The Toyota Highlander has long held a reputation as a reliable, family-friendly midsize SUV. With its sleek design, hybrid efficiency, and a track record of consistent performance, it’s no wonder the SUV continues to be a bestseller. However, even the most popular models come with detractors. When consumers talk about the biggest complaint about Toyota Highlander, a recurring theme emerges—interior quality and material choices.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore this major consumer concern in detail while touching on other complaints some owners have raised. By the end, you’ll not only understand the core issue but also gain insights into why so many people still choose a Toyota Highlander despite its shortcomings.
The Popularity of the Toyota Highlander
Before diving into the complaints, it’s important to appreciate why the Toyota Highlander remains a top choice for SUV buyers. Introduced in 2001, the Highlander has steadily evolved, introducing new tech, improved fuel economy, and a focus on safety and comfort.
Here’s what contributes to its high demand:
- Proven Reliability: Toyota is known for durable vehicles, and the Highlander upholds this legacy.
- Family-Friendly Design: With up to three rows and seating for up to eight passengers, the SUV offers generous space.
- Hybrid Efficiency: The hybrid model delivers impressive fuel economy for a vehicle of its size.
- Trim Options: From the base L trim to the top-tier Platinum and Capstone versions, buyers can choose based on budget and preference.
- Safety Tech (Toyota Safety Sense): Includes features like pre-collision warning, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control.
Given its combination of practicality, safety, and longevity, it’s natural to ask: Why would anyone complain about a Toyota Highlander?
Identifying the Most Common Complaint: Interior Quality
As surveys and owner reviews accumulate year after year, a consistent issue stands out—the vehicle’s interior. Many owners feel that while the Highlander performs reliably, the materials and design inside don’t quite match up to expectations for its segment and price range.
This isn’t just the opinion of isolated voices—it’s a significant sentiment found across numerous review platforms like Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), Cars.com, and various car forums like Reddit and Toyota Nation.
Specific Issues with Interior Materials
One recurring criticism from current Highlander owners is the presence of hard plastic surfaces throughout the cabin. Even in higher trims, buyers expect more premium materials like soft-touch surfaces, leather accents, or at least more tasteful design touches.
Other reported interior issues include:
- Low-Gloss or Cheap Looking Center Console: Some feel the center console appears outdated or cost-cutting-focused.
- Uninspiring Color Schemes: Limited availability of rich, modern colors makes the cabin appear more basic than luxury-oriented SUVs.
- Bland Design Language: Buyers expecting a polished, upscale feel are often let down by what they feel is a more minivan-style layout.
These concerns are especially noticeable when comparing the Highlander to competitors like the Honda Pilot or Kia Telluride, which both offer more visually appealing and tactile interiors at similar price levels.
Seats and Upholstery: Are They Comfortable Enough?
While Toyota engineers prioritize support in Highlander seats for long drives or heavy road use, comfort isn’t the only factor. The upholstery choices are often called into question.
In various reviews, buyers have noted:
| Trim Level | Material Quality Feedback |
|---|---|
| L / LE | Hard fabric, sparse padding |
| XLE | Mix of soft and synthetic leather |
| Hybrid / Platimum / Capstone | Improved leather feel, but some still miss higher-tier stitched accents |
In models below Platinum or Capstone, the lack of real leather or modern, luxurious upholstery can stand out for families buying a “refined” family vehicle.
Cabin Technology and Touchscreens
Toyota has made strong strides with its newest generation infotainment systems—entertainment and connectivity are better than ever. However, in the Highlander, some users still report glitches, sluggish response times, or lack of intuitive navigation.
While this doesn’t necessarily fall under “poor interior quality” in the traditional sense, tech performance is integrated into the interior experience. When compared to the crisp, fast interfaces of rivals like Ford or Mazda, the Highlander’s infotainment system doesn’t always win rave reviews—again contributing to complaints about the interior being “undervalued” for its MSRP.
Broader Complaints About the Highlander (Beyond Interior)
While the interior quality tops the list of grievances, some other concerns have emerged over the years, which vary depending on the model year and trim level. These aren’t universal complaints, but they’re worth noting to provide a balanced picture for prospective buyers.
Engine and Transmission Complaints (2014–2020 Models)
In earlier Highlander generations, especially those equipped with the 2.7L four-cylinder engine (2014–2016), many users noted slow acceleration and overall performance lag compared to V6-equipped competitors.
Another widely discussed mechanical issue involved the 8-speed automatic transmission found in later models:
- Delayed or jerky shifting
- Unresponsive throttle in certain driving conditions
- Reduced towing capability compared to rival V6 engines
Toyota eventually addressed some of these with software recalibrations and model updates, but those who purchased these units in earlier model years still hold reservations.
Handling and Ride Quality
Many owners love the Highlander for daily driving and family use—but for those who expect agility or sports-inspired handling, it tends to disappoint.
