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Toyota Highlander (2nd Gen)

08-13 · Toyota Highlander

89out of 100

The 2nd gen Highlander is where the platform matured, standard ESC, 5-star NHTSA, and the 2GR-FE V6 that became Toyota's gold standard for SUV reliability.

Scores last updated: June 14, 2026

Score breakdown

90/ 100Reliability×2.573/ 100True Annual Cost×2.095/ 100Safety×2.590/ 100Practicality×2.0100/ 100Repairability×1.0

Our take

What it really is

A proper 3-row mid-size SUV with significantly more cargo and passenger room than the 1st gen. The 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 is the engine of choice, naturally aspirated, chain-driven, and genuinely durable past 200k miles with basic oil changes. Standard ESC across all trims. 5-star NHTSA, IIHS Good.

Why it's on this list

The 2GR-FE Highlander at $10k–$16k is one of the best family SUV values on the used market. Reliable, spacious, and easy to maintain. RepairPal rates it 4.5/5.

The honest trade-offs

V6 fuel economy is mediocre at 20 combined, budget $2,000+/yr in fuel. The 4-cylinder (2AR-FE) is more frugal but underpowered for a vehicle this size. Takata airbag recall on some models, verify it was completed.

What to buy and what to avoid

10-13 Limited or SE with 3.5L V6 and AWD. Verify Takata recall completed. The V6 is significantly better than the 4-cylinder in this application. AWD system is robust, no major known issues.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$2,009 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$489 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$200 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$1,980 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,520 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$3,098 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$2,638 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
20[5]
MPG city / hwy
17 / 23[5]
Engine
2.7L 4-cyl (2AR-FE) / 3.5L V6 (2GR-FE)
Horsepower
187 hp
Torque
186 lb-ft
Seats
7
Cargo max
95.4 cu ft
Stock tires
245/65R17
Body
SUV
Rear seats
60/40 split
3rd row
Folds flat

Safety

NHTSA overall
5/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
18%[2]
IIHS rating
Good[4]
ESC standard
Yes

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
4.5/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.3[1]
Severe issue probability
9%[1]
250k-mile survival
62%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$22 (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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