2010 Toyota Highlander Review
Price Range: $6,495 - $15,990





+110
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful and fuel-efficient V6, user-friendly cabin with innovative second-row seat design, easy to maneuver considering its size.
Cons
- Less total interior capacity than some competitors, one-piece third-row seatback limits passenger/cargo-carrying flexibility.
What’s new
The 2010 Toyota Highlander is unchanged other than a new sunroof option on base four-cylinder models and an available rearview camera that's now offered on base V6-powered versions.
Edmunds says
The 2010 Toyota Highlander's gutsy powertrain, versatile interior and carlike maneuverability make it an ideal choice as a do-all family vehicle.
For sale nearby
33 listings
- $10,780good price$2,126 below market
- 143,102 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 7 Seats, 17 City / 23 Hwy MPG
- Rosenthal Landmark Honda (25 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Leather Seats
- Third-row seating
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Alexandria, VA
* MSRP: $39,758.00 * Total Options: $4,428.00* Exterior Color: Black* Interior Color: Light Gray* Highlander Limited Extra Value Package #8, $3,400.00...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (17 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5TDDK3EH3AS003856
Stock: Z03856AN
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-26-2025 - $9,206fair price$835 below market
- 185,656 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 7 Seats, 17 City / 23 Hwy MPG
- Koons Annapolis Toyota (52 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Annapolis, MD
**ONE OWNER CARFAX**, **LEATHER SEATING**, **AWD**, **BACK-UP CAMERA**, **3RD ROW SEATING**, AWD, 3rd row seats: bench, ABS brakes, Electronic Stabili...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (17 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTEDK3EH2A2162922
Stock: KAT250128A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-20-2025
Vehicle overview
What do you get when you cross a sport-utility vehicle with a sedan? Something that looks an awful lot like the 2010 Toyota Highlander. One of the first of a new breed of crossovers when it debuted almost a decade ago, the midsize Highlander quickly carved out a niche for itself by combining the shape and practicality of a traditional SUV with the more refined ride and handling qualities of a passenger car.
Representing the model's second generation, the 2010 Highlander remains a standout in an increasingly crowded segment. One of the Highlander's better attributes is what you'll find under its hood. Though a passable 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine was introduced in the base model last year, it's the 3.5-liter V6 that's the real attraction because of the nice balance it offers between zippy performance and relatively good fuel economy.
The conservatively styled Highlander also scores on the inside. There you'll find comfortable seating for up to seven passengers, though accommodations in the standard third row are on the tight side compared to other three-row crossovers. However, the unique 40/20/40-split second-row seat with a center section that can be removed to provide easy walk-through access to the third-row seats is an especially bright idea.
While the 2010 Toyota Highlander has a lot to recommend it, it faces some stiff competition. The midsize crossovers from General Motors -- including the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia -- are appealing alternatives by virtue of their cavernous interiors with seating for up to eight passengers. The capable Ford Flex, the luxurious Hyundai Veracruz and sporty Mazda CX-9 also have their own distinct advantages. That said, we still think the Highlander hits an ideal sweet spot between SUV utility and passenger car comfort.
Performance & mpg
The Toyota Highlander is available with a choice of two engines. Base models can be had with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out a respectable 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy estimates are 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined.
By far the more popular (and better) powertrain is the 3.5-liter V6 that's rated at 270 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic and front-wheel drive are standard; all-wheel drive is available as an option. This latter combination propelled a Highlander Limited V6 AWD we tested from zero to 60 mph in just 7.8 seconds, a result that makes it one of the quickest crossovers out there. Properly equipped, V6-powered versions can also tow up to 5,000 pounds, another healthy number for this category. With front-wheel drive, the Highlander V6 returns EPA estimates of 18 city/24 highway/20 combined; adding all-wheel drive drops those numbers by 1 mpg.
