The 2021 Highlander gets high marks for its superb comfort and above-average fuel economy. It feels confident on a winding road, and its responsive acceleration is useful for driving around town. It's also comfortable on long-distance drives. But the Highlander suffers from a third-row seat that is confining and falls below the mark set by the top players in this segment.
Coming off a full redesign last year, the 2021 Toyota Highlander broadens its lineup with a new and sporty XSE model with a sport-tuned suspension. Most shoppers seeking a three-row family SUV probably aren't looking for handling performance, though, and the Highlander is already skilled in that area. Otherwise, this three-row midsize SUV returns unchanged, with the same perks and drawbacks as last year.
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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 (20 City/27 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5TDDZRBH5MS068540 Stock: CMS068540 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 08-14-2025
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AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
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 (20 City/27 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5TDFZRBH5MS096914 Stock: 2003944717 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 08-09-2025
We enjoy the Highlander's comfortable seats and ride quality, as well as its potent V6 engine that comes standard. But this Toyota is held back by its cramped third-row seating and smaller cargo space behind those seats. If cargo space is a priority, it's worth checking out the impressive Kia Telluride (and related Hyundai Palisade) as well as the Honda Pilot or Volkswagen Atlas. Still interested? Check out our Expert Rating to get our in-depth take on the ups and downs of the 2021 Highlander.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
7.8
out of 10
We drove the 2021 Toyota Highlander on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
8/10
How does the Highlander drive? Unlike some SUVs that can be slow to respond when you first step on the accelerator, the Toyota Highlander delivers near immediate response. At our Edmunds test track we measured 0-60 mph at 7.5 seconds, which is slightly better than average and a dead heat with the top-rated Kia Telluride — though the Highlander feels a little quicker from the driver's seat.
The Highlander's ability to negotiate a twisty road has improved. Body roll is controlled as you go around turns, and the available torque-vectoring AWD system can also help by applying engine power to individual rear wheels to subtly enhance the SUV's handling balance (in addition to the usual benefit of extra traction in wet weather).
Despite all this advanced technology, the Highlander still feels like a bigger SUV. A number of competitors move with more purpose and lightness, and many are able to stop quicker in an emergency braking scenario. Ultimate performance aside, the Highlander makes daily driving a low-effort activity, which is most important.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the Highlander? The Highlander's ride quality is pleasantly plush. Large and small road imperfections are smoothed over thanks to the compliant suspension, yet it avoids feeling floaty or disconnected at higher speeds. The front seats are quite comfortable even on long drives, and the available second-row captain's chairs deliver nearly the same amount of comfort. Alas, the third-row seats are one of the Highlander's greatest liabilities. Thin padding, a very low seat cushion and narrow space make them ill-suited for adults.
Wind noise is well silenced on the highway, and road noise is minimal. Our test Highlander did have a minor creak developing at the top of the driver's door.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? The first and second seating rows provide ample space, but the third row is one of the most confining in the midsize three-row SUV class. If you're planning on regularly using the full passenger capacity, you will be better served by rivals such as the Kia Telluride or Volkswagen Atlas. Once you're seated, it's easy to find your preferred driving position, but taller drivers may wish for a bit more extension range from the telescoping steering wheel. It can be a bit of a reach.
We give the Highlander high marks for outward visibility. The front roof pillars are thin, which help you see around turns. Some of the Highlander's available technology features help too, such as the camera-based rearview mirror that allows you to see out the back even if you've fully loaded up the rear cargo area. The available surround-view camera system is sharp and can be rotated to "look around" the vehicle.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? In recent years, Toyota has trailed other manufacturers when it comes to tech. This latest-generation Highlander makes big strides in the right direction, but it still has some drawbacks. The optional 12.3-inch touchscreen is huge (an 8-inch screen is standard) and it responds quickly to inputs, but the reflections on the surface make using it more difficult than it should be. Our Highlander Platinum test vehicle had five USB charge ports for the first and second rows but none for the third row.
