Standard AWD and real ground clearance make this crossover genuinely capable off pavement, not just mall-parking-lot capable. The crash safety is exceptional, owners walk away from collisions that total larger trucks. But the 2.0L engine is genuinely slow, the kind of slow that makes highway merging feel like a gamble and passing on two-lanes an exercise in patience you might not have. The 2.5L fixes this completely but costs more upfront. Cargo space is tight for families, and the infotainment lags behind rivals. If you need AWD confidence for snow or dirt roads, value safety over speed, and mostly drive city streets, it's a smart buy that'll run past 100k miles without drama. If you merge onto highways daily or haul kids and gear regularly, get the 2.5L or consider the roomier Outback.
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.