2005 Toyota Highlander

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.

Toyota Highlander
Pictured: Toyota Highlander Hybrid (XU70) 1X7A6356. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV 4WD/4WD V6, 4dr SUV FWD, Hybrid 4dr SUV FWD
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
22 combined · 19 city / 25 hwy
Length
184.6 in
Curb weight
3,483–3,880 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 22 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2005 SUV - (18 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 32 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2005 Toyota Highlander is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.3L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 185 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,880 lb (4dr SUV 4WD/4WD V6).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 25 highway), 22% better than the 2005 SUV - average of 18 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV 4WD/4WD V6184.6 in72 in68.5 in107.1 in62.2 / 61.4 in3,880 lb58/42
4dr SUV FWD184.6 in72 in68.9 in107.1 in62.2 / 61.8 in3,483 lb58/42
Hybrid 4dr SUV FWD184.6 in72 in68.9 in107.1 in62.2 / 61.8 in–58/42

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Highlander 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive19 / 25 / 22+22%$3,050404
Highlander 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive19 / 23 / 21+26%$3,200423
Highlander 2WD3.3L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19+6%$3,550468
Highlander 4WD3.3L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 19+14%$3,550468
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18 MPG2005 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Toyota Highlander under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2005 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2005 Toyota Highlander (this car)22 MPGNot rated5
2005 Toyota Land Cruiser13 MPGNot rated2
2005 Toyota 4Runner18 MPGNot rated5
2005 Subaru Forester23 MPGNot rated1
2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee17 MPGNot rated2
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe20 MPGNot rated1
2005 Ford Escape29 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (5)

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler · Jun 2, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V396000 · 7,749 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Risk
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 9, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V539000 · 420,326 vehicles

Problem
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AVALON VEHICLES; 2004 AND 2005 CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA, HIGHLANDER, AND SIENNA VEHICLES, 2006 HIGHLANDER HYBRID; 2004 AND 2005 LEXUS ES330 AND RX330; AND 2006 LEXUS RX400H VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH THE 1MZ-FE OR 3MZ-FE ENGINE. THE AMOUNT OF ADHESIVE AGENT APPLIED BETWEEN THE OUTER RING AND THE TORSIONAL RUBBER DAMPER (INNER RING) IN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY MAY BE INADEQUATE. IF THE ADHESIVE IS INSUFFICIENT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE OUTER RING MAY BECOME MISALIGNED AND IT MAY NOT PROPERLY ROTATE WITH THE INNER RING, CAUSING NOISE AND/OR ILLUMINATION OF THE BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR LIGHT.
Risk
IN SOME CASES, THE BELT FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM THE PULLEY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND A SUDDEN INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL CHECK THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY TO IDENTIFY WHETHER IT WAS PRODUCED BY THE U.S. SUPPLIER. IF SO, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PULLEY WITH A NEW ONE AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING EARLY JANUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal · Feb 24, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V112000 · 769,379 vehicles

Problem
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2004-2007 LEXUS RX330, RX350, AND RX400H VEHICLES. IF THE FORWARD RETENTION CLIP USED TO SECURE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER, WHICH IS LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE CENTER CONSOLE, IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY THE COVER MAY LEAN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM.
Risk
IF THIS OCCURS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY TEMPORARILY BECOME STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION RATHER THAN RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION. A STUCK ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN UNINTENDED AND SUSTAINED VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE FREE OR CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder · Oct 21, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V499000 · 728,544 vehicles

Problem
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 LEXUS RX, AND MODEL YEAR 2006 LEXUS GS AND IS VEHICLES. BRAKE FLUID CONTAINING POLYMERS IS USED THAT ACTS AS LUBRICANTS FOR CERTAIN BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS. IF REPLACEMENT BRAKE FLUID IS USED THAT DOES NOT CONTAIN SUCH POLYMERS, OR THAT CONTAINS ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS, A PART OF THE RUBBER SEAL LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER MAY BECOME DRY, AND THE SEAL MAY CURL DURING MOVEMENT OF THE PISTON. IF THIS OCCURS, A SMALL AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID COULD SLOWLY LEAK FROM THE SEAL INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
Risk
A LEAK OF BRAKE FLUID COULD LEAD TO A CHANGE IN BRAKE PEDAL FEEL AND OVERTIME A DEGRADATION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAL WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 AND LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V035000 · 271,417 vehicles

Problem
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Fix
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2005 Toyota Highlander is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

40Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
8Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
9Injuries reported
119,271 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System8
Steering6
Power Train5
Visibility/Wiper4
Service Brakes4
Unknown Or Other3
Exterior Lighting3
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
15/07: 115/08: 115/10: 115/11: 316/02: 216/08: 216/10: 116/12: 117/05: 117/06: 117/10: 318/01: 118/02: 118/04: 119/01: 220/12: 121/09: 121/12: 223/08: 124/12: 125/08: 125/09: 125/11: 126/02: 115/0715/1116/1017/0618/0220/1223/0825/09max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2005 Toyota Highlander buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 8 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Steering — 6 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  4. Power Train — 5 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 119,271 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Toyota Highlander. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Highlander years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Highlander35194.9 inNot rated04
2025 Highlander35194.9 in★★★★★410
2024 Highlander36194.9 in★★★★★743
2023 Highlander36194.9 in★★★★★9198
2022 Highlander36194.9 in★★★★★6272
2021 Highlander36194.9 in★★★★★5548
2020 Highlander36194.9 in★★★★★5330
2019 Highlander29192.5 in★★★★★3511
2018 Highlander29192.5 in★★★★★4275
2017 Highlander29192.5 inNot rated3274
2016 Highlander28191.3 inNot rated2117
2015 Highlander28191.3 inNot rated1195

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →