2019 Toyota Highlander - Review | CarBuzz (2024)

2019 Toyota Highlander Review

In the competitive midsize crossover segment, the Highlander has remained popular over the years, together with rivals such as the Honda Pilot and the Mazda CX-9. Priced between $33,730 and $45,900, the Highlander is competitively priced and offers great value for money with the Toyota Safety Sense system as standard across the entire range. Available mainly as a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the base model can also be had with an unimpressive 2.7-liter inline-four. All V6 trims can be equipped as either front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and offer a comfortable and soft ride with an average, if not bland, driving experience. Handling and driver engagement is more impressive on available rivals, but comfort, reliability and a range of interior options make the Highlander an excellent choice for families, road-trips and the driver whose focus is not on sporty performance or athletic handling. Unexceptional in many ways, it's a steady entrant for those looking for solid build quality and seating in three rows.

What's the Price of the 2019 Toyota Highlander?

Excluding a destination charge of $1,095 which is applicable to all models in the range, the MSRP of the base model is $31,680 in the front-wheel-drive configuration. One level up, the LE Plus is priced at $36,610, with the mid-range XLE costing $39,570. The sporty SE trim has an MSRP of $40,790. At the top end of the range, the Limited edition costs $42,780 while the Limited Platinum will set you back $45,900 as a starting price and is the most expensive variant in the range. For all models, all-wheel-drive can be equipped at an additional cost of $1,460.

Handling and Driving Impressions

Although classified in the mid-size SUV segment, the Highlander's handling waivers somewhere between being agile and having large-SUV tendencies. On straight roads and in tight spaces, it maneuvers effortlessly and feels nimble; around corners, there is substantial body roll and a sense of ponderous bulk, which is better managed by key rivals. The steering is light and easy, which is ideal for low speeds and parking lots but lacks confidence at higher speeds and on winding roads.

The Mazda CX-9 offers better feedback in terms of steering than the Highlander does, although the Toyota doesn't have much else to nit-pick about. The intuitive driver assistance features don't interfere too much, and this results in a sense of carefree, relaxed driving.

In terms of braking composure, the Highlander offers typical Toyota reliability with effective, well-calibrated brakes that modulate well. Emergency braking distances are on par for this segment. Suspension systems work very well to smooth out even large bumps, although the third-row occupants may receive a little more feedback than other passengers in this regard.

Verdict: Is the 2019 Toyota Highlander A Good SUV?

Given the plus points of cabin comfort, luxurious ride quality, high-tech safety features, and superior reliability, the negative side of the Highlander seems less significant than what this crossover SUV has to offer. The third row of seating is tighter than what many rivals provide, and the lack of Apple or Android smartphone compatibility is a notable flaw. Despite this, the Highlander still remains, at its core, a good car that will face many miles with confidence and dependability, and is thus an excellent choice for the family-oriented buyer. It checks all the boxes for practicality and first- and second-row space, as well as offering a powerful engine to brave the long-road with a trailer, caravan or boat hitched behind it. Yet while capable in many aspects, the Highlander fails to prove exceptional in any particular area, being fairly unmemorable in a segment where rivals tend to shine.

What Toyota Highlander Model Should I Buy?

The well-specced XLE fits into the middle of the range, and at just under $40,000 provides a value-for-money family SUV which a powerful engine, great towing capacity, and ample onboard safety features and driver aids. The interior of the cabin is upmarket with leather seats that are heated in the front, and also includes the upgraded eight-inch touchscreen display with integrated navigation. It also boasts a power tilt-and-slide moonroof with signature 18-inch wheels. This model is more than sufficient for the family seeking both comfort and convenience. Those wanting a little more luxury could opt for the SE trim, although with largely cosmetic changes for a few hundred dollars it hardly seems necessary.

2019 Toyota Highlander Comparisons

2019 Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot

The comparison with the Honda Pilot is significant as both vehicles score highly in terms of roomy, comfortable cabins with powerful engines and high-quality interiors. The Honda offers a much more spacious third-row of seating, which is a drawback on the Highlander. But, while the Pilot features slightly better fuel efficiency and more impressive cargo volume, the Highlander does boast a few more standard features. Infotainment must be mentioned, as the Pilot includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard on most trims, which is absent in the Highlander, although the Toyota infotainment system is more intuitive. The prices of these rivals are closely matched, as is their popularity; breaking the tie between the Highlander and the Pilot is largely dependant on the buyer's brand preference and personal taste, although we tend to lean towards the Honda's superior driving dynamics, more powerful engine, and higher-quality interior.

2019 Toyota Highlander vs Mazda CX-9

The Mazda CX-9 has only one engine option in the range: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces substantially more power and torque than the Highlander's engines. Prices are within a few hundred dollars of each other, with the Highlander coming in cheaper than the Mazda. However, the Mazda achieves much better fuel economy ratings and proves to be the more athletic and exciting drive. Handling capabilities and overall ride quality in the Mazda overshadow what the Toyota has to offer, although the Highlander's soft and efficient suspension provide brilliant absorption of road textures and a lighter feel on the road. Once again very closely matched, the Mazda wins out on sheer driving delight alone, but also scores better on a high-quality interior and higher levels of specification in the top trims.