Toyota revamped the Highlander for the 2020 model year, although there are a few small tweaks for the 2021 model. The new XSE trim level for the 2021 Toyota Highlander is just as functional and potent as the other trims. You could say that the Toyota Highlander’s XSE model is its sportier variant. To boost visibility, Toyota replaced the LED headlights on the exterior of the vehicle with projector-style lighting.
Given the high level of dependability of Toyota automobiles, Toyota updated the Highlander’s safety features. The Highlander had Toyota Safety SenseTM 2.0 for 2020, but Toyota Safety SenseTM 2.5 Plus is available for the Highlander in 2021. (TSS 2.5 Plus). Two additional driver assistance capabilities are included with the TSS 2.5 Plus, including improved automatic emergency braking and enhanced cyclist and pedestrian detection.
In This Article...
What distinguishes the 2021 Highlander from the 2022 Highlander?
The Highlander Hybrid receives a new Bronze Edition with unique wheels and interior decorations (in bronze, of course); a new exterior paint color; and the most significant improvements. For XLE and above models, an eight-way motorized passenger seat with a height adjustment
Price: The L, a well-equipped base gas-only model, starts at $36,420 (all prices include $1,215 destination), an increase of $160 for 2022. The LE trim of the Highlander Hybrid has the lowest starting price, which has increased by $160 to $40,070. The majority of other models cost $360 more.
Should you purchase 2021 or 2022? Choose a 2022 model because these are only minimal price increases.
For 2022, the mid-size three-row Toyota Highlander will remain largely unchanged. For the 2020 model year, it had a complete makeover, and the sportier XSE trim level with noticeably more aggressive looks and some mechanical changes arrived in 2021. However, there aren’t many adjustments for 2022.
Is the Toyota Highlander 2021 larger?
The 2021 Toyota Highlander has a roomy cabin and is 2.2 cubic feet more than the model from the previous year. There is 16 cubic feet of cargo space below the third row. The space increases to 84.3 cubic feet when the back seats are folded down. With the longest cabin area in its class, there are numerous small concealed storage spaces that have been thoughtfully arranged all over the cabin.
The sleek, redesigned exterior appearance is eye-catching and gives the vehicle a dominating presence on the roads. The larger dimension offers distinct side panels and a striking front end grille that was updated for the 2018 model year.
The Highlander is “among the most dependable 3-row midsize SUVs, with outstanding practicality, great resale values, and a flawless record for reliability,” according to Autotrader.
Are there any problems with the Toyota Highlander 2021?
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.
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.
Is the Highlander being phased out by Toyota?
Unexpectedly, Toyota has dropped its most popular V6 engine from the Highlander lineup and added a second four-cylinder engine in its place.
Today, Toyota made the decision to stop producing the popular V6 engine for its Highlander SUV model in 2023. A four-cylinder engine with less power but, strangely, the same MPG rating will take its place. The new four-cylinder engine offers a little bit more engine-rated torque and is turbocharged (of course). We found the move strange because the V6 Highlander had plenty of torque.
What should the price of a 2021 Toyota Highlander be?
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.
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 middle 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 the Highlander 2022 any smaller?
The V6-powered 2022 Toyota Highlander is a slightly specialized option among three-row SUVs due to its smaller-than-average dimensions. The fact remains that for the same amount of money, an SUV with a noticeably more spacious interior can be purchased. This is true even if the Highlander’s constrained third row and cargo dimensions have been entirely acceptable for Highlander buyers for numerous vehicle generations. Why not purchase one of those?
But for one very excellent reason, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a whole different story: it scores 35 mpg when combined with all-wheel drive. With a segment average fuel efficiency of 21–23 mpg combined, the Highlander with a V6 engine has a significant disadvantage. Every year, you could easily save at least $500 while emitting less CO2 in the process. The Highlander’s size issue suddenly becomes less of an issue when you realize that the only comparable hybrid three-row SUV is the even smaller Kia Sorento. Instead of being a pure scam, it’s a trade-off. It also elevates the Highlander Hybrid to the top of our list of three-row SUV recommendations.
Is the Toyota Highlander still worth anything?
Thanks to a recent complete redesign, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is at its best. The three-row utility defies typical trends in hybrid SUV design, such as shoddy brake feel and a subpar interior. Instead, it offers good fuel efficiency, a more than 600-mile driving range, and a ton of cargo space. Although it isn’t enjoyable to drive, this hasn’t diminished its appeal. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the only hybrid crossover to make the top ten, maintaining, on average, 53.4% of its original value after five years.
Can the Toyota Highlander handle snow?
Can a Toyota Highlander Handle Snow Well? The Toyota Highlander performs exceptionally well in snow because to its raised and commanding ride height. This elevates it above many other cars in terms of drivability in snow, along with its assortment of safety measures from the Toyota Star Safety system.
What model of Toyota Highlander is the best?
Highlander Platinum Toyota The most expensive Platinum trim includes heated second-row seats, a 12.3-inch touch screen, a panoramic moonroof, a camera in the rearview mirror, adaptive headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a head-up display, and a surround-view parking camera system. It also costs $47,760.
The Toyota Highlander has what 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.
The Toyota Highlander 2021: Is it a nice car?
The anticipated reliability rating for the 2021 Highlander is 82 out of 100. A predicted reliability score from J.D. Power of 91 to 100 is regarded as the best, 81 to 90 as great, 70 to 80 as medium, and 0-69 as fair and below average.
Cabin Space
Highlander: At 194.9 inches, the new 2020 Highlander is 4.7 inches longer than its more capable off-road sibling, the 4Runner. Even though their widths are nearly identical, the new Highlander sits three inches lower than the 4Runner. The Highlander is, it may be said, even more like a car than before. The Highlander makes better use of its interior space because it is built on the new TNGA unibody chassis.
The headroom is 39.9 inches without the panoramic moonroof and 39.4 inches with the optional glass roof. Without the sunroof, there is 37.1 inches of headroom in the second row and 38.4 inches with it. In any configuration, the third row offers 36.1 inches of headroom. In terms of legroom, the first two seats have enough of it. Even the tallest passengers can easily fit in the first two rows thanks to its 40.4 and 41.0 inch widths. However, the third row is a little congested at 27.7 inches.
4Runner: Despite standing a solid 71.5 inches tall and measuring 190 inches in length, the 4Runner lacks a tiny bit of headroom and shoulder room compared to its car-based predecessor. The truck-like structure, which utilizes robust but space-consuming suspension components, is partly to blame for this.
Comparing the 4Runner to its slightly bigger unibody sister, both vehicles offer comparable amounts of headroom. To be exact, 39.3 inches in the front and 38.6 inches in the back. Although it does manage to reclaim some space in the third row, which offers two inches more legroom than the Highlander, the legroom in the middle seat is noticeably shorter at 32.9 inches due to the body on frame structure.
Conclusion: The Toyota Highlander is larger than the 4Runner and has significantly more space inside for passengers. The way they are built is primarily to blame for this. The 4Runner is a body on frame, in contrast to the Highlander’s unibody design. As a result, the 4Runner sits on top of its frame as opposed to the Highlander, which means the cabin’s available area is immediately reduced.