Safety
The Highlander comes with a long list of standard safety features including antilock disc brakes, stability control and hill-start assist that helps keep the vehicle from rolling backward when motoring away from a stop on an incline. All-wheel-drive models also come with Downhill Assist, which helps the driver make a slow, controlled descent on steep, slick surfaces like snow-covered driveways.
The Highlander's cabin is fitted with a total of seven airbags, including side-impact airbags for front seat passengers, side curtain airbags that cover all three rows of seats and a driver-side knee airbag. Whiplash-reducing active front head restraints are also standard.
In government crash tests, the Highlander earned five stars (the highest possible) for the driver and four stars for the front passenger in frontal impacts, and five stars for side impacts. In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Highlander received "Good" ratings in both frontal-offset and side impact tests.
Driving
If you're used to the lumbering trucklike feel of traditional SUVs, the 2010 Toyota Highlander will feel like a pleasure to drive. The fully independent suspension delivers decent handling, at least by family-hauler standards, and the ride quality is surprisingly smooth even with the slightly firmer suspension on Sport models. The steering feels light enough for easy parking lot maneuverability while retaining enough precision to inspire confidence in everyday driving.
The 3.5-liter V6 adds to the appeal by providing strong acceleration that makes this 4,000-pound crossover seem smaller than it is. The fact that this powertrain is also among the most fuel-efficient in the category is an added bonus.
Interior
The 2010 Toyota Highlander features an attractive cabin, especially on top-of-the-line Limited models. Visibility is excellent and the straightforward layout of gauges and controls makes for refreshingly intuitive operation.
Compared to the previous generation, the 2010 Toyota Highlander's passenger compartment offers noticeably better head-, leg- and elbow room. That said, competitors like the Chevrolet Traverse and Ford Flex offer more spacious interiors that may make them a better choice for buyers with large families.
Front and second-row seats are plenty comfortable, but the third-row's lack of legroom makes it best suited to pre-teen passengers. The second-row bench slides fore and aft and reclines for greater comfort. This seat's unique 40/20/40-split design, with a removable center section that stows neatly in a special compartment beneath the center console, also makes it easy to access the way-back bench even with a pair of child car seats strapped into the second row.
When you've got cargo to haul, the Highlander offers a healthy 95.4 cubic feet of space with the second- and third-row seatbacks folded down. The fact that the third-row seat folds down as a single unit instead of being split 50/50 as in many competitive models is a disadvantage, especially when trying to schlep both passengers and cargo.
2010 Toyota Highlander models
The 2010 Toyota Highlander is a midsize seven-passenger crossover offered in base, Sport, SE and Limited trim levels. The entry-level Highlander comes equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, cloth upholstery, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack. A fold-flat third-row seat is standard on V6 models and can be deleted if desired.
Step up to the Sport model and you get 19-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, automatic headlights, foglights, roof rack side rails and a flip-up rear window in the liftgate. Inside upgrades include a power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cargo area-mounted releases for folding down the second-row seats, along with a 3.5-inch screen that displays trip computer info and the image from the standard back-up camera.
The Highlander SE reverts to 17-inch wheels and the regular suspension but has a standard sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, leather seating and a power passenger seat. The cabin also gets an upgraded driver seat, a power front passenger seat, keyless ignition/entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a compass and a satellite-radio-ready audio system with a six-disc CD changer.
The Highlander's options list varies by trim level and region, but those available include a sunroof, a power liftgate, heated front seats, automatic rear climate control systems and a towing prep package. Entertainment goodies include a rear DVD entertainment system and a premium nine-speaker JBL sound system that includes Bluetooth cell phone connectivity. A navigation system is also available, but it's only offered on models equipped with the JBL audio system.

