The Toyota Highlander keeps appearing on every “best family SUV” list, but is it really all that?
After two years of school runs, family holidays, and the occasional IKEA trip from hell, I’ve got some thoughts.
And they might surprise you.
Here’s what nobody tells you about the Highlander when you’re car shopping.
It’s not the most exciting SUV on the road.
It’s not the cheapest.
It definitely isn’t the most luxurious.
But it does something most cars can’t – it disappears into your life in the best possible way.
Why This Matters:
I remember test-driving seven different SUVs back in 2022.
The BMW was lovely but felt precious.
The Land Rover was impressive until I saw the service costs.
The Highlander? It just worked.
The used car market is mental right now, so knowing which generation to target matters.
Fourth Generation (2020-Present):
Third Generation (2014-2019):
Second Generation (2008-2013):
My recommendation?
2017-2019 models hit that perfect balance of proven reliability and modern features.
Plus, the depreciation curve works in your favour.
Forget the glossy magazine reviews.
Here’s what actually happens when you live with one for two years.
Space That Works:
Reliability That Lets You Sleep:
Fuel Economy That Doesn’t Hurt:
Interior Quality:
Driving Experience:
But here’s the thing – after six months, you stop noticing the negatives.
The positives just keep delivering.
Everyone asks how it stacks up against the obvious rivals.
Honda Pilot:
Mazda CX-9:
Nissan Pathfinder:
Ford Explorer:
The Highlander doesn’t win any single category.
But it finishes second or third in all of them.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
The hybrid question comes up in every conversation about the Highlander.
Short answer: probably yes.
The Numbers:
Real-World Experience:
My neighbour bought the hybrid version six months after I got mine.
His fuel bills are noticeably lower.
Mine has slightly more boot space (no hybrid battery).
Both of us are happy with our choices.
The used market for Highlanders is competitive because everyone knows they’re solid.
But there are still deals to be found.
What to Look For:
Red Flags:
Negotiation Strategy:
I spent three months finding the right one.
Patience saved me £2,000 compared to the first one I nearly bought.
This is where the Highlander really shines compared to premium rivals.
Annual Reality:
Hidden Costs:
Cost-Saving Tips:
Toyota’s options list isn’t as crazy as some manufacturers.
But some choices matter more than others.
Essential Options:
Skip These:
Trim Level Sweet Spot:
These matter more than any professional review.
Sarah from Birmingham (2019 Hybrid, 3 years): “Best family car we’ve owned. Two teenagers plus their friends, holidays to Cornwall, zero drama. Wish the infotainment was better but everything else just works.”
Mark from Edinburgh (2016 3.5 V6, 4 years): “Bought it for towing the caravan. Does 25mpg even with 1,500kg behind it. Interior’s showing wear now but mechanically perfect.”
Emma from Cardiff (2020 Hybrid, 2 years): “Replaced a Range Rover Sport. Miss the luxury but love the reliability. Service costs are half what the Land Rover was.”
These are real experiences from real families.
No marketing fluff, just honest feedback.
Every car has issues, and the Highlander isn’t immune.
But they’re usually minor and predictable.
Known Issues:
Prevention Tips:
Most problems are covered under warranty or recall campaigns.
Toyota generally sorts things out without drama.
Here’s my honest take after living with one.
Buy One If:
Look Elsewhere If:
The Highlander does one thing brilliantly – it gets families from A to B without fuss.
That might sound boring, but it’s exactly what most of us need.
Is the Toyota Highlander reliable? Extremely reliable. Toyota’s reputation is well-earned, and the Highlander consistently ranks in reliability surveys. Expect minimal issues with proper maintenance.
What’s the real fuel economy of a Toyota Highlander? Non-hybrid: 25-28mpg mixed, up to 32mpg on motorways. Hybrid: 35-38mpg mixed, up to 42mpg in ideal conditions. City driving reduces both significantly.
How many people does a Toyota Highlander actually seat? Seven or eight depending on configuration. Third row suits children or smaller adults for shorter journeys. All seats have proper seatbelts and ISOFIX points.
Should I buy petrol or hybrid Toyota Highlander? Hybrid makes sense for high-mileage users and offers better refinement. Petrol is simpler, slightly cheaper to maintain, and fine for lower annual mileage.
What’s the Toyota Highlander like to drive? Comfortable and competent rather than exciting. Smooth ride, light steering, adequate performance. It’s designed for family duties, not canyon carving.
How much boot space does the Toyota Highlander have? With third row up: limited space for a few bags. Third row down: generous space for family holidays. Flat loading floor and wide opening help practicality.
After two years of ownership, the Toyota Highlander continues to do exactly what I bought it for – keeping my family moving reliably, comfortably, and without drama.
