How long will a 2019 Toyota Highlander last?

A well-maintained 2019 Toyota Highlander can easily exceed 200,000 miles, and many owners report 250,000 to 300,000 miles or more. The exact lifespan depends on how it’s cared for, how and where it’s driven, and how promptly issues are addressed. This article breaks down what influences longevity and how to maximize the vehicle’s years on the road.

What determines how long a Highlander lasts

Several factors determine the ultimate lifespan of a 2019 Highlander. The following elements are the most influential in how many miles you’ll get before major repairs or replacement are needed.

• Maintenance history: Regular oil changes, filter replacements, brake service, and timely inspections are crucial for long life.


• Drivetrain health and routine service: For gas models, keeping the engine and transmission fluids fresh and adhering to the recommended service schedule helps prevent wear. The V6 engine uses a timing chain, which generally lasts a long time with proper maintenance.


• Driving conditions: Highway miles tend to be gentler on components than frequent short trips, stop-and-go city driving, or heavy towing.



• Repair quality and parts: Using quality OEM or reputable aftermarket parts and timely repairs aids longevity.


• Accidents and body/foundation health: Structural damage or corrosion can shorten the useful life if not properly addressed.

In brief, disciplined maintenance and sensible use are the primary levers for maximizing how long a Highlander lasts.

Real-world longevity by drivetrain

Gas-powered Highlander longevity

For the gas versions of the 2019 Highlander, owners who log energy-efficient miles and keep up with maintenance commonly reach 200,000 miles or more, with many achieving 250,000 to 300,000 miles over the vehicle’s lifespan.

• Typical high-mileage expectation: around 200,000–300,000 miles with proper care.


• Maintenance focus: regular oil changes (synthetic oil often recommended), timely transmission and coolant service, brake inspections, and tire care.


• Potential risk factors: neglected maintenance, severe tow loads, or aggressive driving can accelerate wear on the engine, transmission, and suspension.

Gas-powered Highlanders that receive consistent, preventive maintenance tend to offer the best balance of reliability and long-term value.

Hybrid longevity considerations

The 2019 Highlander Hybrid shares many durability traits with its gas counterpart and can also reach similar mileage milestones. Hybrid-specific components (electric drive motors and the battery pack) add complexity but have a track record of long service life when properly maintained.

• Battery and hybrid system: The hybrid battery is designed for long life, with many owners experiencing 8–15+ years of use under normal conditions. Replacements are costly but relatively uncommon within typical vehicle lifespans.


• Maintenance echoes gas models: routine service, brake system maintenance (including regenerative braking wear), and cooling system care are important.


• Longevity potential: well-maintained Highlander Hybrids can reach 200,000–300,000 miles or more, similar to the gasoline version, though battery-related issues can influence long-term costs.

Overall, hybrids offer comparable long-term durability to gas models, with the caveat that battery health and hybrid-system diagnostics become more relevant as miles accumulate.

Tips to maximize longevity

To push the Highlander’s life expectancy higher, follow these practical maintenance and care guidelines.

• Stick to the recommended maintenance schedule from the owner’s manual and use quality fluids and filters.


• Perform regular inspections of the braking system, tires, suspension, and exhaust to catch wear early.


• Address dashboard or warning lights promptly and perform required recalls or service campaigns.


• Drive conservatively: steady speeds, gradual acceleration, and minimizing harsh starts can reduce stress on the engine and transmission.


• Protect the vehicle from harsh conditions: wash undercarriage in winter, use rust protection if you live in salted climates, and store the car in a garage when possible.


• For hybrids, follow the specific hybrid-system maintenance recommendations and have the battery and inverter checked as recommended by Toyota or a qualified technician.

By prioritizing preventive care and mindful driving, you can maximize the Highlander’s lifespan and preserve its value.

