Toyota Highlander Generations Overview: The RAV4's Big Brother
Just as the Toyota RAV4 was a trailblazer in the compact crossover segment, the larger Highlander did the same in the midsize segment, long before almost every major brand had a model competing in this space. The Highlander has now been around for 25 years in the USA and is in its fourth generation. For larger families who need more seating and cargo space, it's a logical step above the RAV4. Here's how the various Toyota Highlander generations have changed through the years, and how they've contributed to the insane number of Toyota cars on the road.
Produced for the 2001 to 2007 model years, the Highlander was introduced as a more comfortable alternative to the 4Runner; the latter is a body-on-frame SUV more suited for off-roading.
Initially, buyers could choose from either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 3.0-liter six-cylinder, with power sent to the front or all four wheels. A 3.3L V6 was later available. A manual Highlander wasn't available, so transmission choices were limited to four- or five-speed automatics. A hybrid was also launched later; it used a 3.3L V6 and electric motor, and could hit 27 mpg combined. While the base 2.4L made just 155 hp, the 3.3L model had 215 hp.
With just 30.2 inches of third-row legroom, the first Highlander's rearmost row wasn't ideal for adults, but the extra versatility was welcomed by buyers in the United States, as the model easily surpassed 100,000 annual sales figures for every year it was on sale besides the abbreviated first year.
This Toyota Highlander's model years were from 2008 to 2013, after the XU40 was revealed in 2007. Third-row legroom remained tight at 29.9 inches, which was actually slightly less than in the first-gen model. The XU40 looked neater, though, and the modernized dashboard gained a 6.1-inch center touchscreen.
Engine options included a 2.7-liter four-cylinder, a 3.5-liter V6, a 3.3-liter V6 hybrid, and a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid. The hybrids used a CVT, while the rest got either five- or six-speed automatics. The base 2.7L now made up to 187 hp, while the 3.5L hybrid was up to 280 hp.
The second-gen Toyota Highlander's mild redesign came for the 2011 model year, with the usual updates to the headlights and grille, along with a new 50/50 folding third-row seat.
Sales of this generation dropped slightly, but Toyota still managed to sell over 100,000 Highlanders in 2011 and 2012.
Related: Toyota RAV4 Generations Overview: Evolution Of The Crossover Pioneer
This Toyota Highlander generation's model years ran from 2014 to 2019, with the 2017-2019 models being facelifted. Not only larger, the XU50 had a bolder appearance than the conservative first two generations, as competition in the segment intensified.
The XU50 was available with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder, a 3.5-liter V6, and a 3.5L V6 hybrid. A six-speed automatic was equipped to 2.7L and early 3.5L models, but the V6 later gained an eight-speed automatic. As before, FWD and AWD versions of the Highlander were sold. The 2.7L remained rather sluggish with its 185 hp, but the hybrid produced up to 306 hp and much more easily coped with a full house of people and luggage.
Inside, the XU50 exhibited nicer materials than before and seating for up to eight people. Bizarrely, third-row legroom decreased again, this time measuring only 27.7 inches.
Overall, the XU50's improvements were well-received; in 2017, the Highlander logged over 200,000 sales for the first time in a single year.
Going into production in 2019, the fourth and current Highlander has been on sale since the 2020 model year, and is recognized as the most reliable mid-size SUV. Sharper styling, better safety and infotainment, and better cargo space behind the third row were some of the improvements. Third-row space remains an issue, with just 27.7 inches of legroom, but Toyota finally addressed this by introducing the larger Grand Highlander in 2023.
A major improvement came at the bottom end of the XU70 lineup, where the sluggish four-cylinder units used previously were replaced by a standard V6 producing 295 hp. This model was complemented by a 243-hp hybrid. As of the 2023 model year, a 2.4-liter turbo-four replaced the V6; with 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, this engine provided a more balanced combination of power and performance. All non-hybrid Toyota Highlander models use an eight-speed automatic.
As long as you don't need generous third-row space, the latest Highlander is a solid and competent mid-size SUV. It's not exciting to drive, but that's never been the model's main selling point. Upper trims can be specified with more luxurious finishes and second-row captain's chairs, and dual 12.3-inch screens are available.
Related: 6 Vehicles With the Most 3rd Row Legroom
Sales peaked in 2021, with over 264,000 Highlanders sold. Since then, it appears the more practical Grand Highlander has eaten into sales of the normal Highlander.
Nevertheless, this remains an important Toyota model and is one of the top-selling three-row SUVs in America.
