The 2019 Toyota Highlander is an incredibly good three-row SUV option, as it is well-equipped and holds its value remarkably well. However, it did suffer from some fuel pump issues, but has been largely reliable on the whole.
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2019 Toyota Highlander: A Brief Overview
- The 2019 Toyota Highlander was the final year for the third-generation model. It was available in five different trim levels, along with one special edition version, the SE Nightshade Edition, that was new for 2019.
- Four-cylinder gasoline, V6 gasoline, and V6 gas-electric hybrid powertrains were available. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options were also available with certain engines.
- Used values range between $31,213 and $45,851 according to Kelley Blue Book’s estimates, indicating the Highlander’s depreciation has been minimal.
- The 2019 Toyota Highlander performed very well in crash testing, earning a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.
- Aside from an issue with failing fuel pumps that affected a number of other Toyota vehicles and was subsequently subject to recalls, very few issues have been reported with the 2019 Highlander.
2019 Highlander Features Five Trim Levels and One Special Edition, All with Plenty of Standard Features and Technology
The 2019 Toyota Highlander was offered in five different trim levels, ranging from the base LE all the way up to the top-spec Limited model. A special SE Nightshade Edition model was also offered in 2019.
Highlander LE: Offers Everything You’d Expect to Have as Standard
Even in base form, the Highlander LE offers everything you’d expect to find in most cars today. Halogen projector-beam headlights, LED taillights, 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, a windshield wiper de-icer all feature on the outside. Moving inside, it offers cloth upholstery with seating for seven or eight, a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, an Entune Audio system with Bluetooth and a 6.1-inch touchscreen.
The Toyota Safety Sense active technology suite is fitted as standard, and the base model offering features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist is certainly quite impressive. It is the only model available with the base four-cylinder engine in addition to the V6 gas and hybrid drivetrains.
LE Plus: Adds Larger Touchscreen, Powered Tailgate for Extra Convenience
Stepping up to the LE Plus offers a few worthwhile upgrades over the standard LE. Outside, it adds fog lights, a flip-up rear hatch window, and a power-operated tailgate. Inside, it features SofTex upholstery with contrast stitching, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a larger 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, and three-zone climate control.
Tech-wise, it also features blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, along with a start-stop function for the engine. As a result of these upgrades, it’s definitely worth spending extra for over the regular LE model unless your budget is too tight.
XLE: Has Heated Leather Seats, Optional Blu-Ray Player
While opting for the mid-range Highlander XLE adds some flashier 18-inch turbine-look alloy wheels outside along with a sunroof, it steps it up inside. Heated leather seats, an Entune Premium Audio system, integrated navigation, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, keyless entry and push-button start, and a Driver Easy Speak system to aid communication with third-row occupants. A rear entertainment system with a Blu-Ray player is also available as an option.
Highlander SE: Brings Sportier Suspension Tune, Special Nightshade Edition
Those after a 2019 Highlander with a sporty edge will want to consider the SE model. Featuring sport-tuned suspension for improved handling, it also adds 19-inch black multi-spoke alloy wheels, and black-painted roof rails and lighting surrounds. Inside, it also features improved leather trim with red contrast stitching and blue ambient interior lighting. Unlike all other trim levels, it was only offered in a seven-seat layout.
A special SE Nightshade Edition was also offered for 2019 which added additional black-painted bodywork such as the rear spoiler, shark-fin antenna, mirror caps, window trim, and door handles. Black badging and lug nuts were also added, along with special red-stitched floor mats inside.
Limited: Features Many Luxuries, Especially with Optional Platinum Package
Sat at the top of the 2019 Highlander range, the Limited model was given a classy and modern look thanks to 19-inch Chromtec alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and fog lights, and body-coloured rocker panels. A 12-speaker JBL audio system also featured inside, along with heated and ventilated front seats clad in perforated leather. Power-adjustment was added for the front passenger, while a memory function was added for the driver’s seat. Strangely, though, it was the only model to feature a cargo area cover.
Buyers could also opt for the Limited Platinum package which added a larger panoramic moonroof, heated steering wheel and second-row seats, rain-sensing wipers, a 360-degree camera system, and front and rear parking sensors. The Limited Platinum is definitely what you’ll want to go for if you appreciate having some real luxuries in your vehicle, as just how much it features is very impressive.
2019 Toyota Highlander Used and CPO Options Show Depreciation Has Been Minimal
When it was new, AutoTrader notes that prices for the 2019 Highlander ranged from $31,830 for the cheapest LE all the way up to $49,180 for the Limited Platinum Hybrid. In the two years since these cars were new, however, the used market has been incredibly kind to them and their depreciation has been minimal.
To get a grasp on just what you can expect to pay for a used 2019 Highlander now, we trawled through valuation estimates on Kelley Blue Book to see just how prices vary for each trim level. These figures are all calculated based off the vehicle being painted white, in good condition, and showing 30,000 miles which is around average for a two-year old vehicle for fairness’ sake.
