Infotainment System Freezing / Random Reboots
high- Typically appears
- 15–40k mi
- Estimated repair
- $0 – $500
Popular pick
2021 Toyota
HighlanderSUV
SUV
The 2021 Toyota Highlander is a three-row midsize SUV in its fourth generation (XU70 platform), redesigned for 2020. It seats up to eight passengers and strikes a strong balance between family practicality and everyday efficiency. The standard powertrain is a 3.5L V6 producing 295 hp paired with an 8-speed automatic, and AWD is available across most trims. This generation added a cleaner exterior design, a significantly improved interior with more rear-row legroom, and standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ on every trim. Fuel economy is best-in-class for a non-hybrid V6 three-row, and the platform benefits from Toyota's reputation for long-term powertrain durability. As a used buy, the 2021 Highlander is one of the more dependable choices in its segment. The main watch-outs are infotainment software quirks and a mildly hesitant transmission at low speeds — neither is a dealbreaker, but both are worth knowing before you buy.
Reliability
4/5
Verified data
Specs shown for Highlander — the most common configuration.
Other trims may vary in engine, drivetrain, or fuel economy. Sign in to see your vehicle's exact specs.
Engine
[object Object]
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Fuel
Gasoline
MPG
25 city / 29 highway / 27 combined
Seats
—
Doors
—
Body
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
MSRP
$34,405
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2021 Toyota Highlander is a three-row midsize SUV in its fourth generation (XU70 platform), redesigned for 2020. It seats up to eight passengers and strikes a strong balance between family practicality and everyday efficiency. The standard powertrain is a 3.5L V6 producing 295 hp paired with an 8-speed automatic, and AWD is available across most trims. This generation added a cleaner exterior design, a significantly improved interior with more rear-row legroom, and standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ on every trim. Fuel economy is best-in-class for a non-hybrid V6 three-row, and the platform benefits from Toyota's reputation for long-term powertrain durability. As a used buy, the 2021 Highlander is one of the more dependable choices in its segment. The main watch-outs are infotainment software quirks and a mildly hesitant transmission at low speeds — neither is a dealbreaker, but both are worth knowing before you buy.
Known for
- Strong, proven 3.5L V6 with good longevity
- Best-in-class fuel economy for a V6 three-row SUV
- Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ across all trims
- Spacious, well-built interior with minimal squeaks or rattles
Best for
- Families needing three rows and daily driver reliability
- Drivers who want SUV capability without body-on-frame roughness
- Wisconsin winters — AWD models handle snow and cold well
- High-mileage buyers who plan to keep the vehicle long-term
Watch for
- Infotainment freezes and random reboots (2020–2021 models, TSB issued)
- Mild transmission hesitation from a stop, especially early on
- Battery drain in sustained cold snaps if the vehicle sits unused
- Third-row space is tight for adults on longer trips
Common issues by mileage
6 knownTransmission Hesitation from a Stop
medium- Typically appears
- 0–30k mi
- Estimated repair
- $0 – $300
VVT-i / Camshaft Timing Issues (Oil Maintenance Sensitive)
low- Typically appears
- 80–150k mi
- Estimated repair
- $300 – $900
VVT Solenoid / Valve Control Circuit Faults
low- Typically appears
- 70–130k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $450
Battery Drain in Cold Weather
medium- Typically appears
- All mileages
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $300
ECM / Module Communication Loss
low- Typically appears
- 20–60k mi
- Estimated repair
- $100 – $400
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first Engine Oil & Filter Change
Toyota specifies 0W-20 full synthetic. The VVT system on the 3.5L V6 is oil-cleanliness sensitive — old or degraded oil is the leading cause of VVT codes and actuator wear at higher mileage. Don't stretch beyond 10k regardless of the oil-life monitor.
- 2 Every 5,000 miles or with every oil change Tire Rotation
AWD models wear tires unevenly without regular rotation. Mismatched tire circumference on AWD can stress the transfer case over time. Rotate consistently to maximize tire life and protect the drivetrain.
- 3 Every 20,000 miles or 24 months Cabin Air Filter Replacement
Wisconsin roads kick up road salt dust, pollen, and grime. A clogged cabin filter strains the blower motor and reduces defroster effectiveness — critical in winter months.
- 4 Every 30,000 miles or 36 months Engine Air Filter Replacement
Straightforward replacement that protects the D-4S direct injection system from debris. Can be inspected earlier if driving on gravel or dirt roads.
