Does anyone here have a 2020 Highlander or 2021?

[cleo29]

Looking at ditching my van for an SUV.  Driving as much as I do for my job, I am loving the MPG on the highlander hybrid, but I wanted to know what people have experienced.

Thanks and happy new year!

[maudefindlay]

I don't own one, but just bought a new car and looked at the Highlander. We passed and got a VW Atlas. The Highlander 3rd row and the cargo area were too small in my opinion.

Eta We went from a van to SUV too.

[anonymous]

I have a 2019 Highlander. I love it

[penguingrrl]

We looked at them and for our purposes the 3rd row was too tight in terms of leg room (which was why I was trading my Honda Pilot in). But I have 3 kids, two of whom are 5’4”+ and still growing and the third is expected to be tall as well (he’s close to 5’ at not quite 8) and all need to be comfortable in the 3rd row for long drives because three across was causing fights. We ended up with a VW atlas because it had the best 3rd row legroom and the best storage behind the 3rd row without going up to a Suburban (which is absolutely out of the question for many reasons).

If we had 2 kids and only needed a 3rd row occasionally it would have been absolutely fabulous! We really wanted it to work because we were going to do the hybrid, but alas, it was just too tight for long drives for adult sized people.

[konapoppy]

We have the 2017 highlander hybrid and love it. The third row is tight though, if that is important to you. Otherwise it is amazing. And if it matters, my H is 6’4” and loves it as the primary driver.

[dutchgirl678]

We just bought the 2021 Highlander Hybrid last month. We absolutely love it! Right now we are getting about 30MPG but we have also been using it for short trips due to COVID and haven't done as many longer trips. And I know as the weather gets warmer, the MPG gets better as well. I have driven a Toyota Prius for years now, so I know how it works.

We haven't had to use the third row yet, it is mostly for rare occasions where we will have my parents visit or have to transport a group of friends of the kids. But we love the captains chairs in the second row with heated seats, the heating and cooling in the front row seats and heating in the steering wheel. We got a Platinum. My favorite feature is the birds eye view, so you can see lines and the curb when parking. DH loves the automatic variable cruise control.

[IrishBelle]

Jan 1, 2021 16:05:14 GMT -5 penguingrrl said:

We looked at them and for our purposes the 3rd row was too tight in terms of leg room (which was why I was trading my Honda Pilot in). But I have 3 kids, two of whom are 5’4”+ and still growing and the third is expected to be tall as well (he’s close to 5’ at not quite 8) and all need to be comfortable in the 3rd row for long drives because three across was causing fights. We ended up with a VW atlas because it had the best 3rd row legroom and the best storage behind the 3rd row without going up to a Suburban (which is absolutely out of the question for many reasons).

If we had 2 kids and only needed a 3rd row occasionally it would have been absolutely fabulous! We really wanted it to work because we were going to do the hybrid, but alas, it was just too tight for long drives for adult sized people.

My brother just test drove a Highlander, Pilot and Atlas. He also settled on the Atlas and felt it had the most room in the 3rd row/trunk.

[cleo29]

Jan 1, 2021 19:27:50 GMT -5 IrishBelle said:

Jan 1, 2021 16:05:14 GMT -5 penguingrrl said:

We looked at them and for our purposes the 3rd row was too tight in terms of leg room (which was why I was trading my Honda Pilot in). But I have 3 kids, two of whom are 5’4”+ and still growing and the third is expected to be tall as well (he’s close to 5’ at not quite 8) and all need to be comfortable in the 3rd row for long drives because three across was causing fights. We ended up with a VW atlas because it had the best 3rd row legroom and the best storage behind the 3rd row without going up to a Suburban (which is absolutely out of the question for many reasons).

If we had 2 kids and only needed a 3rd row occasionally it would have been absolutely fabulous! We really wanted it to work because we were going to do the hybrid, but alas, it was just too tight for long drives for adult sized people.

My brother just test drove a Highlander, Pilot and Atlas. He also settled on the Atlas and felt it had the most room in the 3rd row/trunk.

Well, I bought it! We got a great deal on the Hybrid AWD Platinum.  We test drove the Palisade, Atlas, Volvo CX90, and the Lincoln Aviator. The Aviator is a great ride, but it did not score well on CR, in part due to the reliability score. I loved the cargo in the Atlas, but I did not like how loose the steering felt and I kind of feel for a higher end car, it does not really feel like it in the interior finishes. 

