TOYOTA HIGHLANDER SUVS: THE BEST Ones TO BUY USED

Looking to buy the best used Toyota Highlander SUV? Our comprehensive guide walks you through the top model years, trims, and features with average market pricing. That way, you can confidently invest in a used SUV and make the right choice for your driving needs.

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Best Toyota Highlander SUVs to Buy Used

Below are the five best Toyota Highlander SUV model years to buy used with average pricing and why they're worth consideration.

1. 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited

The 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited SUV still has great value over a decade later due to its powerful, fuel-efficient powertrain and solid safety scores at a lower price. For average used pricing from $9,126 to $18,356, you get a standard 3.5 L V6 engine with 19 MPG combined and top IIHS ratings all-around.

2. 2017 Toyota Highlander LE

The 2017 Toyota Highlander LE SUV had a midcycle refresh with many safety/driver assistance features that became standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and forward emergency braking. You get the cost-effective benefits of a lower-level trim while accessing key safety technologies for $13,418 to $23,339.

3. 2019 Toyota Highlander LE Plus

The 2019 Toyota Highlander LE Plus SUV is a reliable used SUV option because of its high safety ratings and no major recalls- without needing to upgrade to upper trim levels. It was the IIHS' 2019 Top Safety Pick with five out of five overall safety ratings, for $19,713 to $29,611.

4. 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV is perfect for drivers with families because of its fuel efficiency as a midsize SUV. From $27,788 to $57,991, it has a 36/35 mpg city/highway EPA rating and three rows for cost-effective carpooling.

5. 2023 Toyota Highlander L

The 2023 Toyota Highlander L SUV upgraded its powertrain and technology that benefits most SUV drivers at a base trim in a newer used model year. For $28,735 to $35,228, this trim got a new standard turbo-four engine and infotainment software with a larger digital gauge cluster.

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Best Used Toyota Highlander Trims & Configurations

Below are the five best Toyota Highlander SUV trims to buy used with average pricing and why they made the list.

  1. The 2017 Toyota Highlander LE Plus SUV is the perfect family-friendly used SUV because of its top safety ratings and affordability. For $14,311 to $19,740, it has a five out of five star NHSTS overall safety rating and won the 2021 Best Used Cars for Teens by US News.
  2. The 2018 Toyota Highlander XLE SUV brings the best value at a lower trim level, as upper trims have minor upgrades. For $19,228 to $24,878, it includes an integrated navigation system, heated front seats, and rear cross-traffic alert.
  3. The 2019 Toyota Highlander LE SUV has many standard tech and safety features at a lower price. For $18,078 to $27,480, it includes a rearview camera, the Toyota Safety Sense P package, and heated side mirrors.
  4. The 2022 Toyota Highlander SUV Hybrid SUV won multiple awards and was highly rated, making it a reliable used vehicle option for $21,513 to $37,956. It won the 2022 Best Hybrid and Electric SUV for Families award and received a notable 8.1 out of 10 US News rating.
  5. The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV was also an award-winning vehicle with high ratings for $27,788 to $57,991. It won the 2023 Best Hybrid and Electric SUV for Families award for the second consecutive year with a solid 8.1 out of 10 US News rating for its upscale cabin and fuel efficiency.

Best Used Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUVs

Below are the five best Toyota Highlander SUV Hybrid model years to buy used with average pricing and why they're worth considering.

  1. The 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV gives drivers a fuel-efficient and powerful vehicle, even as an older used model year. For $6,218 to $13,569, it upgraded to a 3.5 L V6 engine with standard third-row seating for convenient and cost-effective SUV driving.
  2. The 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV has good fuel economy ratings and value for its price. For $14,850 to $35,998, it has a 27/28 mpg city/highway with new standard features, including max eight-passenger seating and blind spot monitoring.
  3. The then-redesigned 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV features impressive fuel efficiency for a mid-size crossover SUV. For an average of $34,876, it has a 36/35 mpg city/highway with Android Auto and Apple Car Play making its debut integration.
  4. The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV added a new Bronze Edition trim and won awards with notable recognition from US News. For $21,513 to $37,956, the new trim adds bronze interior/exterior accents and is highly rated for its cargo/passenger room and family-friendly safety features, such as its LATCH seat connectors for child car seats.
  5. The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV updated its infotainment system and was also highly rated by US News by winning awards for the second year consecutively. For $27,788 to $57,991, the infotainment interface is now compatible with wireless smartphone connectivity and higher-quality touchscreen graphics.

