The Good
The 2016 Toyota Highlander boasts impressive reliability and a comfortable ride, appealing to practical buyers seeking dependability. Its spacious interior and refined design satisfy emotional desires for a family-friendly and stylish SUV. Performance is adequate for daily driving, and its reputation for strong resale value makes it a financially sound choice. Efficiency is also reasonable for its class.
The Bad
The 2016 Highlander's base engine can feel underpowered when fully loaded. The infotainment system, particularly in lower trims, can seem dated compared to rivals. Some owners have reported minor issues with the paint and interior trim. While generally reliable, regular maintenance is still crucial for long-term dependability, so review maintenance records carefully.
2016 Toyota Highlander: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 2.7L 4-cylinder (LE trim): 185 horsepower, 184 lb-ft of torque
- 3.5L V6 (LE Plus, XLE, Limited, Limited Platinum): 270 horsepower, 248 lb-ft of torque
- Horsepower:
- 2.7L 4-cylinder: 185 hp
- 3.5L V6: 270 hp
- Fuel Economy (EPA Estimates):
- 2.7L 4-cylinder (FWD): 20 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
- 3.5L V6 (FWD): 19 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
- 3.5L V6 (AWD): 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
- 0-60 Times:
- 3.5L V6: Around 7.3 seconds
- 2.7L 4-cylinder: Slower, around 9-10 seconds
- Towing Capacity:
- 2.7L 4-cylinder: 1,500 lbs
- 3.5L V6: 5,000 lbs
- Trim-Level Features:
- LE: Cloth upholstery, rearview camera, 6.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Entune Audio, three-row seating.
- LE Plus: Upgraded cloth upholstery, fog lights, height-adjustable power liftgate, tri-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio.
- XLE: Leather upholstery, heated front seats, sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation app, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
- Limited: Upgraded leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a JBL audio system, rear parking sensors.
- Limited Platinum: Panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, pre-collision system.
2016 Toyota Highlander Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2016 |
| Make | Toyota |
| Model | Highlander |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | - |
| Category | - |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | - |
| Manufacturing City | - |
Dimensions
| Doors | - |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | - |
| Engine Size | - |
| Engine Cylinders | - |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | - |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | - |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2016 Toyota Highlander Have?
How long will the 2016 Toyota Highlander last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Standard safety features across all trims include antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, multiple airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Optional features, depending on the trim, include a panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, and heated second-row seats.
The 2016 Toyota Highlander earned excellent crash-test ratings. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded it a 5-star overall safety rating. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) named it a Top Safety Pick+, earning "Good" ratings in all crashworthiness tests. The "Top Safety Pick+" designation requires good performance in the small overlap front crash test, which the Highlander achieved.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2016 Toyota Highlander Prices and Market Value
2016 Toyota Highlander Cost of Ownership
2016 Toyota Highlander Fuel Efficiency
2016 Toyota Highlander Safety Rating
NHTSA
2016 Toyota Highlander Recalls & Defects
Equipment:other:labels
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:fluid
Electrical System:wiring
Electrical System
Visibility:windshield
2016 Toyota Highlander Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2016 Toyota Highlander Compare to Other Vehicle?
Feature-wise, the Highlander offers a competitive suite of technology and safety features, especially in higher trims. Pricing is generally in line with its rivals.
Alternatives to consider include:
* **Honda Pilot:** Excellent reliability, spacious interior, and good fuel economy.
* **Kia Telluride (later model years):** Offers more modern styling, advanced features, and strong value (though not a 2016 model year).
* **Acura MDX:** A more luxurious option with sporty handling, albeit at a higher price point.
If reliability and resale value are paramount, the Highlander remains a strong choice. The Pilot offers a similar alternative, while the Telluride (if considering newer models) presents a more modern and feature-rich option.
Ranks #79 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★) |
| 79 | 2016 Toyota Highlander | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2016 Toyota Highlander a Good Vehicle?
Edward on June 11, 2021
Excellent ValueWe looked at several SUVs while shopping around and kept coming back to the Highlander. It is a Highlander Limited AWD Platinum Edition. We could not be more pleased with this vehicle
GMM on May 13, 2021
Great purchase!This car drives extremely smooth and I’m very impressed so far. The seats are comfortable and everything is easy to use. I highly recommend checking out a Highlander.
Hannah.Swanger on May 8, 2021
Hoping this vehicle lasts me a long time!This car has met (most) of my expectations. I love all of the features, but I wish the speedometer was digital to see what speed I am going, and I wish I could see how many miles I have left to an empty tank. A couple other things I would have loved to have is a blind spot monitor, and remote start but these are all just luxuries and do not affect the cars driving abilities. Just my personal preferences! Overall very happy with my purchase and I hope this vehicle lasts me a long time!
AshleyR on April 17, 2021
Toyota Customer For LifeI don't know how many have got to enjoy a car for 300,000 miles without ever leaving you on the side of the road, but I have. My Toyota Venza was at 280,000 miles and still running strong when it was involved in an accident. The only things ever went bad was the radiator and a/c. Who can say that besides a Toyota owner? My 2016 Highlander XLE that I recently purchased is roomy, luxurious, and dependable. The size fits my family's needs. I can't wait to enjoy this vehicle over the next many years!
Astou car! on March 31, 2021
Most comfortable car I have ever own.This car is so comfortable for me an my family and I can go anywhere with out any mind problem. I love my car and al my family enjoy my new care
Jana O on February 17, 2021
Never have had a breakdown. Comfortable and solidThis car has met my needs. It is comfortable, safe, easy to drive, the only criticism I have is a large blind spot on the left front where the rearview mirror assembly is. The position I have my seat and creates a blind spot. It has never been a safety issue however.
TJ on January 17, 2021
Glad I upgradedRecently purchased and I fell in love. I was heartbroken to trade in my 2011 XC60 because I LOVED that vehicle, but repairs became quite pricey and I could tell it was time. I love the size, comfort, and with the V6 engine she is a smooth ride almost like a truck. I was debating between a few other SUVs but I kept coming back to the Highlander. Since I have a bit of a commute to and from work, I wanted comfort and safety and the Highlander provides both. My co-worker also bought one and she says the same thing. I have the XLE because I had to have leather and the seat warmers
Christy T. on December 15, 2020
Nicest Car I've Ever Owned!This vehicle met all of my expectations and then some! Definitely the most comfortable Toyota I've ever owned. Which is saying a lot, as I'm a bit of a Toyota "snob". I prefer them over any other make of vehicle.
Momma Phyllis on November 16, 2020
love this SUVSo dependable, smooth ride. No extra maintenance issues. Just the routine stuff. We feel safe wherever we go be it to Florida or just running around locally.
HighlanderCrazy on September 24, 2020
Most comfortable car to take trip in!!!Owned a 2008 best we ever had put 169,000 miles on it and still got $4,000 on it for trade in. So we bought a 2016 with 51,000 miles 1 owner great shape.
Eugene S
Eugene is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. As a writer at VINCheck.info, he brings deep industry insight and a passion for cars, helping readers make smart, informed decisions. Eugene has written hundreds of used car reviews and is known for breaking down complex automotive topics into clear, actionable advice. Over the years, he has driven and worked on a wide range of vehicles—starting with tuning street cars in his early days and eventually focusing on performance upgrades and reliability improvements. Today, he specializes in evaluating used vehicles through the lens of real-world ownership and enthusiast needs. A longtime fan of Porsche, Eugene especially appreciates vehicles that blend durability with driving enjoyment.