I do like the why Highlander drives, it is pretty quiet and since my job as a notary means I am driving a ton. I am putting over three hundred miles every 1-2 weeks. So, really the hybrid factor was the big clincher for me. And I don't mind the smaller third row because it will mostly be used by kids and really only when they have friends with them, which is not going to be happening any time soon.

 I appreciate all the feed back. I can't tell how many reviews I have been reading, watching car review videos. I will say this, if it was just me and H, the Genesis GV80 is a pretty sweet ride. 

[ksun]

My mom has a 2020 (not hybrid) and loves it. I believe it's her 5th Highlander (she usually leases, but bought this one). I drove her 2017 Highlander for about 3 weeks in 2019 when she broke her hip and it was super comfortable and a smooth drive. We considered buying it when her lease was up but decided we didn't want 2 SUVs when DH's 2008 Santa Fe is still doing well.

[huskymom]

I had a 2017 and traded it in for a 2020 last summer! Love them. We use the 3rd row a lot but my kids are tiny for their age.

[konapoppy]

I’m glad you got it!

[badgergrl]

We went ready to buy one but the passenger seat was very uncomfortable for my dh who is 6’3’ and long torsoed. His head hit the ceiling and he couldn’t sit up straight. We ended up getting the Hyundai palisade.

[expectantsteelerfan]

Glad you got it! We have a 2019, and I only have 2 kids, so we only use the 3rd row occasionally when the dogs are in the car or if driving friends (happened a few times before the pandemic), and it was perfectly fine for that time, and I find the trunk with the 3rd row down to be awesome in terms of space. My only issue is that when I first got it, sometimes when I would open the trunk, stuff would fall out after shifting while driving. So I did buy a net to go across the back of the trunk. I don't know if newer models have a lip of any kind on the trunk, but if not, be aware of the falling out factor. That has seriously been my only complaint luckily!

[morecoffeeplease]

I'm glad to read this thread. We are kinda looking for a new SUV. I have an explorer and it's running into some issues. I am really exploring Hybrid SUV's. I only drive 2 miles to work but my husband drives 30 miles each way, 5 days a week so we switch cars weekly.

Does anyone have a hybrid SUV that's not 3 rows?

I'm glad you like yours Cleo!

[penguingrrl]

Jan 1, 2021 19:51:50 GMT -5 cleo29 said:

Jan 1, 2021 19:27:50 GMT -5 IrishBelle said:

My brother just test drove a Highlander, Pilot and Atlas. He also settled on the Atlas and felt it had the most room in the 3rd row/trunk.

Well, I bought it! We got a great deal on the Hybrid AWD Platinum.  We test drove the Palisade, Atlas, Volvo CX90, and the Lincoln Aviator. The Aviator is a great ride, but it did not score well on CR, in part due to the reliability score. I loved the cargo in the Atlas, but I did not like how loose the steering felt and I kind of feel for a higher end car, it does not really feel like it in the interior finishes. 

I do like the why Highlander drives, it is pretty quiet and since my job as a notary means I am driving a ton. I am putting over three hundred miles every 1-2 weeks. So, really the hybrid factor was the big clincher for me. And I don't mind the smaller third row because it will mostly be used by kids and really only when they have friends with them, which is not going to be happening any time soon.

 I appreciate all the feed back. I can't tell how many reviews I have been reading, watching car review videos. I will say this, if it was just me and H, the Genesis GV80 is a pretty sweet ride. 

I’m excited for you! It sounds like the perfect car for your needs! I honestly wish that it had worked for the hybrid features! Although I love my atlas (it’s our third VW and I love how VWs drive). Enjoy it!

[cleo29]

Jan 2, 2021 10:49:21 GMT -5 penguingrrl said:

Jan 1, 2021 19:51:50 GMT -5 cleo29 said:

Well, I bought it! We got a great deal on the Hybrid AWD Platinum.  We test drove the Palisade, Atlas, Volvo CX90, and the Lincoln Aviator. The Aviator is a great ride, but it did not score well on CR, in part due to the reliability score. I loved the cargo in the Atlas, but I did not like how loose the steering felt and I kind of feel for a higher end car, it does not really feel like it in the interior finishes. 

I do like the why Highlander drives, it is pretty quiet and since my job as a notary means I am driving a ton. I am putting over three hundred miles every 1-2 weeks. So, really the hybrid factor was the big clincher for me. And I don't mind the smaller third row because it will mostly be used by kids and really only when they have friends with them, which is not going to be happening any time soon.

 I appreciate all the feed back. I can't tell how many reviews I have been reading, watching car review videos. I will say this, if it was just me and H, the Genesis GV80 is a pretty sweet ride. 

