2017 Toyota Highlander Review
Price Estimate: $17,897 - $28,590





+427
Edmunds' Expert Review
Pros
- Just-right exterior and interior size for many families
- Standard high-tech safety features
- Strong V6 engine with improved fuel economy
- Quiet and compliant ride
Cons
- Third-row seat isn't as roomy as those of many competitors
- Touchscreen and other controls may require an extra-long reach
- Undesirable base four-cylinder engine
What’s new
For 2017, the Highlander receives a number of significant midcycle changes. The styling has been updated, highlighted by a larger, more pronounced grille and redesigned LED taillights. The V6 engine is new, boasting more power and better fuel economy along with an eight-speed transmission and an automatic stop-start system. New feature content includes the Toyota Safety Sense technology suite, which comes standard on every trim level. There's also a new SE trim level that features uniquely sporty styling elements and a retuned suspension for sharper handling.
Vehicle overview
The well-rounded 2017 Toyota Highlander does just about everything you're probably looking for in a three-row family SUV. It's one of our top choices in a tough segment devoid of stinkers and should definitely be on your must-drive list.
For sale nationwide
907 listings
- $26,000good price$1,060 below market
- 68,350 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 7 Seats, 20 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- Jake Sweeney Express (809 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Our 2017 Toyota Highlander Limited Platinum AWD is proudly presented in beautiful Predawn Gray Mica! Motivated by a 3.5 Liter V6 that offers 295hp wit...
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:
22 Combined MPG (20 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5TDDZRFH8HS396244
Stock: M11350
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-13-2025 - $17,995great price$3,753 below market
- 107,824 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 7 Seats, 21 City / 27 Hwy MPG
- Crossroads Ford of Apex (1,202 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Apex, NC
Local Trade, Leather Seats, Backup Camera, MUST SEE, GREAT PRICE, WELL, TAKEN CARE OF!!, 3rd row seats: split-bench, Air Conditioning, Alloy wheels, A...
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:
23 Combined MPG (21 City/27 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5TDKZRFHXHS220125
Stock: T460281X
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-29-2025
The Highlander has a just-right size for many families. It's not too cumbersome to maneuver, yet its interior should offer more than enough space for growing broods. Its new V6 engine — standard on most trims — also impresses with capable acceleration and comparatively good fuel economy, while the driving experience strikes a good balance between comfort, isolation and driver feedback. You're also likely to appreciate the Highlander's well-made, versatile cabin, which gains an additional four USB ports for 2017 — your power-hungry kids will certainly approve. Then there's the newly standard Safety Sense package, with technologies such as autonomous braking to help avoid or mitigate collisions.
At the same time, with so many appealing three-row alternatives on the market, we highly recommend cross-shopping the Highlander with top competitors. The Toyota's many virtues — including its strong reliability reputation and resale value — may make it seem like a slam dunk, but this vehicle class is just too strong for a one-and-done shopping process. Try a few out and see which one feels best to you.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
4.0 / 5The well-rounded 2017 Toyota Highlander does just about everything you're probably looking for in a three-row family SUV. Its manageable size, well-made cabin, powerful and efficient engine, easy tech controls and pleasant driving experience are standouts.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2014 Toyota Highlander XLE (3.5L V6 | 6-speed automatic | AWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Highlander has received some revisions, including a new V6 engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and additional feature content. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Highlander.
Scorecard
Overall | 4.0 / 5 |
Driving | 5.0 |
Comfort | 5.0 |
Interior | 4.0 |
Utility | 4.0 |
Driving
5.0An appealing combination of a powerful V6, proficient brakes and intuitive, precise steering, plus good handling and decent towing and off-road credentials place the Highlander among the class best.
Acceleration
The Highlander's V6 already provided impressive acceleration in 2014, and the new V6 only improves upon that. The new eight-speed automatic is smooth and reasonably responsive.
Braking
5.0Despite a vague-feeling pedal, the Highlander provides substantial braking effectiveness — the panic-stop distance from 60 mph in Edmunds testing ranks among the class best — and very good fade resistance.
Steering
5.0About as good as it gets for a large SUV. It has intuitive response and reassuring feedback when cornering and isolated straight-line stability on the highway. And it's a cinch to park.
Handling
4.0A confident and competent handler, right up to the relatively low limit set by the stability control system, which really lets you know when you're asking too much. The new SE model's sport-tuned suspension provides a firmer ride but only minor handling improvements.
Drivability
5.0The Highlander feels bigger than some competitors when behind the wheel, so tighter parking maneuvers may feel hairy. It has nice-and-easy steering for parking lots, though, and indeed this is a very easy SUV to drive in general.
