Skip to content
pickacar

SUV · Hybrid

Toyota Highlander 2014–2019 (XU50)

Toyota Highlander
Photo: Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Price
$29,700–$44,300
MPG
29
  • Strength: Excellent safety
  • Strength: Strong capability
  • Strength: Strong passenger space
  • Watch-out: Poor cargo & utility
  • Watch-out: Below-average driving fun
Loading…
How it scores for you10 scores
A crash-safe, eight-seat family cruiser with 5,000-lb towing, but power-train complaints and a cramped 13.8 cu ft trunk behind the third row temper the appeal.
Reliability69

Recalled about as often as cars of the same model years; none of its 11 recalls were serious. About 7% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted +6 points for its wider reputation.

Safety100

5-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 4, side 5, rollover 4).

Running costs62

About $2,300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 62% of cars we track.

Cargo & utility5

13.8 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 5% of other SUVs we track.

Passenger space72

Three rows with 8-seat capacity and 83.7 cu ft max cargo make it genuinely family-friendly, though the third row is tighter than some rivals. Roomy overall.

Driving fun42

270hp V6 provides adequate acceleration and 5000lb towing, but the Highlander prioritizes comfort and easy driving over engagement. Numb steering and soft suspension make it competent, not sporty.

Tech48

XU50 offered a decent infotainment setup and available safety features, roughly segment-typical for its era, though it lacked the cutting-edge features of some rivals during 2014-2019.

Comfort68

Toyota tuned the Highlander for a quiet, smooth ride with supportive seats. A well-regarded family cruiser, above average for the three-row SUV segment.

Value retention70

SUVs and hybrids usually hold their value better than average.

Capability77

Rated to tow 5,000 lb; all- or four-wheel drive available.

Safety & recalls17 recalls
Overall 5/5
Frontal 4/5
Side 5/5
Rollover 4/5

17 recalls · 10 common complaint areas across 2015–2019

  • Powertrain — 189 complaints (2019)
  • Recall — Equipment: other: labels (2019)
  • Powertrain — 71 complaints (2017)

2019

  • RecallEquipment: other: labels19V244000

    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

  • RecallFuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump20V012000

    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,

  • RecallFuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump20V682000

    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, 20

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain189 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    UA80 Transmission failure. Was driving on highway when the transmission failed and lost power to the vehicle. Car was taken to Sunshine Toyota (Batte Creek MI) in 2022 and the transmission was recommended to be replaced due to a defect at 67,000 miles. The car was then sold off, and I acquired it th

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other62 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    UA8OF transmission went. Vehicle was making whining noise when purchased and was told was normal. Driving the car as normal when traveling through intersection when car would not drive.

  • Complaint clusterElectrical50 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    My transmission is now missing the 3rd gear and left me and my kids stalled in traffic as I was turning in oncoming traffic. Toyota dealership confirmed that was the problem upon inspection.

  • Complaint clusterFuel and propulsion48 complaintscomplaints:FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

    I am filing this safety complaint regarding a known defect in my 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid related to the high-pressure fuel system. My vehicle triggered a Check Engine Light with Diagnostic Trouble Code P107B - Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor ‘B’ Circuit Range/Performance. This code appeared multiple

  • Complaint clusterEngine24 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    I am writing to formally document a series of unresolved mechanical issues with my vehicle, culminating in a complete transmission failure, and to request assistance in resolving this matter. The timeline of events is detailed below: *Winter 2024: I first noticed a persistent buzzing sound originat

2018

  • RecallEquipment: other: labels17V831000

    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles

  • RecallElectrical system; visibility: windshield18E107000

    Fujian Wanda Automobile Glass Industry (Wanda) is recalling certain aftermarket Replacement Windshields sold for use in 2014-2018 Toyota Highlander vehicles. The windshields have an attached wire harness that water may leak into, possibly causing damage to the vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM).

