If you’re shopping for a used Toyota Highlander in Rowlett, you’re in for an SUV that offers reliability, versatility, and a host of features. This guide reviews each model year of the Highlander from 2018 to 2025, highlighting the differences in size, quality, safety, technology, trims, gas mileage, ratings, and available colors to help you make the best choice. Let’s dive into what each year offers in this Used Toyota Highlander Purchasing Guide Rowlett.
2018 Used Toyota Highlander
The 2018 Toyota Highlander combines spaciousness with safety, making it a popular choice for families and anyone needing an SUV with seating for up to eight. This model year includes a refined, comfortable interior with upscale materials, even in lower trims. Toyota packed this Highlander with advanced safety features, offering Toyota Safety Sense™ across all trims—a package that includes features typically reserved for higher trims in other SUVs. The 2018 Highlander comes with either a 2.7L 4-cylinder engine (185 horsepower) or an available 3.5L V6 engine, which provides more power at 295 horsepower. Both engines are paired with a six-speed or eight-speed automatic transmission, offering a smooth driving experience.
Trims: LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited, and Limited Platinum, with premium features becoming available in higher trims.
Technology: A 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, with an upgrade to an 8-inch screen and navigation available in upper trims. The higher trims also offer a JBL premium audio system, providing superior sound quality for passengers.
Safety Ratings: The 2018 Highlander earned high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, largely due to Toyota’s commitment to including comprehensive safety features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
Colors: Available in classic shades like White, Black, Silver, Gray, and Red.
2019 Used Toyota Highlander
For the 2019 model, Toyota made a few minor adjustments, primarily to improve cabin quietness and enhance some technology features. Like the 2018 version, the 2019 Highlander is spacious and offers a smooth ride with a refined cabin that focuses on comfort and noise reduction. Families and commuters will appreciate the ample legroom, while the upscale interior materials give it a luxurious feel. Under the hood, the powertrain options remain the same as the previous year, with both the 2.7L 4-cylinder engine and the powerful 3.5L V6 available.
Trims: The same lineup as the 2018 model year, with an added focus on cabin insulation for reduced road noise.
Technology: Entune™ 3.0, Toyota’s multimedia system, was enhanced in higher trims, offering better smartphone integration. In particular, the SE trim was upgraded to include premium sound and navigation options.
Gas Mileage: The V6 engine achieves around 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway, making it competitive in fuel efficiency for its class.
Safety Ratings: The 2019 Highlander maintained excellent safety ratings from major safety organizations, reinforcing its reputation as a safe family vehicle.
Colors: A new Blue Metallic color option was added, expanding customization choices.
2020 Used Toyota Highlander
With a complete redesign in 2020, the Toyota Highlander moved into its fourth generation. This model year introduced a sleeker exterior, more modern interior, and additional passenger and cargo space. The 2020 Highlander’s platform was improved for a more stable and comfortable ride. One of the biggest upgrades was the addition of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration as standard, making it easier for drivers to connect and control their devices. The Highlander also expanded its safety suite with more advanced features, giving drivers confidence on the road.
Trims: Toyota simplified the trims to L, LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum, each offering an array of features to fit different preferences.
Technology: Toyota integrated an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with an optional 12.3-inch display on the Platinum trim. Higher trims included a JBL premium audio system and an upgraded navigation system.
Safety: New features like Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert became available on all trims, enhancing driver awareness.
Gas Mileage: The gas model offers improved efficiency, achieving up to 29 MPG on the highway with the V6 engine, while hybrid versions offer even better mileage.
Colors: New colors like Moon Dust, Ruby Flare Pearl, and Opulent Amber were introduced, giving buyers more unique options.
2021 Used Toyota Highlander
In 2021, the Highlander maintained its modern design and high-quality features, with the addition of the XSE trim, which is tailored for those seeking a sportier aesthetic. The XSE adds unique styling elements, a sport-tuned suspension, and special interior finishes. With generous seating, ample cargo space, and refined finishes, the 2021 Highlander remains a comfortable, upscale option for families. Its powertrain remains consistent, with the choice of a gas engine or a hybrid variant, both offering competitive fuel efficiency for this class.
Trims: L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum, with the XSE adding a sportier suspension and exterior design elements.
Technology: An optional 12.3-inch infotainment display on Platinum trim and upgraded navigation on XLE and above. Wireless phone charging and WiFi connectivity are also available.
Safety: Enhanced Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ suite is now standard, including improved pedestrian detection and lane tracing assist.
Gas Mileage: The hybrid option offers up to 36 MPG combined, while the gas model remains competitive with around 24 MPG combined.
Colors: A new Wind Chill Pearl color option adds a fresh, modern look to the color palette.
2022 Used Toyota Highlander
The 2022 Highlander continues to stand out in terms of safety and advanced tech features, making it a desirable option for those looking for a high-quality used SUV. In addition to standard safety tech, the 2022 model also introduces a few new comfort and convenience features, like a hands-free power liftgate on higher trims. Hybrid models remain popular for their impressive fuel efficiency, while gas models provide a responsive and smooth driving experience.
Trims: The same lineup as 2021, with minor updates to standard features and package options.
Technology: The standard 8-inch screen was upgraded with better graphics and faster response time, while the 12.3-inch screen became available in higher trims.
Safety: Added features like Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automated Braking in upper trims offer enhanced maneuverability and safety in tight spaces.
Gas Mileage: Hybrids offer excellent mileage with up to 36 MPG combined, while gas models maintain around 29 MPG highway.
Colors: The new Cypress green color option adds a unique shade for those seeking a bolder look.
2023 Used Toyota Highlander
Toyota introduced some significant updates in 2023, particularly with a switch to a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that replaces the previous V6. This new engine delivers a balance of power and efficiency, with lower emissions. The 2023 Highlander retains its spacious cabin, and the interior is equipped with quality materials that enhance comfort for all passengers. Connectivity upgrades and a larger touchscreen make this model a strong competitor in the used SUV market.
Trims: L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum remain available, each with distinct features catering to various needs.
Technology: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, while the upgraded digital rearview mirror enhances visibility in crowded situations.
Safety: Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are standard on all trims, and higher trims offer additional parking assistance.
Gas Mileage: The new 2.4L engine provides an estimated 25 MPG combined, balancing power and fuel efficiency.
Colors: Colors like Midnight Black Metallic, Blueprint, and Ruby Flare Pearl were added to expand the lineup’s options.
2024 Used Toyota Highlander
In 2024, Toyota focused on enhancing driver and passenger comfort with added technology features and improved connectivity. The Highlander’s interior design remains largely unchanged, but slight tweaks have been made to the infotainment system for a more intuitive experience. Hybrid options continue to deliver fuel-efficient performance, making the 2024 Highlander a highly efficient and comfortable choice for long trips and daily commuting alike.
Trims: Maintained the same as 2023, focusing on consistency and reliability.
Technology: Enhanced connectivity features include an available 14-speaker JBL audio system, perfect for audiophiles.
Safety: Advanced parking assist features became standard in all trims, making tight parking situations much easier to manage.
Gas Mileage: The hybrid model offers an improved range, allowing drivers to go farther with fewer stops.
Colors: The introduction of Bronze Dust metallic offers a unique option for buyers who want a refined yet distinctive color.
2025 Used Toyota Highlander
For 2025, Toyota updated the Highlander’s technology to stay competitive in the ever-evolving SUV market. With more standard features and additional driver-assist technologies, the 2025 Highlander provides one of the most complete packages in the SUV segment. This year also brought enhancements to interior materials, giving the cabin a more premium feel across all trims. The hybrid model continues to be a popular choice, especially among eco-conscious buyers looking for better fuel efficiency.
Trims: Standard trims continue with minor updates to materials and finishes in higher trims.
Technology: The 12.3-inch screen is now standard on more trims, while voice-activated commands make navigation and phone calls hands-free.
Safety: Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 became standard, bringing in even more driver-assist technologies like lane-centering assist and advanced adaptive cruise control.
Gas Mileage: Hybrid options offer top fuel efficiency with an estimated 35 MPG combined.
Colors: An exclusive new Silver Pearl was introduced, offering a luxurious and modern look.
Each model year of the Toyota Highlander brings something unique to the table, from advanced technology and enhanced safety to improved fuel efficiency and an array of stylish colors. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly 2018 model or a tech-forward 2025 option, this Used Toyota Highlander Purchasing Guide Rowlett has all the details to help you find the best fit. Visit FAST.CARS in Rowlett to explore the available inventory and find the perfect Toyota Highlander for you.
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The Used Toyota Highlander Purchasing Guide Rowlett reviews model years from 2018 to 2025, comparing features such as safety, technology, fuel efficiency, trims, and colors. Each year offers incremental improvements, with significant updates in 2020 when Toyota redesigned the Highlander, and again in 2023 when it introduced a new 2.4L turbocharged engine. From enhanced connectivity in 2021 to advanced safety features by 2025, the Highlander remains a versatile and family-friendly SUV option, with hybrid models providing outstanding fuel efficiency across newer years. This guide provides Rowlett buyers with insights on each model year’s unique offerings to help choose the right Highlander.