I’m excited for you! It sounds like the perfect car for your needs! I honestly wish that it had worked for the hybrid features! Although I love my atlas (it’s our third VW and I love how VWs drive). Enjoy it!

Thank you! I had a brief moment of doubt last night after I got home with the car.  (I tend to do this with major purchases) I think the cargo space is good, it would have been great to have the cargo space of the Atlas, but everything else on the highlander was a better fit. Especially the MPGs! 


My dad had a VW bug in the 70s.  I always loved that car and the zippy sounding diesel engine. I did, however, get in trouble for putting stickers on the rear passenger window which my dad made me scrape off after a lecture about how it was his car, not mine, and to never do it again. that has stayed with me and now every time i see rear windows covered with stickers I cringe. lol

[penguingrrl]

Jan 2, 2021 10:49:21 GMT -5 penguingrrl said:

Jan 1, 2021 19:51:50 GMT -5 cleo29 said:

Well, I bought it! We got a great deal on the Hybrid AWD Platinum.  We test drove the Palisade, Atlas, Volvo CX90, and the Lincoln Aviator. The Aviator is a great ride, but it did not score well on CR, in part due to the reliability score. I loved the cargo in the Atlas, but I did not like how loose the steering felt and I kind of feel for a higher end car, it does not really feel like it in the interior finishes. 

I do like the why Highlander drives, it is pretty quiet and since my job as a notary means I am driving a ton. I am putting over three hundred miles every 1-2 weeks. So, really the hybrid factor was the big clincher for me. And I don't mind the smaller third row because it will mostly be used by kids and really only when they have friends with them, which is not going to be happening any time soon.

 I appreciate all the feed back. I can't tell how many reviews I have been reading, watching car review videos. I will say this, if it was just me and H, the Genesis GV80 is a pretty sweet ride. 

I’m excited for you! It sounds like the perfect car for your needs! I honestly wish that it had worked for the hybrid features! Although I love my atlas (it’s our third VW and I love how VWs drive). Enjoy it!

That’s too funny! Our first VW was a beetle and it was our only car until I was pregnant with our 3rd and we needed more space! I also can’t stand stickers in cars, probably because I was never allowed to do it.

[cleo29]

Jan 2, 2021 9:05:20 GMT -5 morecoffeeplease said:

I'm glad to read this thread. We are kinda looking for a new SUV. I have an explorer and it's running into some issues. I am really exploring Hybrid SUV's. I only drive 2 miles to work but my husband drives 30 miles each way, 5 days a week so we switch cars weekly.

Does anyone have a hybrid SUV that's not 3 rows?

I'm glad you like yours Cleo!

The new Toyota Venza is a hybrid, not three rows. Looks really sharp!

[cleo29]

morecoffeeplease, here is a link
www.ae.com/us/en/p/women/high-waisted-jeans/mom-jeans/ae-stretch-mom-jean/0436_2702_167

also the rav 4 has a hybrid

[morecoffeeplease]

Cleo- I like the venza. It's nice looking online! I have never owned a toyota, only honda and ford. I loved my civic but don't like the CR-V and I've been meh about my explorer this whole time.

[cleo29]

Jan 2, 2021 14:57:27 GMT -5 morecoffeeplease said:

Cleo- I like the venza. It's nice looking online! I have never owned a toyota, only honda and ford. I loved my civic but don't like the CR-V and I've been meh about my explorer this whole time.

I had a 2007 CR-V that I loved. Deceptively big. BUt I think the venza looks sharp, almost lexus like. Also, Toyota has now worked that all the cars require regular fuel. I would say even 5 years ago most SUVS tended to say premium was required or preferred. 

If you have liked fords, Lincoln has redone their SUV line and look really, really nice. they have the Corsair, which I think is not three rows, and a hybrid. I test drove the aviator and really liked it, I am sure the corsair drives nicely too. I just looked it up and the MPG for the gas model is really good, especially for an SUV.

www.lincoln.com/luxury-crossovers/corsair/?gnav=header-vehicles-vhp-corsair

[dutchgirl678]

cleo29, congratulations! So happy for you and that you were able to get the AWD Platinum as well. I have not regretted our purchase at all!

morecoffeeplease, my in-laws just bought the RAV4 hybrid. We were looking at the new plug-in version of that as well, but we needed a higher towing capacity for our tent trailer, so we ended up with the HiHy. The Venza looks really good too. I know they have been selling the Toyota Venza in Europe for years now, it's good to see they are finally introducing it and in a hybrid version in the US.