Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
8.7
Overall Rating
"Buyers can choose from the standard V-6 engine or go with the fuel-sipping hybrid option; both powertrains are available with AWD." - Edmunds
The 2021 Toyota Highlander is a mid-size SUV that is available for sale from a base MSRP of $34,810 and goes all the way to an MSRP of $48,915 for the top of the line Platinum trim. Available in 6 trim configurations, the 2021 Toyota Highlander retains the same 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 engine putting out 295 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque, and comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Both FWD, as well as AWD drivetrains, are on offer too. As a result, the 2021 Highlander does the 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds and offers a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. The 2021 Toyota Highlander also comes with all the features like leather upholstery, heated and powered seats, 12.3" touchscreen infotainment system, 11-speaker JBL audio system, and automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
The 2021 Toyota Highlander also comes with many lucrative financing and leasing deals. This mid-size SUV can be leased for a monthly payment of $289 with an initial down payment of $1,986. However, if you wish to finance your ride, the 2021 Toyota Highlander can be had for a monthly payment of $555, with a down payment of $1,888. If you wish to get the 2021 Toyota Highlander, we would also like to mention that the 2021 Toyota Highlander offers one of the lowest 5-year cost of ownership of $43,456 and a miles per dollar ratio of 10.22. The JD Power overall consumer score of 85 out of 100 attained by the 2021 Toyota Highlander is the best of the segment too.
8.1/10
Pricing and Features
7.9/10
Engine and Performance
7.8/10
Fuel Economy
8.4/10
Interior
8.4/10
Exterior
9.4/10
Safety
9.5/10
Competition
2021 Toyota Highlander Pricing and Features
The 2021 Toyota Highlander offers a total of 6 trim options: L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. The XSE trim is a new addition to the 2021 Toyota Highlander's trim lineup and is the most sporty looking variant out there, with a more aggressive exterior styling, unique 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in P235/55R20 all-season tires, and black exterior accents. Apart from that, the 2021 Toyota Highlander also comes with many standard safety and driver-assistance features for the 2021 iteration, like the semi-automated emergency steering technology, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and many more as standard.
The prices of the 2021 Toyota Highlander start from a base selling price of $34,810 for the L trim and go all the way up to $48,915 for the range-topping Platinum AWD trim. This is excluding the $1,175 destination charge which the 2021 Toyota Highlander invites. Being a mid-size SUV that competes with many feature-rich rivals, the 2021 Toyota Highlander also gets many interior and infotainment features as standard like the leather upholstery, heated and powered seats, a 12.3" touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 11-speaker JBL audio system, and many more. However, the lower trims miss out on many of these features.
|
Trim |
L |
LE |
XLE |
XSE |
Limited |
Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP (FWD) |
$34,910 |
$37,010 |
$39,810 |
$41,405 |
$43,765 |
$46,965 |
|
MSRP (AWD) |
$36,410 |
$38,610 |
$41,410 |
$43,355 |
$45,715 |
$48,915 |
|
Key Features |
power driver seat |
All L features |
All LE features |
All XLE features |
All XLE features |
All Limited features |
|
|
8.0-inch touchscreen |
blind-spot monitors |
front heated seats |
LED Projector lamps with black accents |
JBL speakers |
power panoramic moonroof |
|
|
LED headlights |
fog lights |
power sunroof |
20-inch alloy wheels |
navigation |
heated second-row seats |
|
|
18-inch wheels |
leather steering wheel |
roof rails |
Twin tip exhaust |
20-inch wheels |
surround-view camera system |
|
|
automatic emergency braking |
power liftgate |
power passenger seat |
Ambient interior lighting |
cooled front seats |
12.3-inch touchscreen |
Also Read:
- Check out the in-depth review of the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid here
- Know more about the specs & features on offer with the 2021 Toyota Highlander
- Toyota Files Application To Trademark “Grand Highlander” Name In North America
2021 Toyota Highlander Buying Advice
If you are planning on buying a new 2021 Toyota Highlander, we suggest you go for the XLE trim as it is pretty feature-rich for its price, which makes it the best value for money trim of the lot. The 2021 Toyota Highlander XLE is a pretty compelling trim configuration due to a ton of features and amenities on offer including heated front seats, a powered panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, automatic LED headlights with LED DRLs, and many more. We also suggest you go for the optional AWD drivetrain as it enhances the 2021 Highlander's off-roading capabilities.