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Toyota Highlander Generations Overview: The RAV4's Big Brother
Just as the Toyota RAV4 was a trailblazer in the compact crossover segment, the larger Highlander did the same in the midsize segment, long before almost every major brand had a model competing in this space. The Highlander has now been around for 25 years in the USA and is in its fourth generation. For larger families who need more seating and cargo space, it's a logical step above the RAV4. Here's how the various Toyota Highlander generations have changed through the years, and how they've contributed to the insane number of Toyota cars on the road. Produced for the 2001 to 2007 model years, the Highlander was introduced as a more comfortable alternative to the 4Runner; the latter is a body-on-frame SUV more suited for off-roading. Initially, buyers could choose from either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 3.0-liter six-cylinder, with power sent to the front or all four wheels. A 3.3L V6 was later available. A manual Highlander wasn't available, so transmission choices were limited to four- or five-speed automatics. A hybrid was also launched later; it used a 3.3L V6 and electric motor, and could hit 27 mpg combined. While the base 2.4L made just 155 hp, the 3.3L model had 215 hp. With just 30.2 inches of third-row legroom, the first Highlander's rearmost row wasn't ideal for adults, but the extra versatility was welcomed by buyers in the United States, as the model easily surpassed 100,000 annual sales figures for every year it was on sale besides the abbreviated first year. This Toyota Highlander's model years were from 2008 to 2013, after the XU40 was revealed in 2007. Third-row legroom remained tight at 29.9 inches, which was actually slightly less than in the first-gen model. The XU40 looked neater, though, and the modernized dashboard gained a 6.1-inch center touchscreen. Engine options included a 2.7-liter four-cylinder, a 3.5-liter V6, a 3.3-liter V6 hybrid, and a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid. The hybrids used a CVT, while the rest got either five- or six-speed automatics. The base 2.7L now made up to 187 hp, while the 3.5L hybrid was up to 280 hp. The second-gen Toyota Highlander's mild redesign came for the 2011 model year, with the usual updates to the headlights and grille, along with a new 50/50 folding third-row seat. Sales of this generation dropped slightly, but Toyota still managed to sell over 100,000 Highlanders in 2011 and 2012. Related: Toyota RAV4 Generations Overview: Evolution Of The Crossover Pioneer This Toyota Highlander generation's model years ran from 2014 to 2019, with the 2017-2019 models being facelifted. Not only larger, the XU50 had a bolder appearance than the conservative first two generations, as competition in the segment intensified. The XU50 was available with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder, a 3.5-liter V6, and a 3.5L V6 hybrid. A six-speed automatic was equipped to 2.7L and early 3.5L models, but the V6 later gained an eight-speed automatic. As before, FWD and AWD versions of the Highlander were sold. The 2.7L remained rather sluggish with its 185 hp, but the hybrid produced up to 306 hp and much more easily coped with a full house of people and luggage. Inside, the XU50 exhibited nicer materials than before and seating for up to eight people. Bizarrely, third-row legroom decreased again, this time measuring only 27.7 inches. Overall, the XU50's improvements were well-received; in 2017, the Highlander logged over 200,000 sales for the first time in a single year. Going into production in 2019, the fourth and current Highlander has been on sale since the 2020 model year, and is recognized as the most reliable mid-size SUV. Sharper styling, better safety and infotainment, and better cargo space behind the third row were some of the improvements. Third-row space remains an issue, with just 27.7 inches of legroom, but Toyota finally addressed this by introducing the larger Grand Highlander in 2023. A major improvement came at the bottom end of the XU70 lineup, where the sluggish four-cylinder units used previously were replaced by a standard V6 producing 295 hp. This model was complemented by a 243-hp hybrid. As of the 2023 model year, a 2.4-liter turbo-four replaced the V6; with 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, this engine provided a more balanced combination of power and performance. All non-hybrid Toyota Highlander models use an eight-speed automatic. As long as you don't need generous third-row space, the latest Highlander is a solid and competent mid-size SUV. It's not exciting to drive, but that's never been the model's main selling point. Upper trims can be specified with more luxurious finishes and second-row captain's chairs, and dual 12.3-inch screens are available. Related: 6 Vehicles With the Most 3rd Row Legroom Sales peaked in 2021, with over 264,000 Highlanders sold. Since then, it appears the more practical Grand Highlander has eaten into sales of the normal Highlander. Nevertheless, this remains an important Toyota model and is one of the top-selling three-row SUVs in America. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
