2021 Toyota Highlander

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2021 Toyota Highlander

8.4

/10

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Original MSRP

$36,300–$50,405

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Features We Love

I like a lot about this Highlander, especially in the first two rows—it’s comfortable, it works well for car seats, and it has some really nice family-friendly touches. That said, it’s not the most flexible setup, and there are a few limitations you’ll want to know going in.

LATCH in two second row seats: only two sets of lower anchors (captain’s chairs), so you’re limited for installs
Three tether anchors across the back: one in each third row seat, which helps for forward-facing setups
Good car seat spacing in second row: plenty of room for rear- and forward-facing seats without feeling cramped
Rear-facing friendly clearance: enough space, but bulkier seats may push the front row forward
Sliding second row seats: lets you adjust legroom and make a little more room for third row access
Third row is tight for car seats: works best for occasional use or smaller passengers
Ceiling vents in both rear rows: great airflow, especially for rear-facing kids
Solid second row amenities: sunshades, charging ports, and heated seats make it comfortable for kids and adults

Car Mom Review

The Exterior

Clean, Slightly Basic Design That Still Feels Elevated

I think the Highlander looks nice overall, but it’s not the most exciting design out there. It leans more clean and slightly upscale than bold, and I do think it looks better from some angles than others.

Front End Feels Simple Compared to Competitors

The front is where it falls a little flat for me. The grille has a clean chrome surround and the headlights are pretty standard, nothing super modern or futuristic. Toyota did update the LED headlamps for 2021, which helps with visibility, but visually it still feels a bit basic compared to others in this category.

Side Profile Feels More Premium

From the side, I actually like it more. It gives off a slightly more elevated, almost Lexus-like feel, especially with the chrome window trim and the overall shape. The doors are large, which makes getting kids in and out easier, and the proportions feel practical for everyday use.

Back End Is the Best Angle

I think the rear is the strongest part of the design. The wraparound tail lights look more intentional, and the wide liftgate makes loading strollers and gear easier. Overall, it’s not flashy, but it’s clean, functional, and easy to live with.

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Slightly Basic Design That Still Feels Elevated

First Row

Comfortable Driving Position with Good Visibility

The first thing I notice up here is how comfortable it feels. You sit a little higher than I expected, and visibility is actually really good overall, which I always appreciate. The only downside is the headrests—they’re a little bulky and can block some of your view, but it’s not a dealbreaker.

Big Screen That’s Easy to Use, Even If It Doesn’t Fully Match

There’s a lot going on with the tech, but it’s pretty easy to figure out.

Large touchscreen with quick buttons: I like having both, it makes it really intuitive
Heads-up display: shows speed, direction, and speed limit right in your line of sight
Climate controls: separate and easy to access

One thing I don’t love is how the screens look together. The main screen feels really modern, but the driver display looks more basic, and they don’t feel fully integrated.

Storage Is There, Just Not Perfect

You have what you need, but it’s not my favorite setup.

Two cupholders + small front tray: easy for quick access
Wireless charger area: feels a little clunky and takes up space
Center console: deep, but narrow, so it’s not as functional as I’d like

Everyday Features That Actually Help

There are a few things up here that make daily driving easier.

The heated steering wheel is great, and the heated seats work really well. There’s also auto hold, which is one of those features you don’t think about until you use it—it’s so helpful at stoplights or in drive-thrus.

Second Row

This is a good setup, but it’s pretty standard and not the most flexible in this category. It works well for two car seats, but you’ll feel the limitations if you’re trying to do more.

Lower Anchors on Captain’s Chairs, Tether Anchors in All Three Third Row Seats

Lower anchors: two sets, both on the second row captain’s chairs
Top tether anchors: one for each third row seat (three total)
Limitation: no additional lower anchors beyond those two second row positions

This means most of your installs will happen in the second row, especially for younger kids.

Spacing Works Well for Two Car Seats

There’s enough room here to make installs comfortable.

The second row has good spacing, so you’re not cramming seats together. Rear-facing and forward-facing seats both fit well, and it’s easy to get kids in and out without feeling tight.

Sliding Seats Help with Access and Flexibility

The second row seats slide forward and back, which makes a difference.