Summary

The 2019 Toyota Highlander is built for longevity, with well-maintained examples commonly reaching 200,000 miles and many surpassing 250,000 to 300,000 miles. Gas and hybrid versions alike can deliver long service lives when kept up with routine maintenance, careful driving, and timely repairs. Whether you own a gas or hybrid model, embracing a disciplined maintenance plan and addressing issues early are the best strategies to ensure a high-mileage, reliable vehicle for years to come.

Is 2019 a good year for a Toyota Highlander?

Yes, 2019 is generally considered a good year for the Toyota Highlander, especially for those prioritizing reliability and a comfortable ride, but some drawbacks include dated technology and less standard safety features than competitors at the time. It features a strong V6 engine, good gas mileage, and strong safety ratings, making it a popular and practical family SUV. 
Pros

• Strong Performance: The standard V6 engine provides good power and is paired with decent fuel economy for its class. 
• Reliability: The 2019 model has a strong history of reliability, and many owners report satisfaction and longevity. 
• Safety: It was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS and received a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA, with many standard active safety features. 
• Comfortable Ride: The Highlander offers a quiet, compliant, and comfortable ride, making it a great choice for long trips. 
• Family-Friendly: The interior is family-oriented, with ample room in the first two rows, and it has 13.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. 

Cons

• Dated Technology: It lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the infotainment system can feel dated compared to newer rivals. 
• Third-Row Space: While adequate, the third-row seat is less roomy than what you'll find in some competitors like the Chevrolet Traverse or Volkswagen Atlas. 
• Interior Quality: Some reviewers noted that the interior materials don't feel as premium as the vehicle's price point might suggest. 
• Weak Base Engine: The optional four-cylinder engine is not particularly powerful. 

What is the most reliable year of the Toyota Highlander?

The most reliable Toyota Highlander years include 2006, the late third-generation models (2017-2019), and certain fourth-generation models (2021-2022). Older models like 2008 and some from the 2012-2014 range also stand out as being particularly reliable. The most reliable years are often those that benefited from engineering improvements or were late in a generation's cycle, avoiding early bugs.
 
Best years for reliability

• 2006: Considered the pinnacle of the first generation, with straightforward engineering and high owner satisfaction. 
• 2008: The first year of the second generation, it earned a high reliability score and featured a V6 engine. 
• 2017-2019: These years represent the latter part of the third generation after significant updates were made, resulting in a strong and reliable model. 
• 2021-2022: These models are part of the fourth generation and have been rated highly for reliability, with many of the initial launch year issues resolved. 

Reliable older and newer options 

• 2012-2014: These years are noted for being complaint-free. 
• 2018: This model year continued the successes of the 2017 refresh, offering a refined package. 
• 2023-Present: Newer models are generally reliable, but some initial glitches were reported and fixed with software updates. 

How many miles can you put on a 2019 Toyota Highlander?

300,000 miles
The Toyota Highlander is one of the longest-lasting midsize SUVs available, with the ability to continue running up to 300,000 miles after your drive it off the lot.

Which Toyota Highlander to stay away from?

You should avoid the 2003, 2008, 2014, and 2015 model years of the Toyota Highlander due to common issues like engine problems in the 2003, and transmission glitches in the 2008 and 2015 models. Other years to be cautious with are 2009, 2010, and 2020, which had a higher number of recalls or transmission and software issues.
 
This video discusses common problems with Toyota Highlanders from 2020 to 2025: 54sCarnivautoYouTube · Feb 11, 2025
Years to avoid

• 2003: Engine overheating and the possibility of needing a costly engine block swap. 
• 2008: Significant issues with the braking system and a high number of recalls and complaints. 
• 2009 and 2010: A high number of recalls and complaints, particularly concerning the braking system. 
• 2014 and 2015: These years had early issues with transmission glitches and technology problems. 
• 2020: This model year experienced some transmission and software problems. 

Other considerations

• 2021: Reports of transmission failures. 
• 2023: In the non-hybrid, the turbocharged engine had issues with acceleration and the infotainment system could be unreliable. 
• 2024: Reports of issues with the infotainment system, a noisy engine, and hesitation.