2021 Toyota
Highlander
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start
Toyota Highlander: best and worst years
Overview
- Body
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Transmission
- Automatic (S8)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Powertrain
- GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Fuel
- RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Engine & performance
- HP
- 295
- Power to weight
- 0.067 hp/lb
- Axle ratio
- 3.00
- Cyl
- 6EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Start-stop system
- YesEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Efficiency
- MPG Hwy
- 29 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- MPG City
- 21 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- MPG Comb
- 24 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Fuel $/yr
- $2,600EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- CO₂
- 372 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Eco Score
- 5/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Smog score
- 5/10
- Elec. Range
- 0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- SmartWay certified
- No
Dimensions & capacity
- Length
- 195 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
- Width
- 76 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
- Height
- 68 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
- Wheelbase
- 112 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
- Curb Weight
- 4,431 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Safety NHTSA, model year
- Overall crash rating
- ★★★★★
- Rollover rating
- ★★★★★
- Stability control (ESC)
- Standard
- Forward-collision warning
- Standard
- Lane-departure warning
- Standard
- Recalls
- 0
- Owner complaints
- 0
Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year
DP22005opened Jan 27, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Pedestrian alert sounds
Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year
163 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year
May 14, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM22TE09
Although the HV Floor Under Wire Harness and Rear Traction Motor Cable is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. Toyota is providing extended coverage under this Customer Support Program for repairs related to excessive corrosion to the wire harness connections at the Rear Motor Generator. Excessive corrosion can cause AM Radio Static during certain drive cycles, or the veh
Mar 18, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMT-SB-0021-26
Some 2020 – 2024 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the air conditioner does not cool due to a leak and/or corrosion in the rear underbody air conditioner tube and accessory assembly. The anti-corrosion material has been updated to reduce the possibility of this condition.
Feb 27, 2026ENGINET-SB-0104-21 Rev2
OBSOLETE NOTICE February 27, 2026: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete.
Jan 30, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMT-SB-0106-22 Rev2
OBSOLETE NOTICE January 30, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0001-26.
Jan 28, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMT-SB-0001-26
Some 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest, and system software.
Jan 7, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERT-SB-0055-24 Rev2
Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual a
Nov 18, 2025STRUCTURE:BODYT-SB-0086-25
Some 2020 – 2023 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the Power Back Door (PBD) will not open or close and/or stops moving while opening or closing. A modified PBD unit assembly is available to address these conditions.
Sep 25, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM25TD01
The subject vehicles are equipped with a rear motor unit and an HV Floor Under Wire that provide high voltage to operate the motor. Mud, water, or road salt could potentially enter the HV Floor Underwire connector housing and could cause corrosion over time. Excessive corrosion could cause AM Radio Static during certain driving cycles, or the vehicle may not start.
- and 155 more
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
Warranty manufacturer terms, by make
- Basic
- 3 yr / 36k mi
- Powertrain
- 5 yr / 60k mi
- Roadside assistance
- 2 yr
- Maintenance
- 2 yr / 25k mi
- EV battery
- 10 yr / 150k mi
Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.