Best Used Toyota Highlander XLE SUVs

Below are the five best Toyota Highlander SUV XLE model years to buy used with average pricing and why they're the top options.

  1. The 2017 Toyota Highlander XLE makes the list for its road trip-ready amenities at a more affordable price. For $16,885 to $26,830, it has a smartphone infotainment system, roof rails, and 120-volt household-style outlets for convenient long-distance adventures.
  2. The 2018 Toyota Highlander XLE is a great value trim, as upper-level trims have minor upgrades. For $19,228 to $29,264, it upgraded its ride comfort and tech features, including Driver Easy Speak and a moonroof.
  3. The 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE brought new aesthetics and convenient features at a lower trim level. For $21,821 to $31,544, it has standard seven seating with premium leather upholstery and changed the exterior design with a black trim.
  4. The 2021 Toyota Highlander XLE has high safety ratings by government transportation resources for $27,796 to $36,039. It was the IIHS' 2021 Top Safety Pick and rated five out of five stars for overall safety by the NHTSA.
  5. The 2023 Toyota Highlander XLE had trim-exclusive features at a lower price point than upper-level trims. For $33,237 to $41,386, Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ became standard for the lineup, but this trim has standard seven seating for practical carpooling.

Best Used Toyota Highlander Limited SUVs

Below are the five best Toyota Highlander SUV Limited model years to buy used with average pricing and why they make the list.

  1. The 2011 Toyota Highlander SUV Limited brings noteworthy amenities even as an older model year and base-level trim. For $6,123 to $14,510, it introduced standard third-row seats and upscale interior features, including tri-automatic climate control and leather upholstery.
  2. The 2013 Toyota Highlander SUV Limited has relatively affordable used pricing and typical low mileage as a top-level trim. For $9,126 to $18,356, it has three rows (even though it's not a minivan) and accelerates from 0 to 60mph in 7.5 seconds in the AWD model-which is impressive for a mid-size crossover SUV! 
  3. The 2017 Toyota Highlander Limited offers luxurious features at a lower price from $18,410 to $27,820. It includes heated and ventilated front seats, a JBL stereo system, and perforated upholstery.
  4. The 2018 Toyota Highlander Limited upgraded safety and driver assistance features. For $20,701 to $29,345, it brings blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and an optional surround-view parking camera system.
  5. The 2023 Toyota Highlander Limited has an optional trim-exclusive second-row bench, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a new standard turbo-four engine that replaced the 2022 model's V6. Average used pricing is between $36,166 and $44,417.

Best Used Toyota Highlander Platinum SUVs

The Toyota Highlander SUV Platinum trim was introduced in 2020. Below are the four best model years to buy used with average pricing and why they're the top options.

  1. The 2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum debuted as a fully redesigned model year. For $29,302 to $37,883, it includes a digital rearview mirror, driver's head-up display, and newly introduced Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
  2. The 2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum offers trim-exclusive luxurious features on top of being a luxury-designed trim. For $32,828 to $41,634, it has newly standard LED projector headlights, heated second-row seats, and a panoramic moonroof.
  3. The 2022 Toyota Highlander Platinum is the highest-rated trim for safety in this lineup. For $36,644 to $45,095, the IIHS acknowledged the Platinum trim for its well-illuminated headlights and scored five out of five stars from the NHTSA.
  4. The 2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum received a new powertrain and trim-exclusive safety features. For $39,427 to $46,697, it got a new 2.4L turbo-four engine with 265hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque, adaptive headlights, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Best Used Toyota Highlander AWD SUVs

Below are the five best Toyota Highlander SUV AWD model years to buy used with average pricing and why they're the highest rankings.

  1. The 2016 Toyota Highlander AWD SUV models with V6 engines received an exclusive heavy-duty towing package for $11,866 to $25,967. It includes engine and transmission cooling for seamless oversized trailering and a 5,000 lbs. max towing capacity.
  2. The 2017 Toyota Highlander AWD SUV models were part of the mid-generation refresh, with an exclusive powertrain available. For $14,153 to $28,711, it upgraded to a V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission for stronger hauling and large family carpooling.
  3. The 2020 Toyota Highlander AWD SUV models significantly improved ride quality and handling for $21,532 to $37,883. Combining the AWD configuration with the standard 3.5L V6 engine, and new TNGA-K platform, it strengthened its suspension for a more comfortable SUV driving experience.
  4. The 2021 Toyota Highlander AWD SUV models also improved ride quality from $24,118 to $41,634. The AWD configuration and strengthened body roll control make turning on tight city streets smoother for a mid-size SUV.
  5. The 2023 Toyota Highlander AWD SUV models made it easier for drivers to maneuver in a three-row SUV. For $27,504 to $45,095, it applies engine power to both rear wheels, making it practical for daily driving with minimal effort.