Also Read:
- The Warranty, Maintenance Costs, and Reliability Ratings of the 2021 Toyota Highlander!
- Heavy discounts on new Toyota Highlander for Sale.
- Check out some great deals on the used Toyota Highlander here
2021 Toyota Highlander Engine and Performance
"Handling is unexciting but stable, and the ride is perfectly suitable for family-chauffer duty." - Car and Driver
The 2021 Toyota Highlander offers you a single powertrain option, which is a 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 motor putting out 295 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is a Direct-Shift 8-speed torque converter automatic and the power is put down through both the FWD as well as AWD drivetrain layout. The AWD drivetrain is available with all 6 trim configurations, for an additional $1,500. This mid-size SUV can also tow a maximum of 5,000 lbs.
The handling and ride quality were top-notch and the 2021 Toyota Highlander felt more like a hatchback rather than a mid-size SUV with a hefty curb weight of 4,145 lbs. The suspension setup on offer with the 2021 Toyota Highlander helps it to glide over the broken roads in the city limits. Even when going at highway speeds, the 2021 Toyota Highlander turned out to be quite flat. Along with that, the 2021 Toyota Highlander also offers sure-footed driving dynamics and minimal body roll while taking corners fast. The steering is accurate and offers a decent level of feel and feedback too. In comparison, we found the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid to be not as comfortable.
The 2021 Toyota Highlander managed to do the 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds and the quarter-mile in 15.3 seconds. The 2021 Toyota Highlander can also achieve a top speed of 115 MPH. This mid-size SUV also managed to do the 60-0 mph braking test in 116 feet due to the inclusion of 13.3" front and rear rotors. The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid managed to do the 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds and the quarter-mile in 14.9 seconds. The 60-0 mph braking is done in a similar 116 feet.
|
Models |
2021 Toyota Highlander |
2021 Kia Telluride |
2021 Hyundai Palisade |
2021 Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$34,910 |
$31,990 |
$32,525 |
$32,225 |
|
Engine |
3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6 |
3.8L Naturally Aspirated V6 |
3.8L Naturally Aspirated V6 |
2.3L turbocharged Inline-4 |
|
Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
RWD |
|
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
10-speed automatic |
|
Power |
295 hp @ 6,600 RPM |
291 hp @ 6,000 RPM |
291 hp @ 6,000 RPM |
300 hp @ 5,500 RPM |
|
Torque |
263 lb-ft @ 4,700 RPM |
262 lb-ft @ 5,200 RPM |
262 lb-ft @ 5,200 RPM |
310 lb-ft @ 3,500 RPM |
|
0-60 MPH |
7.2 sec |
7.2 sec |
7.2 sec |
7.0 secs |
|
Quarter Mile |
15.3 secs |
15.4 sec |
15.6 sec |
15.3 sec |
|
Top Speed |
115 MPH |
141 MPH |
130 MPH |
143 MPH |
The 2021 Ford Explorer's 2.3L turbocharged inline-4 engine leads the charts with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The 2021 Toyota Highlander slots in the second spot, while the 2021 Kia Telluride and 2021 Hyundai Palisade slot in the bottom half of the comparison. The 0-60 mph time taken by the 2021 Toyota Highlander does not fail to impress either considering it's a three-row mid-size SUV. The 2021 Toyota Highlander is the quickest SUV here, followed by the 2021 Explorer with a 0-60 mph time of 7 seconds.
