2013 Toyota Highlander Review
2013 Toyota Highlander Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful yet fuel-efficient V6
- user-friendly cabin with innovative second-row seat design
- easy to maneuver.
Cons
- Less overall passenger and cargo space than some competitors
- negligible fuel economy improvement with four-cylinder engine.
What’s new
For 2013, the Toyota Highlander sees a shuffling of standard equipment and the debut of the new Plus trim level.
Edmunds says
The 2013 Toyota Highlander is an excellent choice for a do-all family vehicle, though several competitors offer more interior space and utility.
Vehicle overview
The successful recipe for a family-friendly crossover SUV goes something like this. To a platform with carlike handling and ride qualities add roomy passenger and cargo accommodations, bake in reliability and refinement, sprinkle liberally with convenience features and wrap in attractive though conservative styling. Follow this formula and you get the 2013 Toyota Highlander, a crossover that will satisfy the appetites of countless savvy consumers.
Once you're on the road, the not-too-big, not-too-small Highlander is easygoing, and it can even be spirited if you opt for the powerful V6. Everything you'd want in an ideal family hauler is here, notably a quiet, roomy cabin that seats up to seven passengers, plus features such as keyless ignition/entry and a back-up camera that make running all those errands easier on Mom and Dad. While the Highlander's third row is less spacious than that of some rivals, it's easy to reach thanks to a nifty 40/20/40-split second row with a removable center seat that facilitates walk-through access. This Toyota crossover also has strong fuel efficiency to its credit, with both the inline-4 and V6 delivering impressive mileage.
Still, this is a highly competitive segment, and the 2013 Toyota Highlander isn't the only well-rounded choice out there. General Motors offers a trio of larger crossovers -- the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia -- that offer roomier interiors. Other solid bets include the muscular Dodge Durango, the distinctive Ford Flex and the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe and Nissan Pathfinder. These rivals are certainly worthy, but for many shoppers, the Highlander's versatility and friendly disposition make it an ideal choice.
Performance & mpg
The 2013 Toyota Highlander is available with a choice of two engines. The base model can be had with a 2.7-liter inline-4 engine that produces 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/25 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined.
Optional for the base, Plus and SE and standard on the Limited is a 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 optional. A Highlander Limited AWD tested by Edmunds sprinted from zero to 60 mph in just 7.5 seconds, which makes it one of the quicker crossovers on the road. With front-wheel drive, the Highlander V6 returns EPA estimates of 18 city/24 highway/20 combined; adding all-wheel drive drops these numbers to 17/22/19. Properly equipped, a Highlander V6 can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Safety
The Highlander comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, side-impact airbags for front seat passengers, full-length side curtain airbags, a driver-side knee airbag and active front head restraints. Hill-start assist is also standard. All-wheel-drive models also gain hill-descent control.
In Edmunds testing, we praised a Highlander Limited AWD model's medium-firm brake pedal and fade-resistant brakes that stopped it from 60 mph in 118 feet, which is better than average for the segment.
In government crash tests, the Highlander earned an overall rating of four stars (out of a possible five), with four stars for frontal crash protection and five stars for side-impact protection. In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Highlander received "Good" ratings (the highest possible) in frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests.
Driving
When it comes to driving dynamics, the 2013 Toyota Highlander is one of the more well-rounded choices in its segment. You get decent handling from the fully independent suspension, and the ride quality is surprisingly smooth. Being a bit smaller than other larger crossovers, the Highlander is easier to maneuver, particularly in tight parking lots. The light-effort steering also helps here, though it is rather numb and uninspiring on the open road compared to some of its rivals.
The Highlander grows even more appealing with the 3.5-liter V6, thanks to that engine's strong acceleration. This muscular V6 moves the 4,000-pound crossover with a briskness that makes this Toyota seem smaller than it is. The fact that this powertrain is also among the most fuel-efficient in the category is an added bonus. The four-cylinder engine gets slightly better fuel economy, but we wouldn't recommend it for anybody except the most frugal-minded, given the sacrifice made in terms of performance.
Interior
The 2013 Toyota Highlander features one of the more attractive cabins in the segment, especially in the top-of-the-line Limited model. Gauges and controls boast a familiar and straightforward layout, making them a cinch to use. The cabin also offers superb visibility from most angles.
There's no lack of space in the front- and second-row seats, but legroom is cramped in the third row, and as such, it's suitable only for younger kids. Models like the Flex fare better in this regard. On the plus side, the Highlander's second-row bench slides fore and aft to alter the ratio of legroom to cargo capacity, and the seat also reclines for greater comfort. This seat's unique 40/20/40-split design, which has a removable center section that stows neatly in a special compartment beneath the center console, makes it easy to access the way-back bench even with a pair of child car seats strapped into the second row.
When you have cargo to haul, the Highlander offers 95.4 cubic feet of space with the second- and third-row seats folded down. It's a robust figure and better than many competitors, but GM's full-size crossovers offer even more.
2013 Toyota Highlander models
The 2013 Toyota Highlander is a seven-passenger crossover offered in base, Plus, SE and Limited trim levels. The related Highlander Hybrid is reviewed separately.
