Best and Worst Toyota Highlander Years to Buy

The Toyota Highlander is Toyota’s go-to 3-row family SUV —but the difference between the best and worst model years is the difference between a $15,000 bargain and a $15,000 headache. The Highlander has been in production since 2001 across four generations. Best years like the 2019 and 2021 have near-zero NHTSA complaint density. Worst years like the 2001-2003 have 3x the baseline complaint rate.

I’ve helped dozens of families find the right used Toyota Highlander over 20 years. The 3-row midsize SUV market is full of overpriced junk —but the Highlander isn’t one of them. If you pick the right model year.

This guide covers the Toyota Highlander best and worst years by generation, reliability by year, and which year gives you the best value at every budget. Here’s the full ranked overview:

Why Is the 2019 Highlander Frank’s Top Pick?

The 2019 Toyota Highlander is Frank’s top pick because it’s the last and most mature Gen3 year —fully refined 3.5L V6, standard Toyota Safety Sense, 8-speed automatic, and the lowest complaint density of any Toyota Highlander model year. Used prices undercut the Gen4 by $6,000-$8,000.

The Toyota Highlander best and worst years pattern repeats across every generation: last years are strongest. The 2019 proves it.

The 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 with direct injection pairs with the 8-speed auto that replaced the 6-speed in 2017. Smoother shifts. Better fuel economy. TSS-P comes standard across all trims —pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams.

A 2019 Highlander XLE with 40K miles lists around $28,000-$31,000. A 2020 Gen4 with similar miles runs $34,000-$38,000. You’re paying $6,000-$8,000 more for a first-year platform that hasn’t fully proven itself yet.

I’ve recommended more 2019 Highlanders than any other single model year. The Gen4 looks newer, but the 2019 has a 5-year reliability track record behind it. The Gen4 is still proving itself.

The 2014 was the first Gen3 year with Entune nightmares and transmission calibration issues. The 2019 fixed everything and added the 8-speed. Five model years apart, completely different ownership experience.

Frank’s Verdict: BUY —TOP PICK. The 2019 Toyota Highlander delivers peak Gen3 maturity at $6,000-$8,000 less than a comparable Gen4. Near-zero NHTSA complaints. Standard safety tech. Proven powertrain. This is the Highlander to buy.

The 2019 is the best overall pick —but older generations have strong options at lower price points.

What Are the Best Second-Generation Highlander Years? (2008-2013)

The best Gen2 Toyota Highlander years are the 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013, which resolved the first-year oil leak and steering shaft issues that affected the 2008 launch year —making them the strongest budget picks in the Toyota Highlander best and worst years lineup under $16,000.

Gen2 brought a major redesign from Gen1. Toyota introduced the 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 —the same engine family that powered the Camry, Avalon, Lexus ES, and RAV4 V6. The hybrid option arrived for the first time in 2008.

The 2008 launched with oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and steering intermediate shaft noise. NHTSA recall 14V028000 addresses the steering shaft on 2008-2013 models. The 2009 improved but some oil consumption persisted.

By 2010, Toyota had fixed everything. The 2010-2013 run is clean.

A 2010-2013 Highlander with 120K miles runs $10,000-$16,000. That’s a 3-row family SUV with Toyota reliability for less than a loaded Camry.

The 3.5L 2GR-FE in the Gen2 Toyota Highlander is one of Toyota’s most proven engines. It routinely goes 250,000+ miles with basic maintenance.

Is the 2010 Toyota Highlander a Good Used Buy?

Yes, the 2010 Toyota Highlander is a strong budget buy. It’s the first Gen2 model year with consistently low complaint rates after Toyota resolved the oil leak and steering shaft issues from 2008-2009.

The Toyota Highlander best and worst years data shows the 2010 sitting at 8/10 reliability —same as every Gen2 year from 2010 onward.

Available with the V6 (2GR-FE) or hybrid. The steering intermediate shaft recall (14V028000) affects all 2008-2013 models. Verify recall completion by VIN on any 2010.

At $10,000-$14,000 with 100K-150K miles, this is reliable 3-row transportation.

I helped a neighbor buy a 2010 Highlander V6 AWD with 135,000 miles for $11,500. That was three years ago. He’s at 178,000 miles now with nothing but oil changes and brake pads. That’s what a mature Gen2 Highlander does.

