Used 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander 3-row midsize SUV is in the second year of its fourth generation. It continues a grand tradition of being a best seller, even when there are rivals like the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Kia Telluride, and Hyundai Palisade in contention.

This fresh Highlander isn’t particularly innovative, but it doesn’t need to be. Its winning approach has always been to provide decent space for families, well-integrated and user-friendly features, excellent drivetrains, and solid dependability.

Slotting between the XLE and Limited trim levels, the new-for-2021 Highlander XSE brings a sportier attitude. It has 20-inch wheels, a firmer suspension, and an optional torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system that can apportion power between the rear wheels for more efficient (and more entertaining) cornering.

For a 35-mpg look at the Highlander, check out our 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review.

Flying along the freeway or commuting in the city, the 2021 Toyota Highlander feels impressively smooth and stable. With 295 horsepower, the standard V6 engine has noticeably more verve than comparable rivals.

When front-wheel drive is in the picture, go easy on the accelerator, or the front tires might squeal, and there could be some torque steer as those wheels try to apply that muscle to the tarmac. This isn’t an issue with all-wheel drive.

The all-wheel-drive system in the L, LE, and XLE trims can send up to 50 percent of power to the rear wheels when slip is detected. In all-wheel-drive variants of the higher trims, there’s a more sophisticated torque-vectoring system that can split power precisely between the rear wheels.

The 2021 Highlander is the epitome of user-friendliness. With the standard 8-inch touchscreen or the 12.3-inch alternative, no one needs a degree in software engineering to operate it. Controls for audio, climate, and other functions are similarly easy.

The seats are comfortable, even the cloth-covered ones in the lower trims. And the stitched-leather interior of the Highlander Platinum could almost pass for a Lexus.

With a bench in the second row, the Highlander seats up to eight. The L and LE trims are solely 8-seaters; XLE and Limited models come with a pair of captain’s chairs in row two, reducing the occupant count to seven, but the 8-seater configuration is available at no extra cost. Platinum trim is strictly a 7-seater.

Adults have plenty of space in the second row. The third row (not a traditional Highlander strength) has slightly more room than the previous generation, but still less than the Honda Pilot. It remains best for kids.

Cargo space is impressive. A usable 16 cubic feet behind the rear seat is enough for several bags of groceries. That swells to over 48 cubic feet with the third row folded, or over 84 cubic feet when both the second and third rows are laid flat.

There’s probably a rule that every new vehicle generation has to be bigger than its predecessor. This new Highlander has grown a couple of inches in wheelbase and overall length, which brings more cabin space and should contribute to a smoother ride quality.

From a stretched-looking front fascia housing LED headlights to a prominent character line that begins near the middle of the front wheels, extends up through the rear doors, and flows over the back wheels, it’s an arguably tidy shape overall.

The lower three trims roll on 18-inch alloy wheels; 20-inch alloys are standard on the XSE, Limited, and Platinum.

12.3-INCH TOUCHSCREEN
Not only is this 12.3-inch touchscreen the biggest in its class, it’s also bright, crisp, and capable of displaying a wealth of information like navigation and climate side by side. It’s optional in the Limited trim and standard in the Platinum model.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander comes in L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum.

Even the base Highlander L is equipped generously, including an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, LED projector headlights, tri-zone climate control, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto/Amazon Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, four USB ports, and keyless entry/ignition.

All 2021 Highlanders come with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 array of driver aids bringing forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and Lane Tracing Assist (keeping the Highlander centered in lanes when adaptive cruise control is engaged). Toyota Care (2 years/25,000 miles of complimentary maintenance) is also included.

Families on a tighter budget will find the L absolutely workable. But for an extra $2,200, LE trim adds features like a powered tailgate with adjustable height, blind-spot monitoring, HD radio, LED fog lights, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

The Highlander XLE adds heated and power-adjustable front seats (10-way for the driver, 4-way for the passenger), powered moonroof, simulated leather upholstery, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and 2nd-row sunshades. Limited trim brings real leather with wood trim, heated/ventilated front seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, navigation, and a premium JBL audio system.

The range-topping Highlander Platinum has a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 360-degree camera system, head-up display, heated 2nd-row seats, panoramic sunroof, and a digital rearview camera that offers both a traditional mirror or digital image. All-wheel drive is optional throughout the range.

The Highlander has a 3.5-liter V6 making 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, which is ideal for propelling a fully loaded midsize 3-row SUV/crossover. An 8-speed automatic transmission sends that energy to the front wheels (FWD) in standard form. All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional.

The V6-powered 2021 Highlander has a tow rating of 5,000 pounds.

3.5-liter V6
295 horsepower @ 6,600 rpm
263 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/28 (FWD), 20/27 mpg (AWD)