2021
Toyota Highlander

Starts at:
$49,190
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • L FWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $35,085
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • L FWD (SE)
    Starts at
    $35,085
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • L FWD (GS)
    Starts at
    $35,085
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • L AWD (SE)
    Starts at
    $36,685
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • L AWD (GS)
    Starts at
    $36,685
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • L AWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $36,685
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • LE FWD (SE)
    Starts at
    $37,285
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • LE FWD (GS)
    Starts at
    $37,285
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • LE FWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $37,285
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • LE AWD (GS)
    Starts at
    $38,885
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • LE AWD (SE)
    Starts at
    $38,885
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • LE AWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $38,885
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • XLE FWD (GS)
    Starts at
    $40,085
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • XLE FWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $40,085
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • XLE FWD (SE)
    Starts at
    $40,085
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • XSE FWD (SE)
    Starts at
    $41,680
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • XSE FWD (GS)
    Starts at
    $41,680
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • XSE FWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $41,680
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • XLE AWD (GS)
    Starts at
    $41,685
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • XLE AWD (SE)
    Starts at
    $41,685
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • XLE AWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $41,685
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • XSE AWD (GS)
    Starts at
    $43,630
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • XSE AWD (SE)
    Starts at
    $43,630
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • XSE AWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $43,630
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Limited FWD (SE)
    Starts at
    $44,040
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Limited FWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $44,040
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Limited FWD (GS)
    Starts at
    $44,040
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Limited AWD (GS)
    Starts at
    $45,990
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Limited AWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $45,990
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Limited AWD (SE)
    Starts at
    $45,990
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Platinum FWD (SE)
    Starts at
    $47,240
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Platinum FWD (GS)
    Starts at
    $47,240
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Platinum FWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $47,240
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Platinum AWD (SE)
    Starts at
    $49,190
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Platinum AWD (GS)
    Starts at
    $49,190
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Platinum AWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $49,190
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

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Notable features

New XSE trim level available
Three-row SUV
Seating for seven or eight
V-6 or hybrid drivetrain
Front- or all-wheel drive
Automatic emergency braking standard

The good & the bad

The good

Smooth-revving V-6
Interior quality
Cabin storage
5,000-pound maximum towing capacity (V-6)
Hybrid’s estimated gas mileage

The bad

Automatic transmission kickdown response
Cargo space
Third-row comfort
Brake pedal feel (hybrid)

Expert 2021 Toyota Highlander review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com Editors
Full article
our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

The Toyota Highlander is a three-row SUV with room for seven or eight, depending on seating configuration. Front- and all-wheel-drive versions are available, and powertrain choices include a 295-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine or a gas-electric hybrid drivetrain rated at 243 total hp. Competitors include the Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9 and Hyundai Palisade

What’s New on the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

A new sporty XSE trim level joins the Highlander lineup featuring a revised suspension, retuned steering, machined 20-inch wheels with black accents, and updated exterior and interior design cues. All Highlander trims get added safety features, including the ability to detect and react to oncoming traffic when making a left turn, as well as steering assistance to help keep the vehicle in its lane during emergency maneuvers. LED headlights are now standard, too. 

What Features in the 2021 Toyota Highlander Are Most Important?

    • Standard tri-zone automatic climate control 
    • Available second-row captain’s chairs 
    • 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system standard; 12.3-inch touchscreen available
    • Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity 
    • Available wireless device charging
    • Automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights standard
    • Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert available 
    • 360-degree camera system available

Should I Buy the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

With seating for up to eight and plenty of standard safety features, the Toyota Highlander is a good choice for families. A variety of trims range from basic to upscale, accommodating different needs and budgets. The hybrid variant has very good estimated fuel economy for a three-row SUV. 

2021 Toyota Highlander review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

The Toyota Highlander is a three-row SUV with room for seven or eight, depending on seating configuration. Front- and all-wheel-drive versions are available, and powertrain choices include a 295-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine or a gas-electric hybrid drivetrain rated at 243 total hp. Competitors include the Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9 and Hyundai Palisade

What’s New on the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

A new sporty XSE trim level joins the Highlander lineup featuring a revised suspension, retuned steering, machined 20-inch wheels with black accents, and updated exterior and interior design cues. All Highlander trims get added safety features, including the ability to detect and react to oncoming traffic when making a left turn, as well as steering assistance to help keep the vehicle in its lane during emergency maneuvers. LED headlights are now standard, too. 

What Features in the 2021 Toyota Highlander Are Most Important?

    • Standard tri-zone automatic climate control 
    • Available second-row captain’s chairs 
    • 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system standard; 12.3-inch touchscreen available
    • Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity 
    • Available wireless device charging
    • Automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights standard
    • Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert available 
    • 360-degree camera system available

Should I Buy the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

With seating for up to eight and plenty of standard safety features, the Toyota Highlander is a good choice for families. A variety of trims range from basic to upscale, accommodating different needs and budgets. The hybrid variant has very good estimated fuel economy for a three-row SUV. 

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2021 Toyota Highlander base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
4/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
16.4%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
16.4%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Maintenance
2 years / 25,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
2 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
7 years / less than 85,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12, 000 miles
Dealer certification
160- or 174-point inspections

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2021
    4.7
    Toyota Highlander
    Starts at
    $35,085
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2020
    4.7
    Toyota Highlander Hybrid
    Starts at
    $38,200
    36 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2020
    4.1
    Honda Pilot
    Starts at
    $31,650
    19 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2020
    4.7
    Toyota Highlander
    Starts at
    $34,600
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare

Consumer reviews

4.7 / 5
Based on 105 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.8
Interior 4.7
Performance 4.8
Value 4.7
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 4.8

Most recent

Bad dealer experience: Oren Toyota (Brent Brown Toyota)

Bad dealer experience: Oren Toyota (Brent Brown Toyota) Utah. Sold us a 2021 Highlander with bad brakes as Certified Used. When we returned 6 months later for service a day only 3700 miles, they wouldn't stand behind their product or their certification/warranty and made us pay for the repairs. It was obviously a preexisting condition.
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does not recommend this car
Comfort 3.0
Interior 3.0
Performance 2.0
Value 2.0
Exterior 4.0
Reliability 3.0
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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You Guys are bunch of liars from Sherita to your sales

You Guys are bunch of liars from Sherita to your sales rep. You called me over 10 times to come in and inspect my choice of car on your website all to arrive there and that car wasnt avaiable at your lot. Its so shameful and unprofessional while your sales man tried to coerced and convince me to buy an hybrid model which was against my wish.
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value 4.0
Exterior 4.0
Reliability 4.0
41 people out of 46 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Latest news from cars.com

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

The 2021 Toyota Highlander is available in 6 trim levels:

  • L (6 styles)
  • LE (6 styles)
  • Limited (6 styles)
  • Platinum (6 styles)
  • XLE (6 styles)
  • XSE (6 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offers up to 21 MPG in city driving and 29 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

The 2021 Toyota Highlander compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander reliable?

The 2021 Toyota Highlander has an average reliability rating of 4.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2021 Toyota Highlander owners.

Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2021 Toyota Highlander. 94.3% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.7 / 5
Based on 105 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.8
  • Interior: 4.7
  • Performance: 4.8
  • Value: 4.7
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 4.8

Toyota Highlander history

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