- 5 Every 3 years regardless of mileage Brake Fluid Flush
DOT 3 fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture over time, lowering its boiling point. In Wisconsin winters, wet fluid can also contribute to corrosion in brake lines and calipers.
- 6 Inspect at 100,000 miles; replace at 150,000 miles or as needed Coolant Inspection / Toyota Super Long Life Coolant
Toyota's pink SLLC is long-lived but should still be tested for pH and freeze point. In sub-zero Wisconsin winters, a degraded coolant mix can drop freeze protection below acceptable levels.
- 7 Inspect at 60,000 miles; replace if discolored or if shifting feels off Transmission Fluid Check (Toyota WS ATF)
Toyota rates WS ATF as 'lifetime,' but that's under ideal conditions. In real-world towing or stop-and-go use, the fluid does degrade. An independent shop drain-and-fill around 60–80k is cheap protection for an expensive transmission.
- 8 Every fall before Wisconsin winter sets in Battery Load Test
Cold cranking demands spike below 20°F. A battery that tests marginal in October will likely fail in January. The Highlander's electronics also draw parasitic current — a weak battery compounds the drain issue noted in common problems.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$500 – $900
Fuel
At 24 mpg combined and ~15,000 miles/year, expect roughly $1,500–$1,900/year at $2.40–$3.00/gallon. AWD models see slightly lower real-world economy, especially in Wisconsin winters.
Insurance
Midsize SUV rates in Wisconsin typically run $1,200–$1,700/year for full coverage on a 2021 model, depending on driver profile and ZIP code.
The Highlander sits in the middle of the ownership cost spectrum for midsize SUVs. Maintenance is straightforward and parts are widely available at independent shops. Fuel is the largest ongoing expense given the V6's thirst. Major mechanical costs are low if oil changes are kept on schedule — the VVT system is the one area where deferred maintenance gets expensive quickly. Budget $500–$900/year for routine maintenance in years 1–5.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Load-test the battery every October — sustained sub-zero temps in Lake Geneva can drop a marginal battery below cold-cranking threshold fast.
- Switch to a dedicated winter wiper fluid rated to at least -40°F; the standard Highlander reservoir is a freezing risk if left with summer fluid.
- Inspect wiper blades before first snow; consider winter-specific blades that don't ice up at the hinges.
- If equipped with AWD, verify all four tires are the same brand, model, and tread depth before winter — mismatched tires stress the AWD coupling.
- After road-salt exposure, rinse the underbody regularly — especially around the subframe, brake lines, and rear differential housing on AWD models.
- Use the remote start (if equipped) to warm the cabin and let oil circulate before driving, but avoid extended idle time in a closed garage.
Summer
- Check tire pressure at every fill-up — ambient temps rising from winter to summer can add 4–6 PSI, and overinflation accelerates center-tread wear.
- Run the A/C through its full range early in the season to detect refrigerant issues before a heat wave; recharges are cheaper scheduled than emergency.
- Inspect the cabin air filter — spring pollen loads can clog it quickly, reducing A/C airflow and straining the blower motor.
- Park in shade or use a sunshade when possible — the 8-inch touchscreen and dash electronics are sensitive to heat soak, which can contribute to infotainment glitches already noted on this model.
- Check coolant freeze/boil protection if the vehicle is approaching 100k miles — a degraded mix raises the risk of overheating in summer stop-and-go traffic.
Comparable vehicles
2021 Honda
Pilot
Direct competitor in the three-row midsize SUV segment. Similar price, V6 power, and family focus. The Pilot offers more third-row space but slightly lower fuel economy. Honda's reliability is comparable to Toyota's in this generation.
2021 Ford
Explorer
Rear-wheel-drive based platform gives it a more car-like drive. Available turbo four or V6. Wider interior than the Highlander but historically less reliable; more mechanical complexity means higher long-term maintenance costs.
2021 Kia
Telluride
Won nearly every comparison test against the Highlander in this era. More interior space, better third-row access, and strong reliability ratings. Often priced similarly used. A legitimate alternative if Toyota brand loyalty isn't a factor.
2021 Subaru
Ascent
Standard AWD (vs. optional on Highlander) and strong winter-weather credentials — relevant for Lake Geneva buyers. Slightly less power and lower tow rating, but Subaru's symmetrical AWD is excellent in snow. Turbocharged flat-four has its own maintenance demands.