What Is The Difference Between 2016 And 2017 Toyota Highlander?

The Toyota Highlander from 2016 is a top-notch midsize SUV. It boasts plenty of usual high-tech amenities, including a 6.1-inch touch screen and Bluetooth for phone calls and music streaming, and it has a ton of capacity for both passengers and baggage. There are also several safety features available.

What year of the Toyota Highlander is the best used?

The 2008–2013 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.

What issues might there be with a 2017 Toyota Highlander?

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:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

What distinguishes the Toyota Highlander models from 2017 to 2018?

As you can see, the features of these two top-notch Toyota cars are remarkably similar, which makes sense given that they are the same car from two distinct years. However, the 2018 Toyota Highlander is the clear winner amongst these two superb automobiles. The 2017 Toyota Highlander does not come standard with any of the new safety features and technologies that this vehicle does, despite having the same horsepower and maximum passenger seating as its predecessor. Among these is Toyota Safety SenseTM, a collection of outstanding safety features.

However, the 2018 Toyota Highlander offers a wider range of engine options in addition to more safety features. These engine options include a 2.7-liter engine that is optional and a 3.5-liter V6 engine that provides a range of performance.

Key Points

  • The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration has received 80 complaints about the 2016 Toyota Highlander, but they are all inconsistent, and each of its three recalls only affects fewer than 10,000 units.
  • Several owners allege that their panoramic sunroof and rear hatch have accidently broken, while other owners have noticed the windshield developing cracks.
  • There have been a few complaints about the Highlander’s seats, ranging from early leather finish deterioration to “squeaks coming from the second row.
  • The fewest and most severe criticisms of the 2016 Highlander center on the airbags’ improper deployment and unexpected brake failure.

How durable is a 2016 Highlander?

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.

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.

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.

Do Toyota Highlanders frequently experience issues?

Toyota Highlander Typical Issues This generation of Highlanders has received comparatively few complaints from owners. However, some owners report concerns with the motorized tailgate becoming caught in the open or closed position, a musty odor coming from the air conditioning system, and excessive wind noise when traveling at highway speeds.

Are there any 2017 Toyota Highlander recalls?

Certain 2017 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles with accessory roof rail cross bars are being recalled by Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST). The roof rail fasteners might not be torqued appropriately.

What on a Toyota Highlander does XLE mean?

The base price of the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE is $42,205. Over the LE, it costs $4,600 more. What do customers receive for an additional $4,600?

The seats is the first significant distinction between the two trims. Toyota’s SofTex material is seen in the XLE model. The center and front rows have SofTex-trimmed seats. The XLE variant also has heated front seats. The LE has eight seats, whilst the XLE has seven. Instead of bench seats, the second-row captain’s chairs on the more expensive variant. Additionally, second-row sunshades are included.

There is a larger 7.0-inch multi-information display in the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE. It also has HomeLink, which enables users to access garage doors with a single push of a button on the rearview mirror. It also has an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Additionally, the midsize SUV has a smartphone charging port.

Added exterior features like mudguards, roof rails, and a one-touch power sunroof are included with the Highlander XLE. Although there is a significant price difference between the two versions, the Japanese carmaker obviously adds value as prices rise.

Is blind spot monitoring available on the 2016 Toyota Highlander?

The LE Plus is largely similar to the LE. Fog lights, a power rear lift gate that is adjustable, an 8-inch display, three-zone climate control, and a steering wheel and shifter coated in leather are all included in the Plus package. These few upgrades might not seem like much, but they have a significant impact on the 2016 Highlander’s level of luxury as a whole. It should be noted that the LE and LE Plus are mono-spec, meaning they come standard with everything they need. Therefore, the LE Plus is worth the premium if it has a feature you really want.

XLE: Extra Extras

The 2016 Highlander XLE enters the segment of high-end crossover SUVs. This manifests itself in the form of second-row integrated sun shades, heated front seats, heated leather-trimmed seats, a 4.2-inch color multi-information display, and Homelink. For the Highlander XLE, the Entune suite also comes with an 8-inch touchscreen. By choosing second-row captain’s seats and Blu-ray back seat entertainment, you can increase the luxury of this car even more.

Limited: The Name Says It All

When it comes to trim options, the 2016 Highlander Limited is the crème de la crème. When it comes to crossover SUVs, this is definitely the best there is. The 2016 Highlander Limited adds LED daytime running lights and 19-inch Chromtec alloy wheels for the outside. Along with normal second-row captain’s chairs, it also includes heated and ventilated front seats. But the area of safety is where the 2016 Highlander Limited really excels. Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Automatic High Beam Headlights, Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Parking Sonar as options. The 2016 Highlander Limited is one of the most alluring crossovers of any make, model, or trim thanks to all these fantastic amenities.

Hybrid: Making a Good Thing Even Better

Ironically, the 2016 Highlander Hybrid has the most potent engine of all the trim levels, with a 280 horsepower 3.5L V-6. Additionally, it boosts the Highlander’s fuel efficiency to an impressive 28 mpg combined. The 2016 Highlander Hybrid is the best SUV available for those seeking both strength and efficiency.

What distinguishes the Highlander XLE from the SE?

The mid-sized SUV segment’s car lineups must include a sports-oriented variation. Of course, you should reasonably anticipate a performance improvement when you purchase a sport vehicle. Despite Toyota switching the standard MacPherson strut front suspension system for the sport-tuned version, that is simply not what you get on the Highlander SE. The SE’s 3.5-L V6 engine and brake system are identical to those found in the XLE, and both vehicles are powered by them.

Given how strikingly similar the fundamentals are, the SE’s cosmetic upgrades are once again what you pay for. The SE has 19-inch wheels with a black finish, black LED fog lights that are also integrated into the headlights, black sport headlights, integrated LED daytime running lights, and integrated LED daytime running lights. There are also some observable alterations in the SE’s interior. The cabin is adorned with blue LED ambient lighting, and the upper door trim has a distinctive design.

Apart from those modifications, the SE is essentially just an XLE with a sportier exterior and a higher price. The XLE offers more value per dollar spent than the SE because it has almost all of the same safety and technological features. The Highlander SE definitely won’t be your top pick if you’re actually looking for a sports car.

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.