Is the Toyota Highlander a 6 seater?
Short answer: No. The Highlander does not offer a six-passenger configuration; it can seat up to eight people in its common layouts, or seven when equipped with second-row captain’s chairs.
Context and seating options
The Toyota Highlander is a three-row midsize SUV designed with family practicality in mind. Across model years, the two main seating setups are an eight-passenger layout (with a bench-style second row) and a seven-passenger layout (with second-row captain’s chairs). There is no factory 6-seat configuration in the current Highlander lineup. For customers seeking even more space, Toyota markets the Grand Highlander as a larger alternative, which offers its own seating arrangements but is not a 6-seat model.
Seat configurations
Two common seating layouts appear in today’s Highlander models. The following outlines the typical arrangements you’ll encounter in showrooms and on dealership lots:
- 8-passenger configuration: 2 in the front row, 3 in the second row, and 3 in the third row (second row is bench-style).
- 7-passenger configuration: 2 in the front row, 2 in the second row (second row is captain’s chairs), and 3 in the third row.
Conclusion: The Highlander does not offer a six-passenger option; maximum seating is eight, with seven as the alternative when opting for captain’s chairs in the second row.
Grand Highlander note
The Grand Highlander is a larger variant that can also seat seven or eight passengers, depending on configuration, but it remains a distinct model from the standard Highlander and does not provide a six-seat option either.
Summary
Bottom line: If you’re shopping for a six-seat SUV, the Toyota Highlander is not the right match. It offers up to eight seats with a bench second row or seven seats with captain’s chairs, and the Grand Highlander provides additional space while staying outside of a six-seat configuration. Always check the specific trim and options for the exact seating arrangement in a given model year.
Does a Toyota Highlander have 6 seats?
The Grand Highlander offers three rows of seating, allowing you to seat up to eight people if you opt for second-row bench seats or seven with second-row captain's chairs.
Do all highlanders have 7 seats?
The Toyota Grand Highlander and its Hybrid variant are designed specifically to address the need for a truly usable third row, offering more passenger and cargo room than the standard Highlander. Key Features for Large Families: Max Seating: 7 or 8 passengers, depending on second-row configuration.
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.
Do all highlanders have 3rd row seating?
Yes, every modern Toyota Highlander model comes standard with a third-row seat, providing seating for up to eight passengers. The third row can be folded down to create extra cargo space when it's not in use.
- Standard equipment: Every trim level of the Toyota Highlander includes a third-row bench seat.
- Seating capacity: This allows the vehicle to seat up to eight people in total.
- Versatility: The rear seats can be folded down to increase cargo capacity when needed.
- Trim level differences: Some higher trims have captain's chairs in the second row instead of a bench, which reduces the total seating capacity to seven, but the third-row seating is still a standard feature.