The entry-level Highlander comes equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, cloth upholstery, an eight-way (manual) adjustable driver seat, a 40/20/40-split-folding second-row seat (that reclines and slides fore/aft), a 50/50-split-folding third-row seat, air-conditioning (with rear controls), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, iPod/USB interface and an auxiliary audio jack.
Step up to the Plus and you'll also get foglights, roof rails, a windshield wiper de-icer, a lift-up rear window, a rearview camera, driver seat power lumbar support, extendable visors with vanity mirrors, one-touch fold-flat second-row seats and a cargo area privacy cover.
The SE adds a sunroof, a power liftgate, leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Springing for the Limited adds 19-inch alloy wheels, additional chrome exterior trim, heated mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, perforated leather upholstery, a four-way power passenger seat, tri-zone automatic climate control, a nine-speaker JBL sound system (with HD radio and satellite radio), a navigation system, Toyota's Entune suite of smartphone app-based services and wood-grain accents.
Given the four trim levels with their correspondingly increasing standard features, the Highlander's options list is understandably brief. Its highlights include a towing prep package; a package that bundles the JBL audio system, navigation system and Entune; and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2013 Toyota Highlander.
5 star(49%)
4 star(29%)
3 star(15%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(2%)
55 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
I did way to much research
ez2sell, 02/03/2013
2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
I researched every car in this class and kept coming back to the Highlander.
In sales and I'm a road warrior so comfort, ride, handling and reliability are key.
This car characteristics of a SUV but the ride of a luxury car.
Very happy with my purchase.
However Toyota should include at this price level blind spot sensing mirrors, back up sensors and memory seats.
The nav system is a … bit difficult to use and should come with lifetime free updates.
4.75 out of 5 stars
From Venza To Highlander
luvtoyota10, 12/21/2012
2013 Toyota Highlander Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
I traded in my 2010 Toyota Venza for this Highlander because I wanted something more refined and comfortable. And I was right with choosing the Highlander. The ride is so quiet that when I had the radio off once, I only heard the A/C when I was going 40 mph. The ride is so smooth, reminds me of a 2011 Toyota Camry I drove. This car is so much more refined than my Venza. So Quiet. Its … also easier to get out of, especially for my grandmother. I also feel safer in this. I've only had it for three weeks, So I will do another review after I drive through the snow with it. The car handles well, its not thrilling or bad. The steering is better than My Venzas. This is my 5th Toyota.
5 out of 5 stars
Highlander is the only car for me!
Second Time Owner, 08/11/2016
2013 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV (2.7L 4cyl 6A)
Have a 2002 Highlander and we put 283K miles on it. The A/C went out. Thought we would buy a different car, but nothing else satisfied us. So, we bought a 2013 Highlander with only 30K miles. Plenty of cargo space, plenty of head/leg room. Handles great. Wouldn't know it's only a 4cyl. Fuel mileage is much better than advertised. We are getting average of 25.5 combined. … Love the Highlander.
4.63 out of 5 stars
My Highlander
luvtoyota10, 04/13/2013
2013 Toyota Highlander Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
I got this highlander on the first of december last year. Since then, it has been a great car. I know, it's not that exciting but it repays you with its great reliability. Everything has been fine, despite some issues with routine maintenance at my Toyota Dealer. The steering is unpredictable, it's not dangerous or scary. Sometimes it has a weightier feel (which I like) and other times, … a light steering feel. On a trip to Indianapolis I averaged 24mpg there and back. I like the iPhone/iPod integration and back up camera. It does many things well. Quiet ride and handles like a car. It was fantastic in the snow. It went through 6 inches NO prob. Not sure If I like the 2014 Highlander design.
2013 Highlander Highlights
Base
- Combined MPG
- 22 MPG
- Cost to Drive
- $181/month
- Seating
- 7 seats
- Drivetrain
- front wheel drive
- Engine Type
- Gas
- Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover17.4%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Side Impact TestGood
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
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More about the 2013 Toyota Highlander
Used 2013 Toyota Highlander Overview
The Used 2013 Toyota Highlander is offered in the following submodels: Highlander SUV. Available styles include Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A), Limited 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A), Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A), SE 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A), SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A), Plus 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A), Plus 4dr SUV (2.7L 4cyl 6A), 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A), 4dr SUV (2.7L 4cyl 6A), and 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A). Pre-owned Toyota Highlander models are available with a 3.5 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 270 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2013 Toyota Highlander comes with all wheel drive, and front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed shiftable automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 2013 Toyota Highlander?
Price comparisons for Used 2013 Toyota Highlander trim styles:
- The Used 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited is priced between $15,999 and$25,590 with odometer readings between 52823 and137423 miles.
- The Used 2013 Toyota Highlander SE is priced between $20,998 and$24,998 with odometer readings between 58272 and98831 miles.
- The Used 2013 Toyota Highlander Base is priced between $17,990 and$17,999 with odometer readings between 82688 and96389 miles.
- The Used 2013 Toyota Highlander Plus is priced between $18,998 and$19,998 with odometer readings between 100347 and126100 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2013 Toyota Highlanders are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2013 Toyota Highlander for sale near. There are currently 21 used and CPO 2013 Highlanders listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $15,999 and mileage as low as 52823 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2013 Toyota Highlander.
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Should I lease or buy a 2013 Toyota Highlander?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Toyota lease specials
Check out Toyota Highlander lease specials
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