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.
In This Article...
What is the lifespan of a 2017 Toyota Highlander?
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.
Having issues with 2017 Toyota Highlanders?
The 2017 Toyota Highlander is known for its tough exterior and cutting-edge driver assistance systems, as well as a third row that is sufficiently large and above-average fuel efficiency. However, there are still issues with the fuel pump, roof rails, and windshield wires of the 2017 SUV, which have resulted in recalls. The powertrain, brakes, and electrical system were also problematic for customers.
The NHTSA has 131 complaints about the 2017 Toyota Highlander as of late 2021. The same issues are frequently brought up: the automobile won’t start, it stalls when moving, and strange noises are emanating from the engine.
The following are the most typical difficulties, issues, and NHTSA complaints:
- 27 complaints have been filed regarding the powertrain, including problems with the transmission, stalling when driving, and shifting issues. “One 2017 Highland owner stated that after only 25,000 miles, the automatic transmission failed at a stoplight. Many additional owners, some of whom validated his experience more than once, concurred.” The car has abruptly, without warning, switched to a low-power limp mode three times at 30,000, 40,000, and 42,000 miles while traveling at highway speeds (70 mph), causing a quick deceleration in the middle of high-speed highway traffic.
- Electrical problems: Twenty complaints are related to electrical problems. Customers have stated that the car would sometimes shut off at random, the engine won’t start, and in one instance, the battery failed after less than three years of ownership and 44,000 miles on the odometer. According to a 2017 Highland owner, “At a red light, the car twice stalled on me. Without any ability to steer, the vehicle twice came dangerously close to being hit from behind.
- 16 complaints have been made about the failure of the service brakes, as well as about their lack of power, difficulty starting, and odd noises. One 2017 Highlander owner reported that he hit the brake pedal in response to unwanted acceleration, but the car kept moving and struck a sign. The identical problem led to a similar accident for another owner. He says, “I attempted stopping immediately after the car in front of us stopped, but the Highlander’s automated collision avoidance kicked in and took control of my brakes, but it still didn’t stop. I ultimately rear-ended the vehicle in front of me.
- Among the 33, hard shifting and quick acceleration “Other reported complaints reference additional difficulties in addition to the ones mentioned in different other categories, such as some owners finding metal shavings and dark muck in the gearbox fluid. A 2017 Highland owner who left the engine running while performing a quick errand inside a residence reported one of the more serious problems after hearing a crash. The vehicle sped up and [crash-landed] into the garage.
What year would be ideal to purchase a used Highlander?
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 20012002 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 20042005 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 20172019.
The 2018 Toyota Highlander is trustworthy.
What Is the 2018 Toyota Highlander’s Reliability? According to J.D. Power, the Toyota Highlander has a 3.5 out of 5 expected dependability rating, which is slightly above average.
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.
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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