What are the disadvantages of the Highlander?
The Highlander is a reliable and practical three-row SUV, but it has notable drawbacks buyers should weigh before purchasing. These include limited third-row comfort, modest cargo space behind the third row, and trade-offs in power, ride, and technology depending on trim and year.
Performance and fuel economy
Power and efficiency trade-offs
Below are the common drawbacks related to how the Highlander performs and how efficiently it runs across trims and generations.
- Base powertrains can feel underpowered when the vehicle is full or when towing, making acceleration slower than some rivals.
- The turbocharged four-cylinder offers decent power, but it can become noisier under hard acceleration compared with smoother V6 options.
- The hybrid variant delivers the best fuel economy, but it comes with a higher upfront price and added weight, which can slightly affect handling and payload capacity.
- Non-hybrid models generally don’t match the best-in-class fuel economy of some rivals in the same class.
- Ride and handling are serviceable but not sporty; body roll and predictable steering can disappoint buyers seeking a more dynamic drive.
In short, the Highlander prioritizes practicality and efficiency over outright performance, with real trade-offs depending on the selected engine and trim.
Interior space and practicality
Seating comfort and cargo versatility
Interior layout and space are important factors for families and cargo-heavy use. Here are the main downsides some owners notice related to comfort and practicality.
- Third-row seating is best suited for children or shorter trips; adults may find legroom and headroom tight on longer drives.
- Cargo space behind the third row is modest when the row is in use, and even with the third row folded, space can feel limited compared with some rivals.
- Access to the third row can be cumbersome in tighter parking spaces or when car seats are installed, affecting ease of use for frequent seat changes.
- Some interior materials and cabin detailing lag behind what higher-end rivals offer in terms of perceived premium feel, particularly in lower trims.
- Storage solutions inside the cabin are practical but may not quite match the convenience or volume found in some competing SUVs.
Overall, the Highlander remains competitive for families, but those who regularly rely on full-time adult seating or maximum cargo capacity may prefer a larger or more cargo-focused rival.
Technology, reliability, and ownership costs
Infotainment and feature availability
Technology and ownership considerations influence long-term satisfaction. Here are the common concerns tied to tech, safety features, and ongoing costs.
- Infotainment systems can be slow to respond, and some users find the touchscreen interface less intuitive than those in rival models.
- Driver-assistance features and optional tech packages vary by trim and model year, which can affect value and feature access for buyers on a budget.
- Maintenance and repair costs are generally reasonable for a family SUV, but hybrid components (batteries and associated systems) can add complexity and potential costs over time.
- Resale value is typically strong for Toyota vehicles, yet depreciation is more pronounced on base trims with fewer features.
- Overall reliability is solid, but model-year-specific recalls or software updates have occurred; prospective buyers should check the vehicle’s recall and service history.
Tech and reliability remain strong suits for the Highlander, but buyers should research the specific year and trim to understand feature availability and potential maintenance needs.
Summary
The Highlander offers dependable family practicality, strong resale appeal, and a choice of efficient or capable powertrains. Its downsides center on a tighter third row and modest cargo space behind it, modest acceleration in base configurations, and infotainment quirks that can vary by year and trim. Prospective buyers should assess their seating, cargo, and technology priorities, and test-drive multiple configurations to find the best fit for their needs.
