What is the Toyota Highlander?
The Highlander is a midsize SUV with three rows of seats, aimed at families who need space for passengers and everyday flexibility. Toyota introduced it in North America in 2001, when many SUVs used truck-style construction. Its car-based design helped establish a more comfortable family SUV format. In Europe, it sits at the large end of Toyota’s SUV range.
The fourth generation arrived in Europe and the UK in 2021 as a seven-seat hybrid. It brought a redesigned body and Toyota’s TNGA-K platform, while continuing the Highlander’s role as a spacious family SUV.
Highlander generations
The second generation (XU40) ran from 2008 to 2013, followed by the third generation (XU50) from 2014 to 2019. The fourth generation (XU70) began in North America in 2020 and in Europe and the UK in 2021. Its redesign introduced the TNGA-K platform and a more sculpted exterior.
Engines, power and fuel consumption
In the EU, Highlander registrations include hybrid, plug-in hybrid and petrol versions with a 2.5-litre engine. The listed hybrid power is 140 kW (190 PS). The lowest conventional consumption is 6.6 L/100 km on the WLTP test. The plug-in hybrid’s official weighted figure is 7 L/100 km WLTP; it assumes that part of the driving is electric.
In the UK, the hybrid range is listed with power from 134 kW (182 PS) to 248 kW (337 PS), and a lowest WLTP consumption of 7.1 L/100 km. US EPA figures cover petrol and hybrid Highlanders with engines from 2.4 to 3.5 litres; the lowest listed consumption is 6.5 L/100 km, or 36 MPG combined. Canadian listings cover petrol engines from 2.4 to 3.5 litres, with a lowest figure of 6.7 L/100 km on NRCan’s 5-cycle test. Test procedures differ by market: WLTP in Europe, EPA in the US and 5-cycle testing in Canada.
Where was the Highlander sold?
The Highlander appears in official EU registration figures from 2020 to 2025 and UK VCA figures from 2021 to 2024. US EPA listings span 2001 to 2026, while Canadian NRCan listings span 2002 to 2026.
Questions and answers
When did the Highlander reach Europe?
The fourth-generation Highlander arrived in Europe and the UK in 2021.
What fuel types were offered in EU Highlander registrations?
EU registrations include hybrid, plug-in hybrid and petrol versions.
What is the lowest listed Highlander consumption in the US?
The lowest listed US EPA figure is 6.5 L/100 km, equivalent to 36 MPG combined.
