2013 Toyota Highlander Review: Reliable, Powerful & Long Lasting Midsize SUV

Alex Showalter

Sep 21, 2022

The 2013 Toyota Highlander lasts over 300,000 miles with only some minor paint and A/C issues. At $17,252 to $21,670, it’s an excellent value for a very long-lasting midsize SUV with a luxurious interior.

The Good

Powerful V6 engine available, steering is responsive and the interior is more luxurious than many competitors.

The Bad

Base 4-cylinder engine is weak, cargo space is low and the fuel economy is worse than other midsize SUVs.

Is the 2013 Toyota Highlander a Good Used SUV?

Overall Rating 9/10 – 2013 is a great year for the Highlander and it deserves a high overall rating for how reliable its reliability and comfortable interior. Owner reviews praise the durable engines, good safety scores, and smooth suspension.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nicer and more durable than average, the seats are comfortable, but cargo space is lower than other midsize SUVs.
Reliability 10/10 – There are no widespread problems on the 2013 Highlander. We recommend models from 2009–2020, which are all excellent choices.
Performance 7/10 – The standard 4-cylinder engine is weak, however, the V6 offers above-average power for a midsize SUV.
Safety 7/10 – The Highlander gets an overall 4-star rating in government crash tests including a 5-star side impact score. There’s an optional rearview camera available.
Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is worse than average at up to 22 MPG, giving owners 422 miles of range from the 19.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are around $23 higher than average, at $258 per month.
Value 9/10 – The 2014 Highlander is an excellent value for a midsize SUV since ownership costs are more affordable than the competition.

Positive Owner Reviews

Stephanie D

I feel very safe and I feel that my family is safe when we are in it.

I love the size, both inside and storage. I love that I have a 3rd row option. I love the features that came with the Limited edition - seat warmers, moonroof, leather seats. My only complaint is the blind spots. :)

Leigh M

It is dependable and it economical. I love the gas mileage.

I love my third row seat. I also like the reliability of my car and the way it handles in the snow and the heat.

Ashton T

It gets great gas mileage for its size. It's easy to navigate.

I like that it has a 3rd row seat. I like the 3rd row seating can be laid down. The trunk space is huge. There I lots of leg space in the back seat.

Vicky S

Toyota Highlander... Great vehicle

It is a very reliable car. Maintenance on the car is at the usual expectations. The ride of the car is very smooth. The design of the cabin is well thought out and organized. Weaknesses are the following... Plastic trim on top of roof easy pulls loose in car washes. I have lost one section in a car wash. The usb port does not work consistently. It appears to be loose. I had to buy a lighter port plug in USB charger.

Jill N

It's a Toyota. It's a step down from a Lexus

Love the color. Love that it is an SUV. Dislike the price.

Cece A

The car you will not regret.

Mileage is excellent, performance is amazing, never had any problems except when it is extremely hot out since I live in Las Vegas. Very reliable, comfy seating and air conditioning and heating work very adequately. Smooth cruising, this car has gotten us all the way to Oklahoma with no problem, even in tornado season. I recommend this car to anybody even considering purchasing it, very excellent car.

Meredith J

The Toyota highlander vehicle offers reliability and something for the family.

The Toyota highlander is an excellent vehicle because it is reliability. Also, for the price you cannot beat the quality of the vehicle's performance and features. The highlander has been a great vehicle for our family. It has a spacious interior along with fold down seats. In addition, it has third row seating that can fold down as well.

Katie L

A comfortable ride with plenty of space.

We love our Toyota highlander. Having three rows was important & we also love the convenience of folding down the 3rd row (rather than having to remove/re-install). We also love the ability to make the second row a bench seat or captain chairs. It is a smooth ride & we get pretty good gas mileage for an SUV. Our family of 4 (plus a dog) has plenty of space to stay comfortable. We would like there to be a little more storage space when the third row is up.

Negative Owner Reviews

Carina Franco

Most unreliabiable car ever

Starting the engine is either delayed or does not start at all. Engine looses power when switching from low beam to high beam. Power steering has a clunky feel to it when maneuvering. Only drove it for 9000 miles. Biggest headache at 73000 miles. Dealership does not know whats wrong with it and could not fix problems after multiple repair efforts.

Mike

Make sure you find out about the warranty on the paint job

I have a 2013 highlander and the paint is peeling off on the roof and on both side of the windshield. Toyota is not paying for the paint job. You can tell it is a paint defect.

