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Toyota Highlander (3rd Gen)

14-19 · Toyota Highlander

91out of 100

The 3rd gen Highlander added 295hp from the updated 2GR-FKS and standard Toyota Safety Sense P from 2016, the most complete Highlander before the TNGA redesign.

Scores last updated: June 14, 2026

Score breakdown

95/ 100Reliability×2.574/ 100True Annual Cost×2.095/ 100Safety×2.595/ 100Practicality×2.0100/ 100Repairability×1.0

Our take

What it really is

Toyota's mid-cycle Highlander with an updated 295hp V6, 8-passenger capacity, and available Toyota Safety Sense (standard from 2016). The 2GR-FKS uses D-4ST dual injection to reduce the direct-injection carbon buildup concern. AWD system well-proven. Excellent long-term reliability.

Why it's on this list

The best family mid-size SUV value in the $16k–$25k range. 295hp, 8 seats, Toyota reliability, and Toyota Safety Sense. The 2GR-FKS is one of the most proven V6 engines in the segment.

The honest trade-offs

V6 fuel economy still modest at 22 combined. Tire costs are higher on 18-inch wheels. The infotainment system (Entune 2.0) is functional but dated. 14-15 models lack TSS, prefer 2016+.

What to buy and what to avoid

17-19 XLE or Limited AWD with Toyota Safety Sense P standard. The 2GR-FKS does not have the oil consumption issue of the older 2AZ-FE. Regular oil changes are the only real maintenance requirement.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$1,815 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$489 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$207 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$2,000 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,540 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$3,011 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$2,551 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
22[5]
MPG city / hwy
19 / 26[5]
Engine
3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS)
Horsepower
295 hp
Torque
263 lb-ft
Seats
8
Cargo max
83.7 cu ft
Stock tires
245/60R18
Body
SUV
Rear seats
60/40 split
3rd row
Folds flat

Safety

NHTSA overall
5/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
17%[2]
IIHS rating
Good[4]
ESC standard
Yes

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Minimal
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
0.2[1]
Severe issue probability
8%[1]
250k-mile survival
65%[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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