The Toyota Highlander which was hugely improved in 2020, has now confirmed the 2021 Model with not any major changes to its existing 2020 Toyota Highlander Model. The vehicle has lately developed a lot of good characteristics for its price and is now more astonishing in terms of look and feel. The Highlander offers various alternatives and a hybrid engine to compete with segment leaders like Kia Telluride, the Hyundai Palisade, and the Ford Explorer in the mid size three row SUV segment.
Maneuvering the concepts of the SUV market the vehicle lands upon the most prestigious remarks of the lot. The Toyota Highlander is a fashionable high quality family SUV that allows maximum space and offers a stable and safe journey. However, the 2021 next generation Toyota Highlander SUV has revealed many details about itself and makes room for an XSE trim that was very much on the news. The price of the vehicle starts from $34,810 in the US and goes up to $48,915.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
The 2021 Toyota Highlander is a much anticipated vehicle but it let’s down with not much changes for the upcoming year. With the reliable 3.5L V6 engine the Highlander promises for a great performance and paired with those 8 speed automatic transmission it delivers a reliable operation.
2021 Toyota Highlander SUV front view
2021 Toyota Highlander SUV rear view
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
8.1/10
The 2021 Toyota Highlander trim levels comprise five trim options: L, LE, XLE,XSE, Limited, and the Platinum. All these trims offer FWD or All wheel drive options to beat with the competition. The updated Prices for the 2021 Toyota Highlander models is now available. However, we can see it is quite similar to the past as nothing much has changed except a couple of hundred dollars with all the trims. However, From the previous year, the trim line of the 2021 Toyota Highlander has been updated and now gets an all-new XSE trim priced for $41,405 for the FWD and AWD will cost $43,355.
2021 Toyota Highlander SUV left side view
Trim
L
LE
XLE
XSE
Limited
Platinum
MSRP (FWD)
$34,810
$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
Faux wood trim and ornamental dash trim with ambient interior lighting
cooled front seats
12.3-inch touchscreen
The L trim offers power driver seats, 8.0 inch touchscreen infotainment, along with 18 inch wheels and safety features like automatic emergency braking.
The LE trim offers blind spot monitoring system, leather steering wheel, power liftgate and Fog lamps along with a list of comfort and safety features.
The XLE trim has the best to offer you with features inclusive of front heated seats, power passenger seats, power sunroof, and roof rails.
The All-new XSE trim offers ambient interior lighting, LED Projector lamps with black accents, 20-inch alloy wheels, and twin tip exhaust.
The Limited trim is a costly one among the trims but it gets great features such as JBL speakers, navigation function, 20 Inch wheels, cooled front seats function.
The Platinum is the top trim which allows features such as a 12.3 inch touchscreen, surround view camera system, heated second row seats and power panoramic moonroof.
2021 Toyota Highlander Maintenance, Reliability and Warranty
The 2021 Toyota Highlander is no different from the 2020 model. Like most Japanese brands, the Toyota Highlander is also known for its unmatched value, reliability, and superior service compared to other brands. Be it J D Power reports or customer satisfaction reports, the Toyota Highlander has been a favorite for the masses in the mid size three row SUV over the decade.
Reliability and Ownership Costs
If you look across the trims you will notice that the Toyota Highlander offers great features for its price being a three row mid size SUV. Toyota is known for building great cars with unquestionable reliability and build quality. Toyota has also been awarded as Best Resale Value: Brand in 2019 by Kelley Blue Book's, KBB.com.
As per J.D. Power report the vehicle scored a rating of 83/100 in 2019. The Vehicle stands for its reliable performance, resale value, built quality and reliability and drive experience. Toyota alike other Japanese brands has an interesting and outstanding reputation for customer satisfaction and ease of maintenance for the vehicles.
The 2021 Toyota Highlander prices have not been officially released and once available will be updated here in the below table. MSRP of the vehicles differ from state to state due to institutional taxes and other demographic costs.