Norma Y

Third row easily folds up and down

No comfortable, ok gas mpg, lousy compartment space in cargo area. Visibility is ok. Has a lot of ports for charging, but since it is older, all are cigarette except one USB. Like the third row a lot when needed, but middle row seats don't move up far enough making it hard for anyone to get out of the third row.

Katherine C

Other than routine maintenance, it is been fine.

My vehicle has been very reliable over the 3 years I have had it. I do not love it, but it is been very dependable to get me and my family where we need to go. Recently it is starting burning oil, but that is the only issue we've had since we bought it.

Lauri A

Pretty reliable car. Great bang for your buck.

It is a pretty reliable car. Decent mileage per gallon. Haven't had any major problems with the car. Pretty comfortable. Bluetooth, heated seats, third row seating. Good gas mileage. It has a remote start. Back seat heat controls. Plenty of space and a lot of cup holders.

Latrecea R

Family or sporty you choose.

I love the fact that he has a third row seat. It handles very well. I haven't had any mechanical issues with it and I just reached 100,000 miles. It is a very nice family vehicle. It is also nice to use on date night and outings with my friends is still stylish enough for me to be in by myself but also is nice enough for me to ride around with my family as well. It gets very good gas mileage and I haven't had any real trouble out of it and I have had it for over a year.. It is an eco friendly vehicle that is reliable, fast spacious and dependable.

karla m

Great gas mileage, great fold down chairs, love the bluetooth feature

Enjoy the look of the highlander, would love it if it had more cargo space in the back, and if it was easier getting into the back seats for my kids

Kristina D

2013 Toyota highlander is a reliable car.

We purchased this car used so it does have some issues with the automatic windows and the rear gate has difficulties closing sometimes. It does have a decent amount of power and there are some nice amenities, like heated seats. The material of the seats is a little uncomfortable when it gets hot.

What Do Critics Say About the Toyota Highlander?

Consumer Reports says the Highlander is one of their top-scoring three-row SUVs with high owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds gives the Highlander a 4.2/5 praising the powerful V6 engine, but doesn’t like the limited cargo space behind the third row.
Kelley Blue Book users rate the Highlander 4.6/5 and enjoy the high resale value, but owners don’t like the low towing capacity.

What Common Problems Does the 2013 Toyota Highlander Have?

The common problems on the 2013 Toyota Highlander include bubbling paint, hesitation while accelerating, and odors from the A/C. These problems are less severe than other midsize SUVs from 2013, and repair costs are lower than average, too.

Bubbling paint is a widespread complaint from owners at around 45,000 miles. Paint that’s not properly cared for will start to bubble and peel as it’s exposed to sunlight. Repainting the affected areas fixes the problem, and costs around $1,000 per panel.

Hesitating while accelerating is another issue reported by owners at around 40,000 miles. The problem is commonly caused by a stuck EGR valve. Some owners have been able to clean out the valve, while others replace it for around $350.

Odors from the A/C system are also mentioned by owners at around 20,000 miles. The source of the problem is a clogged drain line, which allows mildew to build up in the A/C system. Cleaning out the drain line is a simple process and can be done for around $50 at most shops.

There are 3 recalls, and they’re all less serious than other midsize SUVs. None of the recalls affect any mechanical components and only cover the occupant sensing system, load labels, and second row seat tracks.

How Long Will the 2013 Toyota Highlander Last?

A well-maintained 2013 Toyota Highlander should last around 300,000 miles, which is around 100,000 miles more than other midsize SUVs like the Ford Edge. Regular annual maintenance costs are more affordable than average at around $512 per year, according to Repair Pal.

Since nearly all used 2013 Highlander models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the fuel filter for $350, mass airflow sensor costing $225, and the brake hoses which cost around $200.

Brandi P

I have had zero issues. It is been on Toyotas suggested maintenance plan, and other than just routine maintenance it is never been in the shop.

Stephanie S

It is very reliable and I have not had any problems with it. My vehicle is a safe SUV and I highly recommend it.

Katerina F

We bought the car less than a year ago, but we have had no problems. We really enjoy it so far. It runs great!

Cooper C

Yes, it is very reliable. I have not experienced any problems with the vehicle. Beyond routine maintenance.

Tina G

Thus far, I have not had any major issues with this car. It has proven to be very reliable and gets me from one place to another.

Jennifer V

I've only had my car a few months but yes it is reliable so far. I haven't had any problems with it.

Catherine H

No, it does not. I have had only one thing and it was repaired quickly and was covered under my extended warranty

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is good in the 2013 Highlander compared to many other midsize SUVs with an available navigation system and upgraded JBL stereo. Safety technology is basic, and there’s only an optional rearview camera available.