For the entry-level LE, you can expect to pay anywhere from $31,213 at the lowest for a four-cylinder front-wheel drive model, up to $36,874 at the most for a hybrid version. The V6’s value hovers between $32,607 and $36,643. The V6-only LE Plus sits just slightly higher, ranging between $32,914 and $36,976.
Moving to the XLE sees prices range from $36,997 all the way to $41,387 with all-wheel drive. The very similarly-specified SE model is barely any more expensive at between $37,132 and $41,582.
Finally, the range-topping Limited model stretches from $38,624 for a front-drive V6 model in KBB’s estimate, all the way to $45,851 for a hybrid with the Platinum package.
For peace of mind when buying used, Toyota does guarantee some used cars under its Toyota Certified Used Vehicles program. After 160 point inspection, these CPO vehicles come covered by a 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive warranty and seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Currently, 35 examples of the 2019 Highlander are being offered through the program, with prices that are generally in-line with KBB’s valuations.
Engines, Fuel Economy & Performance: V6 & Hybrid Perform Well, but You may Want to Avoid the Four-cylinder
2.7L Four-Cylinder is Thirsty and Down on Power
Three engine options were offered for 2019 Highlander models. The base LE model was the only to offer a 2.7-liter four-cylinder gas engine which was the cheapest option available. It only produced 185 hp at 5,800 rpm and 184 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. It was only available with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, and was only rated to tow 1,500 lbs.
Additionally, it’s likely to be thirstier than you’d expect. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates it will use 22 mpg on the combined cycle, with it only managing 24 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg in the city.
3.5L V6 Can Tow 5,000 lbs. and Gets Impressive Highway Mileage
Available on every Highlander trim level was a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine that felt far more healthy than the four-cylinder base engine. Producing 295 hp at 6,600 rpm and 263 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm, it was rated to tow as much as 5,000 lbs. V6 models came with an eight-speed automatic and front-wheel drive as standard, but all-wheel drive was available as an option on all trims.
It also manages more impressive fuel economy of 23 mpg combined for front-wheel drive models (21 mpg city/27 mpg highway) and 22 mpg combined for all-wheel drive versions (20 mpg city/26 mpg highway). This is why Kelley Blue Book recommends you should “skip [the four-cylinder] unless budget is your biggest priority, because the 295-horsepower V6 with 8-speed automatic not only has 110 more horses, but actually gets better highway fuel economy as well.”
V6 Hybrid Offers an Enticing Blend of Power and Economy
Finally, a gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain was offered on the 2019 Highlander LE, XLE, and Limited. Combining a 3.5-liter V6 with two electric motors, it produces 306 net horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard on hybrid models, along with a CVT automatic.
Being a hybrid, not only is this the most powerful version of the Highlander but it’s the most economical, too. The EPA suggests that the LE model should achieve an incredibly impressive 29 mpg on the combined cycle, with 30 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
2019 Toyota Highlander’s Cargo Space & Dimensions Indicate it Should Fit in a Standard 12×20′ Garage
Externally, the 2019 Highlander measures in at 192.5 inches in length, set on a 109.8-inch wheelbase. It also comes in at 75.8 inches wide and 68.1 inches tall, so it shouldn’t have much trouble fitting in a standard 12-by-20-foot garage.
Given its decent exterior size, there’s a good amount of cargo space inside as well. Toyota claims cargo space of 13.8 cu. ft. with the third-row in place, 42.3 cu. ft. with the third-row folded down, and a total of 83.2 cu. ft. with the second-row also retracted.
Toyota doesn’t cite any length or width dimensions for the Highlander’s cargo are, however. Fortunately, blogger Wind Addict took some approximate measurements of the dimensionally-identical 2017 Highlander. They found that there is at least 77.5 inches of room lengthwise with the second and third rows folded away and 43 inches with the second-row in place, and minimum width of 45.5 inches at the rear.
2019 Highlander Proved Itself to be Very Safe, Performing Well in IIHS and NHTSA Crash Tests
The 2019 Highlander performed well in multiple crash tests, proving to be very safe in the event of an accident. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded it with a Top Safety Pick selection, based off the fact it received the maximum “Good” rating in all crashworthiness tests but one. In the passenger-side small overlap test it received an “Average” mark overall due to excessive intrusion to the passenger’s survival space. However, the risk of injuries still remained very low.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) similarly praised it when it conducted crash test results, awarding it a full five-star rating. The only specific tests the NHTSA gave it four stars was in front driver-side protection and rollover resistance.
All Toyota Highlanders feature a lot of crash prevention technology as standard as well, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. LE Plus models and up also feature blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert.
2019 Toyota Highlander Available in Nine Exterior Colors, Including Some Unique Hues like Alumina Jade Metallic
As you can see in the slider above, a total of nine colors were available on the 2019 Highlander. While the usual white, silver, gray, and black are available, there are some more interesting options as well. Alumina Jade Metallic and Toasted Walnut Pearl stand out as two of the most unique. Salsa Red Pearl is sure to give it some surprising flair as well.