The Toyota 4Runner, Land Cruiser and Tacoma Turned Hell's Revenge Into a Piece of Cake

2026 Toyota RAV4: Five Things You Need to Know

2026 Toyota RAV4 Revealed: America's Best-Selling Car Goes Hybrid-Only

2026 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2025 Hyundai Tucson: Plug-in Hybrids Compared
Compare 2010 Toyota Highlander trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$169/mo for Highlander Base
Highlander Base
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent
#6 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$458/yr
vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Frequency
0.85x/yr
vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Severity
11.2%
vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal
Toyota Highlander Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
13 Years Later, Still A Solid Vehicle
5 out of 5 starsbulldogvillan, 09/28/2013
2010 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
I purchased my Highlander in November 2009. 130k miles later and she still drives like she did off of the lot. Plenty of cargo space to accommodate our family of 4. Enough acceleration to make merging onto any freeway a breeze. It's averaged around 20 mpg. The interior of the car has held up very well. Plenty of room and head clearance (I'm 6'3"). Quiet and soft ride. It handles much … like a Camry. We've had no problems, other than the tires wearing out
at 30k miles. Put some Michelin tires on and they have had limited wear after 40k miles. Full brake job completed at 60k miles. Battery lasted 6 years. I do wish it had an outside temp reading on the dash. The 3rd row is very cramped, and hard to get to, but we don't really need it anyways. The car feels like it could go another 100k miles, no problem.
Very reliable
5 out of 5 starsBryce Wallace, 04/08/2018
2010 Toyota Highlander Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
I have nothing but positive things to say about the Base model AWD 6-cyl. Highlander that we purchased in 2010 with 5000 miles on it. We bought it in the Bay Area from a dealership after the finance manager had driven it for 5000 miles. This vehicle is very, very reliable and has required only one dealer repair where the hydraulics on the rear cargo hatch had to be replaced in 2012. … Our Highlander now has 165,000 miles and just keeps on moving forward in all kinds of weather and road conditions including rain, icy roads, fresh snow, packed snow, and of course dry mountain roads. I have kept up on the maintenance including all fluids and hydraulic oils which has kept this vehicle in tip top running condition. If you want a reliable SUV, even with high mileage, I recommend the 2010 Toyota Highlander (If you can look @ the vehicle maintenance and repair records of the previous owner, of course).
Great ride!
4.88 out of 5 starsleo416, 09/26/2013
2010 Toyota Highlander Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
I really enjoy my 2010 Toyota Highlander Limited. This vehicle definitely has a great amount of power along with a smooth and quite ride. I have previously owned some of Lexus's high end SUV's and I must say I don't see much of a difference in the ride quality, features, style, etc. Granted I did purchase the limited so the features are much improved over the base model. The only thing I … can say negative about the highlander is fuel economy. I get around 16 mpg with a good mix of highway and city driving. I understand that is not awful for a midsize to somewhat larger SUV but I just don't like that
they state its 20 city & 27 highway. That being said BUY THIS VEHICLE!
Best Crossover Available
4.75 out of 5 starsBryan, 07/08/2010
2010 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV (2.7L 4cyl 6A)
Not a 'Toyota Guy', first one ever, first 'import' ever, but I love this car. Made in America: Check (Princeton, IN); Great Gas Mileage: Check (24MPG avg); Family Hauler: Check (3 Kids under 7). Went with the 4-Cylinder (Not hauling anything) and purchased after-market leather from the dealership. Looks great, feels great, and is much easier to keep clean with the kids. 6-Speed 4 Cyl … is very peppy on the highway with superior low-end torque, and the mpg rivals the MUCH more expensive Hybrid. Cargo is very-skimpy with the third- row up, but when folded flat it's downright cavernous back there. Spacious seating for everyone - even 3rd row isn't bad. Hard to find flaws with this vehicle.
2010 Highlander Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $25,855 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $169/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 42.3 cu.ft. |
front wheel drive | |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Highlander include:
- Back-up camera
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
People who viewed this also viewed
5.0 average Rating out of 2 reviews. |
Starting at $46,320 |
3.0 average Rating out of 10 reviews. |
Starting at $40,860 |
3.9 average Rating out of 36 reviews. |
Starting at $40,200 |
Related Used 2010 Toyota Highlander info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Tesla Model Y 2021 Review
- Lexus Ux 250H 2021 Review
- Fiat 500L 2020 Review
- Jaguar E Pace 2021 Review
- Honda Accord Hybrid 2021 Review
Shop similar models
- Used Toyota Grand-highlander 2025
- Used Volkswagen Atlas 2025
- Used Chevrolet Traverse 2025
- Used GMC Acadia 2025
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Toyota Highlander 2010
- Used Toyota Highlander 2011
- Used Toyota Highlander 2012
- Used Toyota Highlander 2013
- Used Toyota Highlander 2014
- Used Toyota Highlander 2015 For Sale
- Used Toyota Highlander 2016
- Used Toyota Highlander 2017
- Used Toyota Highlander 2018
- Used Toyota Highlander 2019
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2024 BMW 7 Series
- New BMW i5
- 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning News
- 2024 Jimmy
- 2026 Subaru BRZ News
- 2026 Chevrolet Equinox News
- 2024 Kia EV6
- New Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
- Vinfastvf9
- 2024 Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Research other models of Toyota
- 2025 Highlander
- 2024 Toyota Camry
- New Toyota Corolla Cross
- New Toyota T100
- Toyota Prius 2025
- Toyota Venza 2024
- 2025 Toyota Sequoia
- 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- 2024 Toyota Pickup
- New Toyota Prius
Research similar vehicles
Other models
- Used Cadillac XTS in Richton Park, IL 2019
- Used Chevrolet Cruze-Limited in Exeter, NH 2016
- New Toyota 4Runner for Sale in Laredo, TX
- Used Audi RS-6 in Mount Pleasant, MI 2025
- Used Infiniti G-Coupe in York, PA 2013
- New Honda Passport for Sale in Medford, NY
- Used BMW M4-CSL in Pullman, WA 2023
- Used BMW Alpina-B8-Gran-Coupe in New Kensington, PA 2025
- Used Jaguar F-Pace in Fayetteville, NC 2026
- Used Mercedes-Benz Eqs in Forest Hills, NY 2025