Is the 2013 Toyota Highlander Worth Buying?

Yes, the 2013 Toyota Highlander is worth buying. It’s the last Gen2 year with maximum platform maturity, the lowest Gen2 complaint density, and prices that have dropped into genuine budget territory at $12,000-$16,000.

Last Gen2 means every issue has been fixed. Same reliable 2GR-FE V6. Same proven transmission.

The 2013 is the Gen2 I recommend most often. It’s the last year before the Gen3 redesign brought Entune infotainment headaches and dashboard cracking. Everything Toyota learned about the Gen2 platform went into the 2013.

Between a 2012 and 2013, pick whichever has better maintenance records. Between a 2013 Gen2 and a 2014 Gen3, I’d take the 2013 every time —fewer first-year problems, more proven platform, and $3,000-$5,000 cheaper.

What Are the Best Third-Generation Highlander Years? (2014-2019)

The best Gen3 Toyota Highlander years are the 2016, 2018, and 2019, which fixed the 2014-2015’s Entune infotainment failures and dashboard cracking. The 2019 is Frank’s overall top pick for the entire Toyota Highlander best and worst years lineup.

Gen3 brought a larger body, dropped the 4-cylinder base engine (2017+), and added the direct-injection 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS). Toyota Safety Sense became available from 2016 and standard from 2018.

The 2014-2015 had first-year problems. Entune infotainment system failures cost $800-$1,500 to fix. Dashboard cracking runs $400-$900 for an aftermarket repair. Transmission calibration complaints made highway merging feel unsafe.

The 2016 mid-cycle refresh resolved most early issues. The 2017 had a higher complaint rate than 2016 or 2018 —TSS-related complaints spiked that year. Stick with 2016, 2018, or 2019.

Gen3 is the best Toyota Highlander generation overall —but the first two years and the 2017 drag down the average. Stick with 2016, 2018, or 2019 and you’re getting a genuinely excellent family SUV.

Is the 2016 Toyota Highlander a Good Used Buy?

Yes, the 2016 Toyota Highlander is a strong mid-budget pick that fixed the 2014-2015’s Entune and dashboard cracking issues, added available Toyota Safety Sense P, and sits in the depreciation sweet spot at $18,000-$24,000.

The Toyota Highlander best and worst years data shows the 2016 earning an 8/10 reliability rating —a massive jump from the 2014-2015’s 5/10.

The mid-cycle refresh resolved most Gen3 early problems. TSS-P is available but not yet standard —that came in 2018. Improved Entune infotainment still isn’t great, but it’s functional. Dashboard cracking largely resolved.

The 2016 is where Gen3 became genuinely good. Toyota fixed the infotainment bugs, addressed the dashboard material, and offered the first crash-avoidance tech on a Highlander. For $5,000-$8,000 less than a 2019, you get 90% of the same reliability.

Is the 2019 Toyota Highlander Worth Buying Used?

Yes —this is Frank’s #1 pick. The 2019 Toyota Highlander combines the fully mature Gen3 platform, the refined 3.5L V6 with 8-speed transmission, standard Toyota Safety Sense, and near-zero NHTSA complaints.

Last Gen3 means every issue resolved. The 8-speed auto replaced the 6-speed —smoother shifts, better fuel economy. Standard TSS-P across all trims.

A 2019 XLE AWD with 50K miles runs about $28,000. A 2020 XLE AWD with 40K miles costs about $35,000. You save $7,000 for a car with a longer reliability track record. That math works every time.

The Toyota Highlander best and worst years ranking puts the 2019 at 9/10. Only the 2021 matches that score —at a $6,000-$8,000 higher price.

What Are the Best Fourth-Generation Highlander Years? (2020-Present)

The best Gen4 Toyota Highlander years are the 2021 and 2022, which refined the new TNGA-K platform after the 2020’s first-year infotainment bugs. The Gen4 Hybrid with 36 MPG combined is the standout variant for fuel-conscious families.

Gen4 rides on Toyota’s TNGA-K platform —the same architecture as the RAV4 Gen5. The 3.5L V6 pairs with an 8-speed auto (gas models). The 2.5L hybrid uses Toyota’s eCVT for 36 MPG combined. Standard TSS 2.5+ across all trims.

The 2020 was first-year Gen4. Good overall, but some infotainment glitches and a fuel pump recall (20V749000, shared across multiple Toyota models) created uncertainty. The 2021-2022 refined everything.

