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Used 2017 Toyota Highlander Consumer Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
145 reviews

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Pros
Cons
4 out of 5 stars

Missed the mark but the SE is a good SUV

RGP, 06/07/2017
updated 12/11/2019
2017 Toyota Highlander SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
27 of 29 people found this review helpful

First the "stop/start" technology is a terrible distraction. No way to permanent disable and vehicle jumps when you take foot off brake. It’s not worth 1 mile more per gallon in city. And if it fails, lookout, that feature is integrated with everything. This feature has gotten more obnoxious with one year driving and you have to disable it manually everytime you start the car. Acceleration is awful for a engine with 295hp. This was fixed with a software patch from Toyota. And acceleration is exception now. With a MSRP of $41,000 and does not have a premium sound system is a ripoff. This still sucks after a year. GPS is Adequate but nothing special. Google Maps much better. Ride has gotten sloppy, pitches and rolls way too much. Will try Blistein shocks when available. Tires lasted 29,000 only miles. Replaced with high mileage Michelin’s and gas mileage dropped 20% but rides much better. Go figure. Two major fixes.. water pump and emission control, really odd at this mileage. So, next trade will look harder at Sorento or SantaFe.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Saved My Life

Jean, 08/14/2018
2017 Toyota Highlander LE 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful

We have owned 3 Highlanders. My last was a 2014 Highlander LE FWD. I was in a headon collision a week ago and this vehicle saved my life. State troopers and DOT officers told my family that this vehicle did everything it could do to save my life and it surpassed that. I am alive with bumps and bruises, but all air bags deployed and curtains. I feel that if I would of had the grandkids with me I think that they would of survived also with the safety features that this vehicle provides. The impact speed they thought was in excess of 135MPH. We will be owning another Toyota Highlander in the near future. Know your safety features before buying.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Good car

Satisfied Customer, 05/30/2017
2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful

I've been impressed so far by my FWD 2017 Highlander XLE. It is comfortable, spacious, gets reasonable gas mileage for a big car, and I love the active safety features and how well laid out the controls are. It is also very smooth and quiet on the highway and is a reasonable size for my garage and parking lots while still fitting lots of stuff. Note that I use it as a two row vehichle. The third row is really more for small kids on trips and adults at no more than short distances and when in use the cargo space goes from great to limited. I really like the blind spot monitoring. Getting about 27.5 mpg on highway and 25 overall so far. One thing I'm not a fan of is the throttle response. Transmission is programmed for economy so the car feels slower than it is and you really have to hit the gas to feel the power. If you floor it you'll find the car really moves quickly but otherwise it feels lethargic. Using the power setting improves this. The controls are very good on the car.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Update Highlander All Star, Vs 2021

Highlander All-star, 06/15/2017
updated 12/28/2020
2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
18 of 19 people found this review helpful

With the release of the 2021 Highlander, how does our 2017 compare. From video, the new 2021 interior looks slightly more modern but still with physical buttons (a good thing) and chunky proportions; not really a got to have. The list of options like the pano roof and larger entertainment display are welcome but we likely still wouldn't be shopping top trims. With no real mechanical upgrades (sport button doesn't qualify) other than a new hybrid option, the driving appeal didn't go up. The space behind the 3rd row is a plus but almost is negated by the removal of the separate window hatch delete. Good news is there have been no major reliability issues other than the auto high beam function is hit or miss. Ultimately, if we are swayed to upgrade it would likely be with another line that has similar functionality but more appeal with value. 2yr update**** All the features we chose the Highlander for have been great to live with. The mid-range power for this V6 has been a pleasant surprise. The interior has also held up well (grey interior). There are a couple of wants that have surfaced. Not having Android/Apple carplay would have been nice after seeing it at work in other cars. Then the cargo space behind the 3rd row has been a pinch on occasion, but we easily solve by dropping one side of the 3rd row. If you need something that can hold 7 people's luggage, you should be in a minivan or a full size (then a different price bracket). Saw the Android/Apple Carplay are being added for 2020. This is a great Crossover with few compromises. We cross shopped the typical competitors; Honda, Mazda, Hyundai, GM, etc. Given we have/had a Mazda CX-5 and 6, thought it was natural we would end up in the CX-9. The CX-9 had too many compromises in practicality and options that didn't over come the driving fun part - this is a family commuter. The fact that Toyota Safety Sense is included is a real bonus. The lane departure and radar cruise control are features you never knew you needed before. There are more goodies that add up in terms of practicality and comfort. Items like 2nd row shades, heated front seats, heated mirrors, large 8"UI screen, 5 USB outlets, tri-climate control, leather seating in front rows, full function moon roof, a intercom system, solid V6 / 8spd auto, auto start/stop (could do without), ample small storage-notably the mid-shelf in the dash, navigation, power liftgate, reclining seats in the 2nd and 3rd row too, and a window hatch that opens independent of the rear gate! For us the Captains / bucket seats in the 2nd row was a must because of having supervision for multiple car seat riders that can be tended to without crazy gymanastics. All the above without having to step up to the top expensive trims; like in other brands. The higher trims on the Highlander have nice options but not worth the money for our lifestyle. Worth test driving the competition but currently there is no comparison in our minds in terms of the options, safety, reliability, and over all package performance. Keep the factory add on's to a minimum and you can get a good out the door price; keeping in mind you are in the market for a 3 row cross over. Online price comparisons don't always talk about the dealer fees and sales tax but it adds up. We were out the door for no more than $40K (2017 HL XLE AWD - Silver - Cptn Chairs OPTs - All weather mats, rear bumper protector) Good luck and safe driving.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Great all around Mid-Size SUV

Ben B, 01/06/2017
2017 Toyota Highlander LE Plus 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
23 of 25 people found this review helpful

We compared this to the new Honda Pilot before buying. The Pilot really shined from the 2nd row back where it has more room in the 3rd row and storage space behind. The Highlander also had similar acceleration and handling. One of the deciding factors was how horrible the new Pilot looks. Let me put it this way if a Civic and an Odyssey had a child it would be the Honda Pilot. On the other hand, if a Camry and a 4 Runner had a child it would be a Highlander. The active safety features can be a little overwhelming at first, but they all have sensitivity adjustments. It really pays to sit and read the manual on this car as there are a ton of customization features from the loudness of the beep when you lock the door to the color of the buttons on the stereo. I'm amazed by the quietness and smooth ride of this SUV. The steering is effortless, but there isn't enough feedback. It feels too much like a computer controller. I'll add more to the review later as I have more time driving the car.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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