The Good
The 2009 Toyota Highlander boasts Toyota's legendary reliability, appealing to practical buyers seeking a dependable vehicle. It offers a comfortable ride and spacious cabin, attracting those valuing comfort and family-friendliness. The V6 engine provides adequate performance. The design is understated but practical, and it holds its value well, providing a sense of security for the buyer.
The Bad
Potential weaknesses of the 2009 Toyota Highlander include some reports of water pump failures and potential oil leaks, especially at higher mileage. Some owners have noted issues with the electronic stability control system. Also, the base four-cylinder engine can feel underpowered when fully loaded. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly and obtain a pre-purchase inspection.
2009 Toyota Highlander: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 2.7L Inline-4: Available on Base model.
- 3.5L V6: Standard on Sport and Limited, optional on Base.
- Horsepower:
- 2.7L Inline-4: 187 hp
- 3.5L V6: 270 hp
- Fuel Economy (EPA est.):
- 2.7L Inline-4: 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway (FWD)
- 3.5L V6: 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway (FWD), slightly lower for AWD
- 0-60 Times:
- 2.7L Inline-4: Around 9.5 seconds
- 3.5L V6: Around 7.5 seconds
- Towing Capacity:
- Up to 5,000 lbs with the V6 engine (when properly equipped). The inline-4 is not recommended for towing.
- Trim-Level Features:
- Base: Cloth upholstery, air conditioning, power windows and locks, CD player, keyless entry.
- Sport: Upgraded wheels, sport-tuned suspension, fog lights, rear spoiler, premium audio system, power driver's seat.
- Limited: Leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control, sunroof, JBL audio system, backup camera, power liftgate.
2009 Toyota Highlander Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2009 |
| Make | Toyota |
| Model | Highlander |
| Trim | - |
| Style | 4-Door 4WD V-6 |
| Type | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Category | 4WD Standard Sport Utility Vehicle |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Japan |
| Manufacturing City | MIYAWAKA |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | 1930.03 kg |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 2721.55 kg |
| Overall Height | 176.02 cm |
| Overall Length | 478.54 cm |
| Overall Width | 191.01 cm |
| Wheelbase Length | 278.89 cm |
| Standard Seating | 7 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 3.5-L V-6 |
| Engine Size | 3.5L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 1-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Four-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | 4-Wheel ABS |
| Steering Type | Rack & Pinion |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $31,450 USD |
| Invoice Price | $28,305 USD |
| Delivery Charges | $745 USD |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2009 Toyota Highlander Have?
There have been recalls issued for the 2009 Highlander, primarily related to potential issues with the accelerator pedal getting stuck or being trapped by the floor mat. It's essential to check the vehicle's VIN with the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) to ensure all applicable recalls have been addressed.
Long-term reliability concerns often revolve around the longevity of the automatic transmission, although this is not a widespread issue. Proper maintenance, including regular fluid changes, is crucial for maximizing transmission life. Rust can also be a concern in regions with harsh winters and road salt use. Thorough inspection for rust, especially underneath the vehicle, is advisable before purchasing. The oxygen sensors sometimes need replacement at higher mileage, which can affect fuel economy. Carefully consider maintenance records and a pre-purchase inspection to mitigate these potential risks.
How long will the 2009 Toyota Highlander last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Driver-assistance features are relatively limited compared to modern vehicles. Anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (VSC), and traction control (TRAC) are standard. Optional features include parking sensors (available on higher trims).
Safety features are comprehensive, including front airbags, side airbags, and side curtain airbags. The Highlander earned strong crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
While the Highlander lacks advanced features like lane departure warning or adaptive cruise control, its safety suite is sufficient for its era. The infotainment system is basic by today's standards but functional. Optional features like the JBL audio system and rearview camera enhance the overall experience. Overall, the 2009 Highlander prioritizes safety and usability over cutting-edge technology, making it a reliable and safe choice for families.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2009 Toyota Highlander Prices and Market Value
2009 Toyota Highlander Cost of Ownership
2009 Toyota Highlander Fuel Efficiency
2009 Toyota Highlander Safety Rating
NHTSA
2009 Toyota Highlander Warranty
Basic
Powertrain
Rust
2009 Toyota Highlander Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2009 Toyota Highlander Compare to Other Sport Utility Vehicle?
