The 2019 Toyota Highlander lasts around 300,000 miles with only some minor Bluetooth and fuel pump issues reported. At $25,750 to $37,975, it’s pricey, but worth the money for one of the most dependable midsize SUVs on the market.
Is the 2019 Toyota Highlander a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – 2019 is an excellent year for the Toyota Highlander since it has a lot of safety tech paired with high reliability scores, giving it a high overall rating. Owner reviews praise the upscale interior, smooth suspension, along with the strong V6 engine.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – Interior materials are nice for an SUV in its price range, seating is very comfortable on long trips, cargo space is also excellent.
- Reliability 10/10 – There are no serious mechanical problems found on the 2019 Toyota Highlander, making it one of the most reliable midsize SUVs on the market. Models from 2009–2021 are all dependable choices.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is poor from the 4-cylinder engine, while the V6 offers similar power to other midsize SUVs.
- Safety 10/10 – The 2019 Toyota Highlander is a very safe SUV earning a perfect 5-star rating in crash tests. Toyota Safety Sense is standard, which includes driver assistance features such as a rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, as well as adaptive cruise control. Blind spot monitoring as well as a surround-view parking camera system are optional.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 23 MPG giving 441 miles of range from the 19.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $22 cheaper than average, at $203 per month.
- Value 9/10 – The 2019 Toyota Highlander is more expensive than some other midsize SUVs, while low ownership costs make it a good long-term value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Toyota Highlander?
- Consumer Reports says the 2019 Toyota Highlander is a very capable and family-friendly midsize SUV with high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Highlander at 4/5, praising the standard high-tech safety features, but doesn’t like the limited legroom in the third row.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Highlander a 4.4/5, enjoying the quiet and comfortable interior, but owners don’t like the lack of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
What Common Problems Does the 2019 Toyota Highlander Have?
Common problems found on the 2019 Toyota Highlander include Bluetooth connectivity issues, worn-out fuel pumps, as well as some chipping paint. Overall, these problems are minor compared to other midsize SUVs from the same year, leading to lower repair bills as they age.
Bluetooth connectivity issues are the most widespread complaint from 2019 Toyota Highlander owners in the first 10,000 miles. The software freezes and causes phones to disconnect from the stereo system. There are software updates which improve the connection stability. Dealers will usually update the software for free, while some may charge up to $100.
Worn-out fuel pumps have also been reported by Highlander owners at around 7,500 miles. There is a large recall for the entire fuel pump assembly on a lot of Toyota and Lexus models. Toyota will replace the entire assembly for free for free on all affected models.
Chipping paint on the front bumper is another issue reported by owners at roughly 25,000 miles. Paint which is improperly cared for is more likely to chip easily as it ages. The only way to fix the problem is by repainting the front bumper, which costs around $1,000.
There are three recalls on the 2019 Toyota Highlander, which is fewer than many other SUVs from the same year. The two most serious recalls both cover the fuel pump assembly, which Toyota will replace for free. The third recall is for a load capacity label, which is less of an issue, although Toyota will also replace the label for free as well.
How Long Will the 2019 Toyota Highlander Last?
A well-maintained 2019 Toyota Highlander can last around 300,000 miles, which is about 50,000 miles longer than the popular Honda Pilot. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than many other SUVs, according to data from Repair Pal, at $453 per year.
As a used 2019 Highlander ages and reaches over 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the oxygen sensor for $550, window switch costing $400, as well as the front control arm, which costs around $900.
This is a reliable car. I cannot detect any problems as of yet. The temperature could be easier to control.
Absolutely reliable! No issues whatsoever. It is still really new, but I believe it is going to be a great car for years to come.
This car is reliable. The only problem is the lane detectors are not up to date. Roads are being fixed; therefore, the car jerks near roads that are being fixed. The maps also need alternative routes. Whenever you miss a turn, it will tell you to u-turn rather provide another route.
From what I have experienced it is very reliable so far and I haven't had any issues with it at all. It seems to always meet my expectations of a great car.
The tires are not that great in the snow. I think a Toyota could provide better quality tires especially in colder climates such as mine.
As of yet I have not encounter any issues. Only thing is I would have liked for the merging signal as well.
So far it has been very reliable. I have run into no problems other than hitting a deer. So far the gas mileage is not what it was advertised as, but it is still superior to other vehicles I have driven in the past.
Yes it is, it’s the perfect size SUV. Great car for running errands, commuting to work and a road trip. I haven't had any issue at all
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good in the 2019 Toyota Highlander with a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity. There’s an optional 8-inch touchscreen, as well as more powerful stereo systems available. Unfortunately, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not offered on the 2019 Highlander.
Safety technology is excellent since Toyota Safety Sense is standard on all models. Standard advanced safety features include a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, as well as automatic high-beam headlights. Optional upgrades include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and a surround-view parking camera system.