The 2020 is a solid SUV —I’m not telling you to avoid it. But the 2021 fixed the infotainment bugs and often costs the same or less on the used market because buyers chase the “newest year” and overlook the 2021. That’s a pricing inefficiency you can exploit.

The Toyota Highlander best and worst years pattern holds for Gen4: skip the launch year, buy the second year or later.

Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander Worth Buying Used?

Yes, the 2021 Toyota Highlander is the best Gen4 year to buy used. It resolved the 2020’s infotainment bugs, has near-zero NHTSA complaints, standard TSS 2.5+, and has depreciated enough from its $36,000+ MSRP to offer genuine value at $32,000-$38,000.

The 2021 is the Gen4 I recommend when budget allows. It’s not my overall #1 pick —that’s the 2019 for value —but if you want the newest platform with the latest safety tech and a hybrid option, the 2021 is where Gen4 became genuinely trustworthy.

Standard TSS 2.5+ includes pre-collision with pedestrian detection, full-speed adaptive cruise, lane tracing assist. For families who want the newest tech and don’t mind the premium, the 2021 is the safest bet in the Gen4 lineup.

Is the Highlander Hybrid Worth Buying Used?

Yes, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is worth buying used. The Gen4 models (2020+) deliver 36 MPG combined with the same Toyota reliability as the gas version. The larger fuel savings gap compared to the gas V6 makes the hybrid premium pay off faster than most competitors.

The Toyota Highlander best and worst years evaluation applies to hybrids too —skip the 2020, buy the 2021+.

Hybrid availability by generation: Gen2 (2008-2013) with 28 MPG combined. Gen3 had no hybrid option. Gen4 (2020+) with 36 MPG combined.

Fuel savings math at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year: the gas Highlander AWD gets 23 MPG, costing $1,826/year in fuel. The hybrid gets 36 MPG, costing $1,167/year. That’s $659/year in savings. Used hybrid premium runs $2,500-$5,000. Break-even: 4-8 years at current gas prices.

The Highlander Hybrid uses Toyota’s eCVT —a planetary gear set, not a belt-driven CVT like Nissan uses. Toyota has been building this drivetrain since the original Prius. It’s one of the most proven powertrains in automotive history.

The real hybrid advantage isn’t just fuel savings. Highlander Hybrids hold their resale value better than gas models. You recover the premium when you sell.

For Gen2 hybrids: 28 MPG is functional, but battery service risk ($2,000-$4,000) on high-mileage units adds uncertainty. I’d only recommend a Gen2 hybrid if the price accounts for potential battery replacement.

Which Toyota Highlander Years Should You Avoid?

The 2001-2003, 2008, 2014-2015, and 2017 Toyota Highlander are the model years to avoid —each has complaint rates 1.5-3x higher than surrounding model years, with a repair bill that can quickly exceed the car’s value.

The Toyota Highlander best and worst years data shows a clear pattern: first-year models of every generation carry higher risk.

For the full breakdown of what goes wrong in each of these years —transmission failures, Entune nightmares, dashboard cracking —read the complete Toyota Highlander years to avoid guide.

The pattern is identical to the RAV4: avoid first-year models of any new Highlander generation. The 2001 (Gen1 launch), 2008 (Gen2 launch), 2014 (Gen3 launch), and 2020 (Gen4 launch) all had first-year problems that Toyota fixed within 1-2 years.

How Reliable Is the Highlander by Year?

The Toyota Highlander reliability varies by generation —the 2010-2013 Gen2 and 2019 Gen3 models earn 8-9/10 ratings, while the 2001-2003 Gen1 and first-year Gen2/Gen3/Gen4 models score 4-7/10 based on NHTSA complaint density and repair cost severity.

The Toyota Highlander best and worst years ranking below reflects Frank’s independent rating. It’s based on complaint density, severity of failures, and actual repair bills — not just customer satisfaction surveys.

RepairPal rates the Toyota Highlander 4.0 out of 5.0 with an average annual repair cost of $489 —below the $652 industry average. But that’s a brand-level average. Individual model years tell a completely different story.

J.D. Power gives the Highlander consistently high dependability marks. But they weight customer satisfaction equally with mechanical reliability. My rating focuses on one thing: how likely is this car to cost you money in repairs?

What Is the Best Used Highlander for the Money?

