The 2008–2013 edition is most likely the best option. You get more interior room, more features, a more potent engine lineup, better safety ratings, and better crash test results with this generation.
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Which Toyota Highlander model year has the fewest issues?
Despite these two unpopular variants, the Highlander has generally been a well-liked car. Even though the 2015 model of the Toyota Highlander may not be the best iteration, you should generally steer clear of the 2003 model.
Overall, it’s a respectable SUV, and several motorists expressed interest in the Highlander as a potential replacement. When looking for these vehicles, aim for the 2017 and 2018 versions, which have had the fewest complaints.
Comparing these two model years to other Highlander model years, these two got the fewest complaints. You can save money and receive excellent auto insurance while looking at those rides.
Is a pre-owned Toyota Highlander trustworthy?
In 2001, the Highlander’s first version, which included a five-seat SUV, was introduced. The Highlander, in contrast to other SUVs of the era, placed more emphasis on road performance than off-road capability. Toyota was able to accomplish this thanks to their vehicles’ unibody design and 4-wheel independent suspension. A 2.4L I4 engine on the Highlander developed 155 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. At its top speed, the car could tow 3,000 pounds. The Highlander was only offered with a four-speed automatic transmission and a “snow mode.”
On the Highlander, 3.0L V6 engines were an option. The towing capacity rose to 3,500 lbs with this V6. It generated 222 pound-feet of torque and 220 horsepower. While the smaller I4 achieved 18 mpg, the larger V6 achieved 22 mpg, using three more mpg overall. All-wheel drive and front-wheel drive options were also available to customers. The Highlander made up for its lackluster off-road performance with a number of options, including as an available all-wheel drive system and a snow setting on the transmission. AWD models offered an extra 4 inches of ground clearance and an optional skid control system with traction control and selective braking.
The IIHS rated the safety of Highlander as “excellent.” According to NHTSA, the Toyota Highlander received about 100 complaints a year on average. The sun visors of the 2001–2002 versions were the subject of the majority of complaints. Thus, the driver can have obstruction when operating a vehicle.
The 2003 Highlanders experienced a more serious and costly issue. The automobile overheated due to cooling system leaks. The entire engine could need to be replaced by the buyer, which would cost about $3,200. The transmissions of the 2004–2005 models were also flawed, which added to the cost. The 2006-2007 Highlanders are the greatest option because they are less reliable, have more standard features, and come with airbags as part of the package.
How to Choose the Right One for You?
Over time, the Highlander has shown to be a very safe SUV. However, some reported dependability problems exist. For the first generation of the Highlander, stay away from the 2001 and 2005 model years (2001-2007). According to reports, these cars frequently need to replace their engines or transmissions due to expensive issues. The best option for a used Highlander as of 2020 is probably one from the model years 2017–2019.
How far can a Toyota Highlander drive?
One of the most durable midsize SUVs on the market, the Toyota Highlander can keep going for up to 300,000 miles after you drive it off the lot.
What issues do Toyota Highlanders have?
Similar problems with the motorized tailgate and air conditioning system plagued the Toyota Highlander’s previous version from 2008 to 2013. A few owners have also complained of oil leaks from the engine and clunking sounds they hear when rotating the steering wheel.
What is a Toyota Highlander’s worst year?
The Highlander is the ideal family hauler, as time has proven. It’s one of the safest SUVs on the road and one of the largest as well. Furthermore, it has very few significant dependability issues and is quite reliable. Although virtually all Highlanders are wise investments, there are several to stay away from.
Only the 2003 and 2004 model years for the first-generation Highlander (2001-2007) should be avoided. This is due to complaints that they have issues that necessitate costly repairs like replacing the engine or transmission. Rest assured that the 2005–2007 Highlanders earned significantly better reviews if you still desire a first-generation Highlander.
It is preferable to leave the 2008 Toyota Highlander with a for-sale sign on it as that vehicle also experienced some engine issues. But the majority of the past years have shown to be extremely secure and trustworthy. When you examine everything, it comes as no surprise that the Highlander is regarded as one of the greatest SUVs available. It is the ideal family vehicle because it is roomy, secure, and dependable. The Highlander is the only SUV you need to consider if you’re in the market.
which is more trustworthy Toyota Highlander or a Honda Pilot?
The information above makes it evident that the Toyota Highlander outperforms the Honda Pilot in every category, including safety features and fuel efficiency. The Highlander is a much better choice if you’re searching for a three-row SUV that is incredibly dependable in this situation.
Which vehicle—the Limited or XLE—is preferable?
When comparing the Toyota Highlander XLE and Limited trims, it’s obvious that the Limited comes standard with a lot more high-end amenities, but the XLE delivers a lot of its own conveniences for approximately $4,000 less. LED headlights are among the XLE’s standard features.
