Is 2016 a good year for a Toyota Highlander?

Yes. The 2016 Highlander is generally a solid used SUV choice, offering reliability, a roomy interior, and strong resale value. As with any older model, condition and maintenance history matter most.

To understand why this model year remains appealing, it helps to consider its core strengths and its tradeoffs. The 2016 Highlander sits in Toyota’s well-regarded third-generation lineup, continuing to emphasize family practicality, straightforward reliability, and a comfortable ride. It paired a responsive V6 engine with available all-wheel drive, and it offered flexible seating configurations that accommodate families or cargo-heavy trips. However, as a vehicle that is now several years old, it can lag behind newer rivals in tech features and fuel efficiency, and wear-and-tear should be evaluated carefully.

Why the 2016 Highlander is appealing

The following factors commonly attract buyers to a 2016 Highlander. You’ll see why it remains a competitive option among used mid-size SUVs.

• Reliability and durability: Toyota’s reputation for long-lasting powertrains and solid overall reliability is a key selling point for this year.


• Comfortable ride and roomy interior: A smooth suspension and a spacious cabin make it well-suited for families and long trips.


• Powerful yet practical engine: The 3.5-liter V6 provides solid acceleration for a family SUV, paired with a capable six-speed automatic transmission.


• All-wheel drive availability: AWD helps with traction in rain, snow, or light off-road conditions, increasing year-round usability.


• Flexible seating and cargo space: Depending on configuration, it can seat up to eight passengers and offers ample cargo area when the third row is folded flat.


• Strong resale value: Toyota models typically retain value well, which can translate to favorable resale or trade-in offers.

Overall, these attributes make the 2016 Highlander a dependable and practical choice for households that value interior space and consistent performance over cutting-edge technology.

Potential drawbacks and caveats

Every used vehicle has trade-offs. Here are some aspects to consider when evaluating a 2016 Highlander.

• Outdated tech by newer standards: Infotainment interfaces, screen size, and available features lag behind newer models and newer competitors.


• Third-row space is modest: The rear seat is best suited for children or shorter trips for adults.


• Moderate fuel economy: For a family SUV, efficiency is reasonable but not class-leading, especially with the V6 engine.


• Age-related wear and tear: Suspension components, brakes, tires, and interior trim will show signs of use with higher mileage.


• Recalls and repairs: As with any older model, check that all recalls have been addressed and verify service history with the VIN.

If you place a premium on modern tech or best-in-class efficiency, you might prefer a newer model. If you prioritize reliability and space at a reasonable price, the 2016 Highlander remains a compelling option.

What to check when shopping for a used 2016 Highlander

Before committing, perform targeted checks to reduce the risk of surprises after purchase.

• Maintenance history and service records: Look for regular oil changes, documented inspections, and any major repairs.


• Test drive for transmission and drivetrain: Ensure smooth acceleration, no slipping, and no unusual noises during shifting.


• Inspection of tires, brakes, and suspension: Check tread wear, brake rotors, and any signs of worn bushings or worn shocks.


• Recall status: Verify that all open recalls have been completed by the seller or dealer; use the VIN to check with the manufacturer or NHTSA.


• Cooling system and leaks: Look for signs of coolant leaks or overheating, especially around hoses and the radiator.


• Interior and trim condition: Check for excessive wear, squeaks, or other signs of heavy use in the cabin.

By prioritizing these checks, you’ll improve your odds of finding a 2016 Highlander that continues to perform well for years to come.

Bottom line

For many buyers, the 2016 Toyota Highlander represents a solid balance of reliability, practicality, and value in the used-SUV market. It delivers dependable family-ready capability, decent comfort, and Toyota’s renowned reliability, while needing mindful evaluation of age-related wear and available technology. A well-maintained example with reasonable mileage can be a smart, long-lasting choice for those who want a spacious SUV without stepping into the latest-generation technology.

Summary

In summary, yes—the 2016 Highlander is generally a good year to consider if you’re shopping for a used family SUV. It offers a reliable powertrain, versatile interior, and practical daily usability. The key is to buy a well-documented vehicle with a clean maintenance history and to be prepared for older tech and typical wear that comes with a vehicle of this age. As always, have any prospective vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic and verify recalls have been completed.

Is the 2016 Toyota Highlander reliable?

The 2016 Toyota Highlander is generally considered a reliable vehicle with average ownership costs and a strong reliability rating from many sources. While it has an overall reputation for dependability, some owners have reported issues with specific components like exhaust parts, brakes, and certain electrical components.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the reliability of different Toyota Highlander model years: 54sCar MavenYouTube · Feb 16, 2025
Positives

• High reliability ratings: Sources like RepairPal, Kelley Blue Book, and Cars.com give the 2016 Highlander high reliability scores, with many consumers ranking it highly. 
• Low ownership costs: The average annual repair cost is lower than average, and the vehicle is expected to last for over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. 
• Functional and family-friendly: It is praised for its functional, family-friendly nature and good "manners" on the road. 

Potential issues

• Recalls: The vehicle has had a few recalls, so it's important to check if any outstanding recalls apply to a specific model. 
• Owner-reported problems: Some owners have noted specific issues, including problems with the exhaust system, weak brakes, and the rear door not opening from the inside. 
• Engine oil leaks: Some V6 engines from this era can experience oil leaks, and a thorough inspection is recommended, according to this Reddit thread. 

This video discusses potential problems and maintenance needs for the Toyota Highlander: 1mChris DrivesYouTube · Jul 5, 2025
What to consider

• Check for recalls: Before purchasing, check for any outstanding recalls that need to be addressed. 
• Perform a pre-purchase inspection: To avoid potential problems like oil leaks or brake issues, have a mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly, as mentioned in this Reddit thread. 

Do 2016 highlanders have transmission problems?

2016 Toyota Highlander Transmission Problems
It's uncommon, but leaks could also read there's an issue with your transmission hose. Strange smells are a sign your transmission fluid is burning inside your components. An delighted sign would be if your 2016 Toyota Highlander transmission warning light is on.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Toyota Highlander?

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

• Brakes. Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
• Exhaust.
• In-car Electronics.
• Climate System.
• Electrical Accessories.
• Drive System.
• Suspension/Steering.
• Engine Major.

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.