State
MSRP
Washington
N/A
Florida
N/A
California
N/A
New Jersey
N/A
Arizona
N/A
Toyota vehicles are easy on maintenance and the 2021 Toyota Highlander will not become an exception we all know. The cost of owning a 2021 Toyota Highlander is calculated in reference with the 2020 year model as both are identically and mechanically similar. We’ve calculated the various costs that will incur while owning the vehicle for a period of 5 years.
Particulars
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Total
Tax Credit
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Insurance
$831
$860
$890
$921
$954
$4,456
Maintenance
$52
$411
$374
$1,734
$1,857
$4,428
Repairs
$0
$0
$101
$239
$350
$690
Taxes and Fees
$2,196
$111
$111
$111
$111
$2,640
Financing
$2,274
$1,829
$1,354
$847
$306
$6,610
Depreciation
$6,637
$3,021
$2,858
$3,353
$3,175
$19,044
Fuel
$1,532
$1,578
$1,626
$1,674
$1,725
$8,135
Real Cost to Own
$13,522
$7,810
$7,314
$8,879
$8,478
$46,003
In terms of the ownership costs, the vehicle will be costing you an estimated $46,000 for a period of 5 years. This is quite low especially when you compare it with other rivals in the market. Maintenance and repairs are pocket friendly for a three row mid size SUV.
Warranty
The Brand Toyota delivers you confidence when you own its vehicle. It does live up to its reputation of being one of the most reliable brands in the industry, owing to great warranty figures and roadside assistance packages. With a network of over 1400 dealers and service providers the brand rules the roads in the US. It offers great customer service with 24*7 toll free roadside assistance, substitute transportation and travel protection.
Criteria
Period
Limited warranty
3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain warranty
5 years/60,000 miles
24-hour roadside assistance
7 years/ unlimited miles
Toyota’s unmatched warranty can be compared from the above table. With all the above warranty policies, Toyota also offers an additional Rust Through Coverage for its vehicles for a period of 5 years / unlimited miles which covers corrosion perforation of the sheet metal and the body.
2021 Toyota Highlander Buying Advice
The 2021 Toyota is presumed to continue the same trims as in 2020, the vehicle will continue the muster of similar features in its trims. Buying a XLE trim will make for a better deal for the features it offers and the price it comes for. The All wheel drive setup is a better option with all the trims and should be considered while buying.
The 2019 Toyota Highlander received a score of 83 for quality and reliability in the JD Power report. Mechanically, the Highlander is easy to maintain and is more sorted compared to other brands.
Is buying a used car Toyota Highlander a good idea?
The Brand Toyota has been awarded as the best resale value brand in 2019 by Kelley Blue Book's, KBB.com. Toyota vehicles are easy to maintain, tough and reliable. Moreover it comes with Toyota’s comprehensive warranty policies which covers the engine unit and powertrain for a period of 5 years or 60,000 miles whichever is earlier. According to the depreciation value, the 2019 model years are the best ones to look out for. The total reliability of an used Toyota Highlander is 7 years, and the 2019 version gives it around 6 more years of perfect usability.
2021 Toyota Highlander Engine and Performance
7.9/10
Toyota Highlander offers you with two engine options, a gasoline and a hybrid one, but the one which we are discussing here is the gasoline one. Toyota Highlander is driven by a 3.5L V6 engine which has an old repute for performance and reliability on its part. The Highlander’s engine produces 295 hp of power and is paired to a 8 speed automatic transmission unit. The vehicle offers 2 drive setups with an All wheel drive and a front wheel drive.
2021 Toyota Highlander SUV accelerate
Models
Toyota Highlander
Kia Telluride
Hyundai Palisade
Ford Explorer
MSRP
$35,720
$31,890
$31,975
$32,765
Engine
2.5L Inline-4/3.5L V6
3.8L V6
3.8L V6
2.3L Inline-4/3.0L V6
Drivetrain
FWD/AWD
FWD/AWD
FWD/AWD
FWD/AWD
Transmission
8-speed auto/CVT
8-speed auto
8-speed auto
10-speed auto
Power [hp @ RPM]
243@6000/295@6600
291@6000
291@6000
300@5500/400@5500
Torque [lb-ft @ RPM]
175@4400/263@4700
262@5200
262@5200
310@3500/415@3500
Both the Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade come with a bigger engine setup of 3.8L V6 and are more powerful than the Toyota Highlander, however, we feel the Toyota Highlander is a practically powered vehicle for a 3 row midsize SUV.
