What Do More Recent Generations of the Toyota Highlander Have to Offer When Shopping Used?

For almost 25 years, the Toyota Highlander has been the do-it-all SUV that everyone, from young families to retirees, trusts for their everyday driving. With its mix of practical features, comfort, and famed Toyota reliability, professionals and adventurers alike have chosen this vehicle time and time again throughout its time on the market.

If you’re looking for a used Toyota Highlander for sale, there are many options. Because the Toyota Highlander is such a popular and dependable vehicle, plenty of used models are available that offer great value. Yet, to make the right decision, you should know how these vehicles differ—both from other used Highlanders and the latest models. Online.cars is here to help with this guide to the Toyota Highlander generations you’ll find in our massive online inventory that covers the entire country. Starting with the second generation, we’ll look at how the Toyota Highlander has evolved to continue its reign as the leading midsize crossover.

2008: The Second Generation

Although the Toyota Highlander officially debuted in 2000, the second generation released for the 2008 model year is when it began taking shape as the vehicle we know today. When this Highlander came out, it was available in a Base, Sport, and Limited trim with the following powertrain options:

• A gas-only 3.5L V6 engine made 270 hp and was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission.
• The hybrid 3.3L V6 engine had less output with 209 hp but increased EPA-estimated fuel mileage from 20 to 26 MPG combined (The Hybrid also did not have the Sport trim).
• In 2009, Toyota reintroduced a four-cylinder engine option on the Base trim; the 2.7L inline-four had 187 hp with a six-speed transmission and 22 MPG combined.

The second-gen Highlander Hybrid also earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating thanks to features such as enhanced dynamic stability control, anti-lock brakes with braking assistance and electronic distribution, Hill Start Assist, and three-row side curtain airbags. Hybrid models had Toyota’s Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system, and AWD models also received hill descent control.

Notably, two-row seating was standard on all Highlander trims with the third row an optional add-on. Three-row Highlanders had 43.2 inches of first-row legroom, 38.3 inches of second-row legroom, and 29.9 inches of third-row legroom; the second row was stowable for cargo. Infotainment tech included a CD player that could also play MP3 and WMA files.

The 2011 Facelift

Toyota made big changes to the Highlander partway through the second generation. Although the gas-only powertrains remained the same, Toyota replaced the hybrid powertrain with a 3.5L V6 (separate from the gas-powered engine) and a continuously variable transmission. This boosted the setup to 231 hp and an EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined. They also made the four-cylinder engine available on the new SE trim, which replaced the Sport trim.

The Highlander exterior was revamped with a modernized headlight, taillight, front grille, rocker panel, and rear accent bar designs. Toyota also made the third-row seat standard and increased the number of convenience and tech features. In particular, the Base trim got a big upgrade with power locks and windows, cruise control, and a rear AC.

2014: The Third Generation

The next overhaul for the Toyota Highlander came three years later with the third-generation rollout. Most notably, the Highlander got bigger, measuring 2.7 inches longer and 0.6 inches wider than the outgoing model. This allowed Toyota to offer an eight-passenger setup for the first time while increasing front-row legroom. Maximum cargo area dropped from 95.4 to 83.7 cu.ft., but space behind the third row increased from 10.3 to 13.8 cu.ft.

Beyond this, all three engine choices carried over, but the five-speed transmission option was ditched for a six-speed. Toyota altered the body style slightly to make it less boxy and bumped the standard wheel size up from 17 to 18 inches. The interior was redesigned with higher-quality materials and a simpler layout, and infotainment was also supersized. For the first time, drivers got a touchscreen—6.1 inches standard and eight inches with an upgrade. As part of Toyota’s Entune Multimedia Bundle, the new loadout also included Bluetooth wireless, a USB port with iPod control, and HD Radio.

The emphasis on safety continued with the introduction of driver assistance features: blind-spot monitoring, pre-collision warning, and lane-departure warning were in the initial packages. Finally, Toyota redid the Highlander trim levels, dropping the Base and adding other options. The new gas-powered trim lineup consisted of the LE, LE Plus, XLE, and Limited. The Highlander Hybrid could be purchased as a Limited.

The 2017 Facelift

Continuing its “every three years” pattern, Toyota gave the third-gen Highlander a facelift for the 2017 model year. The gas-powered 3.5L V6 engine was given a refresh with direct injection and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This increased horsepower to 295 hp, the EPA-estimated fuel mileage to 23 MPG combined, and towing capacity to 5,000 lbs. Toyota also made this the power plant for the Highlander Hybrid, replacing the older engine and making the Hybrid the cream of the crop with 306 hp and 29 MPG combined.

To give buyers more options to get their hands on this more powerful hybrid, Toyota added the LE and XLE trims to the Highlander Hybrid lineup. The gas-powered Highlander saw the return of the SE trim, slotting between the LE Plus and XLE. Toyota Safety Sense P was also added, which included more driver assistance features like a Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and automatic high beams. The headlights, taillights, and front fascia were tweaked again as well.

2020: The Fourth Generation

The Toyota Highlander is now on its fourth generation, which marked another leap forward. The four-cylinder engine was dropped from the gas-powered lineup, making the V6 standard on all models. One thing that disappointed some drivers was Toyota swapping the V6 for an inline-four engine on the Highlander Hybrid. This dropped the output to 243 hp but increased fuel economy to an EPA-estimated 36 MPG combined, lowering the price tag.

Toyota lengthened the Highlander again from 191.1 to 194.9 inches and redesigned the cabin. This slightly decreased first-row legroom but increased second-row legroom and total cargo space—especially behind the second and third rows. The 2020 model year was the first with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; all trims received this plus a minimum eight-inch touchscreen and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 with more driver assistance (though the CD player was finally dropped). Higher trims got a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Toyota also added the L as the base trim, dropped the SE, renamed the Limited Platinum to the Platinum, and offered new exterior paint colors.

Additional Updates

Although there hasn’t been an official fourth-gen facelift like with the second and third generation, Toyota has made year-to-year updates and changes. Here’s an overview of the biggest revisions:

• 2021: Toyota added the XSE trim with a more off-road-oriented design. They also made LED projector headlights and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ standard across the board.
• 2022: Toyota added the XLE Hybrid Bronze Edition, which gave the XLE more infotainment features and a retro exterior design.
• 2023: In response to more stringent EPA requirements, Toyota replaced the V6 with a turbo-four engine, which offered 265 hp and an EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined. They also added a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and power-folding mirrors to the Limited and Platinum.
• 2024: Toyota dropped the L trim and Bronze Edition, made a power tailgate standard on all trims, and made a one-year-only Hybrid Nightshade Edition.
• 2025: Toyota made the XSE, Platinum, and all Highlander Hybrids AWD-only. They also dropped the Hybrid LE trim and offered a 25th-anniversary edition.

Find a Great Pre-Owned Toyota Highlander From the Comfort of Home

With Online.cars powered by McCluskey Chevrolet, you can find a used Toyota Highlander that has what you’re looking for. Use this guide when shopping our extensive online inventory to know what each Highlander has for powertrain, tech, cargo, and seating options. Prioritize the features that are important to you while getting an SUV within your budget. The Online.cars advantage includes home delivery, a free Lifetime Mechanical Warranty, a nationwide service network, and more, so you’re always covered. Discover a new way to shop for a pre-owned Highlander that allows you to explore a massive selection from the comfort of home. Put the power back in your hands and partner with Online.cars.