The new Toyota Highlander is a three-row SUV built for families who need space and reliability

The Toyota Highlander is a mid-size SUV that seats up to eight people across three rows. It comes in both gas and hybrid versions, with the hybrid offering better fuel economy. The vehicle is designed around practicality — easier entry and exit for passengers in the back rows, a large cargo area, and standard safety features across all trim levels.

If you are shopping for a new SUV, the Highlander competes directly with vehicles like the Honda Pilot, Kia Sorento, and Mazda CX-9. Each has different strengths depending on what matters most to you: fuel economy, towing capacity, interior technology, or price point.

Key Takeaways

  • The Highlander comes in gas and hybrid powertrains, with the hybrid delivering roughly 35 miles per gallon combined versus 27 for the gas version.
  • All models include Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of driver-information features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping information.
  • The third row is genuinely usable for adults on shorter trips, though legroom is tighter than in the front two rows.
  • Trim levels range from LE to Platinum, with each step adding features like leather seats, panoramic sunroofs, and upgraded infotainment systems.
  • Real-world pricing varies by location, dealer, and current incentives, so comparing quotes from multiple dealerships matters more than sticker price.

Gas versus hybrid: which engine makes sense for your driving

The gas Highlander uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It produces 295 horsepower and can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The hybrid version pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors and delivers around 243 horsepower with better fuel economy but lower towing capacity.

The hybrid costs more upfront — typically $2,000 to $3,000 more than the comparable gas model — but uses less fuel over time. If you drive mostly in the city or on shorter trips with frequent stops, the hybrid's regenerative braking system recovers energy and improves efficiency. If you tow regularly or drive mostly highway miles at steady speeds, the gas engine may be the better choice. Calculate your own break-even point by estimating your annual miles, your local fuel prices, and how long you plan to keep the vehicle.

Safety features that come standard on every Highlander

Toyota Safety Sense is included on all Highlander models. This package includes adaptive cruise control, which maintains your set speed and distance from the car ahead; lane-departure alert, which warns you if you drift out of your lane; and automatic emergency braking, which can explore the brakes if a collision is imminent. The system also includes a pre-collision warning that alerts you to pedestrians or obstacles.

Beyond Safety Sense, the Highlander has eight airbags, electronic stability control, and a backup camera. Higher trim levels add features like a 360-degree camera system that shows a bird's-eye view of the vehicle, making parking and tight maneuvers easier to see. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have both tested recent Highlander models; you can find their detailed crash test results on their websites if safety ratings are a major factor in your decision.

Interior space and seating across three rows

The Highlander's main appeal is its three-row layout. The front row has the most space, with adjustable seats and good visibility. The second row offers captain's chairs (individual seats with a center console) on most trims, or a bench seat on the base LE model. The third row is designed for children or shorter trips — adults can sit there, but legroom is limited.

Cargo space behind the third row is modest, around 16 cubic feet. Fold the third row flat and you get 48 cubic feet. Fold both the second and third rows and the Highlander offers 84 cubic feet of cargo space. If you regularly haul large items, measure what you need to transport and test it in the vehicle before buying. The second-row seats slide forward and backward, which lets you adjust the balance between passenger legroom and cargo room.

Technology and infotainment options by trim level

The base LE model includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which let you mirror your phone's apps onto the dashboard screen. Moving up to the XLE adds a 10.5-inch touchscreen and wireless phone charging. The Limited and Platinum trims offer a larger 12.3-inch display with a built-in navigation system and a premium audio system.

All models support Bluetooth for phone calls and audio streaming. The higher trims add features like a panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, and heated or ventilated front seats. If you spend a lot of time in the vehicle, test the infotainment system at a dealership — responsiveness, menu layout, and how easily you can reach controls while driving vary by trim level and matter more than the screen size alone.

Trim levels and what each one includes

The Highlander lineup starts with the LE, which includes the essentials: the 3.5-liter V6 or hybrid engine, Toyota Safety Sense, an 8-inch touchscreen, and cloth seats. The XLE adds a larger touchscreen, wireless charging, and upgraded interior materials. The Limited brings leather seats, a power liftgate, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system. The Platinum is the top trim, adding features like a digital instrument cluster, a head-up display that projects information onto the windshield, and additional luxury finishes.

Each trim level is available in both gas and hybrid versions. The price difference between trims is significant — the Platinum costs substantially more than the LE — so think about which features you will actually use. A common mistake is paying for features you do not need; another is skipping features that would genuinely improve your daily experience. Test-drive multiple trims if possible to see where the value lands for you.

How the Highlander compares to other three-row SUVs

The Honda Pilot is slightly larger and offers more cargo space, but typically costs more. The Kia Sorento is smaller and more affordable, but seats only seven people and has less cargo room. The Mazda CX-9 emphasizes driving dynamics and interior design, with a more upscale feel, but offers less cargo space than the Highlander. The Chevrolet Traverse is larger and cheaper, but has a reputation for higher maintenance costs.

The Highlander's main strengths are reliability (Toyota vehicles tend to have lower repair costs over time), resale value (they hold their value well), and the balance between space, comfort, and price. Its main trade-off is that it prioritizes practicality over luxury or performance. If you want a sportier feel or cutting-edge interior design, another vehicle might suit you better. If you want a vehicle that will run reliably for 200,000 miles with predictable maintenance costs, the Highlander has a strong track record.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can the Highlander seat?

The Highlander seats up to eight people: two in the front row, three in the second row (if you choose the bench seat instead of captain's chairs), and three in the third row. Most models come with captain's chairs in the second row, which reduces capacity to seven.

What is the difference between the gas and hybrid fuel economy?

The gas Highlander gets around 27 miles per gallon combined (city and highway). The hybrid gets around 35 miles per gallon combined. Your actual mileage will vary based on driving habits, terrain, and traffic conditions.

Can you tow with the hybrid Highlander?

The hybrid can tow up to 3,500 pounds, compared to 5,000 pounds for the gas version. If you plan to tow regularly or pull heavy loads, the gas engine is the better choice. Check your specific towing needs against these limits before deciding.

Is the third row comfortable for adults?

The third row works for adults on short trips, but legroom is limited — typically around 27 inches of legroom compared to 40 inches in the second row. Taller passengers will feel cramped. It is best suited for children or occasional use by adults.

What warranty does the Highlander come with?

Toyota includes a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty on all new Highlanders. Some dealers offer extended warranties for an additional cost. Review the full warranty terms at the dealership before purchase.