Is a used Toyota Highlander a good deal?
Short answer: A used Toyota Highlander can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It holds value better than average: iSeeCars measures 36.7% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, so used prices stay high and discounts are smaller. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
Looking at a used Toyota Highlander? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Depreciation and value retention
| Age | Depreciation | Value kept | Typical resale value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 years | 16.6% | 83.4% | $38,582 |
| 5 years | 36.7% | 63.3% | $29,298 |
| 7 years | 48.5% | 51.5% | $23,837 |
| 10 years | 61.6% | 38.4% | $17,762 |
Its class (midsize SUV) averages 46.4% after five years; all vehicles average 41.7%. Source: iSeeCars, Toyota Highlander resale value.
Recalls and complaints by model year
| Model year | NHTSA recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 496 | Power Train (202), Fuel/Propulsion System (87), Engine (70) |
| 2020 | 5 | 328 | Power Train (126), Service Brakes (42), Air Bags (36) |
| 2021 | 5 | 543 | Power Train (225), Service Brakes (69), Structure (56) |
| 2022 | 6 | 265 | Power Train (54), Structure (43), Service Brakes (40) |
| 2023 | 9 | 191 | Structure (35), Engine (28), Power Train (20) |
Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints APIs, pulled 2026-10-07. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Example recall campaigns
- 20V682000 (Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 T…
- 20V012000 (Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500,…
- 19V244000 (Equipment:other:labels): Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the lo…
- 20V633000 (Air Bags): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Highlander and Highlander hybrid vehicles. Incorrect seat trim covers on one or both of the front seats can prevent the seat-mounted side air b…
- 20V162000 (Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Highlander vehicles equipped with a 3.5 L, V6 (2GR-FKS) gasoline engine. Due to an Engine Control Unit (ECU) programming error, fuel may not be…
Fuel cost
The EPA estimates $1,850–$2,900 per year in fuel for 2022 Toyota Highlander versions (23–36 MPG combined across 6 configurations). Source: fueleconomy.gov (EPA/DOE).
Dealer add-ons to watch for
- Paint and fabric protection or ceramic coating packages
- VIN etching and "anti-theft" packages
- Nitrogen-filled tires
- Dealer prep, reconditioning or "certification" fees on top of the advertised price
- Market adjustment or "additional dealer markup" stickers
- Window tint, door-edge guards and all-weather mat bundles
- In the finance office: extended warranties, GAP, tire-and-wheel and key-replacement plans. All optional; get prices in writing
What to check before you buy
- Run the VIN through our free VIN check or NHTSA and confirm open recalls were repaired.
- Owners report problems most often with: Power Train, Service Brakes, Structure. Ask for service records covering these and have a mechanic look at them.
- Get a vehicle history report and a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic.
- Compare the price against local listings of the same year, trim and mileage. Dealers price strong-resale models firmly.
- Read the FTC Buyers Guide on the window: it says whether the car is sold as-is or with a warranty (FTC).
- Ask for the full out-the-door price in writing before you visit.
FAQ
Is a used Toyota Highlander a good deal?
A used Toyota Highlander can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It holds value better than average: iSeeCars measures 36.7% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, so used prices stay high and discounts are smaller. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
How much does a Toyota Highlander depreciate?
iSeeCars estimates a Toyota Highlander loses 36.7% of its value after five years (16.6% after three years, 61.6% after ten).
Does the Toyota Highlander have recalls?
NHTSA lists 28 recall campaigns across the 2019–2023 model years combined (counted per year, so a campaign covering several years counts in each). Check any specific car by VIN: an open recall should be fixed free by a franchised dealer before you buy.
Which Toyota Highlander year has the most complaints?
Among 2019–2023, the 2021 has the most NHTSA owner complaints (543). Complaint counts also grow with sales volume and time on the road, so compare years, not models.
How much does a Toyota Highlander cost to fuel per year?
The EPA estimates $1,850–$2,900 a year in fuel for 2022 versions, based on its standard mileage and price assumptions.
What dealer add-ons should I refuse on a used Toyota Highlander?
Common ones are paint/fabric protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires, dealer prep fees and market adjustments. They are optional; ask for them to be removed or get an itemized out-the-door price.
Looking at a used Toyota Highlander? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Data as published by each source; pulled 2026-10-07. All used car models