Toyota Highlander
Enthusiast

A Buyer’s Guide of the 2021 Toyota Highlander

Whether you are wanting a third-row SUV to transport your little ones to soccer practice, or you are wanting the space to fit large cargo, there are endless options. Although bombarded with competition, the 2021 Toyota Highlander gives competitors a run for their money with extensive safety features, a hybrid option, impressive infotainment features, and considerably good gas mileage. 

What’s new for the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

Since its introduction in 2000, the Toyota Highlander offers practical utility as a seven or eight-passenger car, while also including desirable luxury features for which Toyota is so well known. Upon the release of the 2021 Highlander, Toyota offers a new upgrade, which is the XSE trim level package. 

The new ESE trim package includes upgrades to the wheels, grille, and fascia, which create a more sophisticated, sportier look. It also includes black accents to the mirror caps and air vents which gives it an edgier look when compared to the other models. Although this will increase the overall price of your vehicle by a couple thousand dollars, considering the added sophistication that enhances the overall look of the Highlander, it is definitely an add-on worth considering. 

Toyota Highlander

Image source: pressroom.toyota.com

Cost

Compared to many of the third-row SUV’s the Highlander is one of the more affordable options. The Highlander is the most affordable third-row SUV that Toyota has to offer, with the 4-Runner (starting at 36,765)  and Sequoia (starting at 50,400) listed at considerably higher prices. The different Highlander model prices are listed as follows: 

  • L Model (36,230)
  • LE Model (38,460)
  • Hybrid Model (39,910)
  • XLE Model (41,260)
  • XSE Model (42, 855)
  • Limited Model (45, 215) 
  • Platinum Model (48,415)

There are additional add-ons that would also increase the price of your Highlander, such as the all-wheel-drive feature which costs an additional 1600, and the hybrid powertrain which costs an additional 1400. 

Another factor that would affect cost would be fuel mileage, which ranges from the V-6 front-wheel-drive which gets about 29 mpg, to the V-6 all-wheel-drive which gets approximately 27 mpg. If you are looking for a more fuel-efficient model, the hybrid front-wheel has the best gas mileage with a 36 city mpg and a 35 highway mpg. Overall, the gas mileage is great when compared to other third-row SUVs. 

What’s under the hood

The 2021 Toyota Highlander is available in the 295 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Both front-wheel and all-wheel drive are available with this specific engine. The other option is the smaller 2.5 liter, four-cylinder electric engine. The hybrid option is ideal for those who are looking for a daily driver SUV with great gas mileage, but with only 243 horsepower in comparison to the V-6 engine, you are not going to get the same amount of power. If you are looking for an SUV that can go from 0 to 60 in mere seconds, the hybrid model is not the model for you. 

Interior and cargo capacity

One of the main reasons that people purchase SUVs is for the larger passenger capacity. This is why the interior details and carrying capacity are so important. When examining the 2021 Highlander, the more inexpensive models have eight passenger seats available, while the more luxurious models also have the seven-seat option with second-row captain seats. 

While the third row allows for the potential to transport more people, it’s limited in space. On top of that, the trunk space becomes smaller when using the third row. Therefore, the Highlander is lacking in regard to cargo capacity. 

Special features of the Toyota Highlander

For those who have small children, you can find comfort in the Highlander’s great safety features. Some of the top safety features included are: 

  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
  • Automatic high-beam headlamps
  • Blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert
  • Lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist

Toyota is well known for its ability to integrate top-notch technology into its vehicles, and the 2021 Toyota Highlander is no exception. All standard models include an 8-inch infotainment system, while the limited and platinum models include a larger, 12.3-inch display. Depending on the model and package, the 11 speaker JBL audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, 4G LTE wi-fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay, Android Audio, and Amazon Alexa are also available. 

Possible Setbacks

As previously mentioned, one issue with the 2021 Toyota Highlander is the limited third-row space and trunk space when using the third row. If you have a large family or intend to drive your car at full seat capacity, you will have to be conscientious of who sits in the third row. It would be ideal to place small children or young adults in the back seat to avoid discomfort. If you are planning for an extended family vacation, do not expect to pack a ton of luggage. The trunk space is limited when using the third row. 

Another complaint regarding the Highlander is that drivers find the hybrid model’s powertrain lacking in power. This causes the ride to feel “heavy,” which results in a bumpy ride and uncomfortable turns for passengers. 

Summing up the Toyota Highlander

If purchasing a third-row SUV is in your near future, the 2021 Toyota Highlander is definitely a contender to consider. With the sleek, sporty new ESE trim package available, there is no reason why you cannot drive your SUV in style while picking up your kids from school.

With the impressive technological and safety features, the Highlander is definitely a worthy investment for you and your family. And with the hybrid option, you can even save money on gas mileage.   While it may not be ideal for families that need the maximum amount of third space and a quiet ride, the 2021 Toyota Highlander is a reliable SUV that ranks well among the competition.

 

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Aaron Westbury
Aaron is a content writer with a passion for cars. He enjoys learning new things and loves to share what he learns with others. Aaron also has a Bachelor's in English and years of experience as a writer, and he constantly seeks to improve and make his writing more informative and helpful for readers. Although a writer by day, Aaron enjoys his free time by getting outdoors and staying active anyway he can.

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