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.
In This Article...
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.
Are Toyota Highlanders dependable?
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.
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 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.
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.
Does the Toyota Highlander AWD make sense?
The Highlander’s AWD improves its traction on slick roads, but it isn’t much of an off-roader. The steering and suspension offer a smooth, pleasant ride both in town and on the highway. The Highlander doesn’t have the athletic appeal or feel like a smaller vehicle like some SUVs in its class do.
What does a Toyota Highlander have high mileage?
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 is the lifespan of a Highlander?
How many miles can a Toyota Highlander travel on average? When you inquire with a Toyota dealer, they will give you the high-end estimate, which is approximately 300,000 miles.
This figure is approximately 50–100,000 miles higher than you would generally anticipate in this price range and size class.
Although 300,000 miles is certainly not unheard of, if you take care of your Highlander, you shouldn’t be surprised to see it go far beyond that number.
However, this is the best-case situation and presupposes that you are most likely the first owner and haven’t been putting off any oil or fluid changes.
A typical used Highlander will likely travel at least 250,000 miles with its original engine and transmission if you’re the third or fourth owner. From then, everything will depend on you.
According to Kelley Blue Book, the typical American logs 14,000 miles a year on their vehicles. Therefore, if you can keep it clear of rust and prevent collisions, your Highlander might live over 20 years, assuming ordinary mileage.
The majority of Highlanders are built on the same Toyota K platform as the Avalon, which has been known to travel more than 500,000 kilometers.
All things considered, driving a Highlander into Guinness World Record zone is possible if you really know how to maintain an SUV.
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.
Which car brand has the longest lifespan?
Toyota
As the most dependable automaker, Toyota takes the top spot. Toyota cars are renowned for their durability and have a longer average lifespan than any other brand. Toyotas are so well made that their maintenance and repair expenses are below average, which helps explain why they stay on the road for such a long time.
There are well-known Toyota automobiles in a variety of segments that exhibit long-term dependability. The Toyota Sienna minivan, the Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, the Toyota Highlander and Toyota RAV4 crossover SUVs, the Toyota Prius and Camry hybrid, and the Toyota Corolla and Toyota Camry are a few examples of Toyota vehicles. In fact, the venerable Toyota Land Cruiser SUV also holds the title of being the longest-lasting car overall. In addition to being the most dependable brand, Toyota cars are renowned for having outstanding value retention, which increases the brand’s appeal.
Honda
Honda, a second Japanese company, comes in at number two on the ranking of the most dependable automakers. Honda is renowned for producing durable automobiles that are safe and dependable. Honda offers a wide range of cars that excel in long-term dependability, from SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Honda Pilot to minivans like the Honda Odyssey and sedans like the Honda Accord and Honda Civic. Honda vehicles not only offer some of the best reliability in the business, but they also lead the pack in terms of practicality, get above-average fuel efficiency, and have a number of safety features.
GMC
GMC comes in third. Due to the durability of the GMC Yukon full-size SUV, the GMC Yukon XL, and the GMC Sierra 1500 pickup truck, GMC received a high rating on the list. As the pricier version of Chevrolet, GMC offers refinement and ranks above average for value retention.
- Chevrolet
- Ford
Fifth place goes to Ford, a third American brand. The Ford Expedition full-size SUV, the Ford Explorer, and the Ford F-150 pickup truck all have excellent dependability ratings for the Ford brand. Even as one of the most durable sports vehicles, the Ford Mustang is praised. Because of its dependability, the F-150 has been the best-selling car in the US for more than 40 years. The Sync infotainment system, one of the best-rated among automakers, is found in Ford’s newest models.
A dependable model from a reputable brand will help you get the most out of your investment, regardless of whether you’re buying a new or used automobile. It will also be your best line of defense against exorbitant maintenance and ownership costs. If you’re thinking about buying a car from a brand that isn’t on this list, make sure to look into the model’s dependability. Because trustworthy cars tend to keep their value better than their less dependable competitors, vehicle dependability and reliability are crucial for resale value. And the first step to finding the best car is picking a reputable brand when you start your search for one.
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.
Has the Toyota Highlander experienced transmission issues?
Both the lawsuit and consumer complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration explain the issues. It claims that there has been a loss of force or acceleration. Transmissions getting stuck in one gear is another problem. The 2017–2020 Highlander and Sienna, the 2018–2020 Avalon sedan, and the 2019 RAV4 have all received concerns.
Other concerns relate to jerky, sluggish, or abrupt shifting, inability to accelerate quickly from a standstill, shuddering, rapid power loss, and early transmission failures. Some Sienna owners claim that when in Eco mode, the vehicle decelerates when turning into a corner. Vehicle History claims that owners have not been able to disable the Eco mode.
Cabin Space
Highlander: At 194.9 inches, the new 2020 Highlander is 4.7 inches longer than its more capable off-road sibling, the 4Runner. Even though their widths are nearly identical, the new Highlander sits three inches lower than the 4Runner. The Highlander is, it may be said, even more like a car than before. The Highlander makes better use of its interior space because it is built on the new TNGA unibody chassis.
The headroom is 39.9 inches without the panoramic moonroof and 39.4 inches with the optional glass roof. Without the sunroof, there is 37.1 inches of headroom in the second row and 38.4 inches with it. In any configuration, the third row offers 36.1 inches of headroom. In terms of legroom, the first two seats have enough of it. Even the tallest passengers can easily fit in the first two rows thanks to its 40.4 and 41.0 inch widths. However, the third row is a little congested at 27.7 inches.
4Runner: Despite standing a solid 71.5 inches tall and measuring 190 inches in length, the 4Runner lacks a tiny bit of headroom and shoulder room compared to its car-based predecessor. The truck-like structure, which utilizes robust but space-consuming suspension components, is partly to blame for this.
Comparing the 4Runner to its slightly bigger unibody sister, both vehicles offer comparable amounts of headroom. To be exact, 39.3 inches in the front and 38.6 inches in the back. Although it does manage to reclaim some space in the third row, which offers two inches more legroom than the Highlander, the legroom in the middle seat is noticeably shorter at 32.9 inches due to the body on frame structure.
Conclusion: The Toyota Highlander is larger than the 4Runner and has significantly more space inside for passengers. The way they are built is primarily to blame for this. The 4Runner is a body on frame, in contrast to the Highlander’s unibody design. As a result, the 4Runner sits on top of its frame as opposed to the Highlander, which means the cabin’s available area is immediately reduced.