Is the 2013 Toyota Highlander a Good Value?

Yes, the 2013 Toyota Highlander is a good value since it lasts so long. Blue book prices range from $17,252 to $21,670, making it more expensive than a Honda Pilot or Jeep Grand Cherokee. When new, the price range was $29,020 to $39,400. Depreciation is better than average, only losing around 7% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Toyota Highlander?

There are four models of the Highlander offered for 2013, including the base model all the way up to the luxurious Limited.

Base is the entry-level model with:

17-Inch Alloy Wheels
Cloth Seating
Manual Driver’s Seat
Bluetooth Connectivity
6-Speaker Stereo System

Plus is a step up, adding:

Fog Lights
Rearview Camera
Roof Rails
One-Touch Folding Second Row Seats

SE has additional features including:

Power Liftgate
Leather Seating
Power Driver’s Seat
Heated Front Seats
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror

Limited is the luxurious model and has:

19-Inch Alloy Wheels
Chrome Exterior Trim
Keyless Ignition
Perforated Leather Seating
Tri-Zone Climate Control
Navigation System
9-Speaker JBL Stereo System

Base

270 HP 19 MPG

View Details

Plus

270 HP 19 MPG

View Details

270 HP 19 MPG

View Details

Limited

270 HP 19 MPG

View Details

What Engines Come In the Toyota Highlander?

The standard engine is a weak 2.7L 4-cylinder which makes 187 horsepower and gets up to 22 MPG.
An available upgrade is the stronger 3.5L V6, which generates 270 horsepower while getting up to 20 MPG. Performance is good, taking 7.5 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH. The towing capacity is average, at up to 5,000 pounds.

What Colors Does the Toyota Highlander Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Toyota Highlander?

The 2013 Toyota Highlander is a comfortable midsize SUV, offering seating for up to 7 people. The seats are comfortable and supportive. Interior materials are also durable which hold up well over time.

Passenger space is good throughout the cabin, but the third row is cramped for taller adults and best suited to smaller children.

How Much Storage Space Does the Toyota Highlander Have?

Cargo space is lower than average with only enough space for 2-3 suitcases behind the third row, 6-8 behind the second row, and around 15 with all of the seats folded flat.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The second generation of the Highlander was introduced in 2008 and replaced by the third generation in 2014.

2011: Minor refresh with new front bumper and rear climate control added.

2012: No major changes.

2013: New Plus model added.

2014: Fully redesigned for third generation with higher quality interior and power liftgate.

2015: No major changes.

2016: Standard towing package on all V6 models.

How Does the Toyota Highlander Compare to the Competition?

The Toyota Highlander is a fantastic midsize SUV compared to other SUVs from 2013, offering very dependable engine choices and an upscale cabin for the price.

The Honda Pilot is a popular competitor which costs around $1,500 less. Passenger space is better in the Honda Pilot, but the interior is nicer in the Toyota Highlander. We recommend the Toyota Highlander since it lasts longer, but both are excellent choices for a 3-row midsize SUV.

The Toyota 4Runner is another SUV made by Toyota which costs around $5,000 more. Off-road performance is better in the Toyota 4Runner with the dedicated 4WD system, but the Toyota Highlander has more comfortable seating. We recommend the Toyota Highlander for most people, but if you know you’ll be on the trails or in the snow, the Toyota 4Runner is better.

Ranks #6 Midsize SUV by Owners

2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser

4.84

Tie

2013 Jeep Wrangler

4.62

2013 Toyota Highlander

4.56

Do Owners Recommend the Toyota Highlander?

Brandi P

As a busy mom of 2, running from school to cheer practice daily, my highlander has been a great car for the past 7 years. Theres plenty of room in the cargo for a stroller, gym bag, tumbling mats, collapsible wagon, & lawn chair- all of which pretty much live in there during season.

Whitney Z

We like the Highlander. It runs smoothly, and the back seat is very roomy. We love the option of the bucket seats or adding a seat between them. We also love the third row!

Erin B

Yes, it is dependable and easy to maintain. It is an attractive vehicle with an appropriate amount of cargo space.

Sammy P

I really like my Highlander. It gets great gas mileage, comfortable ride, roomy for children and luggage, and has rear air conditioning.

Noel A

Yes. I like the interior and that it is a 7 passenger vehicle. I also like the backup camera and safety features.

Danielle D

Yes. It can transport 7 passengers. Is comfortable and has good gas mileage. I have had no mechanical problems.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Jacques C on June 25, 2021

Great SUV that hits the mark.

