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.
The Toyota Highlander shows a sharp generational divide: pre-2020 models earn strong loyalty with owners reporting 200k-300k mile longevity, while 2020-2023 models face systematic 8-speed transmission complaints and class action lawsuits. The 2024-2026 hybrids have a fire recall related to inverter assembly. Many buyers question the Toyota premium, noting Kia and Hyundai offer better value with more features. The announced 2027 EV-only transition with limited range concerns families who use Highlanders for long trips. Current owners praise comfort and practicality, but value perception is a major pain point.