2021 Toyota Highlander Acceleration And Braking Performance
Acceleration of the Toyota Highlander does not fail to impress either and is notably similar to what the more powerful vehicles such as the Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade gives you. The Toyota Highlander is a sprint performer for a three row mid size SUV with a 0-60 times of just 7.2 seconds.
2021 Toyota Highlander SUV braking
Models
Toyota Highlander
Kia Telluride
Hyundai Palisade
Ford Explorer
0-60 mph (in seconds)
7.2
7.2
7.2
8.2
Quarter mile (in seconds / miles per hour)
15.6/91.5
15.4/93
15.3/89
15.3/90
Top Speed (in miles per hour)
115
141
130
143
Engine
3.5L V6
3.8L V6
3.8L V6
3.0L V6
The 263lb ft of torque that pushes the vehicle on the ground is comparatively similar with the other rivals and helps in achieving an agile and quick performance on the road. The V6 pulls with great force and tackles the winds to impress with its huge size. However, we haven't tested the 2021 Toyota Highlander but the similar mechanics in the coming model will result in the same performance as later models.
2021 Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy
7.8/10
Toyota is a sensible car maker with a lot of good things. The most accomplishing thing the vehicle derives from its brand is low cost of ownership. Low costs means lesser costs on fuel expenses, the Toyota Highlander is a fuel efficient three row mid size SUV with a great mileage output. It delivers 20 miles for a gallon on city drives and 27 miles per gallon on highways.
Models
Toyota Highlander
Kia Telluride
Hyundai Palisade
Ford Explorer
MPG (City)
20
20
19
18
MPG (Highway)
27
26
26
24
MPG (Combined)
23
23
22
20
Fuel Capacity (Gallons)
17.1
18.8
18.8
21.8
Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles)
342/461/393
376/488/432
357/488/413
392/523/436
Looking at the rivals, the Kia Telluride also offers similar mileage output but the Hyundai Palisade and the Ford Explorer fail by a couple of miles from the Highlander.
2021 Toyota Highlander Interior
8.4/10
The Toyota Highlander mid size three row SUV is the most well-packaged and feature loaded option in the market, with a practical, modern, and hugely spacious cabin. The 7 seater has ample legroom in the front and second row but the third row disappoints for being baby carriers. The third row is only limited for carrying childrens or babies with lesser legroom and can be used as a storage space when seats fold down flat.
2021 Toyota Highlander SUV seats
However, there’s good comfort regardless of whether you're seated up front or on the second or third rear row. The Highlander offers easy access through the large doors with large openings, both upfront and at the rear. Seating position of the driver is tall and upright and the second rows also offer power adjustment seats with the XLE trim.
Models
Toyota Highlander
Kia Telluride
Hyundai Palisade
Ford Explorer
Seating Capacity
7
7
7
7
1st Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)
38.4/59/40.4
39.5/61.6/41.4
39.3/61.2/44.1
40.7/61.8/43
2nd Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)
37.1/58.4/41
38.8/59.9/42.4
38.8/60.8/42.4
40.5/61.9/39
3rd Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)
36.1/55/27.7
37.8/55.3/31.4
37.2/55.2/31.4
38.9/54.6/32.2
Trunk Capacity (cubic feet)
16
21
18
18.2
Trunk space of 16 cubic feet behind the rear third row seat is commodious but is not in par with the rivals. The third row folds flat to provide extra space and storage. Although with that space behind the third row you can store four suitcases.
How’s the 2021 Toyota Highlander’s infotainment system?
Unlike predecessors, the 2021 Toyota Highlander's offers an 8.0 Inch touch screen infotainment option. The Limited and Platinum top trims only offer a 12.3 touch screen interface and are more intuitive to use. It also gets a 11 speaker JBL audio system and SiriusXM satellite radio connectivity.
