*This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Are you in the market for a good, reliable, and sturdy vehicle that promises longevity? We all want something that’s going to last, something that has minimal issues, and something we can be proud of.
Toyota is one of the oldest manufacturers around, and they have proven to provide some sturdy cars in their time.
If you are interested in getting a Highlander you will want to know how long you can expect it to last.
Toyota Highlanders have a good rapport for lasting 300,000 miles, 20 years, or more before needing to be replaced. Exactly how long your Highlander will last depends on how well it’s maintained while you own it.
It’s also important to note that the older a vehicle gets the more repairs it will likely need. So at some point you will have to decide if the cost of upkeep is worth it on your older Highlander.
The 2021 Toyota Highlander has been rated as one of the best mid-size SUV vehicles on the market thanks to its strong engine and impeccable safety features.
Founded in 1937 Toyota is one of the largest vehicle manufacturers in the world and they produce over 10 million vehicles a year. It’s no wonder they have been able to release some quality vehicles with outstanding and innovative engine technology and safety features, including the Highlander.
Continue reading below to find out how long a Highlander will last and some tips to make yours run longer.
How Long Do Toyota Highlanders Last?
Toyota Highlanders are highly spoken of for numerous reasons but the main reason for their popularity is their common ability to last for 300,000 miles and beyond.
American’s drive an average of 13,500 –14,000 miles per year so this means, in some instances, your Highlander can last you over 20 years.
SUVs typically last 150-200k miles in their lifetime, but the Toyota Highlander, with its life expectancy of 300,000 miles or more has been known to even last up to twice as long as some of the other SUVs available today.
For many, this comes as no surprise since Toyota has been manufacturing quality engines for many years. Toyota has won numerous “best engine” awards for multiple engines they have designed since 1937 and they are a front runner for longest-lasting vehicles on the road.
Highlanders hold their value well over the years and have had minimal defects and complaints, minus common issues found among cars with wear and tear related issues.
Their longevity and dependability make them one of the best SUVs on the market.
Why Highlanders Are So Reliable
Aside from the spacious, comfortable, and appealing designs on the interior of the Toyota Highlander, these vehicles were built for endurance and reliability.
Toyota has been known to delay the release of new vehicle models because they prefer to take their time with the latest upgrades and features to ensure everything is spot on. This is a huge advantage for Toyota in the market because it often results in them outshining the competition in regards to longevity.
Toyota has also been known to pay close attention to details including safety features and this is shown well in the Highlander with its advanced safety features to provide extra safety measures for every passenger and the driver included.
Here are the main reasons why Toyota Highlander’s have been, and are still, one of the most reliable vehicles on our roads today:
It carries a reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine or 3.3L V6 hybrid
It’s not the strongest engine, it’s certainly not the fastest, but this engine does provide a smooth driving experience and adequate power for everything you will need. .
The Highlander engines have always been known as having decent power and the recent 2021 third-row Highlander only takes 7.5 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour.
Fuel Economy
The Toyota Gallatin review notes that the 2021 Highlander is expected to reach 21 city/29 highway and 24 combined miles per gallon for the traditional engine SUV.
For the hybrid Highlander, the miles per gallon on the 17.9-gallon tank are estimated at 36 city/35 highway and 36 combined. Making the total fuel economy for the Highlander above average in the SUV range and one of the main reasons the Highlander is so reliable and efficient.
Toyota has focused most of its manufacturing on fuel economy to appeal to a wider audience and the Highlander doesn’t disappoint in this region with the ability to travel at least 520 highway miles before needing to be filled up again.
The hybrid model offers even better fuel economy with a 17.1-gallon tank that can last up to 615 highway miles before needing to be refueled.
Agile Steering And Handling
Smooth steering and superior and responsive handling haven’t been an issue in the Highlander range.
The balance and the road grip combined create an effortless feeling of stability while driving on the road, through most terrains, and the body roll is hardly noticeable.
Advanced Technology In Driver Assistance
Driver assistance aids have become all the rage in vehicle technology in the 20th century and the Highlander is on board with evolution at its finest.
Here are some of the optional driver aids that come with the Toyota Highlander:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear parking sensors
- Digital rearview mirror
- Surround-view camera system
- Emergency braking assistance
- Engine immobilizer
Is The Highlander The Most Popular SUV?
The Toyota Highlander was one of the best-selling SUVs on the market in 2020.
The Highlander is one of the most and longest kept cars reported by iseecars.com, doubling that of any other SUV model with 12.4% of Highlander owners advising they’ve kept their much-loved Toyota for well over 15 years.
Other Toyota vehicles to note for being kept past 15 years are:
- Toyota Prius
- Toyota Tacoma
- Toyota Sienna
- Toyota Tundra
- Toyota 4Runner and the
- Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Highlander was rated number four on the list of most popular SUVs in America according to Autonxt. The Highlander came in behind the Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, and the Toyota RAV4 which came in first in most popular SUVs four years running.
Tips To Keep Your Highlander On The Road Longer
For many people, purchasing a car is a large investment that they don’t plan on doing very often. We understand that others like to trade in more often for the latest in safety and technology features, but when it comes to a Highlander, you can be sure their interior and exterior trends will be favorable for years to come.
Here are some tips to help you get as many miles out of your Highlander as you possibly can (these are general tips that will help to prevent a breakdown in any vehicle):
Regular Maintenance Is Key
You won’t often hear clunks or unwelcome noises coming from the engine of a Highlander, so if you do, it’s important to get it seen right away.
The sooner you have issues looked at by a mechanic the better. You never know if one small issue is slowly causing further problems down the line that may be costly and unsafe for driving.
Don’t Let Your Fuel Run Out Regularly
By running your car on empty, you limit the lubrication needed for the joints inside the engine that help to keep the engine cool and prevent it from overheating.
You also risk any dirt, stones, and debris at the bottom of the tank being pushed through the pump and into the engine. This can cause rust and damage to the engine and result in expensive servicing to get it fixed.
Maintain Your Tires
Healthy tires will help to keep your vehicle on the road longer.
The tread on your tires isn’t just about safe driving but is also about controlling your fuel efficiency.
Final Thoughts
If your search includes looking for high-quality features, safety precautions, and reliable engine technology, look no further than the Toyota Highlander. With consumers reporting their Highlanders are lasting 300,000 miles and more in their lifespan, this is a durable vehicle that can last you decades if well maintained and serviced on a need-by basis.
For an SUV model vehicle, the longevity on the Highlander is truly outstanding.