You can move them up to create more room for the third row or keep them back for legroom. Access to the third row is through a fold-and-slide mechanism, which works, but it’s not the easiest if you have car seats installed.

Amenities Make This Row Comfortable

You get a lot of nice features back here.

Sunshades: helpful for kids
Ceiling vents: great for airflow, especially with rear-facing seats
Charging ports + outlet: practical for everyday use
Heated seats: nice bonus for passengers

Third Row

Three Seats Back Here, But Best for Two

This third row technically fits three, but it’s much more realistic for two passengers. It just feels tight once you’re actually back there.

Limited Space with Elevated Floor

The floor sits higher than the second row, so your knees are pushed up, which isn’t the most comfortable for longer rides. Headroom is also tight, especially for adults.

Works for Kids, Not Ideal for Car Seats

You can use this row, but it’s not where I’d prioritize car seats.

Tighter width: harder to fit multiple seats comfortably
Best use: occasional seating or older kids

Amenities Are Still Covered

Even though it’s tight, you still get the basics.

Ceiling vents: good airflow back here
Cupholders: built into both sides

Access Requires Planning

Getting back here depends on how you have the second row set up.

You’ll use the fold-and-slide function, but if you have car seats installed, it can make access more difficult.

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Three seats in the third row, but it's best for two.

Trunk

Smaller Trunk Behind the Third Row

This is not a big trunk when all three rows are in use. It works for a few everyday items, but it fills up quickly if you’re carrying more than the basics.

Works for Light Daily Use, Not Larger Gear

You can fit things like groceries or smaller bags, but there’s not a lot of extra room. There aren’t many storage features back here either, which makes it feel a little limited overall.

Folding the Third Row Opens Up the Space

Once you put the third row down, it becomes much more usable.

Split-folding third row: easy to adjust for more cargo
More continuous cargo area: better for larger items
Added protection with cargo mat: helps keep the back of the seats covered when folded down

Overall Feels More Basic Than Some Competitors

It gets the job done, but it’s not the most functional or flexible trunk setup in this category.

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Safety

The Highlander is a really solid choice when it comes to safety, and that’s a big reason people keep buying it. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating, which is the highest designation from IIHS.

Seatbelt Pretensioners Located in the Front Seats

This is one of those details I always like to call out.

Seatbelt pretensioners: located in the front seats (driver and front passenger)
What they do: tighten the seatbelt instantly during a serious crash, side impact, or rollover to hold you in place
When they activate: severe frontal or side collisions and rollovers—not minor impacts

This is built-in protection that works with the airbags to reduce movement in a crash.

Airbags Cover All Rows

You’re getting a full system here, not just front coverage.

Front airbags: driver and passenger
Knee + seat cushion airbags: added front seat protection
Side + curtain airbags: extend through multiple rows for head protection

Standard Driver Assistance Features Handle Daily Driving

You also get a full set of systems that help prevent accidents in the first place.

Pre-collision braking
Adaptive cruise control
Lane tracing assist
Blind spot monitoring

Car Seat Setup

Two Second Row LATCH Positions, Three Third Row Tether Anchors

This is a good, straightforward setup, but it’s not the most flexible if you’re trying to do a lot of car seats.

Lower anchors: two full sets, both on the second row captain’s chairs
Top tether anchors: one for each third row seat (three total)
No additional lower anchors: limits how many easy installs you can do

Second Row Is Where Car Seats Work Best

This is where I would put most of your seats.

The spacing is good, so you’re not fighting for room, and installs feel pretty straightforward. Rear-facing and forward-facing seats both fit well, and it’s easy to get kids in and out.

Wide spacing between seats: makes buckling and loading easier
Rear-facing clearance: works, but larger seats can push the front row forward

Third Row Is More Limited for Car Seats

You can use it, but it’s not ideal.

Seatbelt installs only: no lower anchors back here
Tighter width: harder to fit multiple seats comfortably
Best for: occasional use or older kids

Access Depends on Your Setup

Getting to the third row takes some planning.

You’ll use the fold-and-slide function on the second row, but if you have car seats installed, that can block access. You can adjust the seats forward to help, but it’s not the easiest setup if you’re regularly using the third row.

Overall Car Seat Takeaway

This works really well for two car seats and everyday use, especially in the second row. Once you start needing three or more seats, that’s where the limitations show up.

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