2021 Toyota Highlander Reviews

The Toyota Highlander goes above and beyond expectations for its 2021 model year. Outfitted with an all-new Toyota safety system and a stylish interior, this SUV is perfect for San Diego families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Learn what the experts have to save about the 2021 Toyota Highlander with Mossy Toyota below, then keep reading to see the Toyota Highlander Hybrid review. When you’re ready, you can browse our online inventory and arrange a time for a test drive!

Toyota Highlander Review: Interior

Fresh from a 2020 remodel, the Toyota Highlander interior receives minimal upgrades for its 2021 model year. Along with upgraded interior sound systems and smartphone connectivity, the 2021 Toyota Highlander offers the all-new Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+) standard on each trim level. A definite upgrade for La Jolla families who are looking for a safe and affordable SUV. Read what the experts had to say below:

Car and Driver: “The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the Highlander a five-star safety rating; the Highlander was also named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). As is the Toyota way, the 2021 Highlander offers a standard suite of driver-assistance features. The package includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and automatic high-beam headlamps.”

Kelley Blue Book: “The 2021 Highlander is the epitome of user-friendliness. With the standard 8-inch touchscreen or the 12.3-inch alternative, no one needs a degree in software engineering to operate it. Controls for audio, climate, and other functions are similarly easy. The seats are comfortable, even the cloth-covered ones in the lower trims. And the stitched-leather interior of the Highlander Platinum could almost pass for a Lexus.”

Toyota Highlander Review: Performance

Chula Vista families can opt for the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine or the mighty 3.5L V6 engine on higher trim levels of the Toyota Highlander. Both engines offer stellar performance on the road and come with an optional AWD drivetrain. Read the 2021 Toyota Highlander reviews for its engine below:

U.S. News: “The 2021 Highlander comes standard with a 295-horsepower V6 engine. While this isn’t the most muscular SUV in the class, it serves up sharp acceleration from a stop. You can also get up to higher speeds fairly easily, thanks to an eight-speed automatic transmission that works smoothly in the background.”

Car and Driver: “During a brief test drive, we found the V-6 could tackle short on-ramps without straining; at our test track, our all-wheel drive test vehicle made it to 60 mph in reasonably-quick 6.7 seconds. Handling is unexciting but stable, and the ride is perfectly suitable for family-chauffeur duty.”

Toyota Highlander XLE Reviews

Sitting snugly in the middle of the Toyota Highlander lineup, the Toyota Highlander XLE is the Highlander of choice for many Carlsbad drivers due to its everyday comfort. This Highlander build comes with a suite of standard amenities and excellent performance for a low-starting price of $39,810 MSRP*. Read the Toyota Highlander XLE reviews below:

Car and Driver: “In our view, the mid-range XLE is the pick of the litter. It has heated front seats, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a power sunroof, among other niceties. We’d also spring for the Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation package, which brings in-dash navigation and an upgraded stereo system.”

Edmunds: “If you have more room in your budget, the XLE model looks and feels quite a bit nicer thanks to its added convenience features and simulated leather upholstery.”

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Reviews

For drivers who are serious about saving fuel and getting the features they want, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a perfect fit. Offering 36 mpg city/35 mpg highway EPA-Estimated fuel economy along with AWD capability, the Highlander Hybrid has remained a favorite in the Toyota lineup since its release. Read the Toyota Highlander Hybrid reviews below:

Kelley Blue Book: “Toyota knows hybrids, perhaps better than any other car company. The creator of the Prius was among the first to make a hybrid SUV, starting with the 2006 Highlander. Building on that legacy, the 2021 Highlander Hybrid brings smooth power and great fuel economy.”

U.S. News: “The Highlander Hybrid gets an estimated 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, compared to 21/29 mpg city/highway from the standard Highlander. Driving the hybrid will save you about $450 in fuel costs per year.”

Test Drive A Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is the SUV of choice for San Diego families who want a variety of performance and interior features at driver-friendly pricing. Learn more about the Toyota Highlander configurations when you browse our online model showroom, or contact our team for a test drive to see how it handles on La Jolla roads. Stop by today, we look forward to putting you behind the wheel of a new Toyota SUV!

*MSRP excludes the Delivery, Processing, and Handling Fee of $955 for Cars (Yaris HB, Yaris, Yaris iA, 86, Corolla, Corolla HB, Camry, Camry HV, Prius LB, Prius c, Prius Prime, Mirai, Avalon, Avalon HV, Supra), $1,120 for Small/Medium Trucks, SUVs and Van (C-HR, RAV4, RAV4 HV, Highlander, Highlander HV, 4Runner, Sienna, Tacoma), $1,325 for Large SUVs (Sequoia, Land Cruiser), and $1,595 for Large Truck (Tundra). (Historically, vehicle manufacturers and distributors have charged a separate fee for processing, handling and delivering vehicles to dealerships. Toyota’s charge for these services is called the “Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee” and is based on the value of the processing, handling and delivery services Toyota provides as well as Toyota’s overall pricing structure. Toyota may make a profit on the Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee.) Excludes taxes, license, title and available or regionally required equipment. The Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee in AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC and TX will be higher. The published prices do not apply to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Actual dealer price will vary.