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The Toyota Highlander is the Japanese automaker’s popular midsize SUV model. The Highlander has a sleek design and great standard features. How do Highlander owners really feel about the midsize SUV model?

The Toyota Highlander’s pros and cons

A gray Toyota Highlander SUV model.
The Toyota Highlander | Toyota

The Toyota Highlander debuted in America in 2001. Over two decades later, the Highlander has become one of the most popular midsize SUV models because of the value it provides for its price. Cars.com compiled a list of pros and cons that consumers have noted about Highlander ownership.

Its pros include its many standard safety features and its smooth ride quality. Some of its cons include its limited visibility, cramped third row and cargo area, and annoying eight-speed transmission. Consumers generally enjoy Highlander ownership over time. How does the new 2022 Toyota Highlander compare to other Highlander models?

The 2022 Toyota Highlander is the ideal family SUV


RELATED: Consumer Reports Has Recommended Every Toyota Highlander Its Ever Tested

The 2022 Toyota Highlander starts at $35,405. It uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine to make 295 horsepower. The midsize SUV achieves 21 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Toyota Highlander comes with color-keyed heated power outside mirrors, a smart key system, and a 4.2-inch color Multi-Information Display. It includes five USB ports and two 12-volt outlets.

The midsize SUV model comes with Toyota Safety Sense. It also features a tire pressure monitor system, Drive Mode Select with Sport, Eco, Normal and Snow Modes, and Hill Start Assist Control.

The latest Toyota Highlander is the ideal family SUV because it is spacious and includes tons of safety and driver-assistance features. The Highlander is one of the best family SUVs available, but some of its rivals have a clear advantage. Some mid-size SUVs offer more refined cabins and more exciting driving dynamics for drivers.

Should you buy a Toyota Highlander?

A red Toyota Highlander is on display.
A red Toyota Highlander is on display | Don Emmert/AFP via Getty Images

The Toyota Highlander may be a great midsize SUV option, but there are several better alternatives available to consumers. The 2022 Kia Telluride is the best midsize SUV option for 2022. The 2022 Kia Telluride received a 10/10 overall score from Car and Driver, thanks to the value it provides for its price. It starts at $32,790.

U.S. News calls the 2022 Hyundai Palisade the second-best midsize SUV model for 2022 because of its many standard features and its tech’s ease of use. It starts at $33,150.

The Highlander has a longer history than either of the top new midsize SUV models, and as far as reliability, consumers don’t seem to have any major gripes with the vehicle. The midsize SUV also comes in several different trim levels and even in a hybrid version to appeal to different drivers. Owners generally enjoy their Highlanders, but is the SUV’s long history enough to keep new buyers loyal to Toyota?

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