The fourth-generation Highlander is a very sensible choice particularly as a hybrid. It rides comfortably, has user-friendly controls and gets excellent fuel economy. All told, it’s a smart choice for families looking for a do-it-all super functional vehicle. Note that the Grand Highlander drives similarly but has a significantly roomier third-row seat.
The hybrid version gets an impressive 35 mpg overall, which makes it the best choice of the Highlander line and gives it a decisive edge over its competitors. A cruising range of nearly 600 miles is another feather in its hat.
The regular 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is rather rough-sounding. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that's not the smoothest, and it got 22 mpg overall in our tests, which is another reason to opt for the hybrid.
The Highlander’s ride is compliant and controlled. Handling is responsive and secure even when pushed but it's not particularly agile like a Ford Explorer or a Mazda CX-90. The soft suspension allowed pronounced body roll when driving the Toyota on our track and through our accident-avoidance maneuver. That said, any Highlander customer that was happy with the old Highlander’s dynamics will be happy with the current one.
In popular versions like the XLE, the interior doesn’t make a strong first impression unless you get to the Limited or Platinum trim.
The Highlander’s front seats are comfortable for many body types. Forward visibility is good but the view gets pinched toward the rear, which is par-for-the-course for the class.
The second-row bench seat provides good support and affords a lot of leg and elbow room. The seat slides fore and aft, and also reclines in two independent sections, enabling plenty of passenger and cargo flexibility. The third row is snug, low, and firm.
Toyota has stepped up its infotainment game by finally making Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility standard. The controls are easy to use.
The suite of standard active safety and driver assistance systems includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind sport warning, rear cross traffic warning, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance, along with the convenience of adaptive cruise control.