Off-road
4.0No low-range gearing, but a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, 8 inches of ground clearance, hill hold and hill descent control, and advantageous approach/departure angles give the Highlander admirable off-road capabilities for a family hauler.
Comfort
5.0Lexus-lite. The Highlander's seats, ride comfort and utterly silent atmosphere are nearly as good as you'll find in SUVs from corporate cousin Lexus.
Seat comfort
5.0Heated leather front seats are as comfy as furniture and offer tons of adjustment, including extendable thigh support. Second-row seats are firmer, but they slide and recline in a wide range. The third row is merely acceptable; certain competitors are better.
Ride comfort
5.0One of the Highlander's best qualities is its ride comfort. This crossover is highly isolated and confident without feeling like a floating barge. Few if any road irregularities intrude.
Noise & vibration
5.0One of the quietest SUVs we've ever measured. Only an occasional wisp of wind noise is evident on a gusty highway pass.
Interior
4.0With only a couple of exceptions (e.g., some long reaches for controls), the Highlander's interior is highly competitive in terms of access, space and ergonomics.
Ease of use
3.5Some controls, specifically those for the audio system, are located too far away. Otherwise, Toyota's typical array of controls is easy to use.
Getting in/getting out
4.0It can be difficult to reach the third row, as the second row (be it captain's chairs or the bench) doesn't provide a wide path to the way back. The doors are large, though, and the seats are of a reasonable height.
Driving position
Abundant seat adjustments, including power-adjustable thigh support (a rare feature) on most trim levels. Sufficient seat and telescoping-wheel travel for taller drivers.
Roominess
3.5As is true of most competitors, the first and second rows provide copious room for adult occupants. The third row is squishier than that of the Honda Pilot despite having three seat belts — only small kids are likely to fit three abreast back there.
Quality
5.0Quality of materials is high, and during the course of our one-year long-term test of a Highlander, everything in the cabin remained nicely screwed together. Impressive.
Utility
4.0Overall cargo capacity is average for this segment, which means that there should be abundant room for most families. Small item storage is very good.
Small-item storage
5.0There's a unique built-in shelf on the dashboard that serves as a resting place for phones or other personal items. A vast amount of space is found under the sliding armrest cover — it's big enough to store a laptop or a sizable purse.
Cargo space
4.0The Highlander offers an average amount of cargo capacity for the segment, regardless of how many rows are in place — nothing significantly outdoes it. Others are better behind the third row, however, notably the Ford Explorer.
Towing
5.0A properly equipped Highlander V6 can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is essentially the standard for the segment. To beat that, you'll need a more rugged alternative such as the Dodge Durango.
Technology
The 2017 Highlander's standard suite of safety technology is a nice plus, especially if you don't have the money for a range-topping model. The infotainment interface is is pleasantly easy to use.
Audio & navigation
Toyota's touchscreen interfaces aren't the flashiest or most feature-packed, but they are easy to use. The 8-inch version (standard on most models) is notably quick to respond to inputs and features large, easily pressed icons.
Driver aids
Every 2017 Highlander comes standard with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, along with adaptive cruise control and lane departure intervention. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are included on the XLE on up.
Which Highlander does Edmunds recommend?
For starters, we do not recommend the base LE with its standard four-cylinder engine, which is much slower than the V6 and less efficient, too. Although you can specify the V6 on the LE, our favorite model is the one-step-up LE Plus. It includes the V6 and all the necessities, as well as niceties such as a flip-up rear window, tri-zone climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen and a power liftgate. Fancier models provide garnishes such as leather upholstery and heated front seats, but we'd only wish for keyless entry and ignition (XLE and up).
Compare 2017 Toyota Highlander trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
2017 Toyota Highlander models
The 2017 Highlander is a large three-row crossover SUV with seating for eight, but optional second-row captain's chairs reduce capacity to seven. There are LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited and Limited Platinum trim levels. The LE isn't a stripped-down model, but its standard four-cylinder engine is a bummer. The LE Plus has key upgrades such as the V6 engine (optional on LE), a power liftgate and tri-zone automatic climate control, while the XLE, Limited and Limited Platinum essentially slather on luxury feature content. The SE stands out with unique styling and sportier driving dynamics.
The base LE comes standard with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine (185 horsepower, 184 pound-feet of torque), a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The 3.5-liter V6 that's standard on all other trims (295 hp, 263 lb-ft) is optional on the LE and comes paired with an eight-speed automatic. All-wheel drive can be added to the V6 as an option. Other standard feature content includes 18-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer, rear privacy glass, the Toyota Safety Sense bundle (automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane departure intervention, and forward collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking), a rearview camera, rear air-conditioning, a six-way manually adjustable driver seat, cloth upholstery, a 60/40-split second-row seat (slides, reclines, folds), a 60/40-split third-row seat (reclines, folds), five USB ports, a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, auxiliary audio jack and a media player interface.
