Toyota · 2000–present

Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander (Japanese: トヨタ・ハイランダー, Hepburn: Toyota Hairandā), also known as the Toyota Kluger (Japanese: トヨタ・クルーガー, Hepburn: Toyota Kurūgā) in some markets, is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating produced by Toyota since 2000. The Highlander was announced in April 2000 at the New York International Auto Show, arriving in Japan in late 2000, and North America in January 2001. It was among the first of a new class of mid-size SUVs that were based on a car platform (later known as crossovers). At the time, the Highlander was built on the company's existing Toyota K architecture, shared with the Camry. The Highlander became Toyota's best-selling SUV in the US before being surpassed by the smaller RAV4 in 2006. The first-generation model was sold in Japan as the Kluger, which was exclusive to a dealership network called Toyota Netz as a larger alternative to the RAV4. The Kluger nameplate is also used in Australia because "Highlander" is a trademarked trim line name owned by Hyundai. The name is derived from the German word klug, which means smart or clever (klüger – with diacritics – means "more clever“ in German). The fifth-generation Highlander introduced in 2026 became a battery electric model. A Subaru version is marketed as the Subaru Getaway.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

All Toyota Highlander data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years → + Compare

First generation (XU20; 2000)

The Highlander (or Kluger in Japan and Australia) shared a platform with its XU30 series Lexus RX/Toyota Harrier cousin. It came in five (2001–2007) and seven-seat (2004–2007) configurations and became a sales success for Toyota in a number of markets across the world. The Highlander came standard with front-wheel drive and offered full time four-wheel drive. A rear limited-slip differential was optionally available on models without traction control. Unlike Toyota's own 4Runner and other mid-sized competitors such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, or Chevrolet TrailBlazer, the Highlander aimed for on-road comfort with its unibody construction and independent rear suspension. Although it was longer than the 1996–2002 4Runner available at the time it was launched, the Highlander was surpassed in length by the redesigned 4Runner in August 2002. The Highlander was available in three trim lines in the United States: the base model, the Sport model, and the Limited model. The base and Limited models were present when the Highlander was initially introduced, while the Sport model was introduced in March 2006. For the 2004 model year, the wheels on the Limited trim changed from a six-spoke to a five-spoke alloy. The base-model Highlander wheels also changed from steel-rims to the alloy wheels that were on the 2001–2003 model year Highlander Limited and B-Package. The Sport models had a distinctive grille design, differentiating themselves from the non-Sport models. Wheel styling also serves to differentiate the various models—the hybrid sports a unique twin-spoke design. Engines: 2001–2007 2.4 L 2AZ-FE I4, 116 kW (155 hp; 157 PS) 2001–2003 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6, 164 kW (220 hp; 223 PS) 2004–2007 3.3 L 3MZ-FE V6, 172 kW (230 hp; 233 PS) The 3.0-liter engine was able to propel the Highland

Second generation (XU40; 2007)

Toyota revealed the second generation Highlander and Highlander Hybrid at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, with American sales beginning in July and hybrids in late September. The second generation Highlander and Highlander Hybrid were not sold in Japan. The five-seat Highlander for the United States and Canada was dropped as the Venza replaced it. Initially the sole powertrain for the 2008 Highlander was a 201 kW (270 hp; 274 PS) 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 mated to a five-speed automatic. The four-cylinder model had been discontinued but added again in 2009. While the 3.5-liter engine has 41 kW (55 hp; 56 PS) more than the previous 3.3-liter V6 and dimensional increases along with increased sound proofing added nearly 225 kg (500 lb) to the vehicle's curb weight of approximately 1,815 kg (4,000 lb), fuel economy is slightly improved. The EPA estimated fuel economy for front-wheel drive models is at 13 L/100 km (18 mpg‑US; 22 mpg‑imp) city and 9.8 L/100 km (24 mpg‑US; 29 mpg‑imp) highway (previous generation was: 14 L/100 km (17 mpg‑US; 20 mpg‑imp) city and 10 L/100 km (23 mpg‑US; 28 mpg‑imp) hwy). For 2009, Toyota again offered a 4-cylinder for 5-passenger front-wheel drive models with the all-new ULEV-II certified 2.7-liter 1AR-FE I4 paired to a six-speed automatic. It generates 139 kW (187 hp; 190 PS) at 5,800 rpm and 252 N⋅m (186 lb⋅ft) of peak torque at 4,100 rpm on regular 87 octane fuel. The four-cylinder delivers an EPA estimated fuel economy of 12 L/100 km (20 mpg‑US; 24 mpg‑imp) city and 8.7 L/100 km (27 mpg‑US; 32 mpg‑imp) highway. This is better than the previous model's four-cylinder with 12 L/100 km (19 mpg‑US; 23 mpg‑imp)/9.4 L/100 km (25 mpg‑US; 30 mpg‑imp). The same three trim levels were offered (Base, Sport and Limited) until early 2010 when the SE model replaced

