DecodedCars2017 Toyota Highlander
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- AWD 4dr SUV, FWD 4dr SUV, Hybrid 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl, 2.7L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 295 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 7–8
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 30 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 192.5 in
- Curb weight
- 4,332–4,894 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 57% better than the average 2017 standard SUV (18.5 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 83 rows of seating.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Toyota Highlander is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.5L 6-cyl and 2.7L 4-cyl), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,475 lb (AWD 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (30 city / 28 highway), 57% better than the 2017 standard SUV average of 18.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 274 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2017
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2016 Highlander — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Highlander →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Princeton, Indiana
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2017 Highlander configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWD 4dr SUV | 192.5 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 109.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,475 lb | 55/45 |
| FWD 4dr SUV | 192.5 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 109.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,332 lb | 55/45 |
| Hybrid 4dr SUV | 192.5 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 109.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,894 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander Hybrid AWD LE Plus Hybrid | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 30 / 28 / 29 | +57% | $2,300 | 305 |
| Highlander Hybrid AWD Hybrid | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 29 / 27 / 28 | +51% | $2,400 | 311 |
| Highlander LE/XLE/SE/LTD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | -5% | $2,900 | 384 |
| Highlander | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -5% | $2,900 | 391 |
| Highlander AWD LE | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +24% | $2,900 | 390 |
| Highlander | 2.7L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 24 / 22 | -9% | $3,050 | 407 |
| Highlander AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +19% | $3,050 | 398 |
| Highlander AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +19% | $3,050 | 405 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 Toyota Highlander.
Similar 2017 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Toyota Highlander (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2017 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2017 Ford Explorer | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 14 |
| 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe | 24 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2017 Volkswagen Touareg | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Nov 4, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V682000 · 1,525,742 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
Equipment · Aug 23, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V520000 · 1,121 vehicles
- Problem
- Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2017 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles equipped with accessory roof rail cross bars. The fasteners for the roof rails may not be torqued properly.
- Risk
- The roof rails may loosen and possibly detach from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GST will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and properly torque the fasteners, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2017. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 17R3.
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire · May 2, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V295000 · 409 vehicles
- Problem
- Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.
- Risk
- A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Toyota's number for this recall is 17R2.
Not every 2017 Toyota Highlander is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Toyota Highlander buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 76 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 49 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 47 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 20,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Toyota Highlander. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Highlander years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Highlander | 35 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
| 2025 Highlander | 35 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 10 |
| 2024 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 43 |
| 2023 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 198 |
| 2022 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 272 |
| 2021 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 548 |
| 2020 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 330 |
| 2019 Highlander | 29 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 511 |
| 2018 Highlander | 29 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 275 |
| 2016 Highlander | 28 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 117 |
| 2015 Highlander | 28 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 195 |
| 2014 Highlander | 28 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 125 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →