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.
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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.
What should I expect to pay for a Highlander?
Starting at $37,405, the LE trim. The sportier XSE trim begins at $42,000, while the XLE model starts at $40,405. The Limited model starts at $44,360, and the Platinum model starts at $47,560 for the more opulent trimmings. L, LE, and XLE models must pay an additional $1,600 for all-wheel drive.
How many kilometers are there in a Toyota Highlander?
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.
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.
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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.
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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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Are Toyota Highlanders still worth anything?
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.
Which Highlander generation is the best?
The 20082013 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.
Is the Toyota Highlander going out of production?
One of the few automakers still using V6 engines is Toyota. Consider the Toyota Camryone it’s of the only vehicles in the midsize class that still has a 3.5-liter V6 engine on offer.
How much does a fully equipped Toyota Highlander cost?
The starting price of the 2022 Toyota Highlander L is $35,405, which is higher than the average for its class. The starting price for the top-of-the-line Platinum trim is $47,760.
Are Highlanders reliable vehicles?
The Toyota Highlander has always been a great option because it is all-around nice.
It comes with a V6 or four-cylinder engine and either front- or all-wheel drive.
The 2004 models improved the V6 engine and introduced a third row seat that was available.
The Highlander is a quiet, spacious, and enjoyable vehicle to drive. It also features simple controls and a very pleasant ride.
For the 2006 model year, a hybrid variant made its debut, offering faster acceleration and 22 mpg overall.
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 percent likelihood that a Highlander will need a significant repair at that time. Compared to comparable automobiles in its sector, this is 5.42 percent better. The following graph shows how these expenses and the likelihood of repairs will rise over time.
How many miles can a Toyota Highlander travel?
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.