2021 Toyota Highlander Review

　　

2021 Toyota Highlander Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　Coming off a full redesign last year, the 2021 Toyota Highlander broadens its lineup with a new and sporty XSE model with a sport-tuned suspension. Most shoppers seeking a three-row family SUV probably aren't looking for handling performance, though, and the Highlander is already skilled in that area. Otherwise, this three-row midsize SUV returns unchanged, with the same perks and drawbacks as last year.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Toyota Highlander L 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$154/mo  for Highlander L

　　Highlander L

　　L 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $35,085 MSRPL 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $36,685 MSRPLE 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $37,285 MSRPLE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $38,885 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $40,085 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $41,685 MSRPXSE 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $41,680 MSRPXSE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $43,630 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $44,040 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $45,990 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $47,240 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $49,190 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　We enjoy the Highlander's comfortable seats and ride quality, as well as its potent V6 engine that comes standard. But this Toyota is held back by its cramped third-row seating and smaller cargo space behind those seats. If cargo space is a priority, it's worth checking out the impressive Kia Telluride (and related Hyundai Palisade) as well as the Honda Pilot or Volkswagen Atlas. Still interested? Check out our Expert Rating to get our in-depth take on the ups and downs of the 2021 Highlander.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Highlander drive? Unlike some SUVs that can be slow to respond when you first step on the accelerator, the Toyota Highlander delivers near immediate response. At our zzdcar test track we measured 0-60 mph at 7.5 seconds, which is slightly better than average and a dead heat with the top-rated Kia Telluride — though the Highlander feels a little quicker from the driver's seat.

　　The Highlander's ability to negotiate a twisty road has improved. Body roll is controlled as you go around turns, and the available torque-vectoring AWD system can also help by applying engine power to individual rear wheels to subtly enhance the SUV's handling balance (in addition to the usual benefit of extra traction in wet weather).

　　Despite all this advanced technology, the Highlander still feels like a bigger SUV. A number of competitors move with more purpose and lightness, and many are able to stop quicker in an emergency braking scenario. Ultimate performance aside, the Highlander makes daily driving a low-effort activity, which is most important.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Highlander? The Highlander's ride quality is pleasantly plush. Large and small road imperfections are smoothed over thanks to the compliant suspension, yet it avoids feeling floaty or disconnected at higher speeds. The front seats are quite comfortable even on long drives, and the available second-row captain's chairs deliver nearly the same amount of comfort. Alas, the third-row seats are one of the Highlander's greatest liabilities. Thin padding, a very low seat cushion and narrow space make them ill-suited for adults.

　　Wind noise is well silenced on the highway, and road noise is minimal. Our test Highlander did have a minor creak developing at the top of the driver's door.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The first and second seating rows provide ample space, but the third row is one of the most confining in the midsize three-row SUV class. If you're planning on regularly using the full passenger capacity, you will be better served by rivals such as the Kia Telluride or Volkswagen Atlas. Once you're seated, it's easy to find your preferred driving position, but taller drivers may wish for a bit more extension range from the telescoping steering wheel. It can be a bit of a reach.

　　We give the Highlander high marks for outward visibility. The front roof pillars are thin, which help you see around turns. Some of the Highlander's available technology features help too, such as the camera-based rearview mirror that allows you to see out the back even if you've fully loaded up the rear cargo area. The available surround-view camera system is sharp and can be rotated to "look around" the vehicle.

　　

Technology

7.5/10

　　How’s the tech? In recent years, Toyota has trailed other manufacturers when it comes to tech. This latest-generation Highlander makes big strides in the right direction, but it still has some drawbacks. The optional 12.3-inch touchscreen is huge (an 8-inch screen is standard) and it responds quickly to inputs, but the reflections on the surface make using it more difficult than it should be. Our Highlander Platinum test vehicle had five USB charge ports for the first and second rows but none for the third row.

　　Toyota provides a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids as standard on all Highlanders. Among other things, we like the adaptive cruise control, but we found the lane departure warning slightly too sensitive in the normal mode and not sensitive enough in the low mode.

　　

Storage

7.5/10

　　How’s the storage? Cargo space is a bit of a mixed bag with the Highlander. Behind the third row, there's only 16 cubic feet of space, which is small for the class. Behind the second row, it expands to a better-than-average 48.4 cubic feet. The liftover height is about average for a midsize SUV.

