Toyota Highlander Price in 2021 The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the base 2021 Toyota Highlander L is $34,810. A $1,175 destination fee raises the total to $35,985. Despite the Highlander L’s extensive list of standard features, we still advise spending an additional $2,200 for the LE trim.
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Is the Toyota Highlander in 2021 a good vehicle?
The Highlander has 16 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row, and there is a small storage area under the cargo floor. It had tools for changing tires inside the test car.
The SUV provides 48.4 cu.-ft. of storage space when the third row seat is folded down. When the second row of seats is folded down, a Highlander has 84.3 cu.-ft. of maximum cargo space.
A motorized rear liftgate is standard on Highlanders. A hands-free version is included as standard with Limited and Platinum trim. Notably, there were no beverage storage wells in the cargo compartment of the test vehicle.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid does indeed get good fuel economy. In fact, the fuel efficiency is pretty amazing considering how big this SUV is.
The EPA estimates that the 2021 Highlander Hybrid should achieve combined fuel economy between 35 and 36 mpg. The SUV got 31.6 mpg on our test loop. Even though our test average is far lower than the EPA rating, the outcome is still impressive.
Fuel capacity for the Highlander Hybrid is 17.1 gallons. This SUV offers 542 miles of range between gas station visits based on how we drive. Gas should be purchased roughly every 500 miles.
The 2021 Highlander receives a five-star overall safety rating in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests. The best possible rating is that. The NHTSA, however, gives 4-star ratings in frontal-impact tests for both the driver and front passenger positions.
The 2021 Highlander has the highest Top Safety Pick+ certification from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS had not carried that designation forward for 2021 as of the time this assessment was released, therefore it only applies to the 2020 calendar year.
The L trim with front-wheel drive is the 2021 Toyota Highlander trim with the lowest pricing. Before any additions, the price is $34,810. The Highlander Hybrid Platinum is the model at the other end of the spectrum and costs $48,365. Toyota furthermore assesses a $1,175 destination fee.
How much does a Highlander cost when fully equipped?
The starting price of the 2022 Toyota Highlander is $35,205, and the vehicle’s full loaded price is close to $50,000. The Highlander has long been regarded as one of the most reliable brands of family-friendly midsize SUVs, and this year is no exception.
Buying a Toyota Highlander New vs Used
When compared to buying new, buying a used Toyota Highlander that is only two years old can save you $5,676 while giving you a relatively new vehicle with lots of usable life left. The total cost of depreciation for a vehicle you intend to maintain for three years would be $3,787. To see where this cost is lowest during depreciation, try different vehicle or age/ownership length combinations. Try autos that are between two and four years old; brand-new cars depreciate quickly. Additionally, if purchasing a vehicle a few years old is not an option because this model was just released, think about another car or wait until more used Highlander models become available.
What About Toyota Highlander Insurance Costs?
In contrast to depreciation, this expense is frequently reducible by comparing insurance premiums.
If you already own a Toyota Highlander, comparing rates will help you avoid paying too much.
It would also be beneficial financially to know this price before making a purchase if you are merely doing research.
The Best Model Years to Buy a Toyota Highlander
Our top choice for the Toyota Highlander’s best value for the upcoming model year is the 2021 model. With the 2021, you would only pay, on average, 88 percent of the price as new and the car would still have 92 percent of its usable life.
The Highlander is also appealing in the 2020 and 2019 model years, and both offer a respectable bargain. Our rankings take into account a number of variables, including the Highlander’s original cost, current cost, maintenance costs, and the remaining years of anticipated overall costs. The Toyota Highlander model year that came in first place offers the most value for the money.
What issues do Toyota Highlanders from 2021 have?
Customers were enraged by the Highlander’s frequent fuel pump problems in prior years. Sadly, the 2021 Toyota Highlander doesn’t seem to have undergone much changes.
“My 2021 Highlander Hybrid Platinum is experiencing a fuel filling difficulty,” reads one NHTSA complaint. The vehicle won’t need more than 13.5 gallons at fill-up for the first 2,000 kilometers. Nothing to top off. The car’s fuel tank holds 17.1 gallons. According to the car’s estimation, the distance to empty has only been 2 miles. It uses between 12.5 and 13.5 gallons per fill up. It’s unclear whether the tank is unable to fill completely because there are still 4-5 gallons at the empty level or whether it is filling partially. I bought this automobile so I could travel with my family and take advantage of its fuel efficiency and range. In order to prevent my family from becoming stuck without fuel, it is crucial to know if the tank is actually empty or still has a significant amount of petrol.
Another complaint reads, “The gas tank only holds 12.513 gallons with a range of 425-450 at most, in contrast to Toyota’s statements in their advertising and specifications that the tank holds 17.1 gallons and the car has a range of 598 miles. I confirmed this is out of specification with Toyota, and they claimed the tank will only hold 14 gallons and the range will make the decision on its own. I worry that I will run out of gas because I use the car for long distances and bought it because of the tank capacity and range.
Toyota has not yet commented on this issue or any other fuel-related problems. Given the numerous class action cases involving malfunctioning fuel pumps that were improperly serviced on other models, it makes sense that the firm would like to remain silent. On the current course of events, it won’t be long before this “improved model encounters the same kind of litigation.
Do Toyota Highlanders frequently experience issues?
Knowing what kind of performance to anticipate from each model year is crucial if you’re thinking about purchasing a Toyota Highlander. Although Toyota is a reliable brand and the Highlander is a well-liked and sturdy SUV, not every year for the Highlander was successful. If you want to be sure you get a dependable car that will endure through years of regular use, you must be aware of the Toyota Highlander years to stay away from.
Some buyers love experimental cars, but nobody wants to purchase one they believe won’t be a dependable daily driver.