Is the 2019 Toyota Highlander a Good Value?
Yes, the 2019 Toyota Highlander is a great value for one of the most reliable midsize SUVs on the market. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $25,750 to $37,975, making it more expensive than a Mazda CX-9 or Hyundai Santa Fe. When new, the price range was $31,830 to $49,180. Depreciation is better than other SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Toyota Highlander?
There are six models of the 2019 Toyota Highlander offered, from the base LE all the way up to the luxurious Limited Platinum. The 2019 Highlander also comes with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
LE is the entry-level model with:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Heated Mirrors
- Rear Privacy Glass
- Rearview Camera
- 60/40-Split Second Row Seat
- 2-Inch Touchscreen
- Five USB Ports
- Bluetooth
- Six-Speaker Sound System
- Toyota Safety Sense
LE Plus is a step up, adding:
- Height-Adjustable Power Liftgate
- Flip-Up Rear Window
- Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Upgraded Upholstery
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Satellite Radio
- EnTune Apps
XLE is next in the lineup with:
- Sunroof
- Keyless Entry and Ignition
- Leather Upholstery
- Heated Front Seats
- Power Passenger Seat
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
- Second Row Window Sunshades
- 110-Volt Power Outlet
- Driver Easy Speak Microphone
SE has additional features such as:
- 19-Inch Alloy Wheels
- LED Running Lights
- Sport Suspension
- Unique Exterior Styling Elements
Limited adds more luxury including:
- Unique 19-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
- Driver Seat Memory Settings
- Second-Row Captain’s Charis
- 12-Speaker JBL Audio System
Limited Platinum is the flagship model which adds:
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Automatic Wipers
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Rear Seat Entertainment System
- Front Parking Sensors
- Heated Second-Row Seats
What Engines Come In the Toyota Highlander?
- The base engine is a fairly weak 2.7L 4-cylinder which makes 185 horsepower while getting up to 22 MPG. It comes with a six-speed automatic transmission.
- An available upgrade is the more powerful 3.5L V6, which produces 295 horsepower at up to 23 MPG. This engine has a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. Performance is decent, taking 7.2 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Toyota Highlander Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Toyota Highlander?
The 2019 Toyota Highlander is a very comfortable midsize SUV offering seating for up to seven passengers depending on the configuration. Seating is great throughout the Highlander, especially with the available second row captain’s chairs.
Passenger room is excellent in the first and second row, while the third row has limited legroom, making it best suited to smaller children.
How Much Storage Space Does the Toyota Highlander Have?
Cargo space is similar to other midsize SUVs with enough space for 2-3 suitcases behind the third row, 6-8 behind the second row, and over 15 suitcases with the rear two rows folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Toyota Highlander was launched in 2014, and was replaced by the fourth generation in 2020.
2015: No major changes.
2016: Towing package standard on all V6 models.
2017: More powerful V6 engine, standard Toyota Safety Sense technology, updated front grille with LED headlights.
2018: No major changes.
2019: Minor exterior styling changes.
2020: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new styling, engines, as well as upgraded technology.
2021: XSE model introduced with a sport suspension.
How Does the Toyota Highlander Compare to the Competition?
The 2019 Toyota Highlander is one of the best midsize SUVs since it offers outstanding safety technology paired with great long-term reliability ratings.
The Honda Pilot is a competitor which costs around $2,000 less. Passenger room is a bit better in the Honda Pilot with a larger third row, while the Toyota Highlander has more standard safety technology. We recommend the Toyota Highlander since they last slightly longer, although both are very good choices for a dependable midsize SUV.
The Subaru Ascent is another midsize SUV which is about $3,000 less. The standard all-wheel drive system in the Subaru Ascent is better, while the Toyota Highlander has more passenger room. We recommend the Toyota Highlander since ownership costs are lower as they age.
Do Owners Recommend the Toyota Highlander?
Yes, this vehicle is good. I love the video camera for parking. The sensors on the side view mirrors come in handy too.
Yes! I have 3 kids and 3 dogs, plus my husband! It is big enough for all of us! With lots of extra room!
Yes it is. The car has many features that can be useful. The technology in the car improves safety and quality for the driver.
Yes it is a very good vehicle. It has been snowing where I am at and it drives excellent in the show no issues at all. It is also a very spacious vehicle.
Yes it is a great vehicle-I love the 3 rows and captain chairs and adequate trunk space. It drives smoothly too.
Its spacious and comfortable. Plenty of legroom in any sit and trunk. Love the design and the height.
It is an excellent vehicle. It is reliable, great on gas, roomy, and comfortable. It is the first vehicle that I have purchased that I am excited about.
It’s a great vehicle, plenty of space for kids, and groceries. I love the accessible 3 row that folds up and down.