　　As for cabin storage, there are good-size pockets and cupholders, as well as two shelves built into the dash (one has a clever phone cable keeper too). Because the wireless phone charger is in the center armrest bin, you have to flip it up to access the space underneath, which some might find inconvenient.

　　Got kids? A large rear-facing car seat will easily be accommodated in the second row thanks to the generous amount of fore/aft movement of the available captain's chairs. The car seat anchors are also easy to locate and access for all types of child safety seats, though there are no anchors in the third row.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the all-wheel-drive Highlander returns 23 mpg (20 city/27 highway) and a slightly better 24 mpg (21 city/29 highway) for front-wheel-drive models. This may not seem like a huge advantage over the competition with a difference of just 1 or 2 mpg, but it's significant for this class of vehicle.

　　On our 115-mile highway-heavy evaluation route, we achieved 24.7 mpg, which indicates to us the EPA's estimates should be achievable. Of note, the Highlander Hybrid is estimated to return 36 mpg combined.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the Highlander a good value? In general, the Highlander is a little more expensive than its closest rivals, and you don't quite get as many standard features. When it comes to quality, the interior materials are only about average when compared to what's used in the top-rated SUVs in this class.

　　Toyota's warranty coverage is pretty common for the class with three years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and five years/60,000 miles for the powertrain. Toyota provides the first two years of scheduled maintenance for free.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　The new styling up front gives the Highlander more of an industrial, truck-like appearance, which is pleasing. The same can't be said of the Supra-inspired character line that goes from the bottom of the front door and over the rear wheels.

　　One thing that helps boost this score is the Highlander's composure on a twisting road. We might even say it's fun to drive for a midsize three-row SUV.

　　

Which Highlander does zzdcar recommend?

Most shoppers on a budget will be well served by the Highlander in LE trim, mainly for its addition of a power liftgate and a blind-spot monitor. For those in harsh weather regions, all-wheel drive is available throughout the lineup. If you have more room in your budget, the XLE model looks and feels quite a bit nicer thanks to its added convenience features and simulated leather upholstery.

　　

2021 Toyota Highlander models

The 2021 Toyota Highlander is a midsize three-row SUV with seating for eight passengers. Midgrade trims and above swap the second-row bench for captain's chairs, reducing capacity to seven passengers. All models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine (295 horsepower, 263 lb-ft of torque) that is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. All-wheel-drive is available on all trims as an option. There's also a Highlander Hybrid variant that is reviewed separately.

　　There are six trims: L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited and Platinum. Note that some of the Highlander's extra features on the upper trims are offered on supporting trims as options.

　　The base L trim comes well appointed with feature highlights that include:

　　LED headlights Heated mirrors Remote keyless entry and ignition Power-adjustable driver's seat Tri-zone automatic climate control Second- and third-row 60/40-split folding seats 8-inch infotainment touchscreen Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa smartphone integration Six-speaker audio system Onboard Wi-Fi hotspot Emergency communications (Toyota's Safety Connect) Toyota's Safety Sense suite of advanced safety features: Frontal collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front) Automatic high beams Lane tracing assist (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane) Traffic sign reader The LE trim adds a handful of convenience and safety features such as:

　　Foglights Height-adjustable power liftgate Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)The seven-passenger XLE upgrades the Highlander with:

　　Roof rails Sunroof Wireless charging pad Auto-dimming rearview mirror Simulated leather upholstery (SofTex) Heated front seats Second-row captain's chairs Second-row sunshades A larger driver information displayThe new XSE trim represents the sporty choice in the lineup and adds:

　　Unique sporty styling cues Sport-tuned suspension Interior ambient lighting Navigation systemStepping up to the Limited trim adds plenty of luxury items that include:

　　Front and rear parking sensors Hands-free liftgate Leather upholstery Ventilated front seats Additional front seat adjustments and memory functions Heated steering wheel Household power outlet Intercom system that broadcasts the driver's voice through the speakers 11-speaker JBL audio systemAt the top of the range, the Platinum goes all-in with:

　　Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves) Automatic wipers Panoramic sunroof Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield) Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area) Heated second-row seats Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Highlander and its surroundings for tight parking situations) 12.3-inch touchscreen

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2021 Highlander Highlights

Trim: LLEXLEXSELimitedPlatinumL

　　

Base MSRP	$35,085
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$154/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles