Toyota Highlander review for Colorado buyers

The Highlander for Colorado buyers

Why the Highlander works for Colorado families

Most Colorado families don't need a rock crawler. They need something that gets three kids, a dog and a roof box up to Keystone on a Saturday morning in January, then commutes efficiently all week. That's the Highlander's job, and it does it well. It seats seven or eight, drives like a large car and, in hybrid form, carries an EPA rating of 35 mpg combined with AWD.

The tradeoffs are clear. The third row is best for kids, and cargo space behind it is limited once all three rows are up, so roof storage or a hitch carrier is common on ski trips. If you regularly carry adults in the back row, Toyota's larger Grand Highlander, sold since the 2024 model year, or a Kia Telluride is worth a look.

If you only need two rows, a Toyota RAV4 or Subaru Outback saves money and fuel. The Highlander makes sense when that third row actually gets used.

AWD, winter tires and the traction law

Highlanders were sold in both front-wheel-drive and AWD form until 2026, when Toyota made AWD standard on gas models. On the used market, FWD versions are common, so check before you fall for one. Hybrid AWD works differently from gas AWD: it uses a separate electric motor to drive the rear wheels, with no driveshaft between the axles. Toyota's gas AWD systems are mechanical, and for 2026 the XSE, Limited and Platinum use Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD.

Neither is a substitute for tires. Colorado's traction law, active on I-70 between Dotsero and Morrison from September through May, requires at least 3/16 inch of tread on M+S, all-weather or winter tires, or chains or an approved traction device. CDOT recommends AWD or 4WD in the mountains, but it doesn't replace the tire requirement. A dedicated set of winter tires makes a real difference in stopping and turning, and it's the single best winter upgrade for any Highlander.

The Highlander has no low range and isn't built for rough roads, so keep trailhead plans to graded gravel. Our guide to buying a used car for Colorado winters goes deeper on tires and AWD.

V6, turbo four or hybrid

From 2017 to 2022, gas Highlanders used a 295-hp 3.5L V6 with an eight-speed automatic. It's smooth and well proven. For 2023, Toyota replaced it with a 2.4L turbocharged four making 265 hp and 310 lb-ft, which is more torque than the V6's 263 lb-ft. EPA rates the AWD turbo at 24 mpg combined, a step up from the V6 AWD's 23 mpg.

At altitude, the turbo has an edge. Turbocharger maker Garrett Motion says a naturally aspirated engine like the V6 typically loses about 3 percent of its power per 1,000 feet of elevation, and turbocharging recovers much of that. On a long climb to the tunnel with a full load, the turbo's low-rpm torque helps.

The hybrid is the efficiency pick at 35 mpg combined on 2020-and-later AWD models. Two caveats for Colorado: hybrids are rated to tow only 3,500 lb, and fueleconomy.gov notes hybrids lose more efficiency in cold weather than gas cars, with drops of roughly 30 to 34 percent in cold city driving. It's still efficient in winter, just less so than the sticker suggests.

Road trips and towing

Toyota rates V6 and 2.4L turbo Highlanders at 5,000 lb when properly equipped, and on 2016-2019 V6 models the towing package was standard. Hybrids from 2020 on are rated at 3,500 lb. That's enough for a small camper, a pop-up or a utility trailer, but not a large travel trailer over the passes.

If you plan to tow in the mountains, our article on towing a camper in the mountains explains how altitude, grades and payload stack up. For heavier trailers, the Jeep Grand Cherokee with its V8 or a full-size SUV is the better fit.

For long highway trips without a trailer, the Highlander is in its element. It's comfortable on long interstate days, and the hybrid's EPA rating keeps fuel stops down on a Denver to Durango run.

What to check on a used Highlander

Run the VIN for open recalls. On 2017-2019 models, check Toyota's low-pressure fuel pump recall. On 2020-2023 models, check the front lower bumper cover recall, and on 2021-2025 models, the second-row seat back recliner recall, which matters if you'll be moving car seats around. Certain 2024-2025 models also have a third-row center seat belt anchor recall.

Look at how the family used it. Third-row trim, seat tracks and cargo-area plastics show wear on Highlanders that hauled kids and gear for years. Check tire age and tread, since a new winter set is a real cost to plan for.

Colorado hail is the other thing to check, especially on the big roof and hood. Our article on hail damage and used cars explains what to look for. If you want a specific year, powertrain and seating layout, we can find the right Highlander and handle the search for you.