Used 2017 Toyota Highlander SE SUV Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2017 Toyota Highlander SE SUV.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Missed the mark but the SE is a good SUV
RGP, Dry Fork, VA, 06/07/2017
2017 Toyota Highlander SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
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.
Engine overheating after 1,500 miles on odometer
JW, Garden Valley, CA, 03/04/2017
2017 Toyota Highlander SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
gotta have it towed to the dealer tomorrow. I will have a follow up post after the dealer's analysis of why the engine is overheating.
If only Nav wasn't so bad
Marty, Brandenburg, KY, 07/08/2017
2017 Toyota Highlander SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
We have about 3200 miles on the vehicle. Drove it to Florida from Ky for family vacation. Vehicle is quiet rides pretty good and handles well for an SUV. MPG is not what is advertised in my opinion if you are driving over 65MPH (which 70 and up is standard for our area now). We still have our 2008 Nissan Quest minivan and if I were to do it over, another minivan would be in store. … However, my biggest complaint is the Audio system, Navigation, and the lack of Car Play and/or Android auto. If the Nav was better I could do without the Car Play and Android. But the Nav is horrible. And why can't we do map updates through our phones when on wifi?? Toyota has dropped the ball on this and don't do what we did and thought the Nav would be handy, it will cost you a ton of time, is hard to use, and just isn't near the level of Google maps and other competitors in the mapping world. Voice recognition is spotty at best. I had high hopes as this is our first Toyota but looks like it will be our last. Glad we are leasing.
Love My Highlander
Tony Pena, Orland Park, IL, 12/14/2017
2017 Toyota Highlander SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
After 3 years we still love it. Plenty of space for our boys and dog. Also, the reliability of the Toyota brand has been as we expected.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2017 Toyota Highlander SE SUV
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Just-right exterior and interior size for many families
- Pro:Standard high-tech safety features
- Pro:Strong V6 engine with improved fuel economy
- Pro:Quiet and compliant ride
- Con:Third-row seat isn't as roomy as those of many competitors
- Con:Touchscreen and other controls may require an extra-long reach
- Con:Undesirable base four-cylinder engine
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).
Full Edmunds Review: 2017 Toyota Highlander SUV
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2017 Toyota Highlander in Washington is:
not availableLegal