The Toyota Highlander gets high marks for its fuel-efficient engine, plush ride quality, confident handling and many standard driver assist features. It has a much less accommodating third row than other top competitors, however, so take note if that's a main focus.
Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at Edmunds, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career. Jonathan got his start testing cars for Road & Track magazine as a newly minted mechanical engineer grad from University of California, Irvine, and has also contributed to Motor Trend and the Associated Press. He likes to say he learned to drive a manual transmission in a rear-wheel-drive mid-engine vehicle but often omits it was his family's 1991 Toyota Previa minivan.
Pros
Comfortable, quiet ride
Easy to see out of
Above-average fuel efficiency for a three-row SUV
Cons
Third row is kids-only
Not much cargo space behind the third row
What's new
Base L trim is discontinued
No other significant changes for 2024
Part of the fourth Highlander generation introduced for 2020
Overview
As three-row family vehicles go, Toyota's Highlander is among the most practical and easiest to drive. It's easy to see out of and comfortable for both city driving and long highway trips. High fuel economy for a conventionally powered SUV is another draw. And if you want a more efficient or bigger Highlander, there's always the gas/electric Hybrid or the supersized Grand Highlander to consider.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Toyota Highlander LE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Credit for Highlander's above-average fuel economy goes to its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is an unconventional choice in this class. Most midsize three-row SUVs use bigger V6 engines, many of which are more powerful. The Highlander's four-cylinder is noisier and a bit rougher in operation than the many competitors' V6s, but overall we still like its powertrain. The Highlander's eight-speed automatic responds quickly and is a good pairing with the turbo-four's power delivery. The Highlander is available in front- or all-wheel drive.
We also like the Highlander's generous allocation of features across its many trims. Premium features like a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a power liftgate are available in the midlevel trims. And wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard across all trims.
On the downside, the Highlander's third-row seats are pretty cramped, and there's not much space behind that row for storage. Other rivals such as the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride and Volkswagen Atlas provide more room. But overall, we think the 2023 Highlander is a likable enough SUV to warrant consideration.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
7.9
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Toyota Highlander gets high marks for its fuel-efficient engine, plush ride quality, confident handling and many standard driver assist features. It has a much less accommodating third row than other top competitors, however, so take note if that's a main focus.
How does the Highlander drive? The Highlander's four-cylinder makes plenty of torque at low rpm, and that helps make the Highlander pleasant to drive around town. At the Edmunds test track, our all-wheel-drive Highlander test vehicle accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, which is a bit quicker than most V6-equipped three-row midsize SUVs.
The Highlander's ability to stop quickly and confidently as well as negotiate a twisty road is solid. Body roll is controlled as you go around turns, and the available torque-vectoring AWD system also helps by applying engine power to individual rear wheels to subtly enhance the SUV's handling balance. (It also has the usual benefit of extra traction in slick conditions.) All of this advanced technology helps the Highlander feel more nimble than the average midsize SUV. Overall, the Highlander makes daily driving a low-effort activity, which is most important.
Comfort
8.0/10
How comfortable is the Highlander? The Highlander's ride quality is pleasantly plush. Large and small road imperfections are smoothed over thanks to the compliant suspension, yet it avoids feeling floaty or vague at higher speeds. The front seats are comfortable even on long drives, and the available second-row captain's chairs (which our test Highlander had) provide nearly the same level of comfort. Alas, the third-row seats are one of the Highlander's greatest liabilities. Thin padding, a narrow space and a cushion mounted low to the floor make the third row ill-suited for adults.
The climate controls are easy to use, and the standard tri-zone system provides ample heating and cooling capacity, which helps make up for the mildly effective seat heat and ventilation. The only area we think the four-cylinder falls short of the V6 is sound. You don't really hear much of it when cruising along, but a request for substantial acceleration reveals the four-cylinder's less refined soundtrack. Otherwise, our complaints are few. There are no vibrations, squeaks or wind noise to speak of, even at higher highway speeds. Road noise is minimal.
