2021 Toyota Highlander

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Toyota Highlander
Pictured: Toyota Highlander Hybrid (XU70) 1X7A6356. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV L FWD, 4dr SUV Le/Xle AWD, 4dr SUV Le/Xle Hybrid AWD, 4dr SUV Limited AWD
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
Horsepower
186–295 hp
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
7
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
36 combined · 36 city / 35 hwy
Length
194.9 in
Curb weight
4,123–4,553 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 36 MPG combined — 36% better than the average 2021 small SUV (26.4 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
  • Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints548 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 155 for similar models — most often about the power train.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 Toyota Highlander is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 195 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,123 lb (4dr SUV L FWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 36 MPG combined (36 city / 35 highway), 36% better than the 2021 small SUV average of 26.4 MPG, for an estimated $1,850 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 548 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2021

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Highlander — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Highlander →

Trims, performance & features

Engine295 hp3.5L 6-cyl
Engine186 hp2.5L 4-cyl hybrid
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating7 seats · 3 rows

Trims

XLEPlatinumLimited

Safety & driver-assist features

Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Princeton, Indiana

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Highlander configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV L FWD194.9 in76 in68.1 in112.2 in65.4 / 65.4 in4,123 lb54/46
4dr SUV Le/Xle AWD194.9 in76 in68.1 in112.2 in65.4 / 65.4 in4,299 lb54/46
4dr SUV Le/Xle Hybrid AWD194.9 in76 in68.1 in112.2 in65.4 / 65.4 in4,442 lb54/46
4dr SUV Limited AWD194.9 in76 in68.1 in112.2 in65.4 / 65.4 in4,431 lb54/46
4dr SUV Limited Hybrid AWD194.9 in76 in68.1 in112.2 in65.4 / 65.4 in4,553 lb54/46

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 Hybrid Hybrid2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive36 / 35 / 36+36%$1,850245
Highlander Hybrid AWD Hybrid2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)All-Wheel Drive35 / 35 / 35+86%$1,900254
Highlander Hybrid AWD LTD/PLAT Hybrid2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)All-Wheel Drive35 / 34 / 35+86%$1,900251
Highlander3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24-9%$2,800372
Highlander3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23-13%$2,900389
Highlander AWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23-4%$2,900387
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $2,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.4 MPG2021 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.4%
2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.9%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2021 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Toyota Highlander (this car)36 MPG★★★★★5
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime38 MPGNot rated4
2021 Toyota 4Runner17 MPG★★★★★1
2021 Ford Explorer27 MPG★★★★★27
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee21 MPG★★★★★16
2021 Kia Telluride23 MPG★★★★★5
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan25 MPG★★★★★5

Recalls (5)

Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly › Recliner · Mar 5, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V128000 · 686,588 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
Risk
A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 9, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.
Tires · Jun 18, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V452000 · 4,763 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
SET will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET24A.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Dec 20, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V865000 · 999,901 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Risk
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
Structure › Body › Bumpers · Oct 26, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V720000 · 750,795 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
Risk
A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) › Control Module › Software · Apr 13, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V239000 · 458,110 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Risk
Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA01.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Toyota Highlander is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

548Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
17Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
19Injuries reported
27,300 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train225
Service Brakes67
Unknown Or Other67
Air Bags50
Engine47
Structure › Body36
Fuel/Propulsion System32
Electrical System29
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 1124/12: 1525/01: 925/02: 825/03: 1225/04: 1725/05: 1625/06: 2025/07: 1225/08: 1525/09: 1125/10: 1425/11: 1525/12: 726/01: 1326/02: 2026/03: 1626/04: 1726/05: 1526/06: 2626/07: 1526/08: 1526/09: 2426/10: 1124/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 26

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Toyota Highlander buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 225 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Service Brakes — 67 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  4. Air Bags — 50 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 27,300 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 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
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
2014 Highlander28191.3 inNot rated4125

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