My mom is looking at mid sized SUV’s in the $40-45k price range. She has had Toyota vehicles in the past and has loved them so she is looking at a brand new 2019 Highlander XLE. It’s marked down a good deal as the 2020’s are rolling in. I like it after looking at it and people seem to really speak highly of this model. She could care less about the new 2020 updates and is not tech savvy. She even prefers the older styling to the 2020. Anyway, does anyone have a recent model year (pre 2020) Highlander and how do you like it?

The highlander was on my short list when we purchased our 2016 4runner. I wouldn't hesitate to suggest my mother purchasing a highlander. It will be super reliable and be above average at retaining value. Most features are very nice, but the infotainment system sucks. Maybe they have upgraded it recently. The third row was much easier to access in the highlander.

We have a 2018 Highlander XLE. bought brand new and it’s been a wonderful vehicle. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another one. No complaints or issues son far. We bought in summer 2018 and have a little over 20k miles on it mostly due to a few round trips to/from Chicago.

my mom has one. and its in a string of them over time. it really doesn't get any better in the 'utility' version of car ownership. Never the latest and greatest stuff, but do the maintenance and they will last forever. No downsides of any consequence. I'd buy one for my mom in a heartbeat.

I’m on my third Highlander. Never any problems and trade in value is excellent. They are quiet and handle solidly. Front leg room is the best in class.

We just traded our 2012 with 70k miles and it had done us great.
Couple minor issues like the typical Toyota intermediate steering shaft clunk and the motor for the power lift gate gave out but other than that it was great.
The in-laws bought a 2019 right when they came out and are happy with it. Aside from the styling differences there aren’t many differences.

If she does not need the 3rd row which is pretty much worthless in the Highlander (why we got rid of ours) have her look at the RAV4 as well.

Also Toyota’s Certified Preowned program is very good and can save you quite a bit buying used.
We bought the 2012 Limited (fully loaded) in 2014 with 22k miles for 28k out the door.
The 2014 redesign had just been released and we were looking at those and were close to 40k so we likely saved 10k and had a better warranty than new because it added a 7 year 100k power train warranty.
Granted this was nearly 7 years ago and I have not kept up with Toyota’s current warranty numbers.

My friend bought one. He and his wife live in Tallahassee and take a number of trips each year. They both love it for its ride, its capacity to hold luggage and "stuff" and its reliability.

Bob

If she has that kind of money to lay out have her look into the Acura RDX leftovers.

They can be had for about 33k and worth every cent.

Bob

We have a 2007 hybrid limited
Best vehicle we have ever owned, over 200,000 miles on it and we will keep it until we retire and buy another brand new
Always stayed up on maintenance and replaced struts @ 190,000 miles
These rigs are the best in their class imo
Here's a pic with the winter rims/tires on it.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: sigmoid,

We own a 2018 Highlander XLE that we bought new in July 2018. It’s Mrs 12GA’s daily driver and she loves it.Through 16,500 miles it’s been flawless. We bought it with the 3rd row seating after riding in the back row of our friend’s 2016 Highlander. The back row is comfortable enough for us and our friends but I could see where riding back there on a several hour trip would get old.

I have a 2015 with 92,500 miles on it. I'd trade it in on a new one but there's nothing wrong with it and it's always been trouble free. We have about six Highlanders on my block and the neighbor across the street just bought a 2019. After hearing a lot of comments about style changes for 2020 I may have to rethink my early trade in decision and look for a 2019 myself.

My sister in law is staying with us this weekend. She was parked behind me this morning so I took her 3 year old highlander to the gym this morning. First time I ever drove it and was not impressed at all. This thing had a major vibration somewhere in the drivetrain. I don't even know if she knows that. My wifes Yukon is much better to drive.

At the end of last year, my fiancée purchased a 2019 Limited Platinum with less than 10K on the odometer. It has all the bells and whistles, including a heated steering wheel (which is really nice if you live in the north). Still pretty new to us, no complaints at all. I believe that she'll have this vehicle for many years to come.

One of the big changes was in 2017 when they went with an 8 speed auto from the 6 speed. I also believe they upgraded the motor to the 3.5 that was used in the Lexus. Motor makes about 295hp which isn't bad for a family vehicle.

While the back seat can be cramped, if it's children you're transporting back there, they will be fine. When we have stuff such as luggage, we simply use a hitch rack and put stuff in tote boxes back there.

I appreciate everyone’s comments. I figured it would be a popular SUV, but I still like to hear personal stories. I’m gonna share this thread with mom and hope it will help her to make a decision. Thanks again!

I have had my 2018 LTD. for about 1 1/2 years. My first Toyota. very pleased with it and yes I'd buy another. a few dislikes though. HATE the stop/start feature. You can turn it off but you have to turn it off everytime you restart the car.The automatic bright light control is not real accurate. Many times I'd of liked the brights on and they were'nt. I mean I'm on a dark road, no other traffic and they're not on. I turned it off and set them manually. Other than those 2 quirks I think it's a GREAT vehicle.