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2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander is a compact SUV, rated at 24 MPG combined by the EPA, with a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year.

2021 Toyota Highlander
© Dietmar Rabich · CC BY-SA 4.0
Combined MPG
24
NHTSA safety
Starting price
$40,000
Recalls
4

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Full specifications

Identity

SRC · NHTSA vPIC
MakeToyota
ModelHighlander
Model year2021
Vehicle classCompact SUV

Engine & drivetrain

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
Displacement3.5 L
Cylinders6
TransmissionAutomatic (S8)
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
FuelRegular Gasoline

Fuel economy

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
City MPG21
Highway MPG29
Combined MPG24
CO₂ tailpipe372 g/mi
EPA annual fuel cost$2600

Available configurations

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
Highlander23 MPG combined
Highlander24 MPG combined
Highlander AWD23 MPG combined
Highlander Hybrid36 MPG combined
Highlander Hybrid AWD35 MPG combined
Highlander Hybrid AWD LTD/PLAT35 MPG combined

Fuel economy

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
City21 MPG
Highway29 MPG
Combined24 MPG

Efficiency vs class average

Highlander24 MPG
Class average32.2 MPG

About 25% below the class average.

Est. monthly payment
$704/mo
Amount financed
$36,000
Total interest
$6,263
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5-year fuel cost
$8,375

$1,675/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal

Combined MPG24
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Extended warranty & insurance

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Cost to own

Estimate monthly payments and 5-year fuel cost using the tools in the sidebar. Figures use EPA fuel economy and current U.S. energy prices from EIA.

Safety ratings & recalls

SRC · NHTSA vPIC
Overall
Frontal crash
Side crash
Rollover

Recalls (4)

  • STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS23V720000 · 2023-10-26

    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.

    Remedy: Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.

  • AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION23V865000 · 2023-12-20

    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

  • TIRES24V452000 · 2024-06-18

    Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

    Remedy: SET will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET24A.

  • SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:RECLINER26V128000 · 2026-03-05

    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed April 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.

Compare with rivals

All model years

Frequently asked questions

What is the MPG of the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

The 2021 Toyota Highlander is EPA-rated at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 29 highway).

Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander reliable?

NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Toyota Highlander. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.

How safe is the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

The 2021 Toyota Highlander earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 4 stars in the frontal crash test.

How much does it cost to fuel the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

At 12,000 miles per year, the 2021 Toyota Highlander costs roughly $1,675 per year to fuel, or about $8,375 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.

What type of vehicle is the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

The 2021 Toyota Highlander is classified as a compact suv. Common rivals in this class are worth comparing on price, MPG, and safety.

Sources: NHTSA vPIC · EPA FuelEconomy · NHTSA vPIC