Used Toyota Highlander SUVs with the Best Towing Capacity

Below are the five best Toyota Highlander SUV model years to buy used with the highest towing capacities and average pricing.

  1. The 2011 Toyota Highlander shows you can pay a lower price but have the same towing strength as newer model years. From $3,375 to $14,510, you get the same available V6 engine and max towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.
  2. The 2016 Toyota Highlander included a standard towing package with valuable trailering features. For $11,742 to $25,940, it has a V6 engine, 5,000 lbs. max towing capacity, and heavy-duty engine and transmission cooling.
  3. The 2017 Toyota Highlander improved trailering quality with its new V6 engine. For $13,418 to $28,711, it has best-in-class brake stopping distance from 60mph, straight-line highway stability control, and responsive cornering for up to 5,000 lbs. max towing.
  4. The 2020 Toyota Highlander was a redesigned model with strong hauling power and fuel efficiency. For $20,515 to $37,883, the V6 engine can tow up to 5,000 lbs. at 24mpg combined for powerful and cost-effective trailering-which is above average for vehicle class!
  5. The 2023 Toyota Highlander has convenient trailing capabilities for $28,735 to $46,697. Depending on the trim and configuration, this model year offers a hands-free liftgate, a fuel-efficient 25mpg combined engine, and a max towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.

Used Toyota Highlander SUVs with the Best Interior

Below are the top five Toyota Highlander SUV model years to buy used, with the best interior designs and average pricing.

  1. The 2011 Toyota Highlander SUV may shock you to make the best interior list as an older model year. For $3,375 to $14,510, it has newly standard three rows, easy-to-clean fabric seating, and a sliding/folding second-row bench for better third-row access.
  2. The 2017 Toyota Highlander SUV still remains competitive with overall cargo capacity all these years later. For $13,418 to $28,711, you get 88.7 cu ft of max cargo room and a well-insulated cabin from outside temperatures and noise.
  3. The 2020 Toyota Highlander SUV was a redesign year with a newly debuted Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as a standard feature, including an available 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a traffic sign recognition system. Used average pricing ranges from $20,515 to $37,883.
  4. The 2022 Toyota Highlander SUV has generous cargo room for convenient hauling and carpooling. From $25,831 to $45,095, you get 84.3 max cu ft cargo space with rear rows folded down-which is impressive for a mid-size SUV.
  5. The 2023 Toyota Highlander SUV has upscale interior designs through the entire lineup, with used average pricing between $28,735 and $46,697. From the blacked-out cabin in the XSE to premium leather upholstery in the Limited, you can expect luxury on any 2023 trim.

Should You Buy a Cheap Used Toyota Highlander SUV Under $15,000? $10,000?

With used vehicle listings available online, it's understandable you want a convenient and cheap used SUV when shopping. However, if you find a used Toyota Highlander SUV under $10,000, chances are it's not a reliable option.

You can find decently used Toyota Highlander SUVs under $20,000 and sometimes $15,000 with minimal risks. From untrustworthy third-party sellers to older ages and poor vehicle conditions, don't invest in a lemon when looking for used SUVs.

Used Toyota Highlander SUVs for Sale in Santa Fe, NM

Shopping for used Toyota Highlander SUVs can get overwhelming, with many model years, trims, and configurations dating back decades. At Octane GMC in Sante Fe, we can help you invest in the best-used vehicles for your budget and driving needs without sacrificing reliability.

One of the benefits of buying used SUVs with us is our Octane Advantage Program. Our dealership exclusively offers a 48-hour Love It or Leave It Guarantee, complimentary lifetime vehicle checks, and more-giving you peace of mind you invest in the right used vehicle. Browse our used SUV inventory or contact us to schedule a test drive for your Toyota Highlander SUV today!

Disclaimer: The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price.

1Dealer Discount applied to everyone