Does the Highlander have air suspension?
Current Toyota Highlander models do not offer factory air suspension. The standard ride uses conventional coil springs with shock absorbers across all trims. This article examines the suspension setup, whether air springs are available, and what buyers should know about ride height and comfort.
What kind of suspension does the Highlander use?
The Highlander uses independent suspension on both axles. Front suspension is typically a MacPherson strut arrangement, and the rear is a multi-link setup that supports ride quality and payload. There is no factory air-spring option in any trim or model year up to 2025.
Key facts about air suspension availability
- Factory air suspension is not offered on the Highlander in any trim or model year as of 2025.
- The vehicle relies on conventional coil springs with dampers, not air springs.
- There is no official Toyota accessory or TRD package that adds an air-suspension system to the Highlander.
- Aftermarket air-suspension kits can be installed by third-party shops, but this can affect warranty, ride quality, and reliability.
In short, buyers seeking air suspension should consider other models or aftermarket routes, keeping in mind potential warranty implications.
Grand Highlander and air suspension
The Grand Highlander, introduced for the 2024 model year, continues to use the same suspension philosophy as the standard Highlander and does not offer factory air suspension as an option. It provides more interior room and payload but retains conventional coil-spring suspension rather than air springs.
Bottom line: If air suspension is a must-have feature, the Highlander family does not provide it from the factory; aftermarket options exist but carry considerations.
Summary
Conclusion: The Toyota Highlander lineup does not include factory air suspension. The ride is tuned around conventional coil springs with MacPherson front and multi-link rear suspension. For air-spring capability, buyers would need to look to other models or aftermarket solutions, bearing in mind warranty and reliability considerations.
What is the lawsuit against the Toyota Highlander?
Recent and ongoing lawsuits involving the Toyota Highlander address issues such as faulty door lock actuators, a potential transmission defect in certain models, and a claim that 2020-2021 Highlander Hybrids have fuel tanks that do not fill completely. Other recent lawsuits include an investigation into defective power liftgates and a separate class action settlement for a Bluetooth echo defect that affected some Highlanders.
Current and recent lawsuits
- Door Lock Actuators: A class action lawsuit was filed because many Toyota models, including the Highlander, reportedly have defective door lock actuators that may fail to engage properly. The lawsuit claims owners have been charged for repeated replacements, which Toyota allegedly considered "wear and tear" items.
- Transmission Defect: Lawsuits allege that certain Highlander models (2017-2022) equipped with the UA80 automatic transmission have a defect that can cause whining, erratic shifting, and premature failure. A Customer Support Program (CSP ZJC) was created but only covers a limited number of vehicles, according to Change.org.
- Fuel Tank Defect: A class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of owners of 2020-2021 Highlander Hybrids, claiming a defective fuel tank vent causes it to not fill to its capacity.
- Power Liftgate Defect: Some Highlander models (XU20, XU40, XU50, and Highlander Hybrid MHU28) are reportedly affected by a power liftgate defect that can lead to costly repairs, with the lawsuit alleging Toyota knew about the issue but did not issue a recall or warning.
- Bluetooth Echo Defect: A class action lawsuit over a Bluetooth defect that caused an echo on calls in certain Toyota models, including the Highlander, resulted in a settlement, notes this article from Unión Rayo and ClassAction.org.
How to proceed
- Identify your vehicle's details: Determine if your Highlander is included in any of these lawsuits by checking its model year, VIN, and the specific defect alleged.
- Gather evidence: Collect any repair invoices, service records, or documentation related to the defect.
- Contact an attorney: Speak to a lawyer who specializes in consumer or automotive class action lawsuits to understand your options and how you may be affected by an ongoing investigation or settlement.
- Check settlement websites: Visit official settlement websites if they are available for a specific lawsuit, as they often provide important information and instructions for potential claimants.
What kind of suspension does a Toyota Highlander have?
Specifications
| Front Suspension Type | MacPherson |
|---|---|
| Rear Suspension Type | Integrated Shock & Spring |
| Drivetrain Compatibility | AWD |
| Camber Plates | Front Only |
| Front Bag Type | Double Bellow |
Which SUVs come with air suspension?
Many luxury and large SUVs offer air suspension, often as a standard feature on top trims or as an optional upgrade, including models like the Land Rover Defender and Range Rover, BMW X5 and X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS, Cadillac Escalade, and Lincoln Navigator. Several mainstream and electric SUVs also offer it, such as the Volvo XC90 and Tesla Model X.
Luxury and large SUVs with standard or available air suspension
- Land Rover: Defender, Discovery, and Range Rover
- BMW: X5 and X6
- Mercedes-Benz: GLE and GLS
- Cadillac: Escalade
- Lincoln: Navigator
- Audi: Q7 (optional or standard on seven-seaters), and Q6 e-tron
- Porsche Cayenne
- Volkswagen: Touareg
- Volvo: XC90
- Jaguar: I-PACE
- Bentley: Bentayga
Mainstream and electric SUVs with air suspension
- Chevrolet: Tahoe and Suburban (available)
- GMC Hummer EV SUV: Standard
- Tesla: Model X (standard)
- Volvo: XC60 (optional)
What is the most common problem with a Toyota Highlander?
The most common problem with the Toyota Highlander is a major oil leak and loss of oil pressure caused by a faulty VVT-i oil line. Other frequent issues include infrequent but noticeable interior rattles, especially from the moonroof or dashboard, and problems with the 8-speed automatic transmission in 2017-2019 models, leading to noises, delayed shifting, and failure.
You can watch this video to learn about common problems with Toyota Highlander, including the 8-speed transmission issue: 59sChris DrivesYouTube · Jul 5, 2025
Most common problems
- VVT-i oil line rupture: This is the most frequent and serious issue, where the oil line bursts, causing a massive oil leak that can lead to complete engine failure if the vehicle is driven while the low oil pressure light is on. A revised part has been issued, but it has also been reported to have the same problem.
- Interior rattles and noises: Many owners report various rattles and squeaks coming from the interior, such as the moonroof, dashboard, or infotainment screen, particularly on bumpy roads or in cold weather.
- 8-speed automatic transmission: Specific models, particularly the 2017–2019 Highlanders, have been associated with issues such as a whining noise, delayed shifts, hard shifts, and even complete failure.
- Airbag sensor failure: Some models have a faulty front passenger airbag sensor that can short-circuit, preventing the airbag from deploying correctly.
Other potential issues
- Air and water leaks: Some model years have reported issues with plugged sunroof drain lines, leading to water leaks inside the vehicle.
- Check engine light: This can be caused by various issues, such as the hose coming off the air filter housing or a failed oxygen sensor.
- Brake issues: Some models have reported premature wear of brake pads and rotors, or a vibrating sensation when braking.
This video discusses problems with the 8-speed transmission in the 2017-2019 Toyota Highlander: 58sThe Car Care NutYouTube · Jul 31, 2021