Also Read:
- How well of a performer is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
- Check out our in-depth review of the 400 hp 2021 Ford Explorer ST.
- Chevy Corvette Stingray Takes Top Honors As The Fastest-Selling Car In March Followed By RAV4 Prime
2021 Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy
"The EPA estimates that the Highlander V-6 will deliver up to 29 mpg on the highway when equipped with front-wheel drive"- Car And Driver
The 2021 Toyota Highlander offers 21 MPG of city gas mileage and 29 MPG of highway gas mileage. Sum up these figures, and the 2021 Toyota Highlander is good for a combined 24 MPG. Meanwhile, the optional AWD drivetrain brings the 2021 Toyota Highlander's city gas mileage to 20 MPG and highway gas mileage to 27 MPG, which equates to combined gas mileage of 23 MPG.
The 2021 Toyota Highlander gets a fuel tank capacity of 17.1-gallons, which is quite decent, even though it is the smallest in comparison to the rivals. The 2021 Toyota Highlander offers a combined range of 393 miles. However, if better fuel efficiency is your target, you can also check out the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid that offers up to 36 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the freeway.
|
Models |
2021 Toyota Highlander |
2021 Kia Telluride |
2021 Hyundai Palisade |
2021 Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MPG (City) |
21 |
20 |
19 |
21 |
|
MPG (Highway) |
29 |
26 |
26 |
28 |
|
MPG (Combined) |
24 |
23 |
22 |
24 |
|
Fuel Capacity (Gallons) |
17.1 |
18.8 |
18.8 |
17.9 |
|
Range (City/Highway/Combined) (mi) |
342/461/393 |
376/488/432 |
357/488/413 |
392/523/436 |
All the rivals in this comparison are more or less in the same ballpark in terms of fuel efficiency. The 2021 Toyota Highlander and 2021 Ford Explorer lead the charts with combined gas mileage of 24 MPG, while the 2021 Kia Telluride and 2021 Hyundai Palisade's mpg figures slot in the lower half of the segment. However, these Korean cousins offer the best-in-class fuel tank capacity and tank range of the lot.
Also Read:
- Toyota Issues Recall For Nearly 280,000 Venzas To Fix Malfunctioning Airbags
- 2021 Toyota Highlander Length, Width, Height, Ground Clearance, and Wheelbase
2021 Toyota Highlander Interior
"2021 Toyota Highlander hits the yoga mat and stretches out for better room for families and gear." - TheCarConnection
The 2021 Toyota Highlander's interior is one of the most well-packaged and feature-loaded options in the market, offering a practical, modern, and hugely spacious cabin. This 7-seater mid-size SUV also offers ample legroom in the front and second-row but the third row disappoints due to mediocre headroom and legroom, making it only good for kids. However, in terms of features on offer, the 2021 Toyota Highlander, which is available for sale at a base MSRP of $34,810, also offers automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated and powered seats, a panoramic sunroof, and many more as standard.
The L and LE models of the 2021 Toyota Highlander have an 8 passenger seating capacity owing to a standard second-row bench, while XLE, Limited, and Platinum trim configurations come standard with a captain’s chair second row with seating for seven. The 2021 Toyota Highlander is a pretty comfortable place to be in due to the high-quality materials used for the construction of the cabin. In terms of the cargo capacity on offer, the 2021 Toyota Highlander offers 16 cu ft of cargo space, which is lower than all the rivals. The highest trims, Limited and Platinum, offer the most creature comforts but tend to get expensive.