The LE Plus adds a height-adjustable power liftgate, a flip-up rear window, foglights, tri-zone automatic climate control, upgraded upholstery and trim, an eight-way power driver seat with lumbar adjustment, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a higher-resolution 8-inch touchscreen, satellite and HD radio, and a variety of smartphone-connection apps.
The XLE adds a sunroof, roof rails, keyless entry and ignition, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems, an upgraded instrument panel, leather upholstery (first and second rows), simulated leather third-row upholstery, heated front seats, a four-way power passenger seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, second-row window sunshades, Driver Easy Speak (carries the driver's voice through the rear speakers to distant passengers) and a navigation system.
The SE is equipped similarly to the XLE but has LED running lights, sport-themed styling elements and suspension tuning, 19-inch wheels and sporty interior trim.
The Limited starts with the XLE's content and adds LED running lights, different 19-inch wheels, rear parking sensors, a rear cargo cover, heated and ventilated front seats, driver memory settings, second-row captain's chairs (optional on the XLE) and a 12-speaker JBL audio system.
The Limited Platinum gains a panoramic sunroof, automatic wipers, a 360-degree parking camera, front parking sensors, Safety Connect emergency communications, a heated steering wheel and heated second-row seats.
The Limited and Limited Platinum can be optionally equipped with the second-row bench. A rear-seat entertainment system (9-inch display, DVD player, RCA jacks, wireless headphones) is optional on all but the LE and LE Plus.

Honda Passport TrailSport vs. Toyota 4Runner Limited vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland: Which Midsize SUV Should You Buy?

2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: Which Three-Row SUV Should You Buy?

2025 Toyota Tacoma vs. Toyota Tundra: Which Truck's Right for You?

The Toyota 4Runner, Land Cruiser and Tacoma Turned Hell's Revenge Into a Piece of Cake
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$183/mo for Highlander LE
Highlander LE
vs
$181/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
Wow!
5 out of 5 starsChris, 03/25/2017
2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
We traded in our beloved 2007 Highlander for the 2017 because we needed the higher tow capacity. Wow, wow, wow! We feel enveloped in luxury and comfort. The 2017 has a much steadier ride, top quality materials and is more comfortable and roomy. We owned the Sport version previously because I hated the sloppy body roll on the regular 2007 Highlander. The XLE 2017 has a more responsive … ride and corners better, it is much smoother and steadier overall and all of the seats are roomier and very comfortable. Love the telescoping steering wheel, front shelf and pop-up hatch window, too. I am struggling with the new technology, but learning to love and appreciate it fast. The Stop Start system works really well once you get the hang of how and when to use it and is almost undetectable in use. Some of the climate controls are not intuitive (update-after owning this vehicle for one month...I am STILL struggling with the climate controls...only thing I can complain about really) and wondering why MPH not digitally displayed. Hoping this new Highlander is as reliable as our 2007! I am 5'6" husband is 6'5" and we both find it very comfortable, my husband can't stop raving about this vehicle either. Wow! Look forward to every drive now! Update: No issues after a summer of driving and towing. Towing is strong and steady. 1 year update - Vehicle is great, no problems about 10,000 miles. Handles snow and ice superb, my old Highlander did not. Also the 4wd button option has been used numerous times and worked perfectly for the situation for us. EnTune is the only consistent headache for me. It doesn't always work well with my phone/Pandora accounts and I have to reconnect constantly (no Pandora music if I don't). Small issue with rear bumper 'melting' in a small spot near exhaust - Toyota is replacing at no charge. We love the vehicle, it is perfect for our lifestyle of mountain biking, camping, hauling dogs around for hikes and bikes.....2 year update-vehicle running great. No issues.
2022 Update - No issues other than rodent damage repair on a wiring harness.
2023 Update - No issues. Running great.
Spacious cabin and features for the little ones!
5 out of 5 starsRustin Shakelford, 12/19/2016
2017 Toyota Highlander LE 4dr SUV (2.7L 4cyl 6A)
This is the only vehicle I've ever owned that I've enjoyed more than my '69 El Camino. The roominess is perfect to those long drives to Florida from Virginia and the suspension seems incredibly smooth. Also, it has 5 USB chargers which judging by the lack of bickering between my grand kids, is a great thing for keeping them pre occupied on their I-Andriods and bluetooth players. The … engine is also smooth as silk and has the peppiness I need when pulling out into Florida traffic (people drive like animals)!