The best used Toyota Highlander for the money depends on your budget —the 2010-2013 wins under $16,000, the 2016 wins at $18,000-$24,000, and the 2019 wins at $26,000-$32,000, with each tier offering the best reliability-to-price ratio in its range.

The Toyota Highlander best and worst years analysis means nothing if you pick the right year at the wrong price. Here’s how value breaks down by budget:

A $12,000 Highlander with $489/year in repairs costs $13,467 over 3 years of ownership. A $20,000 Highlander with the same repair cost runs $21,467. The cheaper car wins on total cost —but only if you pick the right model year.

A $12,000 2008 Highlander with $1,500+ in steering shaft and oil leak repairs costs MORE than a $15,000 2013. That’s why year selection matters more than sticker price.

The depreciation sweet spot sits at 3-5 year old models. The 2021-2022 are entering that sweet spot now. The 2019 is already deep in it.

Keep 15% of your budget in reserve for first-year repairs. A $20,000 budget means $17,000 for the car and $3,000 in the repair fund.

Which Highlander Generation Is Most Reliable?

The Gen3 Toyota Highlander (2014-2019) is the most reliable generation overall when you count the mature years (2016-2019), followed closely by the Gen4 (2021+) and the mature Gen2 years (2010-2013). Gen1 (2001-2007) sits at the bottom with transmission issues and aging technology.

The Toyota Highlander best and worst years data shows clear generation tiers:

The ranking changes if you include first-year models. Gen3 drops when you count 2014-2015. Gen2 drops when you count 2008. Gen4 drops with 2020. Mid-generation years are always more reliable than launch years —that’s the single most important lesson in used car buying.

Gen3 wins overall because it has more BUY years (2016, 2018, 2019) than any other generation. The 2019 alone earns a 9/10 —the highest rating of any Highlander year.

How Does the Highlander Compare to Other Midsize SUVs?

The Toyota Highlander outranks the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Chevy Traverse, and Hyundai Santa Fe in long-term used car reliability, though each competitor has specific strengths. The Pilot has a more usable third row. The Explorer has more powertrain options. The Santa Fe is significantly cheaper.

The Toyota Highlander best and worst years advantage comes down to one number: $489/year average repair bill.

The Highlander costs $163/year LESS in repairs than the $652 industry average. The Explorer and Traverse cost $74-$80/year MORE. Over 5 years of ownership, that’s an $815-$1,205 difference in repair bills alone — before you factor in the Highlander’s better resale value.

Even the Highlander’s bad years are more reliable than the Explorer’s average years. A 2014 Highlander with Entune issues is still more dependable overall than a 2013 Explorer with transmission failures.

For a deeper look at how the Pilot stacks up, see the Honda Pilot best and worst years comparison. The full used Toyota buying guide covers every model in the Toyota lineup.

What Should You Check Before Buying a Used Highlander?

Check these seven items before buying any used Toyota Highlander —each targets a specific problem documented in this guide that varies by generation and model year.

The Toyota Highlander best and worst years data tells you WHICH year to buy. This checklist tells you HOW to buy it safely.

1. Check NHTSA recall status by VIN. Verify steering intermediate shaft recall (14V028000) completion on 2008-2013 models. Verify fuel pump recall (20V749000) on 2020 models.

2. Scan for fault codes with an OBD-II scanner. Look for transmission-related codes on 2001-2003 and 2014 models.

3. Test the transmission through all gears in stop-and-go traffic. Feel for shudder or hesitation. All years, especially Gen1 and early Gen3.

4. Test the Entune infotainment system thoroughly on 2014-2019 models. Check touchscreen responsiveness, Bluetooth pairing, backup camera display.

5. Inspect the dashboard for cracking on 2014-2015 models. Cracks typically appear on the passenger side near the windshield.

6. Check oil level cold and inspect underneath for oil leaks on valve cover gaskets. Primarily 2008-2013 V6 models.

7. Request complete service history with oil change intervals. Verify hybrid battery health on any hybrid model —battery service runs $2,000-$4,000 if needed.

These aren’t random suggestions. Each item maps to a specific Toyota Highlander problem pattern I’ve documented by generation. A 2021 needs items 3 and 7. A 2008 needs items 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7. A 2014 needs items 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7.

For a complete pre-purchase framework that works on any model, see the used car buying guide.