There are a lot of three-row SUVs in the market, but not many can match the lasting attractiveness of a well-maintained used Toyota from the company’s flagship lineup. Used Toyota Highlander the midsize crossover has found a unique place among families that want a reliable and flexible vehicle. To understand what makes this car special, you need to look at all of its many features, from the engine selections to the comfort of the cabin.
Exterior Design and Presence
The form gives off an air of quiet elegance instead of forceful design cues. Clean body lines give the car a modern look that looks good over time. LED lights make it easier to see at night and give the vehicle a more contemporary look. Chrome accents add interest to important parts of the whole without becoming too much.
Depending on the trim level, wheel sizes usually range from 17 to 20 inches. The ground clearance is high enough for mild off-road trips in bad weather. The long roofline gives third-row occupants the most headroom possible. In long-term ownership situations, the paint’s capacity to last through many climates has been shown to be quite good.
Powertrain Performance and Efficiency
Different engine configurations meet the needs and wants of other buyers. The conventional four-cylinder turbocharged engine has enough power for everyday driving. V6 engines give you strong acceleration as you merge onto highways or pass slower cars. Hybrid versions use both electric motors and combustion engines to make them more efficient.
In most versions, transmission tuning puts more emphasis on smoothness than on sportiness. Eight-speed automatic gearboxes move power around with very little noticeable shift shock. When traction is lost on slick conditions, all-wheel-drive systems kick in without any problems. When correctly set up, the towing capacity might be as high as 5,000 pounds.
The MPG numbers for the Used Toyota Highlander change a lot depending on whatever powerplant you choose. In mixed driving situations, base models do rather well. Hybrid setups get great gas mileage for their class. Driving in the city uses more gas than driving on the interstate. The amount of fuel used in the real world is often the same as or more than what the EPA says it will be.
Interior Space and Versatility
The cabin has three separate rows of seats that may hold up to eight people. Captain’s seats in the second row make the car less crowded while making the passengers more comfortable. Thanks to careful design, getting to the third row is still easy. This class has more headroom and legroom than many of its competitors.
The materials Toyota chooses show that they care about how things feel and how they look. Soft-touch surfaces are in places that people touch a lot, like armrests and door panels. The layout of the dashboard puts ergonomic button placement and easy access to controls first. You can change the climate zones separately to fit different temperature preferences.
When the back seats fold down, the cargo space gets a lot bigger. Behind the third row, there is room for groceries and sporting gear. Folding configurations make the loading floors almost flat for bigger things. Underfloor compartments are a private way to store valuable things.
Technology Integration and Features
Over the years, infotainment systems have changed a lot. Depending on the trim, touchscreen interfaces can be anywhere from 8 to 12 inches wide. Integrating smartphones over wireless protocols gets rid of the requirement for a lot of cables. Voice recognition works better when you give it commands in natural language.
Audio systems can be as simple as six speakers or as complex as high-end setups. Higher trims come with navigation as standard equipment, while lower trims can choose it as an option. There are many USB charging connections in the cabin so that you may attach your devices. Wireless charging mats work with smartphones that are compatible with them on models that have them.
Driver assistance technologies make long trips safer and less tiring. Adaptive cruise control keeps the distance between cars at a predefined level. Lane-keeping assistance makes small changes to the steering when the car drifts. Blind-spot monitoring warns drivers about vehicles that are hiding in their blind spots.
Safety Architecture and Ratings
Independent evaluation groups always give crash test performance the highest marks. Structural reinforcements keep people safe in a variety of crash situations. Airbag deployment plans take into account how big the passengers are and where they are sitting. Advanced restraint systems reduce the risk of injury in a variety of sorts of impacts.
Active safety measures try to stop incidents from happening before they happen. Automatic emergency braking sees when a crash is about to happen and stops the car with the most force possible. Pedestrian detection devices can spot those who are at risk on the road. When you back up, the rear cross-traffic warning tells you about cars that are coming up behind you.
LATCH anchors and tether points make sure that the seat is installed safely for kids. Locks on the back door keep it from opening by accident from the inside. Stability control systems keep their cool during emergency maneuvers.
Ownership Considerations and Maintenance
Every year, reliability ratings put this three-row crossover at the top of its class. Powertrain warranties give you peace of mind when you buy a certified pre-owned car. Maintenance schedules are easy to follow, and the cost of service is inexpensive. Dealership networks and aftermarket suppliers still have a lot of parts in stock.
After the first few years of ownership, depreciation curves become much less steep. Compared to similar cars in the US and Europe, resale values stay strong. Most of the time, insurance costs are lower for vehicles that are safer. Fuel expenses are still manageable because the powertrains that are available are so efficient.
Trim Levels and Configuration Options
Entry-level models provide all the basic functions you need without too many extra luxury features. Mid-range trims find a good mix between the amount of equipment and the price. Premium models show off new technologies and better materials in the interior. Sometimes, special versions come out with distinctive aesthetic treatments.
Buyers can choose the elements they want for comfort and capability in packages. Heated seats and steering wheels are part of weather kits. Power liftgates with memory settings are included in convenience packages. Technology packages put together modern driver aids into one package.
Market Position and Competitive Landscape
There are a lot of tough competitors in the three-row crossover segment from different companies. The Honda Pilot has similar room, but drives differently. The CX-90 from Mazda focuses on sportier handling. Korean companies offer value-oriented options with long warranties.
The used Toyota Highlander stands out since it lasts a long time and doesn’t need much maintenance. Surveys of people who own this model consistently give it good marks. People’s decisions on what to buy are heavily influenced by how reliable a brand is. Dealer networks provide a full support system across the country.
Final Assessment
This midsize crossover is a great choice for picky shoppers who want to own a car. Accommodations with plenty of room are great for families that are growing and people who are often on the go. Efficient powertrains find a middle ground between performance needs and fuel economy concerns. The incorporation of technology keeps up with modern demands in recent model years.
Used cars are a great deal compared to the prices of new ones. Before committing, thorough pre-purchase inspections show any possible problems. Service records show how past owners took care of the item. This three-row SUV is a smart buy because it is reliable, versatile, and comfortable.
