Are highlanders good family cars?

Yes. The Toyota Highlander is generally a strong choice for families thanks to three-row seating, strong safety features, and a reliable ownership history.

Space and practicality

Families value flexible seating, easy access, and ample cargo space. The Highlander offers multiple seating configurations and practical storage options that suit daily use and longer trips.

Key space and practicality details include seating options and cargo room.

• Seating: 7- or 8-passenger configurations, with a second-row bench or optional captain’s chairs on higher trims.


• Third row: usable for kids and shorter trips for adults; access is eased by a wide doorway and straightforward folding seats.


• Cargo space: behind the third row is typically in the mid-teens in cubic feet; with second and third rows folded, you can reach roughly the low- to mid-80s cubic feet, depending on configuration.


• Interior comfort: roomy second row with ample legroom and climate controls for rear passengers on most trims; quiet cabin for family road trips.

Overall, the Highlander provides flexible seating and solid cargo capacity for a family of five or more, though exact space varies by seating setup and model year.

Safety and technology

Safety is a cornerstone for family vehicles. Recent Highlanders come with a robust suite of driver assists and connectivity features designed to protect passengers and keep journeys smoother.

Key safety and technology features you should know:

• Driver assistance: Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is standard, including pre-collision with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and road sign assist.


• Visibility and alerts: blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is common across trims; higher trims add more proactive alerts and Safe Exit Assist.


• Rear-seat tech and convenience: rear-seat reminder, multiple charging ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and available rear-seat entertainment options.


• Infotainment: modern touchscreen interfaces, reliable smartphone integration, and, on higher trims, wireless charging and navigation.

Feature availability can vary by model year and trim level, but recent Highlanders emphasize safety tech and family-friendly connectivity.

Performance, efficiency, and running costs

Powertrains cover a balance between performance and fuel economy, with options for buyers who prioritize efficiency or more responsive highway driving.

Engine options and fuel economy:

• Gas engine: a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing around 265 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic; fuel economy varies by drivetrain but generally sits in the mid-20s mpg in mixed driving for AWD.


• Hybrid option: a 2.5-liter hybrid system paired with electric motors; typically delivers higher combined efficiency, often in the mid- to high-30s mpg depending on configuration and driving conditions.


• Drivetrain choices: front-wheel drive is available on some trims and can improve efficiency slightly; all-wheel drive is common and enhances traction in varied conditions.


• Ride and handling: tuned for comfort, the Highlander prioritizes a smooth, supportive ride for families over sporty dynamics.

Bottom line: you can choose a powertrain that balances daily practicality with fuel savings, and hybrid models tend to offer the best real-world fuel economy for family highway trips and school runs.

Ownership and value

Reliability, resale value, and total cost of ownership are important for families planning a long investment. The Highlander’s track record and warranty support play into its overall value proposition.

Key ownership considerations include reliability, value retention, and coverage:

• Reliability: Toyota’s reputation for durability translates into strong long-term reliability and fewer unexpected repairs on average.


• Resale value: solid used-market demand helps maintain value over time, which matters when families upgrade or trade in.


• Costs: maintenance, insurance, and fuel depend on engine choice (gas vs. hybrid) and trim; hybrids can have higher upfront costs but potential savings at the pump.


• Warranty and coverage: standard warranties apply with extended coverage for hybrid components on newer models; verify current terms with a dealer.

In summary, the Highlander typically offers a favorable ownership experience for families seeking dependability, reasonable running costs, and strong resale potential.

Summary

For many families, the Highlander remains a well-rounded option in the mid-size SUV segment. It delivers practical seating arrangements, solid cargo capacity, and a robust safety suite, all backed by Toyota’s reliability. While some rivals may edge ahead on interior space or feature richness at certain trims, the Highlander’s balance of comfort, safety, and value keeps it competitive. If you value long-term ownership potential and a family-friendly package with available hybrid savings, the Highlander is worth considering.

What are the negatives of the Toyota Highlander?

Common cons for the Toyota Highlander include a tight third-row seat and limited cargo space behind it, an underpowered base hybrid engine that can feel strained, a coarse engine sound during acceleration, and interior materials that may not feel premium compared to some rivals. Older models may have issues with transmissions or power liftgates, and some owners report concerns with handling or specific technology features like the infotainment system. 
This video discusses some cons of the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander: 55sMotorNationYouTube · Jul 13, 2025
Space and utility

• Tight third row: The third-row seat is best suited for children, with limited legroom and difficult access. 
• Limited cargo space: The area behind the third row is small, and it may be a challenge to haul many items. 
• Poor off-road capability: It is not designed for rugged off-roading and has limited ground clearance. 