Common sentiments include:
- Soft suspension leading to body roll around corners
- Steering lacks responsiveness or “pinned to the road” feel
- Hybrid models add weight, slightly altering driving dynamics
If sports utility or rugged off-road capability is a priority, the Toyota Highlander may not be the ideal fit, though it was designed with comfort rather than performance in mind.
Cargo and Third Row Practicality
The Highlander offers a three-row seating configuration, making it ideal for large families or road trippers. However, the third-row seating is often targeted as uncomfortable for adult passengers.
Key concerns include:
- Limited legroom and headroom for taller passengers
- Difficult access compared to other SUVs like the Ford Explorer or Chevrolet Traverse
While Toyota has increased space in each iteration since 2017, buyers expecting a flexible, van-like third row should test-drive this aspect carefully before committing.
Why Do Owners Still Tolerate These Complaints?
Despite the issues outlined, the Toyota Highlander has remained a top-selling vehicle in its class. So, why do so many consumers continue to overlook—or at least tolerate—its shortcomings?
Reliability and Long-Term Value
There’s arguably no stronger brand association than Toyota’s legacy of long-term dependability. J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and Kelley Blue Book have consistently ranked the Highlander among the most reliable midsize SUVs over the last decade.
Even with interior issues, many consumers are willing to forgive a cosmetic or stylistic weakness if it means:
- Lower repair costs over time
- Higher resale value
- Minimal risk of sudden, costly breakdowns
This sentiment is especially powerful in budget-conscious families or first-time EV/hybrid shoppers.
Fuel Economy (Especially in Hybrid Models)
The 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid delivers up to an estimated 37 MPG in the city and 36 on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient midsize SUVs currently available. In a time of fluctuating gas prices, the hybrid model can offset many of the perceived shortcomings with substantial long-term savings.
Safety Standards
The Highlander has consistently achieved top crash test ratings from the IIHS (Institute for Highway Safety), earningTop Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ designations depending on trim configurations. Toyota Safety Sense™ offers bundled systems like:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control
In family-focused markets, safety remains a top priority—sometimes enough to override concerns over aesthetics or performance quirks.
Conclusion: Is the Interior Complaint Worth the Trade-Off?
At the heart of the question “What is the biggest complaint about Toyota Highlander?” lies a clear pattern—noting the interior materials, design, or overall premium feel sometimes fails to meet evolving expectations of buyers, especially at a vehicle’s asking price.
However, when viewed in context, the complaint has not been fatal to the Highlanders’ market appeal. Many prioritize long-term ownership benefits over initial impressions, especially when the vehicle’s purpose is utilitarian rather than indulgent.
So, while the interior quality ranks as the most frequent Highlander gripe, it remains a minor speed bump rather than a dealbreaker for most buyers. Toyota fans and rational car shoppers still favor it for its proven dependability, fuel-efficient hybrid variant, and strong safety credentials.
For potential buyers, test driving different trims—especially the Capstone or Platinum—can help resolve some of the cabin material issues. If plush luxury and high-end materials are non-negotiable, another SUV in the segment may be a better match.
Key Takeaways:
- The biggest Complaint about the Toyota Highlander is its interior material quality and design, especially in mid-level trims where buyers expect softened plastics, better upholstery, or more elegant design language.
- Prior issues concerning engine performance, third-row seating, and transmission behavior have mostly been addressed in recent years but remain points of concern for earlier owners.
- Despite these complaints, the Highlander remains popular due to its reliability, strong safety ratings, and impressive hybrid fuel economy.
Whether you’re a family in need of third-row flexibility or a hybrid buyer prioritizing fuel efficiency, a Toyota Highlander could very well serve your needs. But if you expect a top-tier cabin with premium feel, do your research, read the latest owner reviews, and always try before you buy.
If you’re considering your next family-friendly SUV, the Toyota Highlander deserves a close look—but being aware of its biggest consumer complaint gives you the confidence to make the best choice.
What is the most common complaint about the Toyota Highlander?
One of the most frequently cited complaints about the Toyota Highlander is related to its transmission system, especially in certain model years. Owners have reported issues such as delayed or rough shifting, hesitation during acceleration, and in some cases, premature transmission failure. These problems have been noted more prominently in models from the mid-2000s to early-2010s, leading to increased maintenance costs and owner dissatisfaction. While Toyota has issued recalls and technical service bulletins to address some of these concerns, many drivers still express frustration over the reliability of the vehicle’s automatic transmission.
This recurring issue has often overshadowed the Highlander’s overall reputation for reliability and comfort. Affected owners emphasize the inconvenience of unexpected repairs and the financial burden of replacing or rebuilding a transmission, which can cost several thousand dollars. In response to consumer feedback, Toyota has made improvements to the transmission system in newer model years, significantly reducing such complaints. However, prospective buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle’s service history and consider test-driving models from less affected years when purchasing a used Highlander.
Are there fuel economy concerns with the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander, especially earlier V6-equipped models, has drawn criticism for its relatively poor fuel economy. Many owners expected better efficiency, particularly for a brand known for creating fuel-efficient vehicles. The larger 3.5-liter V6 engine, used in models before the introduction of hybrid and turbocharged alternatives, is known for lower city fuel efficiency, especially in stop-and-go traffic. This has led some to express disappointment, particularly when compared to more efficient competitors such as the Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-9.