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum18V211000

    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Camry and Highlander vehicles, 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles and 2017 Lexus RX350 vehicles. During the manufacturing process, the oil galley in the rotor for the brake booster vacuum pump assembly may have b

  • RecallFuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump20V012000

    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,

  • RecallFuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump20V682000

    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, 20

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain62 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    whining sound in the transmission, including high-pitched whining, erratic shifting, clunks, hesitation, and premature failure. These vehicles are equipped with the UA80F (AWD) and UA80E (FWD) 8-speed automatic transmissions.

  • Complaint clusterBrakes46 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES

    The brakes are very soft and unreliable. There is a recall #18V-211 dated April 2,2018. This recall did not include this specific car but the car was manufactured within a few days of the recall. After Toyota failed to repair the problem I took the car to a a private auto repair shop who replaced

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other33 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    The position of the screen monitor for the backup camera is hard to see when the sun creates a glare on the front windshield.

  • Complaint clusterAirbags18 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS

    The contact owned a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, occupied with her children in the rear passenger seats, the contact was attempting to merge onto the intersection, and a state trooper failed to yield at 55-60 MPH vehicle crashed into the front driver's sid

  • Complaint clusterElectrical18 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    There is a voice listening device or microphone on the headliner right above the driver's side seat which leaks water. I see there is a recall for a windshield but it could be coming from the sunroof.

2017

  • RecallTires: temporary/emergency spare tire17V295000

    Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as state

  • RecallEquipment17V520000

    Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2017 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles equipped with accessory roof rail cross bars. The fasteners for the roof rails may not be torqued properly.

  • RecallElectrical system; visibility: windshield18E107000

    Fujian Wanda Automobile Glass Industry (Wanda) is recalling certain aftermarket Replacement Windshields sold for use in 2014-2018 Toyota Highlander vehicles. The windshields have an attached wire harness that water may leak into, possibly causing damage to the vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM).

  • RecallFuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump20V682000

    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, 20

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain71 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    About a few weeks back we started noticing a whining noise while accelerating. For safety reason we are not using the truck for long distance driving. Yes, the problem was able to reproduce by an independent mechanic and confirmed. Has not been inspected by the manufacturer or any other. There are n

  • Complaint clusterElectrical43 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Formal Complaint to NHTSA – Summary I am submitting this formal complaint regarding repeated mechanical and electrical failures involving my 2017 Toyota Highlander, purchased as a Toyota Gold-Certified vehicle with an extended Platinum Warranty. Despite strictly following Toyota’s maintenance guide

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other33 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    I was driving down the road about 50 miles an hour just south of otter Valley Union, high school and Brandon Vermont when I heard an extremely loud poof/thud sound. It also caused my ears to pop. I pulled over and realized it was the front sunroof that had basically shattered. Now there is a big ho

  • Complaint clusterEngine20 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    My 2017 Toyota Highlander, VIN [XXX], has just under 85,000 miles. I was notified at the dealership (Stevinson Toyota in Lakewood Colorado) who inspected the vehicle yesterday that the vehicle has developed a timing cover oil leak on the passenger side. After further research I learned this is cause

  • Complaint clusterFuel and propulsion16 complaintscomplaints:FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

    The engine stalled because the fuel pump is failing. We have found that many 2017 Toyota Highlanders have had the fuel pump recalled for this exact issue, yet our VIN is not included in this recall. We experienced the exact issue the recall was issued for stalling while driving. Issue on July 24,

2016

  • RecallEquipment: other: labels16V420000

    Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Camry and Highlander, 2015-2016 Toyota Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these v

  • RecallElectrical: wiring; service brakes, hydraulic: fluid16V775000

    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Highlander vehicles manufactured May 26, 2016, to September 16, 2016. The brake fluid level sensor may not be connected to the wire harness, preventing the sensor from detecting the brake fluid level. As such, t

  • RecallElectrical system; visibility: windshield18E107000

    Fujian Wanda Automobile Glass Industry (Wanda) is recalling certain aftermarket Replacement Windshields sold for use in 2014-2018 Toyota Highlander vehicles. The windshields have an attached wire harness that water may leak into, possibly causing damage to the vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM).

