The Toyota Highlander Doesn’t Even Crack the Top 5 for Reliability
Toyota vehicles are famous for their quality, reliability, and resale value. So you’d expect Toyota SUVs to top every best-of list. Unfortunately, the Toyota Highlander doesn’t even crack the top for reliability.
Which midsize SUVs outrank the Toyota Highlander for reliability?
We turn to RepairPal, an online provider of auto repair and maintenance information, to tell us the most reliable midsize SUVs. The consumer site lists the top 10 models as follows:
- Mazda CX-5
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Toyota Venza (first generation)
- Hyundai Veracruz
- Mitsubishi Endeavor
- Dodge Journey
- Toyota Highlander
- Dodge Nitro
- Toyota 4Runner
- Subaru Outback
SUVs included in these ratings cover the 2010 to 2019 model years. Instead of assigning a predicted reliability rating for the latest model year, RepairPal compiles data from owners of previous model years to support its ratings.
A few in the top 10 are no longer produced (and the CX-5 should be categorized as a compact SUV), but the Toyota Highlander is in the seventh position for reliability. That’s not too shabby, but you’d be disappointed if you expected a Toyota to hit the top of the list.
Where does the 2023 Toyota Highlander rank overall?
To find out where the latest Highlander ranks among midsize SUVs, we turn to U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Midsize SUVs for 2023.” The rankings reflect an overall grade for these SUVs. Unfortunately, to see the Toyota Highlander, we have to go much further than the top 10:
- Kia Telluride
- Hyundai Palisade
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Jeep Grand Cherokee L
- Mazda CX-9
- Honda Passport
- Honda Pilot
- Buick Enclave
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Kia Sorento
- Subaru Ascent
- Volkswagen Atlas
- Ford Edge
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Toyota Highlander
- Dodge Durango
Although the Highlander appears in the 16th spot, it ties with the Pathfinder and Edge for the 14th position. Still, that’s not where you’d expect to see any Toyota SUVs.
Consumer Reports ranks the 2023 Toyota Highlander higher than RepairPal and U.S. News. On CR’s list, the Highlander Hybrid comes in second, and the regular Highlander takes the third spot among three-row midsize SUVs.
What are the most common Toyota Highlander problems?
RepairPal also compiled owner-reported vehicle issues. The most common Toyota Highlander problems are as follows:
- Massive oil leak and loss of oil pressure
- Airbag light due to a problematic center airbag sensor
- Check engine light due to hose off of air filter housing
Although only a few drivers have reported these problems, they can still be severe for specific Highlander models.
Is the 2023 Toyota Highlander a good SUV?
The family-friendly 2023 Toyota Highlander boasts an upscale cabin whose first two rows are spacious and comfortable. Its updated infotainment system is easy to use and has excellent tech features. This Toyota SUV is also one of the smoothest-driving vehicles. And its hybrid version is one of the most fuel-efficient three-row SUVs.
However, two notable drawbacks are the loud droning sounds from the turbocharged four-cylinder engine when it’s pushed hard and a third row that’s cramped for full-sized adults.
