2019 Toyota Highlander Review

Name: 2019 Toyota Highlander
Brand: Toyota

Price Range: $17,500 - $36,998

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by Dan Frio

Pros

Standard high-tech safety features
Strong V6 engine with good fuel economy
Quiet and pleasantly compliant ride

Cons

Third-row seat isn't as roomy as those in many competitors
Touchscreen and other controls may require an extra-long reach
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren't offered
Weak power delivery of the base four-cylinder engine

What's new

Only minor styling revisions for 2019
Part of the third Highlander generation introduced for 2014

The 2019 Toyota Highlander is your quintessential three-row family mover. With comfortable seating, plenty of standard safety features, a strong V6 engine and an impeccable reputation for reliability, the Highlander checks all the boxes for large families in motion. Thanks to its just-right size, the Highlander is also easy to maneuver around town and does so at near-luxury levels of quiet and comfort.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

86 listings

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2019 Toyota Highlander
SE 4dr SUV
$17,500
great price
$2,164 below market
- 155,000 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 7 Seats, 20 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- Car Social (19 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Manassas, VA
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: 5TDJZRFH0KS604045
Stock: 1056
Certified Pre-Owned: No
2019 Toyota Highlander
XLE 4dr SUV
$25,700
- 113,326 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 8 Seats, 20 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- Lindsay Volkswagen of Dulles (4 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Sterling, VA
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: 5TDJZRFH3KS609904
Stock: VP15485A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-21-2026

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But the Highlander isn't flawless. Its third-row seat and cargo area aren't especially voluminous, and its infotainment system, while fine, doesn't offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration. The base four-cylinder engine is also pretty gutless, but at least the V6 that comes in most Highlanders is respectably stout.

It might be worth your while to look at some rival crossover SUVs. The Honda Pilot and the Volkswagen Atlas are roomier, for instance, and the Mazda CX-9 provides a more upscale and energetic driving experience. Overall, however, the popular Highlander has what it takes to satisfy the majority of your family-hauling needs.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.4 / 10

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Toyota Highlander XLE (3.5L V6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

Scorecard

Overall	7.4 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	8.0
Interior	7.5
Utility	7.5
Technology	7.0

Driving

7.0

The Highlander's V6 has plenty of power for daily driving tasks, but it can be lazy to respond when you aren't asking for maximum acceleration. The steering is sometimes too light and less responsive than we'd like, and the Highlander's capabilities are merely average.

Acceleration

7.5

Toyota makes a solid V6 engine. Mash the gas and the 3.5-liter V6 screams (almost too loudly) to life. Midrange power is commendable and good for passing and merging. Roll into the gas slowly, however, and the engine doesn't feel fully awake. It'll hit 60 mph in 7.9 seconds, which is about middle of the pack.

Braking

7.0

The brake pedal engages with minimal effort. Responsiveness is predictable and progressive. In Edmunds' panic-stop brake test, our Highlander XLE slowed from 60 mph to a stop in 128 feet. That's an average distance for a three-row SUV.

Steering

7.0

There is considerable free play in the steering wheel at low speeds. This vague communication takes getting used to. The super-light effort, however, certainly helps when parking a vehicle of these dimensions. The effort gets a bit heavier at speed, offering a greater sense of stability and control.

Handling

7.0

The Highlander fits the classic big-and-boaty mold of large SUVs. It drives big in parking lots, though the low-effort steering alleviates some of the stress. When going around turns, the Highlander doesn't maintain its composure as well as the top players in the segment. Opt for straighter roads when possible.

Drivability

7.0

The conservative gas pedal's response time is slow and can get annoying. Transmission shifts are otherwise smooth, and midrange power is commendable. Driver assist features are tuned conservatively, making for a generally laid-back driving demeanor.

Off-road

8.0

Ground clearance is listed at 8 inches, which exceeds that of most in the segment. You also get above-average approach and departure angles for a family-oriented SUV. All-wheel-drive versions are available and include both hill descent control and an electronically lockable differential.

Comfort

8.0

The Highlander's seats feel immediately comfortable but don't quite maintain it over long distances. Otherwise, there's a good amount of comfort thanks to a smooth ride, low amounts of noise and an effective climate control system.

Seat comfort

7.0

The front seats are comfortable at the outset. But over long distances, their contours don't feel as supportive. A lack of seat-bottom adjustability may contribute here. The same can be said for the rear seats, though their reclining seatbacks help. The door armrests are ultra-plush.

Ride comfort

8.5

The suspension smooths out all the bumps and ruts in the road commendably well. Over larger dips, there is an ever-so-slight sensation of buoyancy that may affect third-row riders sensitive to motion sickness. But the same can be said for other SUVs in its class.