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other18 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    While driving down the road the panoramic moonroof section of the sunroof exploded. This included a lout shotgun like sound. The sound, in addition to not having sufficient roof coverage, resulted in a safety issue. Glass shards may have also been thrown to vehicles behind us. The dealer is clos

  • Complaint clusterBrakes15 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES

    The contact owned a 2016 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed low speeds on a decline, the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard. As a result, the vehicle rolled downhill into a busy intersection and was struck by another vehicle on the passenger s

  • Complaint clusterElectrical14 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the trunk power switch failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the trunk power switch was enabled to unlock, however the trunk door did not unlock. The contact stated that the trunk power

  • Complaint clusterAirbags10 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS

    I was traveling on an interstate going home from work. My speed was approximately 65mph. I noticed traffic slowing up ahead. I began to drop my speed (cost down), as I was approaching the traffic the car in front of me was applying their brakes; I had already began to apply mine. I was applying more

  • Complaint clusterSteering7 complaintscomplaints:STEERING

    Steering column can become worn prematurely causing loose steering and possibly loose control

2015

  • RecallSteering: electric power assist system15V144000

    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid, and 2014-2015 Rav4 vehicles. A component of the electric power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may have been damaged during the manufacturing p

  • RecallElectrical system; visibility: windshield18E107000

    Fujian Wanda Automobile Glass Industry (Wanda) is recalling certain aftermarket Replacement Windshields sold for use in 2014-2018 Toyota Highlander vehicles. The windshields have an attached wire harness that water may leak into, possibly causing damage to the vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM).

  • Complaint clusterElectrical48 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    The a/c condenser was damaged due to impact of road debris. This caused loss of proper system operation. The cost to repair was $1100+. The debris entered thru the front grill, which has nothing in place to prevent debris from entering the engine compartment.

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other33 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    The moon roof in my car completely shattered out of no where while I was driving down the road and fell all into my backseat. If my children were in the car, they would have had glass all over them.

  • Complaint clusterSteering25 complaintscomplaints:STEERING

    The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the infotainment screen would go blank and the system would turn on inadvertently. This issue became more frequent, occurring approximately every 10 seconds. The power steering wa

  • Complaint clusterStructure20 complaintscomplaints:STRUCTURE

    The factory paint on my 2015 Toyota Highlander, Blizzard Pearl (Toyota code 070), is delaminating from the primer. The base coat lifts and peels in sheets, starting on the roof, fender, and pillars — the panels with the greatest UV exposure. There has been no collision, repaint, or chemical damage;

  • Complaint clusterVisibility/wiper11 complaintscomplaints:VISIBILITY/WIPER

    The side mirrors are too large and located in a position that when the driver is turning left the driver's side mirror blocks the ability to see the crosswalk and also the center divider of the lane they are turning into and has almost caused me to strike a center divider and not see a pothole on a

Cost to own$19,700 / 5 yr

MSRP, new

$29,700–$44,300

Estimated used price, by model year

2019$21,900–$25,700
2018$18,700–$21,900
2017$15,800–$18,500
2016$13,200–$15,500
2015$11,000–$12,900

$2,300/yr

EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.

Loading…
Specs
MSRPNew $29,700–$44,300
Efficiency29 MPG
Seats8
DrivetrainAWD
PowertrainHybrid

City MPG

30

Highway MPG

28

Combined MPG

29

Horsepower

270 hp

Doors

4

Length

192.5 in

Width

76.0 in

Height

68.1 in

Wheelbase

109.8 in

Curb weight

4,475 lb

Cargo volume

13.8 cu ft

Cargo (seats folded)

83.7 cu ft

Towing capacity

5,000 lbs

Check a listing

Sign in to check a specific listing against this car's data.

Find one for sale