When the Toyota Highlander was launched in the UK in 2019, a common refrain was, “What took you so long?”
That’s because the car has actually existed through four generations around the world, but Toyota had hitherto chosen not to sell it in the UK, despite our clear love of seven-seat SUV tow cars.
Still, it offers space, practicality and towing ability with a hybrid powertrain – and now it’s hitting the pre-owned marketplace. So, was it worth the wait and would it be considered one of the best used cars for towing a caravan?
What’s a second hand Toyota Highlander like inside?
Spacious. There’s more than enough room here for a couple of six-footers to get very comfortable up front, with a further three six-footers sitting in the middle row of seats. Better still, that middle row slides backwards and forwards to vary the rear legroom or boot space as required.
The backrests also recline, for those occasions when someone needs a snooze.
The two rearmost seats are designed for those of smaller dimensions, or for adults making shorter journeys, making it a great choice for owners of a family caravan. Either way, those sitting in the middle row will need to slide forward a bit to give the passengers seated behind them a tad more legroom.
As for luggage space, there’s a fair amount if all the seats are in use, and when all of them are folded down, anything that can transport more is likely to feature the word ‘van’ in its name.
The cabin is reasonably well built, but stops short of feeling plush. Still, rattles and squeaks should be largely absent.
Standard kit includes parking sensors, a rear-view camera, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a JBL audio system. Add in a good caravan sat nav and you’ll have plenty of kit for a comfortable drive. However, one thing we’ll point out is the infotainment system isn’t the easiest to work out.
How does a used Toyota Highlander drive?
For powertrain options, there’s only one choice – a 248bhp 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, linked to a 134kW electric motor and battery.
This hybrid system allows the car to whisper along for a short distance at low speeds on electric power, and offers an average economy of up to 39.7mpg.
The steering is light and the suspension is tuned for comfort, so motorway cruises should pass by pretty easily.
However, things aren’t quite so rosy when towing. The engine is linked to a constantly variable transmission, which allows the engine to rev noisily under acceleration. This is exacerbated when towing, as the powertrain has to work harder to get everything up to speed.
But once up to speed, the Highlander tows well, unaffected by side winds. It’s less good at hill starts, as the front wheels can spin too easily before the rear wheels join in.
What you need to know about a used Toyota Highlander
What will it tow?
- Kerbweight: 2105kg
- Towing limit: 2000kg
- Noseweight limit: 80kg
- 85% match: 1789kg
Running costs
- Insurance group: 41
- Annual VED: £590*
- Average economy: 39.7mpg
- Full service: £178
Servicing price supplied by Servicing Stop, 0844 324 5262
How much to pay for a used Toyota Highlander SUV
- High: price: £53,990, model: 2023 2.5 VVT-h Excel, miles: 3500
- Sweet spot: price: £39,495, model: 2022 2.5 VVT-h Excel, miles: 21,000
- Low: price: £31,395, model: 2021 2.5 VVT-h Excel, miles: 38,900
Trouble spots
Toyota’s reliability record is well known, but the Highlander has still experienced a few recalls. The first concerned out-of-spec mounting tabs for the front bumper cover, which could become detached after a light impact. Next, 656 examples were recalled because of incorrect seat frames. Then, 26,575 cars were recalled owing to a faulty emergency eCall system. A full list of recalls can be found at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk.
Verdict on a used Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander had a list price of over £50k, but never really felt classy enough to justify that. It makes more sense as a used car – it’s cheaper and offers seven-seat practicality and low running costs. But it doesn’t tow as easily as a diesel would.
Not sure on the type of car to pick for your next towing vehicle? Our expert is here to help, as we consider the debate around the hybrid vs plug-in hybrid vs electric.
Alternatives to consider to a second-hand Toyota Highlander
Used Audi Q7 (2015-present)
The Q7 has been around for almost nine years now, but it doesn’t feel long in the tooth. It offers seven seats if you go for diesel power, but if you opt for the plug-in hybrid, you lose two seats. Still, it’s roomy, comfortable and luxurious, and acceleration is brisk. All models remain utterly unfazed when towing a heavier caravan.
Kia Sorento (2021-present)
The amount the Kia can tow varies, depending on what’s under the bonnet – the hybrid and diesel models can tow almost a tonne more than the plug-in hybrid. No matter which model you go for, you’ll be getting a car with huge space for seven, plenty of standard kit, and Kia’s brilliant seven-year warranty package.
See what we made of it when we reviewed the 2021 Kia Sorento.
Used Peugeot 5008 (2017-present)
The 5008 offers spacious seating for five, while the rear two seats are best left for children. It looks stylish inside and out, with plenty of boot space and loads of standard kit. However, it has a towball limit of just 72kg and an 85% weight limit of 1330kg, so will restrict you to towing lighter vans. That said, it tows perfectly capably and rarely becomes unsettled.
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