Noise & vibration

8.5

Passengers are well-isolated from exterior noise. Road noise will creep in over certain surfaces in the form of a steady hum, but there are certainly competitors less successful than the Highlander with regard to noise control. This cabin is comfortably quiet.

Climate control

8.5

The automatic climate control functions use logical dials for temperature control and buttons for fan speed. Rear passengers control their own climate manually via a panel of buttons on the back of the center console. Heated and ventilated front seats work well, and ceiling-mounted vents for second and third rows help make everyone happy.

Interior

7.5

The interior design is a mixed bag. The two front rows offer lots of lateral room, while the third row is a kids-only zone. Secondary controls are logically designed but a far reach due to the wide cabin. The passenger doors fully open, though they may be heavy for children to open. Visibility is fantastic.

Ease of use

8.0

The size of the dash and distance from the driver require a stretch for some controls. The simplicity of dials for frequently used functions such as climate, volume and media selection is welcome, though touch-sensitive buttons near the display screen lack tactile feedback and require too much of your attention to push.

Getting in/getting out

8.0

The wide doors open almost 90 degrees, making entry a breeze, but their size can be a drawback in tight spaces. Both the second-row captain's chair and bench seat options slide forward to allow easy third-row access. The levers to manipulate the seats are quite heavy to pull.

Driving position

7.0

Driver-seat adjustability is such that most will find an acceptable position. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes, and there is a broad range of fore-aft seat movement. This said, thigh support is lacking, and the seat bottom does not extend or tilt upward to help support longer legs.

Roominess

8.0

Headroom, legroom and elbow room are ample for first- and second-row occupants and even more prominent with the captain's chairs. The Highlander's tall, square interior shape adds to the spaciousness. Adults will not fit in the third row no matter how far forward the second-row seats are positioned.

Visibility

8.0

A large windshield and tall side windows provide excellent outward visibility. Huge second-row headrests obstruct the over-the-shoulder view somewhat, but blind spots are minimal otherwise. The standard rearview and optional surround-view cameras are excellent.

Quality

8.5

Despite a somewhat aging interior design, the Highlander offers excellent fit and finish all around. The leather seating is of a high quality, and interior pieces are soft where they should be. You get the sense that Toyota built the Highlander to last.

Utility

7.5

The Highlander maximizes small-item storage. Kid- and parent-friendly touches include easy access to child seat installation points, enhanced passenger visibility and communication. But cargo volume isn't as spacious as it is in many others in the class.

Small-item storage

8.0

An innovative storage nook runs the length of the dash. Cupholders are abundant, and the door pockets are long and wide. A deep bin between the front seats fits it all. The optional captain's chair configuration has shallow trays between the seats. Overall, the Highlander has plenty of storage for small items.

Cargo space

6.5

With all three rows of seats up, the Highlander's cargo space trails the pack. The load floor, with the third-row and second-row seats folded down, is nearly flat with a volume of 83.2 cubic feet. The cargo space is decently roomy, but rivals such as the Chevy Traverse are noticeably bigger in back.

Child safety seat accommodation

8.0

There is a lot of legroom for child seats in the second row, but it is tighter in the third. LATCH anchors and tethers are numerous and easily accessed. There is a conversation mirror for spying on your kids, as well as optional Driver Easy Speak feature, which uses speakers to amplify voices.

Towing

7.5

Its 5,000-pound max tow rating (for SE and Limited trims) aligns with all the top players in this segment. A towing receiver hitch and wiring harness are available as an option.

Technology

7.0

Top-trim Highlanders are safety tech-heavy. An impressive adaptive cruise control system is the highlight of their extensive list of driver aids. The ability to enable, disable and customize many of the features at the touch of a button is a real plus. There are also numerous options for device integration but no smartphone projection yet.

Audio & navigation

7.0

The nav system is logical to use and will get you where you need to be. Traffic info is not as accurate as what's provided by smartphone projection apps used by competitive vehicles. We like the simple layout of the radio dials and redundant controls located both on the touchscreen and steering wheel.

Smartphone integration

7.0

Bluetooth phone connection and switching between paired phones are quick. Media integration options vary from aux jacks to USB (five total!) to a two-prong 12-volt outlet. The lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Audio hurts the Toyota since many of its peers offer this integration as standard.

Driver aids

8.0

Many driver aids are standard, and most can be activated or deactivated at will. The adaptive cruise system is especially effective, but the lane departure system only works when lanes are marked clearly.

