Toyota Highlander Reviews: Top 3 Features in 2024
Toyota Highlander reviews highlight a midsize SUV that’s a top choice for families seeking a balance of comfort, safety, and reliability. As a versatile family vehicle, the Highlander has built a reputation for excellence in the ever-competitive SUV market. Users often praise its spacious and quiet interior, which provides ample room for passengers. While not as large as its sibling, the Grand Highlander, its three-row seating arrangement fits well into the needs of growing families.
Key highlights include:
- Impressive fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg for combined driving—economical for its class.
- Top-notch comfort featuring cushioned seats and a serene ride quality.
- Innovative safety features that improve peace of mind on the road.
Explore how the Highlander competes with Kia’s Telluride and Hyundai’s Palisade for family-friendly driving dynamics.
Toyota Highlander Reviews
Comfort and Efficiency
The Toyota Highlander is known for its outstanding comfort and efficiency, making it a popular choice among midsize SUVs. One of its standout features is the cushioned seats, which provide a plush and relaxing ride for all passengers. Whether you’re commuting daily or starting on a long road trip, the Highlander’s interior ensures a quiet and serene environment. This is complemented by its excellent fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in combined city and highway driving. This figure is particularly impressive for a vehicle in this class and can lead to significant savings over time.
Driving Dynamics
When it comes to driving dynamics, the Highlander offers a relaxed ride that prioritizes comfort and ease. Its suspension is tuned to absorb road imperfections, ensuring a smooth journey. While it may not deliver the most spirited driving experience, it performs adequately for everyday needs. The Highlander excels in providing a balance between comfort and driving performance, making it suitable for families who value a reliable and stress-free driving experience.
Safety is another area where the Highlander shines. Equipped with Toyota’s Safety Sense, it includes features like forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist, which are essential for modern driving. These technologies not only improve safety but also contribute to the overall peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
In summary, the Toyota Highlander is a well-rounded SUV that offers a blend of comfort, efficiency, and safety. Its features cater to families looking for a dependable vehicle that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Competitors to Consider
When considering a midsize SUV, look at competitors like the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and even the Grand Highlander. Each offers unique features that might sway your decision.
Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride has quickly become a favorite in the SUV market. It offers a spacious interior, making it ideal for families who need extra room. The Telluride is praised for its refined cabin and user-friendly tech features. Additionally, it provides a bit more driving enjoyment compared to the Highlander, which some drivers might prefer.
Hyundai Palisade
Similarly, the Hyundai Palisade is another strong contender. It shares many similarities with the Telluride, given their shared platform. The Palisade stands out with its upscale interior and advanced safety features. Families will appreciate the extra features that come standard, often at a slightly lower price point than the competition.
Grand Highlander
Within Toyota’s own lineup, the Grand Highlander offers a compelling alternative. Debuting just last year, it’s designed to provide more space and features than the standard Highlander. This makes it a great option for those who love the Highlander but need a bit more room or advanced amenities.
In conclusion, while the Toyota Highlander is a solid choice, it’s worth exploring these competitors to find the perfect fit for your needs. Each has its strengths, whether it’s space, features, or driving dynamics, ensuring there’s a midsize SUV out there for everyone.
Safety Features
When it comes to safety, the Toyota Highlander stands out with its impressive suite of features known as Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P). This package comes standard on all 2017 models and newer, providing essential safety technologies that can make a real difference on the road.
One of the standout features is the forward collision warning system. This technology alerts drivers when a potential collision is detected, helping to prevent accidents before they occur. In a real-world scenario, it has been credited with preventing accidents during moments of distraction, as one driver noted when their attention was diverted by a beverage mishap. The system’s ability to precharge the brakes and alert the driver can be a literal lifesaver.
Another key component of Toyota Safety Sense is lane-keeping assist. This feature helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane, reducing the risk of unintended lane departures. While it performs well in many situations, it’s worth noting that the dynamic radar cruise control, a part of the system, doesn’t function below 30 mph, which can be a limitation in stop-and-go traffic.
Technology and Infotainment
The Toyota Highlander also offers a range of technology and infotainment options. The Entune system serves as the vehicle’s infotainment hub. While it doesn’t include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in the 2017 model, it does offer its own App Suite, allowing access to popular apps like Pandora and Yelp through a connected smartphone.
For navigation, higher trims come with integrated systems, though lower trims require the use of the Scout GPS app via Entune. An optional 8-inch touchscreen provides quick inputs and a user-friendly experience, though some might find the absence of more popular smartphone integration options a downside.
In summary, the Toyota Highlander combines robust safety features with a solid, if somewhat traditional, infotainment system. These features ensure that drivers have both peace of mind and entertainment options at their fingertips, making it a strong contender in the midsize SUV market.
Frequently Asked Questions about Toyota Highlander
What are the negatives on a Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander is a popular choice for families, but like any vehicle, it has its drawbacks. One of the main criticisms is its limited third-row space. While the Highlander can technically seat up to eight passengers, the third row is often too cramped for adults and is better suited for children.
Another point to consider is its small cargo capacity when all seats are in use. If you plan on using the third row regularly, you might find the cargo space lacking compared to some competitors like the Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade.
Additionally, while the Highlander offers a smooth ride, its driving dynamics might not satisfy those looking for a more spirited driving experience. It’s designed for comfort rather than sporty handling, which might be a downside for some drivers.
Is the Toyota Highlander reliable?
When it comes to reliability, the Toyota Highlander generally scores well. It has a strong reliability score and is known for its predicted reliability. This makes it a solid choice for those planning on keeping their vehicle for many years.
Owners often report high satisfaction with the Highlander’s longevity. With routine care and maintenance, many Highlanders continue to perform well beyond the typical lifespan of a midsize SUV. This reputation for reliability contributes to its popularity among families and long-term owners.
How many miles do Toyota Highlanders last?
A well-maintained Toyota Highlander can last a significant number of miles. Many owners report their vehicles reaching 250,000-300,000 miles with proper care. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and timely repairs, plays a crucial role in achieving such mileage.
This extensive ownership potential makes the Highlander an attractive option for those seeking a long-term investment. Its durability and reliability ensure that it remains a dependable choice for families and individuals alike.
In conclusion, while the Toyota Highlander has some limitations in space and driving dynamics, its reliability and potential for long-lasting performance make it a popular choice in the midsize SUV market.
Conclusion
At All Used Cars LLC, we understand that choosing the right vehicle is a big decision. That’s why we offer a wide selection of used Toyota Highlanders that combine reliability with competitive pricing. Our extensive dealer network across the USA ensures you have access to top-quality cars, no matter where you are.
The Toyota Highlander is a standout in the midsize SUV category, known for its smooth ride and impressive fuel economy. It’s a vehicle that promises comfort and efficiency, making it perfect for families and daily commuters alike. While it may have some limitations in third-row space and driving dynamics, its reliability and potential for longevity are hard to beat. With proper maintenance, a Highlander can last between 250,000-300,000 miles, offering excellent value over time.
For those interested in purchasing a Highlander, our team at All Used Cars LLC is here to help you find the perfect match at a price that suits your budget. Take advantage of our secure financing options and drive away with confidence, knowing you’ve made a smart choice for your family.
Explore our range of used Toyota Highlanders and find why so many choose this reliable SUV. Visit us today and let us help you find a vehicle that meets all your needs without breaking the bank.