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.
Subaru built this three-row hauler for families who prioritize crash protection and winter capability over fuel bills, and the tradeoff is real. The turbo four moves 4,500 pounds with surprising punch, standard AWD handles snow confidently, and the safety structure is legitimately impressive (owners walk away from nasty wrecks). But 17 mpg in mixed driving will hurt every week, and the 2019-2020 models had CVT failures serious enough to warrant full transmission swaps at 40-70k miles. The third row barely fits kids, let alone adults. If you're shopping used, the 2019-2020s are a hard pass, aim for 2023+ when Subaru finally debugged the powertrain. Buy this if you need the safety, the AWD, and can stomach premium gas at SUV-worst efficiency. Skip it if you actually need three usable rows or want a vehicle that won't punish you at the pump, the Honda Pilot does both jobs better.