Toyota provides a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids as standard on all Highlanders. Among other things, we like the adaptive cruise control, but we found the lane departure warning slightly too sensitive in the normal mode and not sensitive enough in the low mode.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? Cargo space is a bit of a mixed bag with the Highlander. Behind the third row, there's only 16 cubic feet of space, which is small for the class. Behind the second row, it expands to a better-than-average 48.4 cubic feet. The liftover height is about average for a midsize SUV.
As for cabin storage, there are good-size pockets and cupholders, as well as two shelves built into the dash (one has a clever phone cable keeper too). Because the wireless phone charger is in the center armrest bin, you have to flip it up to access the space underneath, which some might find inconvenient.
Got kids? A large rear-facing car seat will easily be accommodated in the second row thanks to the generous amount of fore/aft movement of the available captain's chairs. The car seat anchors are also easy to locate and access for all types of child safety seats, though there are no anchors in the third row.
Fuel Economy
8.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the all-wheel-drive Highlander returns 23 mpg (20 city/27 highway) and a slightly better 24 mpg (21 city/29 highway) for front-wheel-drive models. This may not seem like a huge advantage over the competition with a difference of just 1 or 2 mpg, but it's significant for this class of vehicle.
On our 115-mile highway-heavy evaluation route, we achieved 24.7 mpg, which indicates to us the EPA's estimates should be achievable. Of note, the Highlander Hybrid is estimated to return 36 mpg combined.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Highlander a good value? In general, the Highlander is a little more expensive than its closest rivals, and you don't quite get as many standard features. When it comes to quality, the interior materials are only about average when compared to what's used in the top-rated SUVs in this class.
Toyota's warranty coverage is pretty common for the class with three years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and five years/60,000 miles for the powertrain. Toyota provides the first two years of scheduled maintenance for free.
Wildcard
8/10
The new styling up front gives the Highlander more of an industrial, truck-like appearance, which is pleasing. The same can't be said of the Supra-inspired character line that goes from the bottom of the front door and over the rear wheels.
One thing that helps boost this score is the Highlander's composure on a twisting road. We might even say it's fun to drive for a midsize three-row SUV.
2021 Toyota Highlander trim level differences
The 2021 Toyota Highlander is a midsize three-row SUV with seating for eight passengers. Midgrade trims and above swap the second-row bench for captain's chairs, reducing capacity to seven passengers. All models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine (295 horsepower, 263 lb-ft of torque) that is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. All-wheel-drive is available on all trims as an option. There's also a Highlander Hybrid variant that is reviewed separately.
Which Highlander trim does Edmunds recommend?
Most shoppers on a budget will be well served by the Highlander in LE trim, mainly for its addition of a power liftgate and a blind-spot monitor. For those in harsh weather regions, all-wheel drive is available throughout the lineup. If you have more room in your budget, the XLE model looks and feels quite a bit nicer thanks to its added convenience features and simulated leather upholstery.
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.
The 2021 Toyota Highlander generally receives positive reviews for its smooth ride, fuel efficiency, and ample safety features, with particular praise for the hybrid model's performance. However, there are recurring complaints about the third-row space, wind noise issues, and some dissatisfaction with the 8-speed transmission and interior finishes. The Platinum trim is well-liked for its luxury features, but some owners report quality control issues and problems with the vehicle's electronics.
This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews
2021 Toyota Highlander Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
I’ve been eyeing the Highlander since they redesigned it in 2020. I opted for the Limited AWD trim with the optional 12 inch screen and bench seats. I am completely blown away on how amazing it is to drive the Highlander. Visibility is great but with the bigger screen you also get birds eye view which will definitely help assess your surroundings. The safety features are awesome and the … little things like intuitive climate control are nice. I was worried about access into the third row and comfort but my 12 year old is happy with it. The middle row does slide up giving more leg room to the third row. I came from a minivan so I am used to a lot of cargo room and low entry. If you will be using the third row consistently I recommend getting the cross bars and on roof cargo storage to maximize what you can carry, and if you are transporting smaller kids/adults the step up may be just slightly too high for them but running boards can be installed.
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