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How’s the interior? The first and second seating rows provide ample space, but the third row is one of the most confining in the midsize three-row SUV class. If you're planning on regularly using the full passenger capacity, you will be better served by the Kia Telluride or Volkswagen Atlas. Once you're seated, it's easy to find your preferred driving position, but taller drivers might wish for a bit more extension range from the telescoping steering wheel. It can be a bit of a reach.
We give the Highlander high marks for outward visibility. The front roof pillars are thin, helping you see around turns. Some of the Highlander's available technology features help too, such as the camera-based rearview mirror that allows you to see out of the back even if you've fully loaded up the cargo area. The available surround-view camera system is sharp and can be rotated to look around the vehicle. On the downside, some of the menus for the infotainment system and instrument cluster can be somewhat confusing.
Technology
8.0/10
How’s the tech? Toyota used to trail other manufacturers when it comes to tech but the current Highlander has made big strides in the right direction. The optional 12.3-inch touchscreen is huge (an 8-inch screen is standard) and it responds quickly to inputs, but occasionally the reflections on the surface make using it more difficult than it should be. The latest Toyota software looks more modern too. Our Highlander test vehicle had five USB charge ports for the first and second rows but none for the third row.
All Highlanders come standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids, which is something not all competitors offer. Among other things, we like the adaptive cruise control, but we found the lane departure warning slightly too sensitive in the standard mode and not sensitive enough in the low mode.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? Cargo space is a bit of a mixed bag with the Highlander. Behind the third row, there's only 16 cubic feet of space, which is small for the class. Behind the second row, it expands to a better-than-average 48.4 cubic feet. The liftover height is about average for a midsize SUV and both back rows can be folded for a flat load surface. As for cabin storage, there are good-size pockets and cupholders as well as two shelves built into the dash. (One has a clever phone cable keeper too.)
Got kids? A large rear-facing car seat will easily be accommodated in the second row thanks to the generous amount of fore/aft movement of the available captain's chairs. The car seat anchors are also easy to locate and access for all types of child safety seats, though there are no anchors in the third row.
Fuel Economy
8.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The four-cylinder Highlander is pretty fuel-efficient. We tested an all-wheel-drive model, which the EPA estimates will get 24 mpg in combined city/highway driving. (Front-wheel-drive models are slightly better at 25 mpg combined.) A few mpg may not seem like a huge advantage over the competition, but it's significant for this class of vehicle. On our real-world evaluation route, we achieved 26.6 mpg, which is pretty stellar and indicates to us the EPA's estimates should be achievable. Of note, the Highlander Hybrid is estimated to return 36 mpg combined.
Value
8.0/10
Is the Highlander a good value? Though the Highlander isn't the most premium-feeling SUV in the class, the interior is solidly put together with soft, padded surfaces where they matter most. There's good value here, too, whether you're cross-shopping against a Kia Telluride (especially given the typical markups for those) or the popular Honda Pilot, which isn't quite as strong a value these days.
Toyota's warranty coverage is pretty common for the class with three years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and five years/60,000 miles for the powertrain. The first two years of scheduled maintenance are also free.
Wildcard
8.0/10
The styling up front gives the Highlander a sporty appearance, which looks cool but also maybe oversells athleticism. Still, the Highlander has better than average composure on a twisty road for a midsize three-row SUV, which may be all the fun someone shopping this category needs.
Which Highlander does Edmunds recommend?
We think the best value of the Highlander lineup comes from the midrange XLE trim. It's reasonably priced and has most of the features you'll want from a family hauler.
Toyota Highlander models
The 2024 Toyota Highlander is a midsize three-row SUV with seating for up to eight passengers, and it's offered in five trim levels: LE, XLE, XSE, Limited and Platinum. All are powered by a 265-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine that's connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available on all trims as an option. There's also a Highlander Hybrid and Grand Highlander that are both reviewed separately on Edmunds. Keep reading for our breakdown of the significant features that come on each Highlander trim level.
