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Toyota Highlander (1st Gen)

01-07 · Toyota Highlander

83out of 100

The 1st gen Highlander is a CAR-based 7-passenger SUV with Toyota reliability at prices that have dropped below $8k, the 4-cylinder version especially is a durable low-maintenance buy.

Scores last updated: June 14, 2026

Score breakdown

85/ 100Reliability×2.575/ 100True Annual Cost×2.080/ 100Safety×2.585/ 100Practicality×2.0100/ 100Repairability×1.0

Our take

What it really is

Built on the Camry XV20 platform, the 1st gen Highlander is a genuine unibody SUV with surprising interior room. The 2AZ-FE 4-cylinder is chain-driven and well-proven. The 3.3L V6 (3MZ-FE) is also solid but has higher maintenance costs. No ESC. IIHS Acceptable.

Why it's on this list

Toyota reliability in a 7-passenger package under $8k. The 4-cylinder version runs on cheap regular fuel with minimal maintenance costs. Great for a family that doesn't need full truck-based capability.

The honest trade-offs

No ESC on any trim. IIHS Acceptable front offset. The 2AZ-FE has the oil consumption issue above 150k, check before buying. V6 3MZ-FE with VVT-i can have sludge issues if oil wasn't changed regularly. Fuel economy modest at 22 combined.

What to buy and what to avoid

05-07 with 4-cylinder AWD. Verify oil consumption on the 2AZ-FE above 120k. The V6 is fine if you have oil change documentation. Avoid the Hybrid (HiLander Hybrid is more complex and repair costs are higher).

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$1,815 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$489 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$187 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$1,960 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,500 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$2,991 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$2,531 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
22[5]
MPG city / hwy
20 / 26[5]
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl (2AZ-FE) / 3.3L V6 (3MZ-FE)
Horsepower
155 hp
Torque
163 lb-ft
Seats
7
Cargo max
80 cu ft
Stock tires
225/70R16
Body
SUV
Rear seats
60/40 split
3rd row
Folds flat

Safety

NHTSA overall
4/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
21%[2]
IIHS rating
Acceptable[4]
ESC standard
No

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Low
Frame rust risk
Low

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$489 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
4/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.3[1]
Severe issue probability
11%[1]
250k-mile survival
55%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$20 (USD)
At major retailer
Yes
Headlight benchmark
10/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Toyota Highlander?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

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