Additionally, a whopping 13 interior color and upholstery combinations were available. The LE model could be had with Black or Ash cloth upholstery. LE Plus models came with a choice of Black, Ash, or Almond SofTex interiors, while the XLE could be had with Black, Ash, or Almond leather upholstery instead. SE models came exclusively with Black leather with red contrast stitching. Finally, the range-topping Limited could be had with Black, Ash, Almond, or stunning Saddle Tan perforated leather.
Maintenance, Reliability, and Common Problems Reveal the 2019 Highlander has Held Up Well Since it was New
Toyota’s penchant for reliability certainly appears to have helped the 2019 Highlander hold up impeccably well over the last few years since it was new. The NHTSA has recorded a mere 145 complaints and only three recalls have been issued for it.
Two of those recalls relate to failing fuel pumps causing the vehicle to stall unexpectedly – something which also affected numerous other Toyota and Lexus vehicles, and which most of the recorded complaints are in regards to. The other recall simply relates to an improperly-printed warning label on only a few thousand vehicles. Aside from the fuel pump issue – which will be cost-free for owners to rectify due to the recall – there appear to be no other characteristic issues with the 2019 Highlander reported anywhere.
Across all recent Highlander model years including 2019, Repair Pal reports that annual repair bills are only likely to total $489 which is easily below average for SUVs in this class. The frequency of repairs is below average as well, while the severity of issues is on par with the average. Oil changes are recommended every 12 months or 10,000 miles for the 2019 Highlander.
How Does the 2019 Toyota Highlander Stack Up Against the Competition?
Despite nearing the end of the third-gen model’s life cycle, the 2019 Highlander still managed to hold its own against the competition. While certain rivals such as the Ford Explorer offered more performance, the Mazda CX-9 a higher safety rating, and the Honda Pilot more total cargo space, the Highlander manages to tick off all the boxes pretty well where others can miss the mark.
2019 Toyota Highlander vs. 2019 Ford Explorer
If performance is what you’re after, the 2019 Ford Explorer bests just about anything with its available 365 hp twin-turbo V6. However, power can only get you so far. Having a reputation for feeling cheap and basic inside, especially as this generation was similarly in its final model year, depreciation hasn’t been nearly as kind to it as the Highlander. With a depreciation rate of around 20-25 percent, it might be cheaper to buy now, but you’ll get less when you go to sell it on further down the line.
Additionally, the ageing Explorer performed far worse in IIHS crash testing, with “Marginal” and “Poor” scores in the small front overlap test. While it offers more cargo space with both rear rows of seats in place (21.0 cu. ft.) and with the third-row folded down (43.9 cu. ft.), the Highlander offers more total cargo capacity with both rear rows folded at 83.2 cu. ft. compared to 81.7 cu. ft. for the Explorer.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2019 Toyota Highlander vs. 2019 Honda Pilot
The Highlander and the 2019 Honda Pilot certainly look pretty closely-matched on paper, and are rivals that will be hard to split in some ways. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, the Pilot’s sole engine option is a good match for the Highlander’s standard V6, being just 10 hp shy of its performance. However, a timing belt issue was identified on 2019 models, so it’s not quite as mechanically sound in that regard as the Highlander.
Both were awarded IIHS Top Safety Picks, however, and all Pilot variants feature Honda’s full active safety quite as standard, much like the Highlander does. The Pilot’s 16.5-83.8 cu. ft. of cargo space is very nearly equal to the Highlander’s as well, only showing just how close a match they are.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2019 Toyota Highlander vs. 2019 Mazda CX-9
The 2019 Mazda CX-9 feels very premium in this company, and certainly offers up one of the best drives in this class. Even though its standard 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine only makes a mere 250 hp on premium fuel, its meatier and more accessible 310 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,000 rpm helps it feel punchier low-down than the Highlander’s V6. The other advantage of being smaller and turbocharged – this engine gets 24 mpg while making that extra 47 lb.-ft., slightly better than the Highlander’s V6.
With a “Good” score in all crash test categories, it earned a higher Top Safety Pick+ commendation from the IIHS, putting it above both the Highlander and also the Pilot. The Highlander certainly outclasses the CX-9 when it comes to cargo space, though, with the CX-9’s 14.4-71.2 cu. ft. a noticeable amount of room less than the Toyota.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
In Summary: The 2019 Toyota Highlander is a Safe and Dependable Family Hauler
It’s pretty clear to see that despite 2019 marking the end of the line for the third-generation Toyota Highlander, the model went out in a good way as Toyota was clearly onto a winner with this.
Its one fuel pump issue aside, which was not something exclusive to it, the Highlander has been incredibly reliable for the vast majority of buyers thus far. Its quality is certainly something reflected through its incredibly strong resale values which have barely dropped from its price when new.
Factor in its safety, and this is certainly a vehicle you can rely on for you and your family. To get the best value for money, we reckon the well-specified XLE – or very similar SE if you’d appreciate its sportier suspension – is the one to go for.
Photos: Toyota, Ford, Honda, Mazda
