The 2011 Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV with an excellent reputation for reliability. Although used examples are on the pricier side, it is undoubtedly a robust people carrier. Of its three available trims, the reasonably priced mid-spec SE is the best pick of the bunch.
Key Points
- The 2011 Toyota Highlander comes in three trim levels: Base, SE, and Limited. Pricing ranges between $14,500 and $22,500.
- Available engine options are a 187 horsepower 2.7L inline-four or a 270 horsepower 3.5L V6.
- Drivetrain options include FWD or 4WD with the choice of either a five or six-speed automatic transmission.
- The 2011 Highlander’s optional add-on bundles include Cold Weather, Tech, and Towing packages, and an upgraded JBL audio system.
2011 Highlander’s Base Trim is Budget-friendly and Offers Decent Style, Comfort, and Performance Features, like 17-inch Alloy Wheels and Keyless Entry
The Base is the entry point into the 2011 Toyota Highlander lineup. The midsize SUV gets a 2.7L inline-four engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque as standard. Optional on all trims is the 3.5L V6, outputting 270 horses and 248 lb.-ft. of torque. The four-cylinder gets a six-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 1,500 pounds, while the V6 only gets a five-speed auto with towing rated at 2,000 pounds. As standard, the inline-four is only made available with FWD, whereas the V6 model gets optional 4WD.
In terms of features, the Base trim gets 17-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, automatic projector headlamps, cruise control, and a six-speaker CD player with AM/FM. But some features, like fabric seats with manual adjustments and manual air conditioning, make it feel slightly less upmarket.
However, Toyota has shown no compromise on the safety front. As standard, the Highlander gets seven airbags, brake assist with Smart Stop technology, traction control, hill-start assist, stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Optional extras include the Cold Weather Package, Towing Package, and Tech Package. While a windshield wiper de-icer and heated mirrors are part of the Cold Weather Package, the Towing Package improves the Highlander’s towing capacity to 5000 pounds on the V6 and 3,500 pounds on the inline-four. With the Tech package, you get hands-free phone connectivity, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and a 3.5-inch display with an integrated backup camera.
A used 2011 Toyota Highlander has an average Blue Book price of around $14,500. If you can live without the luxury of a powered seat and Bluetooth connectivity, we’d recommend getting the Base model V6 with the optional towing package.
2011 Toyota Highlander SE Demands a Small Premium Over the Base but Comes Better Equipped with Eight-way Power-adjustable Driver’s Seat, Leather Upholstery
For an extra $2,000, you get the mid-spec Highlander SE. Features are certainly a step above the Base and make the Highlander feel upmarket. The list of amenities includes an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather upholstery, a powered moonroof, and heated mirrors. Also available are Bluetooth connectivity, heated seats, and steering-mounted audio controls for added convenience.
Toyota offers the Highlander SE with a bunch of utility features as well. These include a lift-up rear glass hatch, Homelink, windshield wiper de-icer, a power liftgate with jam protection, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
As for exterior highlights, you get integrated fog lamps, black roof rails, and an in-glass antenna versus the fender-mounted antenna found on the Base trim.
As for optional extras, you get the Towing Package as well as a voice-activated nine-speaker JBL audio system. Also included is a touchscreen with iPod connectivity, built-in navigation, and an integrated backup camera.
The $2,000 price premium does make it a bit of a stretch. But if you look around enough, you’ll find examples that cost only a fraction above the Base’s asking price. It all boils down to the car’s condition, number of owners, and how many miles it has on the odometer.
2011 Highlander Limited Gets Climate Control and Smart Key Access but is Much Pricier than the SE
Move up to the Limited, and you get the Highlander in its fully loaded guise. The top-spec Limited trim is only available with the V6 in either FWD or AWD layout. Exterior highlights include color-keyed mirrors with puddle lamps, chrome door handles, roof rails, and 19-inch alloy wheels.
On the inside, you’ll find three-zone climate control, power-adjustable driver (10-way) and passenger (four-way) seats, perforated leather upholstery, the Smart Key system with push-button start, and wood-grain inserts on the doors and center console.
The rest of the features list mimics the SE model, including the available options. However, unique to the Limited trim is the optional rear-seat entertainment. The system comes with a nine-inch screen, RCA jacks, a 120V AC power outlet, and two wireless headphones.
Depending on the mileage and condition, a 2011 Highlander Limited is priced between $18,000 and $22,500. Considering that’s a significant premium over the SE, we’d probably skip the Limited unless there’s a cheaper one available.
Out of the 2011 Highlander’s Three Trims, the SE Offers the Most Value
The pick of the bunch would be the mid-spec Highlander SE. It’s not overly priced and also has a sufficient amount of features to justify its price tag. However, you could get the Base model if you find the SE above your budget. If you’re ready to splurge, then the Limited is the one to have with all its luxury goodies. You get Toyota’s legendary reliability and strong resale value as added perks, regardless of your pick.
Photos: Toyota