Roomy, the two front seats have plenty of legroom even for myself and I am 6'3' tall. Economical, easy to maintain. Comfortable to drive. The rear seats fold down to make room for may applications. Has a third row of seating which will allow safe travel for six passengers albeit the back two seats do not have a lot of room.

Rehab S on June 15, 2021

My highlander is a beast! I love it.

I always loved Toyota and this one is the best. The seating is very comfortable for long travel. I traveled 13 hour from Chicago to Philadelphia in it with my three little ones, and the ride was smooth. Not to mention when I traveled the weather was very cold and bad snow and icy roads. This highlander is a beast.

Emma H on May 29, 2021

Toyota highlander: reliable and safe.

My car has been reliable and has been so safe and amazing. I love the safety features and the ease and flexibility of the third row seat. It gets great gas mileage and sits high on the road. There is ample leg room for myself and my kids. I love the sunroof and the one touch door operation.

Adriana M on May 27, 2021

Love the highlander for space and state family car.

We have had great comfort as far as leg space and third row seat. I really have no complaints because it still drives very well and runs on its own with typical maintenance my husband can do. The seat warmers are great as well and I love the color. Trunks. An always be bigger but this one was the most roomy for cars of its.

Kristina D on May 26, 2021

2013 Toyota highlander is a reliable car.

Kerry S on May 22, 2021

Made a loyal user out of me.

I love my highlander. Whenever it has too many miles, I'll buy another. I have never been loyal to a certain brand but I will be after driving this. It is got great luxury features like a sunroof and heated seats and it makes me feel safe driving with my family.

Saryna S on May 12, 2021

2013 blue Toyota highlander.

Our highlander is an older model, but I like it better than the newer ones they have on lots. It has bumps and dents and minor interior things missing (plug-in caps) but it is a total champ! It is my first car and I highly recommend it. Everything works like new!

Adriana R on May 4, 2021

Excellent car for small family.

I have had no problems in running this vehicle. It has remained in excellent condition since we got it. My husband is also able to work on it and we got the lighter leather option ( beige). It looks classy and not dead. We are happy with this model for our family.

Susan J on April 30, 2021

Toyota highlanders are great!

Love my car. It has lots of room for my grandkids and luggage on trips. Smooth ride on highway and on city roads. Plenty of kick for passing or going up hills. Slight blind spot on left side that could be corrected somehow. Backup camera is nice. Sunroof is nice.

Sarah E on April 25, 2021

I love my Toyota highlander!

Very reliable, works great in the winter. It is super comfortable. I really like being up a bit higher and feel that I have a great view of the road and my surroundings. I haven't had any problems with it which makes me so happy. Great storage with the 3rd row down. Sits passengers comfortably. Love the backup camera feature!

Issac F on April 11, 2021

Fits 7 comfortably and drives smooth.

It is a comfortable car. It drives smooth and fits the full amount of people comfortably. Not too cramped. It had been a very reliable car. There have been a couple issues with the automatic back door being a little touchy and the stereo system randomly shuts off occasionally but nothing that is too big of an issue or that couldn’t be fixed if bothersome enough.

Quintin M on April 7, 2021

One of the top midsize SUV available on the market.

The highlander has been an excellent vehicle. It get both great city and highway mileage. The trim level of se has a good amount of features and would have more in a newer year model. It is roomy for say both average size and even overweight people. It provides both comfort to the driver and for up to 6 passengers as well even at the very back once in the vehicle.

Emily S on April 5, 2021

Reliable and comfortable family vehicle.

This vehicle is reliable but the Entune app is very outdated even when the vehicle was brand new. It is not very user friendly and slow. The vehicle is comfortable, however there is not much room in the second row middle seat to accommodate for a throw car seat or booster. Two child seats is the max that would comfortably fit. The third row is cramped but would best work for children that do not require a car seat.

CJ J on April 4, 2021

The high life in the highlander.

I enjoy my highlander. The remote hatch open and close is very convenient. I love the ability to turn the middle two seats into a bench seat. There are more than enough cup holders. I sometimes wish that the trunk was larger. I have to choose between the 3rd row or the trunk.

Farjana R on April 3, 2021

Bluetooth features: staying safe on the road.

I really love this car. When driving this vehicle, it feels very smooth and it is also very spacious as well. I haven't had any problems with the car and that also has to do with maintaining it. There's also a Bluetooth option if one wants to connect their music or phone calls to the car.

janell J on March 30, 2021

I love my car! I have never regretted buying this car.

