The 2017 Toyota Highlander emerged as a significant refresh of the popular midsize SUV, bringing substantial upgrades across exterior styling, powertrain options, and cutting-edge safety technology. At MotorVero, we've analyzed every aspect of this family-focused vehicle to help you understand how it compares in the competitive three-row SUV segment.

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Redesigned Exterior & Expanded Trim Options

Toyota introduced several visual updates to the 2017 Highlander, including a more aggressive front grille, redesigned headlights, and updated wheel designs across the trim lineup. The most notable addition was the new SE grade, positioned between the LE and XLE trims, offering sportier styling cues without compromising the Highlander's family-friendly nature.

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Complete Trim Level Breakdown

The hybrid lineup saw particularly significant expansion, moving from just two high-end trims to four more accessible options. This strategic move made hybrid technology available to a broader range of buyers, with price points starting nearly $8,000 lower than previous hybrid offerings.

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Performance & Driving Dynamics

The 2017 Highlander received a comprehensive powertrain update, replacing the previous 270-hp 3.5L V6 with a more advanced 295-hp version paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This new setup delivered smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency across all driving conditions.

Powertrain Options

During our testing, we found the new V6 provided confident passing power on highways, though some hesitation remained at lower speeds. The hybrid system proved particularly impressive, delivering seamless electric-to-gas transitions and noticeably quicker off-the-line response compared to the conventional V6.

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Fuel Efficiency Improvements

Toyota's updates yielded measurable gains in fuel economy across the Highlander lineup. The introduction of automatic start-stop technology (on gas models) and refinements to the hybrid system helped achieve these improvements without sacrificing performance.

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EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy

In real-world mixed driving conditions, we observed the hybrid models consistently achieving 28-30 mpg, representing a significant 25-30% improvement over conventional V6 models. For families covering substantial annual mileage, the hybrid's fuel savings could offset its higher initial price within 3-5 years of ownership.

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Interior Comfort & Practicality

The 2017 Highlander's cabin received thoughtful updates focused on enhancing passenger comfort and everyday usability. While exterior dimensions remained unchanged, Toyota engineers found ways to improve interior space utilization.

Seating Configurations

• 8-passenger: Standard on LE and XLE with bench second row
• 7-passenger: Available on all trims with captain's chairs
• Hybrid models: Now offer both seating options

The second row's additional 1.4 inches of travel significantly improved third-row access and legroom. In our tests, adults up to 5'10" could ride comfortably in the third row for shorter trips when the second row was properly adjusted. The available panoramic moonroof helped alleviate any potential claustrophobia for rear passengers.

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Cargo space remained competitive for the class, offering 13.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 42.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 83.7 cubic feet with both rear rows stowed. The available hands-free power liftgate made loading easier when arms were full of groceries or gear.

Advanced Safety Technology

The 2017 Highlander made significant strides in safety, most notably through the standard inclusion of Toyota Safety Sense P across all trim levels. This comprehensive suite of driver assists represented a major value addition, especially for budget-conscious families.

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Standard Safety Features

• Pre-Collision System: With pedestrian detection
• Lane Departure Alert: With steering assist
• Automatic High Beams: Intelligent light management
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Full-speed range adaptive

Available upgrades included a 360-degree camera system, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors. These technologies worked together to create one of the safest three-row SUVs in its class, earning top marks from both IIHS and NHTSA.

Real-World Safety Performance

During our testing, the automatic emergency braking system proved particularly impressive, successfully identifying and reacting to both stationary and moving obstacles. The lane keeping assist provided gentle but effective steering inputs to maintain lane position without feeling intrusive. These systems operated seamlessly in background, ready to assist when needed without annoying false alarms.

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Technology & Infotainment

The 2017 Highlander's technology interface received meaningful updates, including improved touchscreen responsiveness and more intuitive menu structures. While not class-leading, the system offered all essential features with reasonable ease of use.

Entertainment Features

• Entune Audio Plus: Standard 6.1-inch touchscreen
• Entune Premium Audio: Available 8-inch display
• Navigation: Available on XLE and above
• App Suite: Includes Yelp, OpenTable, and more
• WiFi Hotspot: Available through AT&T

Audio quality varied significantly by trim, with the base four-speaker system proving inadequate for the large cabin. The available JBL premium system with 12 speakers delivered excellent sound reproduction, making it a worthwhile upgrade for music enthusiasts.

Competitive Comparison

In the crowded midsize three-row SUV segment, the 2017 Highlander distinguished itself with its hybrid option, comprehensive standard safety features, and reputation for reliability. Key competitors included:

Main Rivals

• Honda Pilot: More engaging drive but less efficient
• Ford Explorer: More powerful options but lower reliability
• Nissan Pathfinder: Lower pricing but dated technology
• Mazda CX-9: Sportier handling but less interior space

The Highlander Hybrid stood alone as the only hybrid option in its class, giving Toyota a unique advantage with fuel-conscious buyers. When comparing similarly equipped models, the Highlander typically came in slightly above average on pricing but offset this with superior predicted resale values.

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Ownership Experience

Toyota's reputation for reliability and strong resale value carried through to the 2017 Highlander. The vehicle came with:

• Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile basic, 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain
• Hybrid Components: 8-year/100,000-mile coverage
• Maintenance: 2 years/25,000 miles complimentary
• Roadside Assistance: 2 years/unlimited mileage

Consumer reports and third-party reliability surveys consistently ranked the Highlander among the top three in its class for predicted reliability. Hybrid models showed particular strength, benefiting from Toyota's decades of hybrid system refinement.

Final Verdict

The 2017 Toyota Highlander successfully evolved to meet growing consumer demands for efficiency, safety, and flexibility. While it may not excite driving enthusiasts, it delivers exactly what most families need: dependable transportation with thoughtful features that make daily life easier.

With its expanded hybrid availability, class-leading safety tech, and practical interior updates, the 2017 Highlander represents one of the smartest choices in the three-row SUV segment. While no vehicle is perfect, the Highlander's thoughtful compromises make it easy to recommend to most families.