|
Models |
2021 Toyota Highlander |
2021 Kia Telluride |
2021 Hyundai Palisade |
2021 Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Seating Capacity |
7 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
|
First Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) |
41.2/59/42.0 |
40.9/61.6/41.4 |
40.7/61.2/44.1 |
40.7/61.8/43 |
|
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) |
39.4/58.7/41 |
40.2/59.9/42.4 |
40.1/60.8/42.4 |
40.5/61.9/39 |
|
Third Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) |
36.1/55.0/27.7 |
38.1/55.3/31.4 |
37.8/55.2/31.4 |
38.9/54.6/32.2 |
|
Trunk Capacity (cu-ft) |
16.0 |
21.0 |
18.0 |
18.2 |
The 2021 Toyota Highlander's trunk space of 16 cubic feet behind the third-row seat is commodious but is not at par with the rivals. The 2021 Kia Telluride turned out to be the best in terms of cargo capacity, which is followed by the 2021 Hyundai Palisade and the 2021 Ford Explorer. In terms of space on offer, the headroom and legroom of the 2021 Palisade and the 2021 Explorer were much superior to the 2021 Highlander. The third-row space of the 2021 Telluride, 2021 Palisade, and the 2021 Explorer were also much superior to that of the 2021 Highlander. The 2021 Toyota Highlander offers an 8.0" touchscreen infotainment system as standard. However, the Limited and Platinum trims get a 12.3-inch touchscreen system. The audio is handled by an 11-speaker JBL audio system.
Both the infotainment systems of the 2021 Toyota Highlander are pretty intuitive and very responsive. However, there is a bit too much information at your disposal and hence the system requires a bit of getting used to. There's Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility along with Amazon Alexa as well. You also get SiriusXM radio and 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot available on all the variants too. Some of the interior and infotainment features on offer with the 2021 Toyota Highlander are:
- Leather upholstery
- Heated and powered seats
- Panoramic sunroof
- 12.3" touchscreen infotainment system
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- SiriusXM radio
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
- Ambient lighting
- Heated steering wheel
- 11-speaker JBL audio system
Also Read:
- Toyota To Soon Debut Its e-TNGA Based All-Electric SUV
- 2022 Lexus LS 500h Will Feature Hands-Free Driving Capability
- Check out the user reviews of the 2021 Toyota Highlander
2021 Toyota Highlander Exterior
"The outside is more athletic than the dowdier Highlanders of yesteryear, and a tall tail helps the crossover look cocked and ready to spring from the blocks. " - TheCarConnection
The 2021 Toyota Highlander remains unchanged on the exterior front as the SUV underwent a major redesign just last model year. However, what comes in as a delight is the fact that now all the trims of the 2021 Toyota Highlander get LED projection headlamps. Also, the new 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE takes the sporty essence of this SUV one step forward with the more aggressive exterior styling, unique 20-inch alloy wheels, and black exterior accents. The front view of the 2021 Highlander retains the striking bumper design and massive bumpers with large air dams. The ground clearance of 8" makes it one of the best for traveling through the broken roads.
The 2021 Toyota Highlander's L, LE, and XLE trim configurations feature a blacked-out front grille with silver-colored paint surround, while the Limited and Platinum trim configurations are distinguished by a blacked-out grille with chrome-colored trim, LED foglights, and 20-inch alloy wheels. The side profile of the 2021 Toyota Highlander also retains the same squared-out wheel arches and multiple body lines. The heated and power side mirrors and the rood rails are offered too. The rear looks more classy and sporty than the predecessor model with the 2020 updates. Toyota has managed to keep the 2021 Highlander's look more modern and stylish and it does stand up to industry standards and segment expectations. However, the wheelbase and length of 112.2" and 194.9" is the lowest of the lot, and that bogs down the interior space and cargo capacity too.
