2015 Toyota Highlander Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
We were ready to put a deposit on a loaded 2014 MDX (what seemed to be the best combination of practicality, luxury and reliabilty), when we looked at a 2014 Highlander Limited AWD. After an extended test drive and and thorough comparison, we were 100% sold on the Highlander. Although the MDX offers a slight edge in acceleration and fuel efficiency, the Highlander Limited was equivalent or superior in all other aspects. And $14K cheaper. Areas where the Highlander really stood out: ** Spaciousness ** The MDX is sports sedan cozy - like a 3 series BMW (OK for 4 people, but borderline claustrophobic for 5 or more). The Highlander has more headroom, shoulder room and more cabin volume (closer to Mercedes GL or Toyota Sequoia) - and is comfortable for up to 6. ** Usable 3rd Row ** With the adjustable 2nd row captain's chairs, the 3rd Row is easily accessible for kids - and reasonable agile adults. This is a HUGE advantage of the Highlander in comparison to all but the biggest 3 row vehicles. Ventilation controls, lighting, armrests and cup holders make the 3rd row 100% practical if not actually comfortable. ** Family Friendly Luxury ** Tough, durable materials below the seat level and carefully crafted leather, blue ambient lighting and electronic displays above. And all the details and gadgetry (heated/cooled seats, traffic warming systems, push start, backup camera, nav, etc.) will make you wonder: is this really a Toyota? ** Practical Performance ** Accelerates crisply and with authority. Excellent in freeway merges and lane changes. Easy to track a straight, solid line in freeway traffic. Solid, responsive and reasonably flat handling (for a 2+ ton vehicle) in twisty 2 lane roads. While none of the vehicles in this class offer breakthrough design, I like the athletic / modern look of the Highlander as much or more than the MDX, Infinity, Audi or Lexus.
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Critical Review
Vehicle: 2017 XLE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8AT 8 spd transmission) We purchased a new 2017 Highlander XLE after comparing it to several other vehicles in its class. Toyota touts quality and safety features as their biggest sales pitch, seems its there every time we turn on a tv. The transmission problem occurred at 8,253 miles, lucky for my wife, she was at a red light when the transmission failed and nobody was injured. The vehicle was hauled to local Toyota dealer on a flatbed & sat at the dealership for 52 days. We were told by dealer that a new transmission was back-ordered from California. After picking up the vehicle I noticed the work order stated part number 30510-48600-84 REMAN ATM and CORE RETURN. Re-manufactured parts should not be used to repair a brand new vehicle under factory warranty, which hasnt seen its first oil change. The day after picking it up I drove the vehicle around and excessive power train noise was present. Vehicle went back the the shop & they replaced both front wheel bearings at 8,392 miles and it sat in the shop another 3 days. Neither one of these repairs should occur on any new vehicle or a vehicle under 100,000 for that matter. Toyota Corporate has been less than helpful & were currently going through the lemon law process. Toyota has lost another long time customer, if I could rate the 2017 Highlander 0 stars I would.
2015 Highlander Reviews
Showing 8 of 188 reviews.
It’s a Limited edition with all the bells and whistles of time.
It’s an SUV some people think they’re too big
This car will last a long time. It’s been well cared for and all services have been kept up to date.
Driving
Higher seats in the back. Need assistance with entering.
Will keep forever. Only changed tires and oil change, plus brake work. Love my car. Used to have Nissan pathfinder.
Reliability
Information system difficult to use
Bought new and have 84k with no problems. Follow maintenance advice.
8 years of comfortable, reliable, safe motoring. No problems at all! Selected this model for its utility, safety and comfortable ride. Seat extender is also a plus. Average 24.5 MPG! What's not to like!
Vehicle listed for $23995, test drive good, more damaged than pix reflect. Price offered by dealer went up to $28,995. Added $5000 to price for things we did not want such as windshield and tracker on vehicle by Apex. DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS DEALER!!!!!!!!!
It runs smoothly and very comfortable. Great room inside with a third row seat option. Great mileage per gas performance.
Please please please do not purchase this vehicle. Don't take my word for it, google this vehicle. First, the serious issues. I purchased this vehicle new from a Toyota dealership. The transmission just failed @ 4.5 years old and 75,000 miles. While I do not do all of the suggested work, I am diligent about the normal stuff like oil changes, etc. Toyota Care would not do anything at all for me. Zero. The dealership did a minor price adjustment for me but it will cost me $7,000 out of pocket. Every single transmission place I called indicated Toyota only manufactured this transmission for 18 months and then stopped. While no open recalls on it, why did they stop after 18 months? Horrible problems. All three places were well aware of problems with 2019 Highlander transmission. All three, yet Toyota indicates there are no known problems. Please due your homework and search for "2019 Highlander Transmission Problems" and you should never purchase this vehicle. I am facing the choice of "junking" my 2019 vehicle that I hoped to have for 10 more years, or put $7,000 into it only to have it repaired with the same transmission the factory installed - and I have serious concerns it will fail again. Now, the slightly less serious issues - The driver's side seat is terribly uncomfortable. Every single person I've talked to that has owned this vehicle has said the same thing. Terrible lower back pain. There seems to be some sort of structural rod near the base of the seat that is problematic. The vehicle is remarkably "blah" and "boring."
79,900 Original miles - only one driver We keep this car because is great to drive and secure on the road