Growing Appreciation and Satisfaction
5 out of 5 starsJim, 05/20/2017
2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
Bought this car as a downsize. Traded in my 17 mpg Sequioia. This car is MUCH smaller, much easier to drive, and much more "car like". This is my second review. The car is roughly 5 months old & has 3600 miles. No mechanical problems thus far. The ride is comfortable. The front & middle seats are very spacious and comfortable. The dashboard display is clear & intuitive. … Ride comfort is very good, but to be fair, roads where I live are very smooth. Those who have criticized this car's acceleration are misguided. We drive with the car in "eco" mode. Acceleration is MORE THAN ADEQUATE!!!! Step on the gas, and the car moves. Overall mileage has been spot on EPA estimates: roughly 22 mpg, with a bias of 65% to 75% city driving. As for highway mileage, we took our first "semi-long" highway drive the other day, 300 miles round trip, 95% highway driving, set the cruise control at 68 mpg, and realized 28.4 mph upon fill up. So, a 290 hp 3 row SUV, with full time all wheel drive, with air conditioning running the whole time, returned 28.4 mpg over a 300 mile trip. Need I say anymore about fuel efficiency? Pretty impressive, in my opinion. If this car holds up like previous Toyotas, it's a no brainer, and should be on anyone's short list of 3 row. mid-sized SUVs. 11 months and 9,000 into ownership, we have only grown to appreciate this car more.
Best 3 row SUV in its class!
5 out of 5 starsCB, 02/19/2017
2017 Toyota Highlander XLE 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
I can't stop raving about my new Highlander! I saw the Pilot and MDX at the dealers and read a lot about the other competitors, Explorer, Traverse, Acadia, etc. It has more standard features than the base level MDX or even a comparable Pilot - for example, to get the 2nd row Captain's Chairs in the Pilot you have to go to the highest trim level or to get the Honda Sensing safety … features you have to pay 1,000, also Navigation is extra (at least on the EX-L). I love all the standard safety features that are included in the Toyota (collision mitigation, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, etc.) and it comes with optional Captain's Chairs (which are very comfortable) on the XLE. Yes, the 3rd row seating is smaller than the Pilot but we don't intend to use it that often and when we do it will be mainly for children so that was not a big issue for us. The rear seat cargo room when the 3rd row is up is smaller than the Pilot but again, we don't anticipate that being a big issue and I believe it is bigger than the other cars in this class. The fuel economy is what you would expect for a car of this size and weight. I did not get the AWD on purpose because we don't need it and it just adds expense, but having said that, finding a FWD was very hard - I call my car the "unicorn" because it was so hard to find. I look forward to driven this car every time I get into it!
2017 Toyota Highlander video
2017 Toyota Highlander Review
Edmunds' Josh Sadlier takes you on a walk around of the 2017 Toyota Highlander. He goes over specs, design, the interior and more.
2017 Highlander Highlights
LE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $30,630 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $183/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.8 cu.ft. |
front wheel drive | |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Highlander models:
- Forward Collision Warning/Auto-Brake
- Can detect and automatically brake for other cars and pedestrians.This standard feature is optional on its competitors.
- Lane Departure Alert and Steering Assist
- Helps keep you in your lane. Another typically optional feature that is standard.
- Driver Knee & Passenger Cushion Airbags
- Not every competitor has these extra airbags for front occupants. They are standard.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger5 / 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 Rollover18.5%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- 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 2017 Toyota Highlander info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Polestar 1 2020 Review
- Lincoln Corsair 2021 Review
- Hyundai Kona Electric 2021 Review
- Honda Ridgeline 2021 Review
- Hyundai Ioniq Electric 2020 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
- 2025 UX
- 2024 Honda Civic
- Volkswagen Golf GTI 2025
- 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
- 2025 Porsche Macan
- Rivian R1T 2024
- 2024 Toyota T100
- New Toyota Crown
- Toyota BZ4X 2025
- 2025 Toyota Pickup
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 Mercedes-Benz Slc-Class in Spring Hill, FL 2020
- New Jaguar E-Pace for Sale in Van Buren, AR
- Used Fisker Karma in Columbia, MD 2012
- Used BMW Z8 in New Bedford, MA 2003
- Used Mercury Milan in Reading, PA 2011
- Used GMC Jimmy in Laurel, MD 2001
- New Mitsubishi Mirage for Sale in Warren, OH
- Used Honda CR-Z in Brunswick, GA 2016
- Used Lotus Elise in Alexandria, VA 2011
- Used Land-Rover Freelander in San Ramon, CA 2005