|
Models |
2021 Toyota Highlander |
2021 Kia Telluride |
2021 Hyundai Palisade |
2021 Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
4,145 |
4,354 |
4,231 |
4,345 |
|
Length (in) |
194.9 |
196.9 |
196.1 |
198.3 |
|
Width (in) |
76.0 |
78.3 |
77.8 |
78.9 |
|
Height (in) |
68.1 |
68.9 |
68.9 |
69.9 |
|
Ground Clearance (in) |
8.0 |
8.0 |
7.9 |
7.9 |
|
Wheelbase (in) |
112.2 |
114.2 |
114.2 |
119.1 |
The 2021 Toyota Highlander is the lightest of the lot due to a curb weight of 4,145 lbs. All the vehicles have similar ground clearances but the 2021 Ford Explorer's dimensions make it the longest mid-size SUV. The wheelbase of 119.1" is also the longest of the segment, which helps the 2021 Explorer to give the best in class interior space. Both the 2021 Kia Telluride and the 2021 Hyundai Palisade have similar wheelbases and dimensions but the former is the heavier one. Some of the exterior features on offer with the 2021 Toyota Highlander has been mentioned below:
- Heated and powered side mirrors
- Panoramic sunroof
- Automatic LED headlights with LED DRLs
- 20" alloy wheels wrapped in P235/55R20 tires
- Powered liftgate
- LED taillights
- Front foglights
- Roof rack rails
Also Read:
- Know more about the towing capacity of the 2021 Toyota Highlander here
- Check out the NHTSA and IIHS crash test ratings of the 2021 Toyota Highlander here!
- Toyota Tacoma Now Available With TRD Lift Kit Dealer-Installed Option
2021 Toyota Highlander Safety
"As is the Toyota way, the 2021 Highlander offers a standard suite of driver-assistance features."- Car And Driver
The 2021 Toyota Highlander received an overall crash safety rating of 5-stars by the NHTSA. Even the IIHS has also given a good rating in most of the subsections, making it one of the mid-size SUV segments. The 2021 Toyota Highlander has also been awarded the top safety pick title by the IIHS.
Furthermore, Toyota has amped up the standard driver-assistance features as all the models of the 2021 Toyota Highlander will get Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 that includes Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Cross-Traffic Braking, and a semi-automated emergency steering technology that helps avoid collisions. Some of the most eminent safety features on offer with the 2021 Toyota Highlander are adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking.
Also Read:
- 2021 Toyota Highlander Vs 2021 Acura MDX
- 2021 Toyota Highlander Vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade
- Upcoming Lexus LX To Feature A V8 Motor And Several Other Differences Over The Land Cruiser
2021 Toyota Highlander Competition
2021 Toyota Highlander Vs. 2021 Kia Telluride
The 2021 Toyota Highlander and 2021 Kia Telluride are pretty close to each other in terms of power output, yet the 2021 Highlander's 3.5L V6 engine triumphs the 2021 Telluride's 3.8L V6 engine by a slight margin. The 2021 Highlander is also faster than the 2021 Telluride in the 0-60 mph fixture, but the 2021 Telluride offers a better top speed. In terms of luxury and comfort both also have a similar feel. However, the design and styling in the 2021 Kia Telluride are more appealing both inside and outside. The 2021 Telluride offers ample convenience and tech features than the 2021 Highlander and that too at a cheaper base selling price of $31,990.
2021 Toyota Highlander Vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade is a popular name in the three-row mid-size SUV segment and beats the 2021 Highlander in many aspects such as the media and connectivity, second and third-row seat space, storage spaces, cargo space, and interior design. However, the 2021 Toyota Highlander offers more refined ride quality and better safety features. Still, with similar acceleration, braking, and handling the 2021 Palisade, which is available for sale at an MSRP of $32,525, registers a win-win over the 2021 Highlander for its interior quality.
2021 Toyota Highlander Vs 2021 Ford Explorer
The 2021 Ford Explorer beats the 2021 Toyota Highlander on almost every front. The 2021 Explorer's smaller 2.3L turbocharged 4-pot engine offers more power than that of the 2021 Highlander's V6 mill. The 2021 Ford Explorer also offers a better interior, macho exterior design, better ride quality, excellent fuel economy, and better safety options. Though the capability and ability of the 2021 Highlander are distinct in their ways, they are not quite at par with that of the 2021 Ford Explorer, which is available for sale at a lower base price of $32,225.
