Vehicle Overview
This year marks the first major update for the Highlander since it was last redesigned in 2013. The 2017 Highlander introduces a series of upgrades that should help it maintain its strong competitiveness in a category that is one of the most active in the industry. Splitting the difference between a minivan and a station wagon, the Highlander continues to offer three rows of seating, plenty of cargo room and a choice between front- or all-wheel drive.
In all six of its available trim levels, the Highlander is a roomy and comfortable place to be. Its restyled front and rear ends haven't affected the rest of the package; it still offers your choice of two captain's chairs or a three-person bench seat in the second row. For 2017, its optional V6 has been reworked for more power and efficiency and is paired to a new transmission. The base four-cylinder engine and transmission carry over unchanged. Safety-conscious consumers will be pleased to know there's a suite of safety technologies included as standard equipment on all 2017 Highlanders.
We've been impressed by the Highlander, and the updates for 2017 will likely underscore its status as among the best three-row crossovers on the market. The competition continues to improve, however. The Honda Pilot was fully redesigned last year, with more refinement and a carlike driving character, while the gutsy Ford Explorer was also refreshed last year. Elsewhere, the aggressive and brawny Dodge Durango and affordable Hyundai Santa Fe offer undeniable appeal.
Performance and MPG
The base Highlander LE comes standard with front-wheel drive and a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 185 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission is a six-speed automatic, and we expect it will match the fuel economy of last year's model — an EPA-estimated22 mpg combined (20 city/25 highway).
A 3.5-liter V6 is optional on the LE and standard on all other trims. For 2017, this engine has been heavily revised for more power and efficiency. It's based on the revised V6 that was introduced in the Tacoma last year, and it will surpass the 270 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque of last year's Highlander V6. Furthermore, in all trim levels except LE, the new V6 will be equipped with a stop-start feature to save even more fuel. All V6 models also receive a new eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous six-speed gearbox. Front- or all-wheel drive is available (Limited Platinum comes with standard AWD). Fuel economy numbers haven't yet been released.
Safety
The 2017 Toyota Highlander comes standard with traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, front seat side airbags, a driver knee airbag, a front passenger seat-cushion airbag and full-length side curtain airbags. A rearview camera is also standard.
All 2017 Highlanders are equipped with forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise and automatic high beams.
In government crash testing, the Highlander received afive-star overall rating (out of a possible five), with four stars for total front-impact protection and five stars for total side-impact protection. During testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Highlander received thehighest possible rating of Good in all tests. Though these results are for the 2016 model, we expect the structurally identical 2017 Highlander to have similar results.
Additional Information
The 2017 Toyota Highlander midsize SUV, substantially updated from the previous year, maintains the model's tradition of providing a practical blend of comfort, space and reasonable drivability, while adding a bit more style and a host of new features. Untouched are many of the Highlander's strong suits, including a well-packaged interior, three-row seating, a generous cargo area and available all-wheel drive.
One of the biggest changes for the Highlander in 2017 is the availability of a new, direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque and comes mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission that replaces the previous six-speed. Another change this year is the addition of the SE model, which slots in just below the Limited trim level and features sportier suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels and unique exterior and interior trim.
The standard powerplant for the base LE trim remains the 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 185 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. In a vehicle that weighs at least 5665 pounds — depending on drivetrain and options — its performance can only be described as barely adequate. And to bring the Highlander up to par with its rivals, most of which come with a standard V6, the majority of buyers will likely order the optional six-cylinder engine.
A stylish new grille and front and rear lights headline the exterior changes for the Highlander in 2017, along with an overall more muscular look and several new color and finish choices. On-road performance continues to lean more toward comfort, rather than taut handling, although the Highlander remains competitive with its major rivals in this area. Buyers interested in improving handling a bit might want to test-drive the new SE model.
Inside is where the Highlander continues to excel. While not ultra-luxurious, the interior combines plenty of leg, head and shoulder room with updated materials and an abundance of clever storage solutions. And buyers are sure to appreciate the addition of a number of the latest advanced safety features and host of technology options.
The front-wheel drive 2017 Highlander with the four-cylinder engine is EPA rated at 22 mpg combined (20 city/24 highway). The FWD V6 gets a rating of 23 mpg combined (20 city/27 highway) making it a logical choice, especially for those planning to use their Toyota SUV for family vacations.
The base LE trim comes well equipped with many attractive safety and convenience features. The LE Plus and XLE models up the standard features, while the new SE trim offers both additional standard goodies and a few sporty touches. At the top of the line sit the Limited and Limited Platinum versions, which provide considerably increased comfort and luxury. Let Edmunds help you find just the right 2017 Toyota Highlander to meet your needs.
Is the 2017 Toyota Highlander a good car?
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Toyota Highlander and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Highlander featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
How do people like the 2017 Toyota Highlander?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Toyota Highlander and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Highlander 4.4 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Highlander.
Vehicle
LE 4dr SUV (2.7L 4cyl 6A)
Review
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)!
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Toyota Highlander
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Is the 2017 Toyota Highlander safe?
The 2017 Toyota Highlander earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: Side Impact Test, Roof Strength Test, Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint, IIHS Small Overlap Front Test Results, Moderate Overlap Front Test Results, and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 4.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
What options are available on the 2017 Toyota Highlander?
Available Toyota Highlander 2017 Submodel Types: SUV
Available Trims: XLE, Limited, Limited Platinum, SE, Base, LE Plus, LE, Sport, V6, Plus
Exterior Colors: Blizzard Pearl, Predawn Gray Mica, Midnight Black Metallic, Celestial Silver Metallic, Shoreline Blue Pearl, Ooh La La Rouge Mica, Attitude Black Metallic, Black, Silver Sky Metallic, Classic Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Toasted Walnut Pearl, Alumina Jade Metallic, Salsa Red Pearl, Millennium Silver Metallic, Nautical Blue Metallic, Bluestone Metallic, Creme Brulee Mica, Cypress Pearl, Sonora Gold Pearl, Sandy Beach Metallic, Sizzling Crimson Mica, Indigo Ink Pearl, Super White, Blue Streak Metallic, Moulin Rouge Mica, Vintage Gold Metallic, Oasis Green Pearl, Millennium Silver Met, Crystal White Pearl, Electric Green Mica, Sundown Red Pearl, Wave Line Pearl
Interior Colors: Black leather, Ash leather, Almond leather, Ash cloth, Black premium leather, Ash premium leather, Ash leatherette/cloth, Sand Beige cloth, Black cloth, Black leatherette/cloth, Ivory, Almond premium leather, Saddle Tan leather, Sand Beige premium leather, Ash premium cloth, Sand Beige leather, Almond leatherette/cloth, Ivory cloth, Gray, Sand Beige premium cloth, Black premium cloth, Charcoal, Parchment/Ecru leatherette/cloth, Ash
Popular Features: Fold Flat Rear Seats, Rear Bench Seats, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Third-row seating, AWD/4WD, Aux Audio Inputs, Trip Computer, Power Driver Seat, 5000lb Towing Capacity, Bluetooth, USB Inputs, Back-up camera, Auto Climate Control, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Alarm, Sunroof/Moonroof, Heated seats, Leather Seats, Navigation, Keyless Entry/Start, 2nd Row Bucket Seats, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, Pre-collision safety system, Post-collision safety system, Cooled Seats, Parking sensors, 3500lb Towing Capacity, 360-degree camera, Remote Start, Upgraded Stereo, Rear Entertainment System, 2500lb Towing Capacity, Towing Hitch
Engine/Mechanics: 6, 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: regular unleaded
Drivetrains: all wheel drive, front wheel drive, four wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
