Here's what you're actually buying: a spacious, dependable family hauler with a third row that fits humans, a removable middle seat that's genuinely clever, and a proven V6 that'll run to 200,000 miles without drama. The tradeoff is fuel economy, no hybrid option means high-teens MPG while Toyota sells Highlander Hybrids as fast as they can build them, and at $4/gallon that's real money over ownership. Interior materials on lower trims feel a step behind the CX-90 and Grand Highlander, and the styling won't turn heads. Buy it if you need maximum space and proven reliability and don't mind feeding the tank. Skip it if fuel economy or luxury feel matter more, the Grand Highlander Hybrid and CX-90 both answer those needs better.
This three-row SUV convinced America a Kia could feel like a $60,000 vehicle while costing $40,000, spacious, quiet, loaded with features, and genuinely pleasant to drive. The catch: oil consumption creeps in on some 2020-2021 models after 60k miles (owners report adding quarts between changes with no warning light), and the recall parade gets old fast, nothing dangerous, but trim pieces fall off, screens freeze, and you'll know your service advisor by name. If you can buy at MSRP and stay on top of oil checks, it's still one of the best values in the segment; at $50k with dealer markup, you're overpaying for a Kia when a Highlander or Pilot makes more sense.