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VERDICT · SIMPLE, DEPENDABLE — SHARES THE V6'S CONSERVATIVE DESIGN

Toyota Highlander 2.7L
is it a safe used buy?

The base four-cylinder on this Highlander generation — less power than the V6, same conservative Toyota engineering.

GENERATION2nd gen base (2008–2013)
ENGINE2.7L
POWER187 hp
USED PRICE$10,500–17,000

How the engine fits this car

The base four-cylinder on this Highlander generation — less power than the V6, same conservative Toyota engineering.

Genuinely fine for buyers who don't need the V6's towing capacity, with a lower purchase price to match.

Toyota Highlander-specific pros and cons

This is about the car itself — for engine-specific failure points, see the dedicated engine page below.

WHAT HOLDS UP WELL

  • Lower purchase price than the V6 option
  • No chronic issue of significant scale documented
  • Simple, well-proven design
  • Good fuel economy for the class

WHAT TO WATCH

  • Noticeably less power and towing capacity than the V6
  • Can feel strained with a full load
  • Less common on the used market than the V6
  • Resale slightly trails the more popular V6 version

Pricing on the used market

Mileage band
Typical price
What to expect
Under 80,000 mi
$14,500–17,000
Lower-mileage, well-kept examples
80,000–130,000 mi
$12,000–14,500
Sweet spot, minimal additional risk
130,000+ mi
$10,500–12,000
Still a confident buy with documented maintenance

The engine itself

This Highlander shares its 2.7L four-cylinder with the related Tacoma. Full detail lives on the dedicated engine page.

FULL ENGINE BREAKDOWNToyota 2.7L Four-Cylinder — Reliable or Not →

Pre-purchase checklist for this generation

Beyond general maintenance history, there's little engine-specific risk to flag.

Test drive with a full load if towing or hauling matters to you.

Check that infotainment and comfort electronics function correctly.