2021 Toyota Highlander Final Verdict
The 2021 Toyota Highlander offers a great ride and body control, crisper steering, a strong and reliable engine, and a smart transmission setup that is ultra-responsive on roads. The perfect build quality with high-end safety features onboard is an added advantage too. Available for sale at a base MSRP of $34,810, the 2021 Toyota Highlander should be on your shortlist if you want a comfortable and dependable mid-size SUV.
Also Read:
- Heavy discounts on new Toyota Highlander for Sale.
- Check out some great deals on the used Toyota Highlander here
- How reliable is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
- 2021 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Buick Enclave vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse.
2021 Toyota Highlander FAQs:
Which 2021 Toyota Highlander trim offers a panoramic sunroof?
All 2021 Toyota Highlander models are pretty well loaded with features. However, moving up the trim ladder definitely adds more to the features list. The top-of-the-line Toyota Highlander Premium comes with a panoramic sunroof.
Can the 2021 Toyota Highlander tow?
Both the gasoline and hybrid motors of the 2021 Toyota Highlander are adequately powerful. They may not be the most performance-focused but manage to get the job done. The 2021 Toyota Highlander has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs when equipped with the 3.5L V6 motor.
How much does 2021 Toyota Highlander's maintenance cost?
The 2021 Toyota Highlander has an average annual maintenance cost of $489.
How much does it cost to lease a Toyota Highlander?
The 2021 Toyota Highlander's base L trim can be had for a lease price of $289/month.
What is the base selling price of the 2021 Toyota Highlander?
The 2021 Toyota Highlander can be had for a base selling price of $34,810.
2021 Toyota Highlander Latest Update
2021 Toyota Highlander Consumer Reviews and Ratings
based on 140 ratings
POPULAR TAGS
2021 Toyota Highlander Overall Reviews
User Overall Rating
Posted On: May 4, 2021
A good daily driver
Pros - Comfortable interiors, features, driving dynamics
Cons - None I can think of
Takes you from point A to B without any issue The first thing I noticed about my Highlander was the front bumper. It is very nicely designed to drag the air force along the body and it also helps to stay stable on the road. What surprised me more than anything was the gas numbers. Has been putting out some serious gas numbers and I have not come across any issue big or small. The whole buying process was not bad but lengthy. They took more than usual time to show the car, finance and other formalities.
User Overall Rating
Posted On: March 24, 2021
Highlander takes Toyota to all new level of stupidity
Pros - Great on gas, roadside assistance, power sunroof
Cons - No heated seats for second row, needs more usb ports
Stupidity and misses out a few useful features. Nothing for driveability though and ensures everyone falls in love with it I have driven the highlander on different roads condition, and everytime I take it off the tarmac, it starts to make sense and everything comes to life. Got roadside assistance in case things go south. Stupidity of Toyota. Such price tag and built is not able to give it useful features like heated seats for second row or ample amount of usb ports Heated seats are only for front row and should have been extended to at least first two rows. Four usb ports for an suv that can accomodate 7 is sheer stupidity especially nowadays. A character than is more than the price I had to pay for it Feels more safe when taken off roads. Comes with roadside assistance and I love The monthly payment is affordable at $620. Sure they could have done better for this price point it
User Overall Rating
Posted On: March 24, 2021
Hybrid!
Pros - MPG, LED headlamp, sleek design
Cons - None
Really glad I bought the Hybrid. Buying a Hybrid is a simple decision and I think everybody needs one. It has everything: power, acceleration, and Gas mileage! Not really a feature but I really like the headlights A comfortable and spacious interior. Toyota has put in a lot of effort into making it the best SUV in its segment and it shows. People are complaining about the styling of Highlander but I think it is a sleek looking SUV. Well, everybody is entitled to their view. It has all the safety features to keep me and my family safe. I have no complaints where reliability is $42,120 concerned