Voice control

7.0

Voice controls are basic (phone calls, navigation directions, radio tuning) and respond acceptably well once you've learned the correct prompt for each. Voice training is available to help effectiveness. The voice input volume is also adjustable, so the user does not have to shout to make commands.

Which Highlander does Edmunds recommend?

Priced right in the middle of the Highlander lineup, the XLE is our pick. It comes standard with the V6 engine and several desirable extras, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and keyless entry and ignition.

Compare 2019 Toyota Highlander trim levels

2019 Toyota Highlander models

The 2019 Toyota Highlander is a three-row crossover SUV that seats eight (optional second-row captain's chairs reduce capacity to seven). It's available in six trim levels: LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited and Limited Platinum.

Toyota Highlander LE

The base LE starts with a 2.5-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 (295 hp, 263 lb-ft) that comes standard on all other trims is optional on the LE and pairs with an eight-speed automatic. Optional all-wheel drive can be added to the V6.

Standard LE features include 18-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer, rear privacy glass, a rearview camera, rear air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver's seat, a sliding and reclining 60/40-split second-row seat, and a reclining 60/40-split third-row seat. You also get a 6.1-inch touchscreen, five USB ports (three in the front and two in the rear), Bluetooth, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player.

Every Highlander also comes with the Toyota Safety Sense bundle that includes automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

Toyota Highlander LE Plus

The LE Plus adds the V6 engine, a height-adjustable power liftgate, a flip-up rear window, foglights, tri-zone automatic climate control, upgraded upholstery and trim, a power-adjustable driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems, a high-resolution 8-inch touchscreen, satellite and HD radio, and a variety of smartphone-connection apps.

Toyota Highlander XLE

Building on the LE Plus' equipment, the XLE adds a sunroof, roof rails, keyless entry and ignition, an upgraded instrument panel, leather upholstery (simulated leather for the third row), heated front seats, a power-adjustable passenger seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, second-row window sunshades, a 110-volt power outlet, a navigation system, and Driver Easy Speak, which carries the driver's voice through the rear speakers to distant passengers.

Toyota Highlander SE

The SE is equipped similarly to the XLE but with a sport theme that extends to larger 19-inch wheels, LED running lights, and sportier suspension tuning and styling elements.

Toyota Highlander Limited

The Limited adds LED running lights, different 19-inch wheels, rear parking sensors, a rear cargo cover, heated and ventilated front seats, driver-seat memory settings, second-row captain's chairs, and a 12-speaker JBL audio system to the XLE trim's features.

Toyota Highlander Limited Platinum

The Limited Platinum gains a panoramic sunroof, automatic wipers, a surround-view parking camera system, front parking sensors, Safety Connect emergency communications, a heated steering wheel, and heated second-row seats.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$189/mo

$199/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

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Reliability

The 2019 Toyota Highlander has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 3 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #6 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating 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

Frequency

0.85x/yr

vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Severity

11.2%

vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV

Recalls

3 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 20V682000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 20TA02, 20
Number of vehicles affected:: 1517721
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Defect Consequence:: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed beginning November 23, 2020. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

Recall Number:: 20V012000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 20TB02/20T
Number of vehicles affected:: 1830752
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Defect Consequence:: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Toyota notified owners of the safety risk with an interim notification between February 17, 2020 and May 4, 2020. Toyota will send a second notice to owners to have the fuel pump replaced once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.

Recall Number:: 19V244000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 19R1
Manufactured from:: 2019-02-21 to 2019-02-27
Number of vehicles affected:: 3634
Defect Description:: Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Defect Consequence:: If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 2 years / unlimited miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 2 years / 25,000 miles

Toyota Highlander Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.0

131 reviews

5(53%)

4(17%)

3(11%)

2(13%)

1(6%)

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2019 Highlander Features & Specs

Trim:

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$31,830
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$189/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Highlander models:

Forward Collision Warning/Automatic Braking: Detects an imminent collision and can automatically apply brakes to avoid collision with another vehicle or pedestrian.
Lane Departure Alert and Steering Assist: Alerts you when the car begins traveling out of its lane. Can apply moderate steering to correct.
Automatic High Beams: Detects the headlights and taillights of vehicles ahead of you and can automatically toggle the high beams to provide extra visibility.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16.9%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Acceptable
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2019 Toyota Highlander Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

For sale near Ashburn, VA

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Off-road

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Towing

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Which Highlander does Edmunds recommend?

2019 Toyota Highlander models

Toyota Highlander LE

Toyota Highlander LE Plus

Toyota Highlander XLE

Toyota Highlander SE

Toyota Highlander Limited

Toyota Highlander Limited Platinum

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Recalls

Warranty

Toyota Highlander Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2019 Highlander Features & Specs

Safety

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