I love my vehicle. It is roomy and comfortable. I love that I can put the seats down to haul things. I like that it's a hybrid and still gets good gas mileage even though it's big.

John W on March 29, 2021

Vehicle has great performance, rides nice, reasonable gas mileage for the size. No real problems - the rear camera is a bit dated

It is a very reliable vehicle that provides a comfortable ride

Melanie L on March 21, 2021

Toyota highlander is great!

Love this car! Reliable, no problems, plenty of room for family, dog, groceries, etc. Very safe, had not had a problem and I just got 70, 000 miles and my car is still going strong. I plan on keeping this car for a while, and then hope to get another.

Lauri A on March 20, 2021

Pretty reliable car. Great bang for your buck.

Nissa G on March 16, 2021

Good family car, very reliable.

It is been a great car. I haven't had any problems with it since purchasing it new in 2013. Drives smoothly. I did have to install a GPS, it would have been a nice feature to come with the car. Very comfortable for me. My husband is 6’4 and it is a little small for him. Enough room for the kids until they're teenagers.

Nathan L on March 16, 2021

Solid family car, tight for the tall folks of the world like me.

Love the leather, sunroof, backup camera, and tailgate/rear window options. I am a little cramped at 6’6” so it can strain my neck to keep my head off the ceiling. Fits seven, but certainly tight. I wish it came with crossbars on the rack. Gas mileage is usually averaging around 18mpg. All in all, a decent, small sport utility vehicle.

James R on March 13, 2021

Toyota highlander. Powerful car!

Earlier this year I purchased a used car originally made in 2013. It is in great shape for the number of miles driven by the previous owner. It has a great deal of power and thus far I have had no problems driving it in the winter. It has all weather tires.

Deborah P on March 7, 2021

Best car ever in my opinion.

I have had no problems with this vehicle, it is my second one. Kept the other 10 years only had oil changes and reg maintenance the car is comfortable to drive. And comfortable to ride in,,front and back seats fairly good gas consumption in town, 24 mpg.

Lora L on March 7, 2021

Best car on the road hands down.

There are not many things I do not like. It is roomy and very functional. I have had no issues with maintaining the vehicle. I just wish it had a few more amenities such as heated or air conditioned seats. I have owned other Toyota products in the past and plan to own more in the future. You cannot go wrong with a Toyota.

Sh S on March 3, 2021

Good view, easy for parking.

No comments, good for seat, comfortable, have 5 passengers, air conditions around the whole, maintenance alert,

Vicky S on February 27, 2021

Toyota Highlander... Great vehicle

Pam W on February 26, 2021

Highlander good for home or trips!

My vehicle has been reliable for 5 years running. Great for trips with plenty of storage and also generous legroom for passengers. Easy to navigate in-town also.

May C on February 25, 2021

My vehicle is great! Extremely comfortable and long lasting.

My vehicle has extremely comfortable seats. There's a lot of legroom for front and middle row seats. However, the back row does not. The air conditioning is decent as well. There are unique features such as the middle row passengers being able to control the air conditioning.

Meredith J on February 23, 2021

The Toyota highlander vehicle offers reliability and something for the family.

Renee L on February 23, 2021

Best purchase, the reliability was a huge part of our decision making process.

My highlander has been great. It is very reliable. I only change the oil every 5,000 miles and rotate tires. I have been a loyal Toyota buyer. My last vehicle was a Toyota for 12 years. I bought the limited package both times. The comfortability is exactly what I expected to pay for.

John W on February 22, 2021

Toyota highlander is a great vehicle.

It has great reliability. Better than expected mileage, 24-25 highway and 20 city. Comfortable ride. Nice features like third row seating, towing package available. Leather heated seats, navigation system, etc. Toyota also provides great service at my dealership.

Pat A on February 17, 2021

Toyota highlander with electronic notification devices.

My vehicle has been very reliable for the last five (5) yrs. All the electronic features are helpful reminders of oil changes needed, maintenance and etc. The steering wheel has many options to choose from such as music channels and volume control so that you can continue to steer safely. It great on highways and hills. Overall, I am thinking of getting an upgrade soon of this make and model. I enjoy driving my Toyota.. Highlander.

Gina L on February 13, 2021

The Highlander handles well in the snow due to the height, weight, and 4 wheel drive.

The Highlander is spacious enough to haul anything I might need from home improvement stores or nurseries. It has enough seating for multiple visitors. It rides very smoothly!

Denise W on February 11, 2021

Love my highlander. A great family cat.