Performance

• Underpowered base hybrid: The base hybrid powertrain, prioritizing fuel efficiency, can feel sluggish, especially when fully loaded or on the highway. 
• Coarse engine noise: The engine can sound loud and unrefined when accelerating hard. 
• Sloppy handling: Some owners describe the rear as feeling sloppy, especially when the vehicle is not carrying weight. 
• Transmission issues: Certain older model years (e.g., 2017-2020) have been reported to have transmission problems. 

Interior and technology

• Interior quality: Higher trims may still feature noticeable hard plastics, and the overall interior feel may not be as upscale as some competitors at a similar price point. 
• Infotainment issues: Some owners report problems with the infotainment system, such as freezing or connectivity issues with Bluetooth. 

Other potential drawbacks

• High price: Some models, particularly the gas-only version, have a high base price compared to competitors. 
• Power liftgate problems: A specific defect involving the rear power liftgate has been reported in several model years. 
• Visibility issues: Some owners report that the side mirrors create blind spots. 

This video shares some of the things the creator dislikes about the Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 1mMotorNationYouTube · Oct 27, 2025

Is the Toyota Highlander good for families?

When it comes to space, the Toyota Highlander excels. This Toyota midsize crossover SUV offers ample seating for up to eight passengers, depending on the configuration. The third-row seating provides enough legroom to keep both kids and adults comfortable, making it an ideal choice for families of all sizes.

Which is better, RAV4 or Highlander?

The "better" SUV depends on your needs: choose the RAV4 for city-friendly size, better fuel efficiency, and a lower price, or the Highlander for more passenger/cargo space, an available third row, and higher towing capacity. The RAV4 is a compact SUV ideal for smaller families or solo drivers, while the midsize Highlander is better for larger groups and heavier loads.
 
This video compares the 2026 RAV4 and Highlander, highlighting their features and suitability for families: 42sAutoMobiYouTube · Oct 15, 2025
RAV4 is better if: 

• You prioritize fuel economy: The RAV4 Hybrid gets better MPG than the Highlander Hybrid. 
• You need easy parking and maneuverability: Its smaller size makes it easier to navigate in urban environments. 
• You want a lower price: The RAV4 has a lower starting MSRP. 
• You have a smaller family: It seats five people comfortably. 
• You plan to tow light loads: It can tow up to 3,500 pounds. 

Highlander is better if:

• You need more passenger/cargo space: The Highlander is a midsize SUV with an available third row that can seat up to eight people. 
• You have a larger family or carpool often: It's better for hauling more people. 
• You need to tow heavier loads: It can tow up to 5,000 pounds. 
• You want a more powerful engine: The gas-powered Highlander has a stronger V6 engine. 
• You prefer a more upscale feel: Its higher-end trims offer a more premium experience and it has more passenger volume. 

What year to avoid for a Toyota Highlander?

Years to avoid in the Toyota Highlander include 2003, 2008, 2014, 2015, and 2020 due to common issues like transmission problems, oil leaks, and technology glitches. Other problematic years to consider are 2001-2007 (engine and climate control issues) and 2016-2019 (varying issues including potential oil leaks in some models).
 
This video discusses problems with the Toyota Highlander from 2020 to 2025, including paint issues: 54sCarnivautoYouTube · Feb 11, 2025
Toyota Highlander years to avoid

• 2001–2007: Prone to engine overheating, head gasket failures, and climate control issues like AC compressor and blower motor problems. 
• 2003: A big year for issues, particularly engine oil sludge buildup and premature transmission wear, according to Regan Motors Inc and Clutch. 
• 2008: A redesigned model that experienced oil cooler line leaks, which can cause engine damage if not addressed, and lower-quality interior components. 
• 2014: A recall was issued for the second-row seat assembly that may not lock correctly into the seat track, and there were also reports of issues that might be linked to the transmission, says Clutch and Reddit users. 
• 2015: Experienced growing pains from its redesign, with various reports of growing issues, according to Regan Motors Inc and Clutch. 
• 2020: Experienced early transmission and software problems, say Clutch and Reddit users. 

You can watch this video to learn more about common problems with the 2020-2025 Toyota Highlander: 51sChris DrivesYouTube · Jul 5, 2025