What Is the Toyota Highlander’s Lifespan? 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.
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What was the price of a Toyota Highlander in 2017?
The Blu-ray DVD rear-seat entertainment system is also offered in the XLE and SE.
Passengers have successfully entered the realm of luxury once seated in the spacious seats of the Highlander Limited. The Limited wears a pair of 19-inch Chromtec alloy wheels in addition to the newly painted chrome grille treatment. A number of conveniences significantly increase the level of comfort inside, and Blue LED ambient lighting around the doors and dashboard gives a touch of high-tech elegance. Seven passengers can sit in second-row captain’s chairs, heated and ventilated front seats, a 4-way power passenger seat, perforated leather-trimmed seats, and side mirror memory settings.
Rear parking assist sonar is one of the new safety features, and EntuneTM Premium JBL Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite is the entertainment improvement. With the Platinum Package, the Highlander is upgraded with a Bird’s Eye View Camera, a panoramic moonroof, heated seats in the second row, heated outboard chairs in the optional bench seat, rain-sensing wipers, a dark chrome finish on the 19 Chromtec alloys, and more.
The 2017 Highlander’s MSRP will increase on average by $1,165 or 3.0 percent, from $30,630 for the LE four-cylinder 2WD model to $46,260 for the Limited Platinum V6 AWD variant.
The Highlander Hybrid models’ MSRPs range from $36,270 for the LE V6 AWD to $47,880 for the Limited Platinum V6 AWD, showing an average drop of $2,746 or 5.5 percent, with all of its additional standard equipment.
The $940 delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) cost is not included in the Highlander models’ suggested retail prices (MSRP). Vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may have different DPH fees.
The Delivery, Processing, and Handling (DPH) cost is not included in any of the above-listed pricing.
Do Highlanders continue to be valuable?
The Highlander received higher ratings than other well-liked cars like the Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent. KBB data indicates that the Highlander keeps 60.2 percent of its value 36 months after purchase. It still has 46.3 percent of its worth after 60 months.
What are the Toyota Highlander’s most frequent 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.
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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.
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Do Toyota Highlanders have issues with their transmissions?
In order to enable you to drive at the correct speed, the gearbox transfers power from the motor to your wheels.
Given that the transmission must convert the exact quantity of power for the required speed,
The Bottom Line
This three-row SUV isn’t the most exciting, but it’s dependable and will likely survive until the kids are grown and living on their own.
Last Monday, I turned on the Highlander, Toyota’s three-row crossover, inserted my favorite Super Big Gulp, and set off on my journey. I directed my SBG (as I affectionately refer to it) at the cup holder after taking a sip of my soda, but it got stuck on the small lever that accommodates various cup sizes. Just as I started to accelerate, the automobile in front of me abruptly stopped.
The Highlander precharged its brakes as the warning light and alarm for a forward collision went off. When the lead car’s bumper was only millimeters away, I slammed on the brakes, glanced up, yelled a series of NSFW expletives, and felt the ABS pulse.
I silently thanked Toyota for including its suite of collision prevention technologies in all of its vehicles as adrenaline pumped through my veins. That decision made in the boardroom spared me from making a humiliating call to my boss.
Safety dance
The Highlander sits between the more capable 4Runner and the two-row RAV4 crossover. Although the Highlander has a maximum seating capacity of seven or eight depending on the trim level, the third row is more suitable for tiny children in car seats than any kind of average-sized adult. For 2017, the Highlander had a significant update. This midsize crossover now has a sharper front and updated LED taillights, and Toyota added the SE level with some subtle sporty features like 19-inch black finish wheels and a dark painted front grille and roof rails.
The following features, which are now considered standard across all Highlander trim levels thanks to Toyota’s Safety Sense P (TSS-P) package, include: lane-keeping assistance to prevent lane drift and dynamic radar cruise control to maintain a predetermined distance from a lead vehicle. While lane-keeping assistance functions flawlessly, dynamic radar cruise control is useless in stop-and-go traffic because it is ineffective at speeds below 30 mph. However, Toyota has an advantage thanks to these features and the career-saving forward collision warning I used.
The Entune infotainment system from Toyota is serviceable but not my favorite. Toyota has not indicated if it would integrate Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and these features are not currently accessible. Instead, Toyota integrates third-party apps into the Highlander through its own App Suite. You can access apps like Pandora, Slacker, and Yelp as well as real-time traffic and weather by connecting your Android or iOS phone to Entune and installing the Entune app. Lower trim lines require Scout GPS through the Entune app, although the integrated navigation proved quite simple to use. When the car was started, the optional 8-inch touchscreen interface booted up fast and provided quick inputs.
An optional rear-seat DVD system with a 9-inch screen, Bluetooth headphones, and a remote control was included with my test vehicle. Given that so many children now own their own iPads, it increases the bottom line by $1,810, making it difficult to sell. The Highlander now comes with five USB ports as standard, with three in the front and two in the second row for the kids who need their juice.
In the high country
In Denver, Colorado, I spent my time driving the Highlander in the somewhat sportier SE trim. The thinner air makes many vehicles feel slower at a height of just over 5,000 feet, but the Highlander’s new optional 3.5-liter V6 engine provided plenty of acceleration. The Highlander was easily propelled up and over some winding mountain roads by the 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque.
The SE is designed for people who prefer to tackle back roads a little bit recklessly thanks to its revised suspension. It’s not quite as good as my go-to sporty three-row family transporter, the Mazda CX-9, but it’s still better than most. The eight-speed automatic transmission is a baby bear in the middle of the road, not upshifting at the first sign of acceleration or holding the rpm for too long. Although rather firm, the ride is still pleasant. You can’t always win the press car lottery, even though I wish my tester had the available all-wheel drive.
Toyota asserts that the EPA rates its fuel economy at 23 miles per gallon overall, 27 miles per gallon on the interstate, and 21 miles per gallon in the city. For once, I correctly predicted the combined rating: 23.0.
The regular 2.7-liter engine in the base Highlander produces 185 horsepower. Although I didn’t get a chance to drive it, several two-row crossovers have that amount of horsepower. With the lesser engine, I would anticipate the larger three-row Highlander to seem lackluster. To make matters worse, it has a poorer fuel economy rating than the larger 3.5-liter engine, with city and highway ratings of 20 and 24 miles per gallon, respectively.
A hybrid Highlander is another environmentally friendly option. Two electric motors are mated with the 3.5-liter V6 to produce a combined 306 horsepower. With this setup, the hybrid achieves an EPA fuel rating of 29 miles per gallon in the city, nine more than the front-wheel-drive V6 but maintaining the same highway mileage of 27 miles per gallon.
The Highlander outperforms the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Mazda CX-9 with a basic towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Given that it is the smallest of the four spaces behind the third row of seats, it doesn’t score well in terms of cargo capacity. However, when all of the back seats are folded down, the inside becomes practically gigantic, offering 83.7 cubic feet of roomnearly 350 12-packs of Diet Dr. Pepper.