Third generation (XU50; 2013)

On 27 March 2013, Toyota unveiled the third generation XU50 series Highlander at the New York International Auto Show, with the vehicle reached dealerships in early 2014. Production began on 5 December. The XU50 version is longer and wider than the outgoing generation and its design has changed from its boxy look to one that is similar to other mid-size crossover SUVs. In addition to the changes, the XU50 featured seating for eight people with a sliding second-row point of entry that gives it 109 mm (4.3 in) of added width space, soft-touch materials on the instrument panel, lane-departure warning, pre-collision warning and blind spot monitoring systems. HD Radio and Bluetooth was standard on all trims for the US version, which will also come equipped with Toyota's Entune multimedia system along with a 6.1-inch touchscreen display audio system. An eight-inch touchscreen system and Toyota's Entune app suite with 12 JBL speakers were offered as an optional feature. The three powertrain trims that were offered include a 2.7-liter, six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive base model, a 3.5-liter, six-speed automatic model in both front- or all-wheel drive, and the AWD-only Hybrid trim with a 3.5-liter V6 mated to an eCVT. The Highlander is also approved for use as a New York City taxicab. For the third-generation model, Toyota Motor Sales USA took the role of producing the Kluger for Australia and New Zealand after Japanese production of the second-generation model ended in 2013. When the model was replaced with the succeeding XU70 model in 2019, production in the US continued for exports to both countries until 2021. 2016 facelift. A refreshed 2017 model year Highlander appeared at the New York International Auto Show in March 2016 with sales starting in the fourth quarter

Fourth generation (XU70; 2019)

The fourth-generation Highlander was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show on 17 April 2019. It is built on GA-K platform. In the United States, the fourth-generation Highlander gasoline model went on sale on 18 December 2019 for the 2020 model year. Compared to the previous generation, there is increased cargo room behind the third row and support was added for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In Europe, the Highlander Hybrid went on sale in January 2021, solely with a hybrid powertrain. The Highlander for the UK market has been available since March 2021, a year later than the US models due to the extensive engineering work for right-hand-drive models, while the Kluger for the Australian market became available in June 2021. The Highlander was also launched across Gulf Cooperation Council countries around June and July 2020, where it is offered only as a Hybrid. The Highlander Hybrid was also launched in South Korea on 25 July 2023. China. In China, the fourth-generation Highlander was launched on 19 April 2021 at the Auto Shanghai. The Highlander continued to be built and sold by GAC Toyota joint venture. A twin model manufactured by FAW Toyota was launched simultaneously as the Crown Kluger (simplified Chinese: 皇冠陆放; traditional Chinese: 皇冠陸放; pinyin: Huángguàn Lùfàng). The Crown Kluger is based on the Highlander XSE sold in North America, with the Toyota badge on the front grille and steering wheel swapped for the Crown badge. Both are powered by a 2.5-liter engine with hybrid powertrain as an option. Japan. In December 2025, Toyota announced that the Highlander would be available for the Japanese-market as an import from the US. The fourth-generation Highlander was unveiled in April 2026. Unlike the first generation, it was badged as "Highlander" r

Fifth generation (2026)

The fifth-generation Highlander was unveiled on 10 February 2026. Unlike previous generations that offered gasoline and gasoline hybrid options, it is exclusively a battery electric vehicle. The design is similar to the bZ Large SUV concept unveiled in December 2021. Sales are set to start in late 2026 with more models in early 2027. Subaru Getaway. A rebadged version of the Highlander is marketed by Subaru as the Getaway. It was unveiled on 1 April 2026 at the New York International Auto Show.

Grand Highlander (AS10; 2023)

The Grand Highlander was introduced for the North American market on 8 February 2023 as a larger alternative to the regular Highlander. Sharing the nameplate and the GA-K platform, the Grand Highlander features entirely different exterior and interior styling, as well as being longer, taller, and wider. It uses the same gasoline and gasoline hybrid powertrain as the Highlander, but also has an optional more powerful Hybrid MAX powertrain.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name

Toyota Highlander

Manufacturer

Toyota

aka

Toyota Kluger (Japan, 2000–2007; Australia, 2000–present), Toyota Crown Kluger (China, 2021–present), Subaru Getaway (North America, 2026–present)

Production

2000–present

Model years

2001–present

Class

Mid-size crossover SUV

Body style

5-door SUV

Layout

Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, Front-engine, four-wheel-drive, Front-motor, front-wheel-drive (2026–present), Dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (2026–present)

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

US EPA fuel-economy records

US EPA test figures (US MPG, US test cycle).

Sources

• Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1421661CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_HighlanderCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1375282089 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2020_Toyota_Highlander_XLE_AWD,_front.jpgCC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo: Kevauto · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Manufacturer website (link only) — https://www.toyota.com/highlander/Link only; no content copied · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.

More from Toyota