Buyers entering their local Toyota dealership will find themselves with three engine setups in the 2019 Toyota Highlander. One is the base level Naturally Aspirated 2.7L Inline four-cylinder engine. Next up is the beefier 3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6 engine. And lastly, there's the Hybrid Powertrain which consists of a retuned V6 from earlier with two electric motors with a combined output of 306 hp. The Base engine is good for only 185 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. We recommend going for the V6 engine which puts out a respectable 295 hp. You might think that the smaller engine is more fuel-efficient, but that's not the case with the Highlander, so the additional cost for the V6 is definitely worth it.
All trim levels come standard with the FWD configuration with AWD available for a few extra grand. Also standard with the four-cylinder engine is the Electronic (ECT-i) six-speed automatic transmission, which delivers a muted and controlled power delivery. Mated to the V6 is an eight-speed automatic transmission that fares far better at handling power than the six-speed automatic. When properly equipped, the Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is pretty impressive considering the competition.
Models
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2019 Toyota Highlander LE V6
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2019 Honda Pilot EX 2WD
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2019 Ford Explorer Base FWD
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2019 Chevrolet Traverse FWD LS w/1LS
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MSRP
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$33,800
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$34,330
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$34,515
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$32,900
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Engine
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3.5 L V6
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3.5L V6
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3.5L V6
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3.6L V6
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Drivetrain
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FWD/AWD
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FWD/AWD
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FWD/AWD
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FWD/AWD
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Transmission
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8-speed shiftable automatic
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6-speed automatic
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6-speed shiftable automatic
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9-speed shiftable automatic
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Power
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295 hp @ 6600 rpm
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280 hp @ 6,000 RPM
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290 hp @ 6,500 RPM
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305 hp @ 6,800 RPM
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Torque
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263 ft-lbs. @ 4700 rpm
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262 lb-ft @ 4,700 RPM
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255 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM
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260 lb-ft @ 2,800 RPM
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0-60 MPH (seconds)
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7.2
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7.3
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7.4
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6.9
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Quarter-Mile (seconds)
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15.5
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15.5
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15.8
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15.3
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Top-Speed (MPH)
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120
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130
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130
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130
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On the spec sheet, it is pretty clear why we recommend the 3.5L V6. The 2.7L inline four-cylinder on the Highlander is just not enough for the three-row family carrier. It would be one thing if it delivered a better fuel economy than the V6, but at 27 MPG, the 3.5L V6 comfortably outperforms the four-banger. It is an overall great performer when equipped with the V6 and is second to the Chevy Traverse both in terms of power output as well as speed.
How well does the 2019 Toyota Highlander handle?
The Highlander, unlike its rugged cousin, the 4Runner, is a unibody construction. The TNGA-K platform has been tried and tested. Thus, it fares better on everyday roads. All trim levels on the Highlander deliver a smooth and comfortable ride with the suspension soaking in even the roughest of bumps.
Handling-wise, it doesn’t feel the firmest or stable in the corners, and it is also not quite easy to maneuver and park in tight areas. However, the 8 inches of ground clearance helps in clearing nasty curbs. The steering however feels light, and some enthusiasts might complain, but it is nothing out of the ordinary for an SUV in this class. Overall the handling and driving dynamics of the highlander are strictly above average.
Braking Performance
With respectable driving dynamics, the 2019 Highlander also offers adequate braking performance. All models come with 12.9-inch rotors at the front and 12.6-inch rotors at the rear. Combined, these brakes provide enough stopping power to slow this family hauler to a dead stop from 60 MPH under 120 feet. This is an impressive braking distance for a vehicle of its size and segment.
Models
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2019 Toyota Highlander LE I4
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2019 Honda Pilot LX 2WD
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2019 Ford Explorer Base FWD
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2019 Chevrolet Traverse FWD LS w/1LS
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Brake Rotors: Front (inches)
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12.9
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13
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12.8
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12.6
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Brake Rotors: Rear (inches)
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12.6
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12.6
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12.8
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12.4
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Curb Weight (lbs)
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4,143
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4,036
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4,443
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4,354
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60-0 MPH (feet)
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119
|
120
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124
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126
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Compared with the rivals, the Highlander outperforms every other mid-size crossover. This is partly due to the TNGA-K construction, which is much lighter due to its aluminum and steel alloy unibody construction. The only rival that comes close is its arch-rival, the Honda Pilot. The Chevy and the Ford are also good in the braking department, but they don’t match up to the Highlander.