The Highlander's V6 engine provides adequate performance, similar to the Pilot, but the Explorer (with its optional V8) offers more power. The Traverse boasts more cargo space, while the Murano focuses on a more luxurious interior. Feature-wise, the Highlander is competitive, though some rivals offer more advanced technology (depending on the trim).
Price-wise, the Highlander typically holds its value well, potentially making it slightly more expensive on the used market compared to some competitors. The Honda Pilot is a very similar alternative, offering comparable reliability and practicality. If cargo space is a priority, the Chevrolet Traverse is worth considering, but be mindful of potential reliability concerns. The Ford Explorer offers a more rugged image but may require more maintenance. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and preferences, but the Highlander remains a strong contender in its class due to its well-rounded performance, reliability, and strong resale value.
Ranks #128 SUV
| 1 | 2023 Toyota 4Runner | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid | (5.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus GX | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | (0.0★) |
| 5 | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | (5.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW iX | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Bronco Sport | (3.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2024 Chevrolet Trax | (5.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Audi A4 allroad | (0.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Kona N | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan ARIYA | (5.0★) |
| 128 | 2009 Toyota Highlander | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2009 Toyota Highlander a Good Sport Utility Vehicle?
Cindy G on November 20, 2022
Perfect Vehicle!I have 212k miles and it still drives great and looks good. Only needed all the regular maintenance. Size is perfect. Love the back up camera and Bluetooth.
Lex on September 11, 2020
Awesome Vehicle!I regularly take my HL for oil changes and air filter changes. But I only topped the fluids when needed. This year 2020, I decide to get the fluids changed, from front to back and top to bottom. While this is going on the mechanic find that the brakes are worn very thin but everything else looks good. So I part with about 900 bucks and feel that my HL can go another 100k....Yeah that's 90 bucks a year...lol... I love that HL...
MrT1063 on August 18, 2020
One Big ProblemI love the car. But if you have the tow package, which I do, there is a major design flaw with the oil cooler. Its original design is likely to burst, as it did with me at 110000 thousand miles. You could loose your engine if it happens where you cant stop immedetly. The replacement version is all metel rather than metal and synthetic hoses. Its the synthetic hose part that's likely to burst.
Ken W on August 9, 2020
Nice Vehicle!!This reliable used Highlander fits all our needs. We were very happy to find and purchase it in July, 2020. It was a very good value in a used vehicle.
nexscene on January 13, 2020
A lot better than competitors.You can't beat Toyota's reliability. It has Toyota's top notch V6 engine that is use on the camry, avalon, solara, rav4, etc. So you know it's reliable. Overall an excellent family vehicle with minimum maintenance.
Andrea on December 7, 2019
Great carThis car is very dependable. It handles great in the snow and any weather. Lots of space for people and/or cargo. Would recommend for those wanting a mid sized vehicle.
mark on October 9, 2019
Toyota Highlander - 2009 - Great CarThe Toyota Highlander 2009 with six cylinder is a great car. My only negative is that the tail gate is so heavy and difficult to close that my mother in-law will not close it. She finds it too difficult. The engine on the 2009 has much better performance than the 2017 model.
3DogMom on June 27, 2019
Excited to have found a well preserved Highlander!This car is in great condition and is going to be perfect for our family of three dogs and three humans! We researched older SUVs extensively, and this era of Toyota Highlander stood out the n all areas as an extremely good choice.
Badumpy on March 16, 2019
The best SUV i have ever ownedThe car is very comfortable and quiet and build quality is off the chart great...after 112000 miles it s looks and feels like new. I will never buy anything but toyota again
ShellyMd1 on January 19, 2019
Very comfy and rides was very smooth and quiteThis car would be one of the top five that would be on my list of buying the style and smooth ride high on my list
Simon A
Simon is a contributor to VinCheck, where he provides articles and reviews on various automotive topics. His work focuses on delivering accurate and up-to-date information about used cars, helping readers make informed decisions.