2021 Toyota Highlander SUV infotainment
The 2021 Toyota Highlander will also feature a 4G LTE Wi-fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility and voice command integration in the top trims.
2021 Toyota Highlander SUV interior image2021 Toyota Highlander SUV interior image2021 Toyota Highlander SUV interior image2021 Toyota Highlander SUV interior image2021 Toyota Highlander SUV interior image
2021 Toyota Highlander Exterior
8.4/10
Exterior styling refinements to the all new 2021 Toyota Highlander three row mid size SUV are undisclosed for now. In terms of styling the vehicle’s exterior lookout is more curvier and gentle with the 2020 update. The metallic finish on the vehicle gives its an unmatched gloss. The huge size of the vehicle does not offer bulkiness and the front grill aids the vehicles outlook by several times.
2021 Toyota Highlander SUV
The exterior is filled with quintessential works on all four fronts. The rear looks more classy and sporty than the predecessor model with the 2020 updates. Toyota has managed to keep the looks more modern and stylish and it does stand up to industry standards and segment expectations.
Models
2021 Toyota Highlander
2020 Kia Telluride
2020 Hyundai Palisade
2020 Ford Explorer
Curb Weight (lbs)
4465
4354
4231
4345
Length (inches)
194.9
196.9
196.1
198.8
Width (inches)
76
78.3
77.8
78.9
Height (inches)
68.1
69.3
68.9
69.9
Ground Clearance (inches)
8
8
7.9
7.9
Wheelbase (inches)
112.2
114.2
114.2
119.1
Compared with the rivals the Toyota Highlander has the similar external specifications including ground clearance, wheelbase, length and width and just less by a couple of inches from the 2020 Kia Telluride and its cousin Hyundai Palisade.
2021 Toyota Highlander SUV exterior image2021 Toyota Highlander SUV exterior image2021 Toyota Highlander SUV exterior image2021 Toyota Highlander SUV exterior image2021 Toyota Highlander SUV exterior image2021 Toyota Highlander SUV exterior image2021 Toyota Highlander SUV exterior image
2021 Toyota Highlander Safety
9.4/10
The Toyota Highlander has remained a tough contender when it comes to safety and reliability in its segment. The vehicle was awarded the prestigious “Top safety pick of the year” award by IIHS in 2019. Also in crash tests conducted by IIHS and NHTSA the vehicle has scored an overall 5 star safety rating in the year 2019. The newer models have not been tested yet but it gets superior safety features and an edge over the previous model.
2021 Toyota Highlander Competition
9.5/10
2021 Toyota Highlander Vs Kia Telluride
The three row midsize SUV has seen many battles for supremacy but this isn't any battle. This time it is a fight between two similarly competitive rival Asian car brands. The Kia telluride gets a massive 3.5L V6 engine and is more powerful than the Highlander but practically both have the same mission of carrying 7 passengers just as a minivan does. In terms of luxury and comfort both also have a similar feel. However, the design and styling in the Kia Telluride is more appealing both inside and outside.
Kia Telluride
The massive grill in the front and the plush interior design excites one very soon.
2021 Toyota Highlander Vs Hyundai Palisade
After comparing the Highlander with the Kia Telluride there is nothing much to be compared with its cousin the Hyundai Palisade. The Palisade is a popular name in the three row mid size SUV segment and beats the Highlander in many aspects such as the Usability of controls, media and connectivity, second and third row seats space, storage spaces, cargo space and interior design.
Hyundai Palisade
However the Toyota Outlander offers a more refined ride quality and safety features.Still with the similar acceleration, braking and handling the Palisade registers a win win over the Highlander for its interior quality.
2021 Toyota Highlander Final Verdict
To conclude the entire review we have managed to pick some of the strongest points of the Toyota Highlander and it seems the Highlander gives you enough reasons to buy one. The Highlander offers great ride and body control, crisper steering, a strong and reliable engine and a smart transmission setup which is ultra responsive on roads and perfect build quality with high end safety features on board. The price also returns a clear value for money with Toyota’s reliability and assurity. We recommend the Toyota Highlander for its reliability and ride quality only if you are ok with the cramped third row in a 7 seater.