In more recent years, Toyota has introduced hybrid versions of the Highlander, significantly improving fuel economy and addressing past concerns. Additionally, newer gas-powered models now feature a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which offers better efficiency and performance compared to the older V6. These updates have been well-received by newer owners, but those with older model Highlanders continue to express dissatisfaction with fuel costs. If fuel efficiency is a priority, buyers should focus on the latest hybrid or turbocharged models.
What issues have been reported with the Toyota Highlander’s infotainment system?
Some users have criticized the Toyota Highlander’s infotainment system, particularly in earlier generations, for being outdated and difficult to use. Complaints include a laggy touchscreen interface, non-intuitive menus, and unreliable smartphone integration. Owners of 2016 and older models specifically noted that the system fell behind competitors in terms of responsiveness and features, especially before Toyota adopted Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, some have reported glitches such as freezing screens and audio output problems.
Toyota has made significant strides in updating its infotainment technology in recent model years, introducing better connectivity and a more modern interface. The latest Highlander models come equipped with a more responsive touchscreen, improved voice recognition, and seamless smartphone integration. These upgrades have largely resolved prior criticisms, but owners of older model Highlanders still express frustration. Those considering a used Highlander should test the infotainment system thoroughly to ensure it meets their expectations and needs.
Are there common complaints related to the Toyota Highlander’s ride quality?
While the Highlander is praised for its comfortable cabin and family-friendly features, some owners have noted issues with its ride quality, especially when driving over rough or uneven roads. Complaints often center around the vehicle’s suspension feeling too soft or unresponsive, leading to a “floaty” ride and noticeable body roll during cornering. This has particularly been mentioned by drivers who are used to firmer, more balanced handling in competing SUVs.
Toyota has attempted to address these concerns by revising the suspension and body structure in newer model generations, aiming to improve both comfort and responsiveness. However, some drivers still feel that the Highlander prioritizes comfort to the point of compromising handling and road feel. For families who value a quiet and smooth ride, the Highlander may still be an excellent choice, but drivers who prefer sportier handling may find it underwhelming. Overall, while ride quality isn’t a dealbreaker for many, it remains a notable talking point among owners.
What are reported electrical issues in the Toyota Highlander?
Over the years, some Highlander owners have reported various electrical problems, including malfunctioning windows, mirrors, and sensors. Issues like door locks that fail to respond consistently, air conditioning control glitches, and intermittent dashboard warning lights have been frequently mentioned, particularly in models produced between 2008 and 2015. These problems, while not always severe, can be inconvenient and costly to repair if they recur or are not covered under warranty.
Some electrical concerns have also extended to the vehicle’s hybrid systems in later models, with owners noting unexpected behavior from the hybrid battery cooling system or electric motor components. Toyota has addressed some of these problems through recall campaigns and software updates, but older models may still experience such faults. For prospective buyers, especially those considering used vehicles, it’s important to inspect the electrical systems thoroughly and ensure previous recalls were completed. Despite these issues, Toyota’s overall electrical reliability is generally considered better than many competitors.
Is there dissatisfaction with the Toyota Highlander’s third-row seating?
The Toyota Highlander’s third-row seating has garnered criticism for being cramped and uncomfortable, especially for adults. While it’s suitable for occasional use or for children, many owners feel the third row is impractical for regular passengers due to limited legroom and headroom. Compared to vehicles like the Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade, the Highlander’s third-row accommodations are often seen as less generous, especially in models before the 2020 redesign.
Toyota improved the third-row space in the 2020 redesign by shortening the overall length of the front seats, which increased legroom for rear passengers. However, even in newer models, some owners find that the third row lacks the spaciousness needed for long trips with adult passengers. This has led to mixed reviews, with some families finding it usable for smaller passengers and others opting for the three-row SUVs that offer more room in the back. If third-row use is essential, test-driving the Highlander and comparing it with competitors can help determine if it meets your needs.
What reliability concerns have owners expressed about the Toyota Highlander?
While the Toyota Highlander generally enjoys a solid reputation for reliability, some model years have received criticism for recurring mechanical problems. Issues such as timing chain tensioner failure, oil dilution in some direct-injection engines, and premature brake wear have been reported by owners, especially for models around 2017–2019. These problems can lead to unplanned repairs, which many Toyota owners find frustrating given the brand’s overall dependable nature.
Toyota has responded to some of these reliability problems by improving engine and component designs in newer models and releasing technical service bulletins to assist dealerships in addressing common problems. The latest Highlander generations have benefited from these upgrades, with improved long-term durability and fewer reported breakdowns. That said, some older owners still feel let down by unexpected mechanical failures, which affected their perception of the vehicle’s reliability. Overall, the Highlander remains a dependable choice, particularly when maintained regularly and purchased from trouble-free model years.