LE Starts the Highlander lineup with:
18-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
Height-adjustable power liftgate
Keyless entry and ignition
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Tri-zone automatic climate control
Folding 60/40-split seats in second and third rows
8-inch infotainment touchscreen
Digital instrument panel display
Every Highlander also comes with:
Frontal collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
XLE Comes with more convenience features than the LE, including:
Roof rails
Sunroof
Hands-free liftgate
Wireless smartphone charging pad
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Synthetic leather upholstery (SofTex)
Heated front seats
Power-adjustable passenger seat
Second-row captain's chairs (reduces seating capacity to seven)
Second-row sunshades
There are a couple of options for the XLE:
Second-row bench seat (no-cost option)
Navigation system
XSE Builds off the XLE trim and adds sporty elements such as:
20-inch wheels
Unique sporty styling cues
Sport suspension
Interior ambient lighting
Limited Adds plenty of luxury items that include:
Power-folding mirrors
Leather upholstery
Ventilated front seats
Driver's seat memory function
Heated steering wheel
Household power outlet
Bigger digital instrument panel
12.3-inch center touchscreen
Intercom system that broadcasts the driver's voice through the speakers
11-speaker JBL audio system
Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
A second-row bench is also optional for the Limited as a no-cost option.
Platinum Comes pretty much fully loaded thanks to:
20-inch alloy wheels
Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
Panoramic sunroof
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
Heated second-row seats
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Highlander and its surroundings in tight parking situations)
2023 Toyota Highlander XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Replaced our 2011 highlander with a brand new 2023 highlander . The 2023 comes only with a four cylinder turbocharged engine . It’s awful ! Our 2011 had the v6 engine that was smooth and quiet . This engine is noisy and hesitates and bucks when accelerating from a stop . We didn’t notice a problem for the first few thousand miles but it’s got one now . Dealer says a fix is coming . Well … it’s got 10,000 miles on it and it ain’t fixed yet . We have three Toyotas , tundra , Tacoma and this hunk a junk . Have always had the utmost confidence in Toyota but I’m afraid they are heading in the wrong direction with these green engines . We have traded this 2023 for a 2022 xse highlander with the v6 . No comparison ! Smooth as butter . Took a loss thanks to Toyota for making us a Guinea pig .
Get the hybrid powertrain
3 out of 5 stars
Gladileasedit, 09/27/2023
2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
This SUV is very good in terms of room, comfort and features for the price. But the 2.4T engine is a real letdown. It is very noisy and buzzy even under moderate acceleration. And the car feels slower than with the previous V6 model, which I have driven as a rental. Worst of all, the turbo four runs terribly with regular gas (87), even though the manual says that's all it needs. There is … a 1-second turbo lag off the line and then it surges forward. In traffic, the car hesitates and bucks, making it very fatiguing to drive. Switching to premium gas (91+) makes it run A LOT better, but it also costs a lot more to fill up. Even with premium gas, mileage is not any better than that of the previous V6. And the tank is the size of a sedan's (like 15g), so you will be filling up all the time. The new infotainment system has a large screen and the wireless Apple CarPlay works well. But the built-in navigation's graphics are too muted in color to be useful in daytime. The individual driver profiles are supposed to load based on the driver's phone, but it has never loaded correctly and requires manual intervention every time. They are more hassle than their worth. I just stick with Apple CarPlay all the time. The wireless charger doesn't work consistently, unless your phone has no case on. If you want this SUV, buy the hybrid version. It comes with an annoying CVT, but at least it will drive more smoothly in traffic.
Rattling noise from moonroof
2 out of 5 stars
Carl, 05/29/2023
2023 Toyota Highlander Limited 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
A month after driving the new 2023 highlander limited, rattling noise is consistent (seems to be from moon roof's centre panel). The noise is similar to having a cart go over a pebble road. Reported to the service department and waiting to hear back if similar complaints are received.
The 2.4 litre engine doesn't save any more on gas as opposed to our traded in 2017 3.5 litre engine … Highlander Limited. Disappointed on both issues.
