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Is the Toyota Highlander AWD reliable?

The Toyota Highlander AWD is generally considered a reliable and dependable SUV. According to industry experts and owner reviews, the Highlander's all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is a robust and well-engineered component that contributes to the vehicle's overall reliability.


Reliability of the Toyota Highlander AWD


The Toyota Highlander has consistently ranked among the most reliable midsize SUVs on the market. The Highlander's AWD system, in particular, has earned praise for its durability and performance. Owners report that the AWD system provides excellent traction and control in various driving conditions, from snowy roads to off-road terrain.


Toyota is known for its commitment to quality and reliability, and the Highlander is no exception. The vehicle's powertrain, which includes the AWD system, is designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use and provide long-lasting performance. Routine maintenance, such as regular fluid changes and inspections, is essential to maintaining the AWD system's optimal condition.


Factors Contributing to the Highlander's Reliability



  • Toyota's reputation for building reliable and well-engineered vehicles

  • The Highlander's robust and well-designed AWD system

  • Consistent maintenance and care of the vehicle's components

  • Positive owner reviews and industry ratings


Overall, the Toyota Highlander AWD is widely regarded as a reliable and dependable SUV, thanks to its well-engineered powertrain, Toyota's commitment to quality, and the positive experiences of owners. With proper maintenance and care, the Highlander's AWD system can provide years of reliable performance.

What is the life expectancy for Toyota Highlander?


There is no definitive answer, but as a general rule of thumb, a Toyota Highlander that has been well-maintained can last for over 200,000 miles and even up to 300,000 miles. So, if you're looking at a used Highlander that has been properly cared for, it should last you for many years to come.



Is Toyota Highlander AWD always on?


Dynamic Torque-Control AWD does not adjust the power to each wheel; rather, the driveshaft is always turning on this system even if the electromagnetic coupler is disengaged.



Is Toyota Highlander low maintenance?


A Toyota Highlander will cost about $6,013 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for popular SUV models by $2,237. There is also a 16.08% chance that a Highlander will require a major repair during that time.



What are the negatives on a Toyota Highlander?


2025 Toyota Highlander

  • Highs Strong fuel economy estimates, comprehensive list of safety features, quiet and comfortable cabin.
  • Lows Limited third-row space, small cargo capacity behind third row, yawn-inducing driving dynamics.



Are highlanders expensive to fix?


The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Toyota Highlander is $489, compared to an average of $573 for midsize SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.



Is Toyota Highlander AWD reliable?


The Toyota Highlander Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 7th out of 26 for midsize SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $489 which means it has lower than average ownership costs.



Can you turn AWD off?


The all-wheel drive (AWD) lock in a vehicle is a button that can be turned on or off to activate or deactivate the all-wheel-drive systems. This button is normally found in the center of your vehicle's dashboard.



What year to stay away from a Toyota Highlander?


Q: What Toyota Highlander years should I avoid in the used car market? A: You should consider avoiding the Toyota Highlander from the years 2003, 2008, 2014, and 2015. These models have been identified as having more significant issues than other years.



What is the most reliable car model?


Consumer Reports' 10 most reliable car models

  • Toyota RAV4. CR reliability score: 86. Overall CR score: 76.
  • Toyota Corolla. CR reliability score: 84.
  • Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. CR reliability score: 84.
  • Mazda MX-5 Miata. CR reliability score: 84.
  • Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. CR reliability score: 83.
  • BMW i4. CR reliability score: 82.



What are the downfalls of the Toyota Highlander?


The disadvantages of Toyota Highlander are the following:

  • Salon. The only downside to the cabin is one of such important OEM Toyota parts is the air conditioning system.
  • Steering. When cornering, the car emits an extraneous sound.
  • Chassis.
  • Timing drive.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.