The Toyota Highlander, a midsize crossover SUV known for its reliability and family-friendly features, has been a popular choice among consumers since its debut. With its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and impressive fuel efficiency, the Highlander seems to check all the boxes for a perfect family vehicle. But as with any product, it’s not without its downsides.
In this article, we’ll navigate the top 10 pros and cons of the Toyota Highlander, each substantiated by a credible source. Whether you’re a potential buyer, a car enthusiast, or simply curious about this popular SUV, this comprehensive analysis will provide the insights you need.
Pros of Toyota Highlander
- Ample Cargo Space: The Toyota Highlander offers ample cargo space, making it a practical choice for families and individuals who need extra room for their belongings. Source
- Advanced Infotainment System: The Highlander features a massive infotainment screen, providing a user-friendly interface and a host of entertainment options. Source
- Fuel-Efficient: The Toyota Highlander gets high marks for its fuel-efficient engine, making it a cost-effective choice for long-term use. Source
- Plush Ride Quality: The Highlander offers a plush ride quality, ensuring a comfortable journey for both the driver and passengers. Source
- Confident Handling: The Highlander boasts confident handling, providing a secure and enjoyable driving experience. Source
- Many Standard Driver Assist Features: The Highlander comes with many standard driver assist features, enhancing safety and convenience. Source
- Variety of Trims: The Highlander offers a variety of trims to choose from, allowing buyers to select the model that best suits their needs and preferences. Source
- Better Fuel Efficiency: Compared to some of its competitors, the Toyota Highlander offers better fuel efficiency, making it a more economical choice. Source
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ Compatibility: The Highlander offers wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, providing seamless integration with smartphones. Source
- Comfort and Space: The Toyota Highlander combines the comfort of a car with the space and height of an SUV, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of drivers. Source
Cons of Toyota Highlander
- Tight Third Row: The Toyota Highlander has a cramped third-row of seats, making it less comfortable for adults. Source
- Higher Price: The Highlander is a bit more pricey than other comparable three-row SUVs like the Hyundai Palisade or the Kia Telluride. Source
- Inverter Failure: The first and second-generation Toyota Highlander Hybrid had issues with their inverters going bad after several years of use. Source
- Limited Off-Road Capability: The Highlander is not designed for serious off-roading, limiting its versatility for some drivers. Source
- Less Engaging Drive: Some drivers find the Highlander less engaging to drive compared to other SUVs in its class. Source
- Limited Towing Capacity: The Highlander’s towing capacity is less than some of its competitors, which could be a disadvantage for those needing to tow heavy loads. Source
- Higher Cost of Ownership: The cost of ownership can be higher for the Highlander compared to other vehicles in its class, considering factors like insurance, maintenance, and depreciation. Source
- Less Sporty Design: Some consumers find the design of the Highlander less sporty compared to other SUVs. Source
- Limited Color Options: The Highlander comes in a limited range of exterior colors compared to some competitors. Source
- Less Advanced Interior: Some competitors offer more advanced interior features and a more luxurious feel compared to the Highlander. Source
The Toyota Highlander, with its reputation for reliability, ample cargo space, and advanced safety features, certainly holds its ground in the competitive midsize SUV market. Its fuel efficiency and comfortable ride quality make it a practical choice for families and individuals who value comfort and economy.
However, like any vehicle, it’s not without its drawbacks. The higher price point, limited off-road capability, and less engaging drive may deter some potential buyers. Furthermore, the cramped third-row seating and higher cost of ownership are factors worth considering.
In the end, whether the Toyota Highlander is the right vehicle for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It’s always recommended to test drive and compare several vehicles before making a final decision.