Hot Garbage
2 out of 5 stars
Koopa, 10/09/2023
2023 Toyota Highlander Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Stay away from the turbo 4-cyl. After about 3500-4000 miles on the odometer it performs completely different than when new. Horrible lag from the turbo and then an unexpected rush of power causing the car to behave squirrelly. The dealer will look at you like you’re nuts when you try to explain the problem as well. The infotainment is complicated and cumbersome. The seats aren’t great … and the armrest position on the drivers door is lacking. What other car company charges a monthly fee for remote start that doesn’t even stay running when you open the door? As a long time Toyota household, and a 3-time Highlander owning family, this is a very disappointing vehicle. We won’t even consider another Toyota product that doesn’t have a naturally aspirated engine because of this hot garbage. After 6k miles, we traded it in on a brand new 2023 Honda Pilot. Very happy with the Pilot.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Toyota Highlander, so we've included reviews for other years of the Highlander since its last redesign.
The Kia Telluride offers more cargo space and front and rear headroom than the Highlander. Its proven V6 engine is more powerful than the Highlander's turbocharged four-cylinder, but the trade-off is lower fuel economy. A classy interior design and superior warranty coverage are two other draws to the Telluride.
The Pathfinder was redesigned for 2022 so it's one of the newer designs in the segment. We like its quiet, comfortable ride and spacious seating. The Pathfinder offers a 6,000-pound towing capacity (when it's outfitted with the towing package), which is an additional 1,000 pounds over the Highlander. Like the Highlander, its cargo space behind the third row is limited. It's available in front- or all-wheel drive.
Honda's Pilot is one of the most recently redesigned midsize SUVs but it hasn't made huge leaps over the other contenders in the segment. However, it does what it's always done very well: Be smooth, quiet and comfortable. Honda also offers a TrailSport trim that increases ground clearance and provides a bit more off-road capability than what the Highlander offers.
The Toyota Highlander is a three-row midsize SUV that has been a popular mainstay in this segment for more than a decade. For 2023, the Highlander got a series of updates that included a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood and upgraded technology features across a few trim levels. We expect that the 2024 model will arrive without major changes on the heels of the recent updates.
The Highlander's engine is shared with the Lexus RX 350 and makes a robust 265 horsepower, giving the Highlander plenty of power for a smooth and responsive driving experience. There's only one drawback: The engine is pretty noisy, and a drone fills the cabin while you're accelerating. Speaking of the cabin, the Highlander added wireless connectivity for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as a standard feature for the 2023 model year. The Highlander's wireless charging pad is also in a perfect position, tucked underneath the screen where it doesn't get in the way of the storage spaces between the front seats. Where the Highlander falls short continues to be its third row, which is really only comfortable for children. Those looking for more room should consider the Volkswagen Atlas with its giant third row, or the Kia Telluride, which continues to pace this class with its potent mix of value, easy-to-use technology and passenger room.
Edmunds says
The Highlander remains a solid if unexciting option for families looking for more space than a two-row SUV can provide (as long as you don't plan on sticking adults in its small third row).
FAQ
Is the Toyota Highlander a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Highlander both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 Highlander gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 48 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Highlander has 16.0 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Toyota Highlander. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Toyota Highlander?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Toyota Highlander:
Base L trim is discontinued
No other significant changes for 2024
Part of the fourth Highlander generation introduced for 2020
To determine whether the Toyota Highlander is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Highlander. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Highlander's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Toyota Highlander a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Toyota Highlander is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 Highlander and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Highlander gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 48 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Highlander is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Toyota Highlander?
The least-expensive 2024 Toyota Highlander is the 2024 Toyota Highlander LE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $39,270.
Other versions include:
LE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $39,270
LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $40,870
XLE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $42,420
XSE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $44,015
XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $44,020
XSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $45,965
Limited 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $46,525
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $48,475
Platinum 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $49,725
Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $51,675
What are the different models of Toyota Highlander?
If you're interested in the Toyota Highlander, the next question is, which Highlander model is right for you? Highlander variants include LE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A), LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A), XLE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A), and XSE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of Highlander models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more