We’ll also touch on the Highlander model years that have received the best ratings and reviews, as well as any other factors you might want to take into account before purchasing a Toyota Highlander.
In A Hurry? Here Are The Toyota Highlander Years To Avoid
Here are the primary Toyota Highlander model years to stay away from if you want a vehicle that will last.
- 2003
- 2008
- 2014
- 2015
That’s a relatively short list of trouble years for a car that has been in regular production since 2001, in all honesty. Consumers today should steer clear of those four years because they had the most serious issues.
Additionally, there was a rocky time between 2010 and 2012, and those model years nearly made this list. The 2010 and 2012 models aren’t quite as reliable or useful as the model years prior to or beyond 2015, despite the few complaints.
On the other hand, a 2010 or 2012 Highlander can still be a wise purchase if it’s priced reasonably and has a decent maintenance history. However, if you are interested in any of the models we’ve already discussed, you should probably conduct some investigation. Some of the frequent issues with the Toyota Highlander are simple to fix. If you use the car as your main mode of transportation, other problems can be far more serious and a major inconvenience.
The CoPilot app isn’t just for purchasing a car; it can also be used to keep track of recalls and receive recommendations on which regular maintenance activities are most crucial.
Engine Bolts Becoming Stripped
If you don’t identify the problem right away, it could become quite serious. Unfortunately, coolant leaks and overheated engines are the most typical first signs that your engine bolts are stripped.
When necessary, the bolts can be changed, and the bolt holes can be redrilled, but only if your engine hasn’t already suffered other harm as a result of overheating. That means that for many customers who experienced this problem, a complete engine replacement was the only option.
The 130k mile mark is the problem’s peak frequency, however once it occurs once, it may happen again.
Engine Failure
One of the more serious problems with Toyota Highlanders is often engine failure. Engine failure can be caused by a variety of factors, but those failures are likely connected to the engine bolts being stripped and contributing to overheating issues.
In light of these factors, purchasing a Toyota Highlander from one of their problematic years puts you at a significantly higher risk of needing an engine replacement.
It’s also important to think about whether you have the funds to replace your engine or if you would probably need a new car if your engine failed, as engine failure is an issue that only certain car owners are prepared to fix.
Engine failure tends to occur around 120k miles, while it can occasionally occur significantly earlier. Many Highlanders will run above 120k miles without any problems, but they could develop issues afterwards.
Using Engine Oil Faster Than Average
Unfortunately, the Toyota Highlander is one of those cars infamous for using oil. Although this issue can affect practically any model of Highlander, it tends to be more prevalent in older models.
Interestingly, despite being a good automobile overall, the 2002 model year has the worst oil burn rate. So, on a 2002 Highlander, we wouldn’t worry about this issue too much if you’re okay with spending a bit more money on oil. However, it can be a bigger issue if you’re thinking about a different model year with other documented problems.
Fuel Tank and AC Condenser Problems
Although both buyers and critics gave the 2020 Highlander redesign a generally positive review, it had a few dependability issues. There have been rumors that the gasoline tank on the 2020 model is defective.
In particular, reports stated that they were unable to fill the tank to its 17.1 gallon maximum capacity. Instead, they were only able to fill approximately 12 to 14 gallons.
Additionally, a number of complaints claimed that the Highlander’s air conditioning system might or might not work. The AC apparently ceased delivering chilly air since the condenser was prone to damage. Condenser replacement, which can cost anywhere from $60 to $150 including labor, is a straightforward remedy.
Faulty Head Gasket and Oxygen Sensor
Models of the Highlander from 2001 to 2007 frequently experience engine overheating. Owners who have experienced engine overheating have reported that a blown head gasket is to blame. A closer look reveals that the head bolts frequently pull the engine block’s threads out, which eventually results in a ruptured head gasket.
Meanwhile, it was claimed that the oxygen sensors in a number of Highlander models were defective. This flaw results in the engine misfiring and harsh idling.
These are the ideal vehicles for college students since they can transport you, your friends, and your belongings everywhere you need to go, whether you need to squeeze into a small campus parking space or transport ten loads of laundry home.
Toyota Highlander Years To Buy
Naturally, now that we’ve covered the model years to stay away from, it’s time to discuss the most reliable and cost-effective model years.
All cars run the danger of something going wrong, and parts break in all kinds of vehicles, so these models aren’t ideal. However, these cars are frequently reliable, robust, and enjoyable to drive.
The best Highlander seasons are:
- 2001
- 2005
- 2006
- 2007
- 2009
- 2013
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
- 2021
From 2016 on, Highlander models have all been more reliable and have received far fewer issues or complaints overall than earlier models. The 2021 model appears to be excellent so far, but it is a fairly recent model, so it’s possible that customers haven’t driven the car far enough to experience problems. However, based on Highlanders’ recent performance, we anticipate that the 2021 model will be a strong long-term performer.
You might not be particularly knowledgeable about your car’s brakes unless you’re a mechanic or a super-committed auto enthusiast. How much time do they usually last? How frequently should brakes be replaced? We have solutions.
Which Models Of Toyota Highlander Are Great To Buy Used?
The majority of the models we mentioned in the section above are good choices for secondhand purchases, but some are superior to others. We’d suggest the 2010 model if you’re searching for a decent deal and want a model that’s a little roomier and bigger than others. They have a few more problem reports than other models, but other models from 2009 to 2011 are also an excellent option.
The 2016, 2017, and 2018 versions are all excellent values and provide exceptional performance for the price if you’re searching for a more recent model and don’t mind the price. Although we haven’t had a chance to endorse the 2019 and 2020 models as used cars just yet, they are already demonstrating symptoms of being a decent alternative.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
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