What is the Highlander’s Lexus equivalent?
The Lexus RX 350L and Toyota Highlander are two of the most well-liked SUVs on the market. The Lexus RX 350 has far more expensive materials and a sportier ride, but the Highlander is one of the best options for a three-row SUV. These cars are somewhat different from one another.
Which Japanese Highlanders are available?
The current Toyota Highlander, which is in its fourth generation, is made in Princeton, Indiana, and Guangzhou, China. This facility, which has been running since 1998, employs over 7000 people. The plant has a production capacity of 450,000 automobiles per year and a total area of 4000 acres.
This factory produces more than just the Toyota Highlander. The Princeton, Indiana Plant produces a total of seven distinct models. These are the models:
- Tacoma, Toyota
- Nissan Sienna
- The fourth-generation Toyota Rav
- Cadillac Equinox
- Tundra Toyota
- Sequoia Toyota
- Mitsubishi Outlander
Other nations, such as China and Japan, produced earlier iterations of the Toyota Highlander. The first generation of the Highlander, which debuted in 2001, was only produced in Japan.
China and Japan both produced the second generation, which was produced between 2004 and 2007. The third generation, which was produced primarily in China from 2008 to 2013, was in use.
The fourth and current generation, which debuted in 2014, is produced in China, Japan, and the United States. While Japan and China make automobiles for their own markets, all North American production is handled by the Princeton, Indiana plant.
What is the Toyota Highlander’s highest mileage?
The Toyota Highlander can run for up to 300,000 miles, or almost 20 years, according to statistics. Although that is a long time to own any vehicle, Highlander owners appear to be happy with their purchase. 12.4 percent of Highlander owners, or twice as many as the average SUV owner, keep their vehicles for more than 15 years, according to iSeeCars.
Cities like Jacksonville, Florida, saw percentages up to 17% higher than that. The lifespan of a 300,000-mile SUV is also longer than that of most other SUVs. Competitors like the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder typically have a 250,000-mile lifespan.
The outstanding dependability of the Toyota Highlander is supported by Consumer Reports as well. Since 2001, the Highlander has received an excellent or nearly excellent overall reliability rating. Over the years, owners have reported a few issues with their Highlanders, but the most are easily rectified. Toyota frequently paid owners back for the cost of repairs when there was a recall, for example.
Although Highlanders rarely draw criticism, certain model years are worse than others. Because of its defective brakes and engine block bolts, the 2003 model is often regarded as being the worst. The 2015 Highlander’s unpleasant seats are another reason why it isn’t a popular with buyers.
Do Toyota Highlanders cost a lot to repair?
During its first ten years of use, a Toyota Highlander will need roughly $5,771 in maintenance and repairs.
This is $3,362 less than the industry average for popular SUV models. Additionally, there is a 16.08% likelihood that a Highlander will need a significant repair at that time. Compared to competing automobiles in this sector, this is 5.42% better. The following graph shows how these expenses and the likelihood of repairs will rise over time.
Is age more significant than mileage?
When looking for a used car, age is a crucial consideration in addition to mileage. The age and maintenance of a vehicle are related, much like how many miles it has been driven. A 5- to 7-year-old car that hasn’t been driven in a while can raise more red flags than a well-kept, regularly driven 10-year-old car.
Of course, the automobile will have fewer amenities (safety and technology) the older it is that you are ready to purchase. Keep in mind a few things if dependability and safety are your main considerations.
Safety features weren’t always around
The likelihood that a car has contemporary safety features increases with its age. For instance, side airbags and anti-lock brakes did not become widely used until the early 2000s, and twin airbags were not nationally required until 1998. Cars from 2012 and newer are your best bet if safety is one of your top objectives.
Reliability fades with age
Even with little mileage, an automobile becomes less dependable as it ages. Even as they get older, modern cars are far more dependable. A big issue often arises in a car that is five years old every three years, whereas a problem is more likely to occur in a car that is ten years old every 18 to 20 months. Replacement parts will get more difficult to locate after 20 years and probably cost a lot more.
Do Toyota Highlanders handle snow well?
Can a Toyota Highlander Handle Snow Well? The Toyota Highlander performs exceptionally well in snow because to its raised and commanding ride height. This elevates it above many other cars in terms of drivability in snow, along with its assortment of safety measures from the Toyota Star Safety system.
Is the Toyota Highlander a dependable vehicle?
The Toyota Highlander has a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating, placing it seventh out of 26 midsize SUVs. It has cheaper ownership costs than the national average due to the $489 average annual repair cost. When compared to all other vehicles, the frequency and severity of repairs are both about average.