The main reason I purchased this vehicle is the ability to add a third row of seating. I have 6 grandchildren ranging from 12 to 4 that love riding with grandma I can seat all of them comfortably. I purchased this vehicle used and the only mechanical problem I have had is the tires. I get great gas mileage (even driving around town). On road trips I have averaged 26-27 miles per gallon the only thing that I wished it had is a backup camera.

Jessica D on February 11, 2021

Too small for families need more space

It's too small, the oil needs to be changed too often. I do like all the system alerts. More cargo space a must. Better gas mileage, less cost for car

Cary S on February 7, 2021

The highest rating in the land

Reliable, good room, convertible. It's good for travel with kids, or fun with friends. I like that it sits up high to protect me from flooding.

Krystal L on February 6, 2021

My love for Toyota highlander.

I absolutely love the vast amount of space it contains as well as how it is the perfect size for a car in my opinion. Furthermore, it is a great size where I can go off road if needed but also conveniently fit everywhere in town. So, I would highly recommend this car to everyone I know as I have had this car for years.

Adriana M on February 5, 2021

Great highlander that is good for a family.

It is easy to use and maneuver. Maintenance is something my husband can keep up with and it is very roomies do has good leg space. We follow the guidelines and it is easy to work with.. I really have no complaints. Windows and lights works well. Foot wheel drove is excellent.

Sheila P on February 3, 2021

Next best thing to a truck.

Chose this model because of the heavy duty chassis we live on gravel road so I needed an SUV that performed like a truck and still transport grandkids groceries etc. Runs well drives well.

Kathryn O on February 1, 2021

It is very dependable and economical.

It is dependable. I owned my first Toyota for 10 years, 125,000 miles without any major problems. My highlander is fuel efficient. . . 22 mpg. Very smooth ride.

Laura C on January 31, 2021

Love it! Highly suggest a highlander.

No issues to date! Roomy and comfortable in the front and back seat. Love the third row seating. A little crunched back there but we don't use it often.

Johnson J on January 30, 2021

My first owning Toyota after years.

I like my Toyota because it is roomy, reliable, strong, trustful and good performance. Only one thing I do not like is the car is getting older and out of warranty so that I need to take care of all repairs. Other than that I like my Toyota and I will keep this car for a long time.

Nicole K on January 30, 2021

The spacious Highlander with a few small kinks.

Positives: The car is overall amazing. About 19 mpg on average. 7 seats and two captain chairs in the middle. Spacious and comfortable overall a smooth ride. Problems: The touch screen works half the time, after about 4 years of use. Does not come with a tow hitch stock.

Jessica J on January 29, 2021

Toyota Highlander- Perfect Family Car

The trunk is small and wish it was easier to transition between third row up and down. Also wish the gas indicator gave miles until empty and that individual tire pressure was visible as well. Other than that the car is great. Reliable. Comfortable. Easy to drive.

Nicole T on January 27, 2021

So much space and drives so smooth.

Over 100k miles and running perfect. No issues. Change the oil regularly and have had to get new tires and new brakes once. Other than that, the vehicle runs so smooth and is safe and there is so much room. It is amazing how much space there is in the backseat and the 3rd row if you need it.

Cindy H on January 27, 2021

It has the option of third row seating which is great for big families.

I love that the highlander has the option of the third row seating. However, the third row is cramped with not much leg room. For a full size SUV, the gas mileage is awesome! It offers leather, heated seats which come in handy in the winter time.

Elisa S on January 25, 2021

This car has enough space for the family and is Dependable

I love the space. It is a comfortable ride. It is dependable.

Reina D on January 25, 2021

It has of power and is very smooth. It looks smaller than it is.

I've only had a couple of issues. The sunroof gets clogged easily. It is not very difficult to unclog but by the time you realize it's clogged, there's water all over the inside of your car. The brakes only last about a year. Not very good on gas. I drive 15 miles each way to work and a full take only lasts 3-4 days.

Kristin M on January 23, 2021

Dependable family car - family of 4.

I bought this car used 2 years ago and have had zero issues. This car is very dependable and the third row option has been great for my growing family of four. Because the car is a little older it lacks some of the bells and whistles of a new car but it has Bluetooth capability for phone calls, which is really all that I need. The car is comfortable road noise is not an issue either.

Cheryl M on January 22, 2021

Not inexpensive but an extremely reliable and fun car to drive.

Very reliable. I have never had a minutes trouble with my highlander. Is very roomy inside and has all the bells and whistles you would expect.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.