tires, structure, equipment |
| 2022 | 5 | 236 | tires, equipment, structure, seats |
| 2021 | 4 | 501 | structure, airbags, tires, seats |
| 2020 | 4 | 309 | airbags, fuel system, structure |
| 2019 | 3 | 475 | fuel system, equipment |
| 2018 | 5 | 264 | fuel system, electrical system, equipment, brakes |
| 2017 | 4 | 264 | electrical system, equipment, tires, fuel system |
| 2016 | 3 | 109 | electrical system, equipment |
| 2015 | 2 | 190 | electrical system, steering |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Toyota Highlander?
Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2023 carried more. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.
Q02Which Toyota Highlander model years should I watch for recalls?
The 2023 Toyota Highlander has 9 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting steering, tires, structure. Always confirm the open/completed status of every campaign for the specific VIN: a recall on this list may already be repaired on the vehicle in front of you.
Q03What are common recall-related problems on the Toyota Highlander by model year?
2025: electrical system, backup camera, seat belts. 2024: tires, equipment, electrical system, backup camera. 2023: steering, tires, structure, equipment. 2022: tires, equipment, structure, seats. 2021: structure, airbags, tires, seats. 2020: airbags, fuel system, structure.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Climate and electrical, Brakes, tires and steering, Buying, records and recalls, Engine and cooling.
2023 Toyota Highlander owners specifically: see Brakes, tires and steering and Buying, records and recalls.
Compared with
Models this Toyota Highlander is most often compared with.
Nearest Toyota models
Other Toyota models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2025 Highlander come in?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander (three-row SUV) comes in 9 trims: LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, Platinum, Hybrid XLE, Hybrid XLE Nightshade, Hybrid Limited, Hybrid Platinum.
Q02What are the 2025 Highlander trims?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander trims are LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, Platinum, Hybrid XLE, Hybrid XLE Nightshade, Hybrid Limited, Hybrid Platinum, listed from the entry LE up to the top Hybrid Platinum.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2025 Highlander use?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is built around 2.4L turbo gas or 2.5L hybrid, rated at 243 / 265 horsepower across its three-row SUV body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2025 Highlander have?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is rated at 243 / 265 horsepower (2.4L turbo gas or 2.5L hybrid).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2025 Highlander?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is offered with FWD / AWD.